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a_o torrent_n it_o overflow_v the_o bank_n and_o boundary_n of_o law_n and_o have_v almost_o carry_v away_o all_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o stem_v this_o tide_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o this_o overflow_a of_o vngodlyness_n it_o have_v be_v a_o matter_n hot_o dispute_v in_o former_a time_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v such_o a_o anomalous_a creature_n as_o a_o atheist_n or_o if_o any_o age_n have_v here_o and_o there_o afford_v one_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o monster_n or_o prodigy_n and_o gaze_v upon_o as_o a_o wonderful_a rarity_n but_o our_o age_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o perhaps_o afford_v more_o than_o any_o that_o have_v go_v before_o it_o this_o monster_n be_v now_o grow_v familiar_a and_o may_v every_o day_n and_o almost_o every_o where_o be_v see_v atheism_n in_o old_a time_n be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o venture_v abroad_o without_o a_o mask_n or_o disguise_n but_o it_o be_v now_o become_v barefaced_a and_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o blush_a and_o shame_n and_o where_o as_o the_o fool_n in_o david_n day_n only_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n in_o we_o he_o speak_v out_o and_o say_v with_o his_o tongue_n there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o recount_v here_o the_o extreme_a folly_n and_o danger_n of_o atheism_n which_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v in_o some_o measure_n do_v in_o the_o follow_a letter_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o make_n and_o management_n of_o it_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v what_o a_o vile_a affront_n must_v it_o be_v to_o question_v his_o be_v and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o argue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o make_v and_o place_v we_o in_o it_o this_o must_v tear_v up_o all_o religion_n by_o the_o root_n subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a society_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o trust_v and_o confidence_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o he_o and_o one_o another_o yea_o the_o atheist_n be_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o silly_a of_o all_o impostor_n for_o he_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o himself_o and_o not_o only_o exclude_v he_o from_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n he_o may_v hope_v from_o so_o lovely_a a_o be_v but_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o misery_n and_o punishment_n that_o may_v be_v fear_v from_o a_o incense_a deity_n and_o yet_o as_o silly_a as_o this_o be_v he_o be_v not_o only_o willing_a to_o be_v thus_o gross_o deceive_v himself_o but_o be_v very_o busy_a to_o draw_v in_o and_o deceive_v other_o and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o such_o a_o senseless_a and_o fatal_a imposture_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o infection_n of_o this_o evil_n spread_v daily_o and_o the_o distemper_n be_v well-nigh_o become_v epidemical_a now_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v so_o strong_o in_o our_o day_n and_o this_o spiritual_a wickedness_n be_v again_o seat_v in_o high_a place_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a if_o it_o may_v be_v both_o to_o detect_v and_o dethrone_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o matter_n worthy_a the_o inquiry_n of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o evil_a that_o by_o know_v the_o cause_n they_o may_v the_o better_o apply_v timely_a remedy_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o before_o the_o distemper_n grow_v inveterate_a and_o incurable_a for_o though_o all_o sin_n in_o general_a yet_o a_o atheistical_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o boldness_n in_o sin_v do_v more_o particular_o undermine_v the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_o hasten_v and_o ripen_v it_o for_o destruction_n now_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o latent_fw-la cause_n of_o atheism_n that_o lie_v more_o hide_v and_o out_o of_o sight_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o apparent_o lead_v to_o this_o great_a evil_n the_o loosen_a the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o government_n have_v certain_o a_o great_a hand_n in_o it_o the_o dissolve_v the_o tie_v of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o the_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n have_v a_o easy_a and_o natural_a tendency_n to_o it_o how_o much_o the_o immodesty_n and_o immorality_n of_o the_o stage_n have_v tend_v this_o way_n have_v be_v late_o show_v by_o a_o excellent_a pen_n what_o mischief_n have_v proceed_v from_o that_o other_o stage_n i_o mean_v the_o conventicle_n sad_a experience_n may_v inform_v we_o and_o how_o much_o religion_n have_v suffer_v by_o a_o new_a set_a of_o reformer_n who_o be_v for_o reform_v all_o fault_n but_o their_o own_o may_v be_v daily_o see_v and_o this_o as_o all_o other_o mystery_n have_v some_o depth_n and_o intrigue_n which_o must_v be_v search_v into_o and_o lay_v open_a before_o the_o evil_n can_v be_v prevent_v it_o be_v foretold_a that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n some_o shall_v put_v on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n both_o these_o prophecy_n we_o may_v see_v accomplish_v in_o our_o day_n in_o which_o we_o find_v some_o act_n very_o vile_a thing_n under_o a_o cloak_n of_o religion_n and_o other_o throw_v off_o all_o pretension_n to_o it_o break_v their_o jest_n upon_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o serious_a thing_n the_o object_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o raillery_n and_o both_o these_o though_o steer_v different_a course_n fall_v at_o last_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n in_o which_o many_o be_v swallow_v up_o and_o from_o whence_o few_o return_n in_o a_o word_n atheism_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o which_o they_o all_o centre_n and_o terminate_v so_o that_o this_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n and_o sink_v man_n into_o everlasting_a perdition_n this_o then_o be_v a_o evil_a so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o maker_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o art_n by_o which_o it_o be_v disguise_v and_o propagate_v that_o we_o may_v behold_v this_o monster_n in_o its_o own_o shape_n and_o be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o shun_v and_o detest_v it_o farewell_o the_o content_n letter_n 1._o of_o the_o atheist_n cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o better_a to_o enjoy_v and_o indulge_v his_o lust_n page_n 1_o letter_n 2._o of_o his_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o deity_n p._n 11_o letter_n 3_o of_o his_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v the_o conviction_n and_o notice_n that_o conscience_n give_v of_o a_o deity_n p._n 24_o letter_n 4._o of_o his_o ascribe_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o easiness_n of_o belief_n and_o fond_a credulity_n p._n 34_o letter_n 5._o of_o his_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n p._n 43_o letter_n 6._o of_o his_o attribute_v to_o fear_n or_o a_o superstitious_a dread_a of_o some_o invisible_a power_n p._n 50_o letter_n 7._o his_o ascribe_v it_o to_o state-policy_n p._n 58_o letter_n 8._o ascribe_v it_o to_o common_a compact_n p._n 64_o letter_n 9_o his_o denial_n of_o the_o notion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o spirit_n p._n 70_o letter_n 10._o of_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o earthly_a thing_n p._n 78_o letter_n 11._o of_o his_o take_a advantage_n from_o the_o dispute_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n p._n 86_o letter_n 12._o his_o make_a use_n of_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o pretender_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n p._n
and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n mean_v that_o he_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o be_v religious_a to_o no_o purpose_n when_o other_o that_o neglect_v it_o fare_v much_o better_a than_o he_o again_o we_o find_v these_o thing_n object_v in_o the_o day_n of_o plutarch_n seneca_n and_o other_o heathen_a moralist_n who_o by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o natural_a light_n go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o the_o solve_v of_o this_o riddle_n of_o divine_a providence_n though_o many_o of_o the_o poet_n conclude_v the_o world_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o blind_a chance_n and_o fortune_n from_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n and_o distribution_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o still_o who_o observe_v the_o misery_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a be_v lead_v to_o arraign_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o be_v this_o any_o tolerable_a plea_n for_o atheism_n no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o 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heavenly_a father_n for_o their_o future_a good_a they_o be_v design_v mere_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o constancy_n which_o if_o manful_o bear_v will_v tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n and_o add_v a_o great_a weight_n and_o lustre_n to_o their_o crown_n of_o glory_n these_o with_o many_o other_o consideration_n of_o great_a moment_n sufficient_a to_o solve_v this_o difficulty_n you_o may_v find_v insist_v on_o at_o large_a by_o plutarch_n epictetus_n simplicius_n seneca_n and_o other_o to_o who_o i_o refer_v you_o all_o which_o be_v the_o plain_a discovery_n of_o natural_a reason_n render_v this_o objection_n so_o far_o from_o any_o just_a plea_n for_o atheism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o may_v make_v all_o man_n say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n but_o how_o then_o come_v man_n to_o be_v so_o mislead_v by_o this_o mean_n or_o where_o lie_v the_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n why_o this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o a_o fond_a and_o immoderate_a estimation_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n and_o partly_o likewise_o from_o some_o wrong_a notion_n that_o be_v entertain_v about_o the_o affliction_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n for_o when_o man_n so_o overvalue_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o to_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o they_o and_o so_o mistake_v the_o evil_n and_o adversity_n of_o it_o as_o to_o judge_v all_o man_n miserable_a and_o unhappy_a that_o fall_n under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o accuse_v the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manager_n and_o disposer_n of_o they_o he_o that_o take_v wealth_n and_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a lot_n and_o portion_n of_o righteous_a man_n may_v be_v easy_o induce_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o hard_a fare_n of_o good_a man_n that_o want_v they_o and_o he_o that_o have_v such_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o adversity_n as_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o punishment_n and_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n may_v envy_v and_o applaud_v the_o good_a fortune_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o so_o often_o escape_v they_o now_o both_o these_o be_v gross_a mistake_n and_o have_v unhappy_o lead_v some_o man_n into_o atheism_n to_o rectify_v which_o you_o must_v know_v that_o affliction_n be_v sometime_o a_o great_a blessing_n than_o prosperity_n the_o one_o serve_v to_o make_v man_n better_o the_o other_o worse_o there_o be_v few_o that_o in_o pindar_n phrase_n can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d right_o manage_v great_a prosperity_n yea_o too_o many_o be_v undo_v by_o it_o to_o eternity_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o their_o good_a become_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o ruin_n but_o where_o lie_v the_o danger_n of_o prosperity_n why_o first_o it_o tempt_v many_o unto_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o too_o apt_a to_o forget_v both_o god_n and_o themselves_o jesurun_n wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v his_o abundance_n make_v he_o bold_a and_o insolent_a and_o lift_v up_o both_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o heel_n too_o against_o his_o maker_n david_n observe_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o prosper_v in_o his_o day_n that_o pride_n compass_v they_o about_o as_o a_o chain_n and_o violence_n cover_v they_o as_o a_o garment_n and_o this_o make_v they_o speak_v of_o wicked_a blasphemy_n and_o set_v their_o talk_n against_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 73._o 8_o 9_o yea_o he_o himself_o feel_v something_o of_o this_o tumour_n for_o he_o say_v in_o his_o prosperity_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v he_o begin_v to_o cast_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o rely_v only_o on_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v agar_n pray_v against_o riches_n lest_o be_v full_a he_o shall_v deny_v god_n and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n prov._n 30._o 8_o 9_o again_o prosperity_n tempt_v many_o unto_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n man_n corrupt_a nature_n too_o often_o turn_v the_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n into_o the_o incentives_n to_o vice_n and_o make_v their_o plenty_n the_o fuel_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o vanity_n by_o which_o mean_n their_o riches_n serve_v only_o to_o inflame_v their_o reckon_n and_o their_o abuse_a gift_n and_o talent_n do_v but_o sink_v they_o the_o deep_a into_o eternal_a misery_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o rectify_v the_o psalmist_n mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o keep_v he_o from_o grieve_v or_o grudge_v at_o the_o short-lived_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n he_o soon_o understand_v the_o end_n of_o those_o man_n how_o they_o be_v sit_v in_o slippery_a place_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v sudden_o cast_v down_o and_o come_v to_o a_o fearful_a end_n from_o whence_o he_o learn_v rather_o to_o pity_v than_o envy_v that_o prosperity_n which_o have_v so_o fatal_a a_o issue_n and_o serve_v mere_o to_o fatten_v they_o for_o the_o slaughter_n as_o you_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 73_o psalm_n but_o be_v adversity_n the_o cure_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o do_v affliction_n best_o tend_v to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o they_o yes_o for_o these_o help_n to_o keep_v man_n humble_a sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n and_o dependence_n upon_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o make_v they_o look_v up_o to_o he_o from_o who_o both_o trouble_v and_o deliverance_n come_v indeed_o affliction_n natural_o lead_v man_n to_o consider_v he_o that_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n will_v natural_o look_v to_o he_o that_o strike_v and_o consider_v too_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o inflict_v it_o and_o since_o affliction_n spring_v not_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n they_o direct_v our_o contemplation_n high_a and_o show_v we_o the_o divine_a hand_n that_o send_v they_o by_o which_o mean_v we_o be_v bring_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o of_o he_o that_o appoint_v it_o in_o their_o affliction_n say_v god_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o the_o mariner_n in_o a_o storm_n call_v each_o upon_o their_o god_n who_o be_v and_o providence_n in_o a_o calm_a they_o have_v utter_o forget_v before_o i_o be_v afflict_v say_v the_o psalmist_n i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o have_v learn_v thy_o statute_n and_o therefore_o thankful_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n of_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v cause_v he_o to_o be_v trouble_v adversity_n and_o trouble_n have_v reduce_v many_o that_o be_v miss-led_n and_o corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n riches_n say_v the_o philosopher_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v good_a thing_n therefore_o the_o worst_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a have_v they_o neither_o be_v affliction_n to_o be_v reckon_v evil_a thing_n therefore_o the_o best_a as_o well_o as_o the_o
93_o letter_n 13._o of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n p._n 99_o letter_n 14._o his_o charge_v religion_n with_o a_o foolish_a bargain_n p._n 106_o letter_n 15._o the_o close_a contain_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o atheism_n p._n 113_o letter_n i._n sir_n i_o receive_v you_o wherein_o i_o find_v you_o passionate_o bewail_v the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n and_o very_o desirous_a to_o know_v something_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o cure_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o complaint_n and_o because_o this_o evil_n have_v so_o malign_v a_o influence_n not_o only_o on_o the_o private_a but_o public_a welfare_n can_v but_o commend_v the_o charity_n of_o your_o request_n and_o therefore_o shall_v endeavour_v something_o towards_o your_o satisfaction_n one_a and_o here_o the_o first_o and_o grand_a device_n of_o the_o atheist_n that_o occur_v to_o our_o view_n be_v the_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o more_o secure_o to_o enjoy_v and_o indulge_v his_o lust_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o little_a search_v into_o and_o unravel_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o malignity_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o man_n life_n be_v the_o prime_n fundamental_a cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n make_v a_o party_n against_o religion_n who_o chief_a design_n it_o be_v to_o check_v and_o control_v they_o and_o where_o religion_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o subdue_v man_n lust_n their_o man_n lust_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o subdue_v their_o religion_n these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o as_o the_o one_o get_v ground_n the_o other_o lose_v it_o when_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o prevail_v over_o the_o affection_n they_o soon_o draw_v the_o mind_n over_o to_o their_o party_n and_o engage_v it_o against_o all_o religion_n corrupt_a practice_n natural_o lead_v to_o corrupt_v principle_n and_o the_o debauchery_n of_o manner_n of_o course_n bring_v on_o the_o debauchery_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v strong_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n in_o man_n nature_n to_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o thing_n too_o sensible_o feel_v to_o need_v any_o proof_n and_o that_o these_o may_v and_o frequent_o do_v wear_v off_o and_o obliterate_v the_o natural_a impression_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o course_n of_o man_n life_n too_o sad_o verify_v and_o what_o a_o natural_a tendency_n this_o have_v to_o atheism_n half_o a_o eye_n may_v discover_v for_o whilst_o man_n retain_v any_o love_n to_o virtue_n and_o keep_v the_o mastery_n over_o their_o lust_n and_o vile_a affection_n so_o long_o they_o retain_v their_o religion_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o when_o they_o strike_v off_o from_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n they_o natural_o run_v into_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n for_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o only_a curb_n to_o restrain_v this_o extravagance_n when_o that_o be_v go_v they_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o stop_v they_o in_o the_o career_n and_o so_o be_v hurry_v on_o headlong_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n if_o you_o observe_v it_o good_a man_n be_v never_o dispose_v to_o atheism_n it_o be_v the_o grief_n and_o abhorrence_n but_o never_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o person_n it_o be_v only_o the_o profligate_n and_o profane_v who_o have_v sin_v away_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o fly_v to_o it_o for_o shelter_n and_o to_o give_v their_o lust_n the_o free_a scope_n make_v their_o last_o resort_n to_o it_o yea_o these_o too_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n unman_n themselves_o before_o they_o can_v so_o far_o degenerate_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n turn_v beast_n before_o they_o can_v turn_v atheist_n but_o what_o influence_n have_v the_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o man_n life_n upon_o the_o produce_v of_o atheism_n why_o great_a every_o way_n as_o first_o man_n wicked_a life_n make_v it_o their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o this_o give_v a_o bias_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o strong_o draw_v it_o into_o atheism_n all_o siin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n must_v necessary_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n and_o though_o infinite_a goodness_n may_v warn_v sinner_n of_o the_o danger_n yet_o infinite_a justice_n can_v suffer_v the_o wilful_a violation_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n to_o go_v unpunished_a now_o resolute_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n be_v conscious_a how_o they_o have_v affront_v such_o a_o be_v and_o thereby_o render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o just_a indignation_n and_o vengeance_n have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v he_o and_o if_o they_o can_v to_o fly_v from_o he_o from_o who_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o than_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o have_v thus_o make_v he_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v plain_o become_v their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o be_v now_o interest_n you_o know_v have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n on_o man_n inclination_n and_o as_o they_o easy_o believe_v what_o make_v for_o they_o so_o they_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o that_o which_o make_v against_o they_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o good_a man_n easy_o believe_v a_o god_n from_o who_o they_o have_v wellgrounded_n hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o a_o future_a reward_n whereas_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o it_o because_o they_o have_v reason_n only_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o destruction_n from_o he_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v any_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v but_o like_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v again_o two_o man_n wicked_a life_n have_v make_v it_o their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n their_o next_o step_n be_v to_o make_v it_o their_o wish_n that_o there_o be_v none_o this_o be_v another_o piece_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o a_o far_o advance_v to_o atheism_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o incense_v deity_n must_v needs_o sit_v very_o uneasy_a upon_o the_o mind_n it_o can_v but_o fret_v and_o gall_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o continual_a horror_n and_o perplexity_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o serve_v to_o embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v a_o check_n upon_o man_n vice_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n in_o quiet_a which_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v they_o grow_v impatient_a under_o this_o check_n and_o this_o make_v they_o desirous_a to_o rid_v themselves_o of_o the_o awe_n and_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o uneasy_a be_v the_o good_a man_n find_v that_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o any_o thing_n be_v without_o it_o for_o it_o fill_v he_o with_o joy_n and_o content_v now_o and_o give_v he_o peace_n and_o happiness_n at_o the_o last_o insomuch_o that_o be_v he_o to_o wisn_a himself_o the_o chief_a good_a it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o comfort_n and_o complacence_n he_o feel_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n whereas_o the_o loose_a and_o wicked_a person_n be_v haunt_v with_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o terror_n and_o the_o disquietude_n he_o feel_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n drive_v he_o to_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o punish_v he_o and_o then_o a_o small_a matter_n will_v persuade_v he_o to_o it_o for_o facilè_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la we_o easy_o believe_v what_o we_o long_a and_o desire_n shall_v be_v true_a three_o and_o this_o lead_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o step_n to_o atheism_n which_o be_v from_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v none_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o natural_a transition_n from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o for_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v a_o great_a sway_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o interest_n have_v engage_v the_o former_a they_o soon_o draw_v the_o latter_a to_o their_o side_n so_o that_o what_o man_n make_v their_o wish_n quick_o become_v their_o choice_n and_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o discard_v the_o deity_n easy_o come_v to_o deny_v and_o disbelieve_v he_o but_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v they_o endeavour_v and_o effect_v this_o why_o 1._o first_o they_o muster_v up_o all_o their_o
worst_a undergo_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o but_o discoverable_a likewise_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o great_a light_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o will_v see_v great_a cause_n to_o dread_v than_o desire_v prosperity_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o many_o and_o great_a danger_n of_o prosperity_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o many_o and_o vast_a advantage_n of_o affliction_n we_o may_v soon_o see_v this_o stumbling-block_n of_o the_o atheist_n to_o vanish_v and_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a and_o affliction_n of_o good_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o both_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o a._n b._n letter_n xi_o sir_n have_v in_o my_o last_o remove_v that_o ancient_a stumbling-block_n of_o atheism_n take_v from_o the_o adversity_n of_o good_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a men._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o a_o late_a device_n of_o the_o atheist_n which_o be_v his_o taking_z advantage_n from_o the_o many_o sect_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o and_o from_o man_n disagreement_n about_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n to_o settle_v in_o a_o total_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o this_o be_v too_o obvious_a in_o experience_n to_o need_v any_o proof_n for_o may_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n to_o wear_v off_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o stir_n that_o be_v make_v about_o it_o be_v not_o the_o impression_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n mighty_o deface_v by_o our_o division_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o the_o different_a sect_n and_o opinion_n of_o our_o age_n be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n that_o so_o much_o abound_v in_o it_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o some_o person_n who_o have_v be_v well_o enough_o affect_v to_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o small_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o have_v yet_o by_o fall_v into_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n contract_v that_o giddiness_n and_o instability_n as_o to_o lose_v all_o and_o by_o run_v from_o one_o sect_n to_o another_o have_v run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_n into_o atheism_n and_o other_o perceive_v their_o clash_n and_o inconstancy_n have_v go_v the_o same_o way_n and_o throw_v up_o all_o but_o what_o influence_n have_v difference_n and_o division_n in_o religion_n upon_o the_o produce_v of_o atheism_n why_o great_a sundry_a way_n as_o first_o division_n tend_v to_o expose_v religion_n and_o render_v it_o vile_a and_o despicable_a for_o when_o man_n behold_v it_o to_o set_v one_o another_o by_o the_o ear_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o in_o endless_a quarrel_n and_o dispute_v they_o come_v to_o despise_v and_o think_v mean_o of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v easy_o induce_v to_o abandon_v that_o which_o breed_v so_o much_o discord_n and_o animosity_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o more_o peaceable_a quiet_a and_o harmless_a thing_n and_o have_v other_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o find_v it_o to_o create_v little_a else_o than_o feud_n and_o difference_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o they_o come_v to_o entertain_v low_a and_o contemptible_a thought_n of_o it_o and_o be_v make_v only_o a_o bone_n of_o contention_n think_v it_o good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o again_o two_o division_n beget_v those_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o religion_n that_o unsettle_v man_n mind_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o such_o a_o maze_n that_o they_o know_v not_o where_o to_o fix_v and_o in_o this_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n of_o thought_n many_o be_v tempt_v to_o throw_v up_o all_o rather_o than_o wander_v about_o in_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o crowd_n of_o endless_a and_o disputable_a opinion_n moreover_o three_o among_o the_o numerous_a sect_n and_o party_n that_o be_v in_o religion_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o in_o the_o right_n for_o though_o error_n be_v infinite_a yet_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o and_o where_o to_o find_v this_o among_o a_o numberless_a sett_n of_o pretender_n be_v they_o think_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n that_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o let_v all_o alone_a than_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n and_o trouble_n of_o such_o a_o enquiry_n beside_o four_o some_o person_n have_v discover_v the_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n of_o some_o darling_n opinion_n they_o former_o admire_v be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o suspect_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o other_o have_v find_v out_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o many_o more_o be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v the_o rest_n to_o be_v no_o better_o all_o which_o have_v a_o easy_a and_o natural_a tendency_n towards_o atheism_n and_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o many_o to_o that_o end_n yea_o all_o that_o be_v indifferent_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o with_o gallio_n care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o world_n afford_v but_o too_o many_o all_o such_o i_o say_v will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v so_o plausible_a a_o pretence_n and_o excuse_n for_o their_o irreligion_n and_o they_o who_o interest_n and_o design_n it_o be_v to_o have_v no_o religion_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v hold_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o advantage_n against_o it_o in_o a_o word_n division_n natural_o destroy_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o the_o life_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o likewise_o necessary_o beget_v that_o hatred_n strife_n and_o animosity_n that_o be_v the_o groundwork_n of_o atheism_n confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n now_o here_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o stay_v a_o while_n and_o consider_v the_o great_a evil_a and_o danger_n of_o our_o unhappy_a dissension_n what_o unspeakable_a mischief_n they_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o what_o a_o apparent_a handle_n they_o give_v to_o atheism_n be_v too_o great_a a_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o put_v too_o fair_a a_o colour_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o raise_v these_o dispute_n they_o do_v but_o raise_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n whereby_o many_o be_v wrongtide_v and_o lead_v into_o atheism_n and_o harden_v in_o their_o disbelief_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o there_o fore_o it_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o wholesome_a piece_n of_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o mark_v those_o that_o cause_n division_n and_o avoid_v they_o neither_o will_v it_o be_v amiss_o if_o the_o author_n and_o abetter_n of_o these_o division_n will_v set_v down_o and_o consider_v what_o account_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v for_o those_o many_o and_o great_a evil_n that_o apparent_o proceed_v from_o they_o for_o if_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o lay_v any_o stumbling-block_n or_o occasion_n of_o fall_v in_o our_o brother_n way_n how_o will_v these_o man_n answer_v for_o all_o that_o irreligion_n that_o have_v be_v evident_o occasion_v by_o this_o mean_n or_o what_o plea_n will_v they_o make_v for_o all_o that_o schism_n and_o atheism_n into_o which_o so_o many_o be_v hereby_o betray_v this_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o great_a moment_n than_o some_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o though_o offence_n may_v and_o will_v come_v yet_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v but_o be_v these_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o religion_n a_o sufficient_a pretence_n and_o excuse_n for_o atheism_n no_o far_o from_o it_o for_o though_o such_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n that_o give_v the_o occasion_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v or_o excuse_v those_o that_o take_v it_o this_o be_v a_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v sufficient_o forewarn_v of_o and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v forearm_v against_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o atheism_n occasion_v from_o hence_o proceed_v rather_o from_o a_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n in_o the_o will_n than_o from_o any_o defect_n of_o light_n or_o knowledge_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o here_o we_o find_v the_o atheist_n who_o will_v be_v think_v man_n of_o the_o deep_a reach_n and_o insight_n into_o these_o thing_n guilty_a of_o very_o foul_a and_o false_a reason_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o first_o what_o though_o some_o opinion_n in_o religion_n have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v false_a will_v it_o follow_v thence_o that_o there_o be_v none_o true_a there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v entertain_v wrong_a notion_n in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n
and_o satisfaction_n than_o any_o sensual_a delight_n ever_o do_v or_o can_v do_v and_o if_o this_o pure_a delight_n flow_v at_o last_o into_o fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o run_v into_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n that_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v abridge_v ourselves_o in_o these_o sensual_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o fruition_n of_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a and_o durable_a felicity_n but_o still_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o want_n of_o evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n stick_v with_o the_o atheist_n and_o make_v the_o part_n with_o the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o a_o foolish_a bargain_n for_o we_o never_o see_v say_v he_o nor_o experience_v these_o thing_n ourselves_o nor_o ever_o speak_v with_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n be_v it_o that_o he_o will_v have_v of_o these_o thing_n i_o hope_v he_o do_v not_o expect_v more_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v for_o 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a_o be_v and_o both_o these_o we_o have_v in_o this_o case_n again_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n for_o the_o reward_v of_o good_a and_o punish_v of_o bad_a man_n what_o proof_n can_v we_o have_v of_o it_o why_o none_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v incapable_a of_o that_o kind_n of_o proof_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v of_o it_o be_v from_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v declare_v it_o and_o who_o mercy_n and_o justice_n necessary_o require_v it_o for_o since_o the_o observation_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n be_v not_o usual_o reward_v or_o punish_v in_o this_o life_n there_o must_v be_v another_o state_n where_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o divine_a perfection_n will_v be_v more_o open_o and_o thorough_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v not_o want_n of_o light_n but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o it_o that_o miss-lead's_a they_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o false_a heart_n that_o suggest_v these_o doubt_n and_o a_o corrupt_a will_n that_o pretend_v lack_v of_o sufficient_a assurance_n for_o man_n daily_a act_n upon_o far_o less_o evidence_n in_o all_o other_o matter_n and_o venture_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n upon_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o high_a than_o this_o moral_a certainty_n what_o wise_a man_n ever_o doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n spain_n or_o turkey_n though_o perhaps_o he_o never_o see_v either_o do_v not_o many_o transfer_v their_o estate_n by_o way_n of_o traffic_n into_o foreign_a country_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n than_o from_o the_o testimony_n and_o relation_n of_o other_o and_o he_o that_o shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v or_o act_v upon_o this_o kind_n of_o certainty_n will_v be_v reckon_v no_o better_a than_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o madman_n and_o if_o this_o sort_n of_o assurance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v our_o discretion_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o body_n why_o shall_v we_o distrust_v it_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o soul_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o our_o present_a state_n to_o have_v any_o high_a but_o though_o this_o evidence_n say_v the_o atheist_n be_v sufficient_a in_o temporal_a matter_n yet_o a_o great_a certainty_n be_v requisite_a in_o divine_a thing_n and_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o eternity_n now_o though_o this_o be_v not_o want_v to_o all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v it_o yet_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o that_o assurance_n which_o guide_v man_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o lesser_a good_a shall_v not_o influence_n they_o much_o more_o to_o obtain_v a_o great_a and_o that_o evidence_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prompt_v they_o to_o avoid_v temporal_a evil_n shall_v not_o more_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o escape_v those_o that_o be_v eternal_a in_o a_o word_n the_o vast_a odds_o that_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n show_v it_o to_o be_v far_o from_o a_o foolish_a bargain_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o a_o world_n to_o come_v the_o good_a man_n can_v be_v no_o loser_n for_o he_o only_a part_n with_o his_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o scandal_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o instead_o of_o follow_v they_o be_v direct_v to_o do_v what_o be_v most_o for_o his_o health_n interest_n reputation_n and_o every_o way_n most_o conduce_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o present_a life_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n as_o it_o be_v more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o to_o one_o there_o be_v he_o will_v be_v vast_o a_o gainer_n for_o beside_o the_o present_a quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n he_o enjoy_v here_o he_o be_v secure_v of_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n hereafter_o and_o for_o the_o poor_a perish_a trifle_n of_o time_n which_o he_o now_o part_n with_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o the_o ineffable_a joy_n and_o glory_n of_o eternity_n and_o sure_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v charge_v this_o with_o folly_n for_o if_o he_o who_o have_v exchange_v pebble_n for_o pearl_n be_v by_o all_o thought_n to_o have_v make_v a_o wise_a bargain_n he_o that_o part_v with_o the_o light_n momentany_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n for_o a_o eternal_a crown_n of_o glory_n in_o a_o better_a will_v in_o the_o end_n be_v find_v to_o have_v make_v a_o much_o wise_a i_o be_o sir_n you_o a._n b._n lettter_fw-ge xv._o sir_n i_o have_v in_o the_o forego_n letter_n according_a to_o promise_v set_v forth_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a art_n and_o device_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o support_v and_o countenance_n atheism_n and_o likewise_o according_a to_o your_o desire_n lay_v open_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o they_o but_o because_o the_o request_n of_o your_o letter_n extend_v not_o only_o to_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o cure_n of_o atheism_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a for_o a_o close_a to_o subjoin_v some_o few_o direction_n to_o that_o end_n and_o here_o what_o have_v be_v say_v touch_v the_o rise_n of_o this_o evil_a may_v help_v we_o to_o find_v out_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o for_o as_o to_o know_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o distemper_n be_v a_o fair_a step_n towards_o the_o cure_n so_o to_o discover_v the_o device_n of_o atheism_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n and_o to_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o contagion_n of_o it_o but_o because_o the_o rise_v of_o this_o evil_n be_v more_o from_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n than_o from_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n we_o be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o rather_o to_o rectify_v the_o former_a than_o to_o inform_v the_o latter_a for_o man_n be_v not_o