Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n good_a great_a time_n 5,928 5 3.4202 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38046 Some thoughts concerning the several causes and occasions of atheism, especially in the present age with some brief reflections on Socinianism, and on a late book entitled, The reasonableness of Christianity as delivered in the Scriptures / by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1695 (1695) Wing E215; ESTC R18870 42,384 151

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

they_o not_o in_o their_o practice_n but_o be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v entertain_v no_o ill_a thought_n of_o it_o because_o of_o the_o corrupt_a life_n of_o your_o guide_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v now_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a person_n must_v not_o be_v charge_v on_o the_o sacred_a institution_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v ill_o of_o christianity_n for_o the_o disorderly_a behaviour_n of_o any_o spiritual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n refuse_v to_o follow_v a_o learned_a physician_n be_v prescription_n and_o rule_n concern_v health_n because_o he_o do_v not_o observe_v they_o himself_o nor_o can_v the_o spiritual_a patient_n with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o rule_n of_o save_v health_n and_o happiness_n though_o they_o be_v not_o observe_v by_o the_o prescriber_n himself_o but_o to_o be_v yet_o more_o plain_a with_o the_o person_n i_o be_o now_o deal_v with_o they_o of_o all_o man_n can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a pretence_n make_v use_n of_o this_o plea_n they_o can_v complain_v of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o administer_a to_o their_o disregard_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o more_o strict_a and_o religious_a any_o churchman_n be_v the_o more_o be_v he_o despise_v and_o hate_v by_o they_o a_o pious_a clergyman_n be_v reckon_v by_o they_o a_o weak_a shallow_a creature_n a_o fantastic_a bigot_n and_o be_v laugh_v at_o as_o such_o so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o they_o allege_v concern_v the_o undue_a behaviour_n of_o some_o that_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v a_o more_o groundless_a cavil_v for_o they_o will_v have_v all_o man_n as_o wicked_a and_o debauch_v as_o themselves_o it_o must_v indeed_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a scandal_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v with_o impunity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v no_o excusable_a ground_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n however_o since_o it_o be_v so_o heinous_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v make_v by_o the_o perverse_a mind_n of_o many_o a_o excuse_n for_o their_o atheism_n it_o be_v the_o concern_v of_o all_o christian_a guide_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n to_o conform_v their_o life_n with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o exactness_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n jesus_n their_o master_n and_o to_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v themselves_o whatever_o they_o require_v other_o to_o do_v x._o unbelief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v occasion_v sometime_o by_o the_o strange_a revolution_n and_o change_n the_o odd_a event_n and_o unaccountable_a administration_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n especial_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o question_n god_n existence_n as_o well_o as_o his_o providence_n when_o they_o behold_v the_o prosperous_a state_n of_o the_o most_o vicious_a person_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a observe_v how_o miserable_o sometime_o the_o best_a man_n be_v treat_v in_o this_o life_n and_o at_o death_n be_v not_o at_o all_o difference_v from_o the_o worst_a but_o perish_v alike_o then_o you_o shall_v hear_v one_o cry_v out_o quis_fw-la putet_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la and_o another_o use_v the_o like_a language_n of_o the_o poet_n dum_fw-la rapiant_fw-la mala_fw-la fata_fw-la bonos_fw-es solicitor_n nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la putare_fw-la deos._n but_o any_o understand_a man_n who_o will_v take_v time_n to_o consider_v and_o deliberate_v will_v see_v that_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v just_o administer_v matter_n of_o atheism_n for_o be_v must_v be_v remember_v that_o we_o be_v finite_a shallow_a creature_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o wise_a design_n and_o purpose_n of_o heaven_n in_o every_o event_n that_o we_o see_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o obscure_a and_o rugged_a dispensation_n and_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o disorder_v and_o irregular_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o and_o to_o think_v they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a providence_n because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o they_o those_o event_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v eccentric_a and_o at_o random_n be_v guide_v by_o a_o steady_a unerring_a hand_n but_o we_o have_v not_o depth_n of_o apprehension_n to_o conceive_v it_o at_o present_a but_o it_o may_v be_v afterward_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v more_o enlighten_v we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o solve_v these_o difficult_a phoenomena_fw-la however_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o these_o intrigue_n these_o knot_n these_o labyrinth_n these_o riddle_n shall_v be_v full_o resolve_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v part_n of_o our_o employment_n in_o the_o other_o world_n to_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o affair_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o particular_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v satisfy_v yea_o we_o may_v be_v now_o concern_v the_o foresay_a problem_n viz._n the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o contrary_a circumstance_n of_o the_o good_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o be_v according_a to_o exact_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n god_n intend_v the_o former_a shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n only_o and_o he_o design_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v prepare_v for_o heaven_n by_o those_o rough_a deal_n hear_v below_o last_o learned_a time_n especial_o if_o accompany_v with_o peace_n or_o prosperity_n be_v reckon_v by_o a_o essay_n judicious_a person_n as_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n nor_o be_v this_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o i_o say_v before_o that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o atheism_n for_o learned_a or_o peaceable_a time_n be_v only_o thus_o far_o conducible_a to_o this_o great_a evil_n that_o man_n be_v then_o general_o too_o inquisitive_a and_o curious_a too_o nice_a and_o wanton_n and_o overbusy_o pry_v into_o secret_n which_o when_o they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o about_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o be_v atheistical_a and_o to_o doubt_v even_o concern_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o religion_n wherefore_o i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o start_n and_o keep_v up_o at_o this_o day_n the_o debate_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n be_v a_o great_a advancement_n to_o this_o evil_a disposition_n of_o mind_n there_o be_v those_o who_o push_v on_o both_o party_n to_o wrangle_v and_o quarrel_n about_o this_o grand_a point_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n laugh_v at_o the_o combatant_n on_o both_o side_n whilst_o they_o encourage_v some_o writer_n to_o baffle_v the_o trinity_n of_o divine_a person_n their_o project_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o essence_n itself_o whilst_o they_o put_v they_o upon_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n they_o hope_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o dispute_n to_o introduce_v a_o nullity_n not_o only_o of_o the_o deity_n but_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o by_o these_o bandying_n backward_o and_o forward_o they_o know_v that_o man_n mind_n will_v be_v unsettled_a and_o that_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o waver_v about_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o main_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n when_o person_n observe_v that_o the_o very_a divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v toss_v and_o tear_v by_o rude_a pen_n when_o they_o see_v so_o catholic_n a_o doctrine_n attack_v with_o such_o violence_n what_o can_v they_o think_v of_o the_o other_o great_a verity_n of_o christianity_n and_o withal_o the_o antitrinitarians_a hereby_o provoke_v some_o of_o their_o adversary_n to_o a_o indecent_a sort_n of_o language_n concern_v these_o holy_a mystery_n so_o that_o some_o of_o these_o latter_a have_v hurt_v the_o cause_n it_o may_v be_v almost_o as_o much_o by_o their_o defend_v it_o as_o the_o other_o have_v by_o their_o oppose_v it_o thus_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v when_o person_n immoderate_o indulge_v curiosity_n in_o these_o abstruse_a and_o sublime_a matter_n and_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o what_o the_o bible_n and_o immediate_a inference_n draw_v thence_o suggest_v to_o we_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o lose_v their_o hold_n and_o give_v their_o antagonist_n a_o clear_a advantage_n against_o they_o and_o manifest_o promote_v the_o design_n of_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o work_n to_o make_v void_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n nay_o in_o the_o very_a socinian_n doctrine_n itself_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o atheistick_a tang._n will_v not_o a_o man_n guess_v that_o there_o be_v in_o approach_n to_o atheism_n in_o those_o reflection_n which_o be_v make_v on_o a_o sermon_n preach_v by_o the_o right_n reverend_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n 7._o where_o one_o of_o the_o most_o receive_a notion_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n itself_o be_v cashier_v the_o self-existence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o primary_n fundamental_a and_o essential_a
above_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o finite_a creature_n shall_v reach_v these_o thing_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o foresay_a principle_n the_o unitarian_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n they_o must_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n concern_v which_o our_o conception_n will_v always_o be_v obscure_a and_o unproportionate_a yea_o they_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o their_o own_o maxim_n that_o god_n be_v a_o impossible_a be_v at_o least_o that_o his_o immense_a nature_n be_v such_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o immense_a and_o infinite_a presence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o must_v disow_v the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o profess_a principle_n the_o godhead_n itself_o as_o well_o as_o the_o trinity_n be_v shock_a by_o they_o and_o consequent_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o gather_v that_o a_o socinian_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o this_o principle_n be_v a_o atheist_n or_o lest_o that_o shall_v seem_v harsh_a one_o that_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n for_o he_o may_v as_o well_o quit_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n because_o of_o these_o difficulty_n and_o abstrusity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n because_o there_o be_v some_o inexplicable_a and_o unintelligible_a thing_n that_o accompany_v it_o but_o because_o all_o man_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o natural_a conduct_n of_o their_o principle_n the_o divine_a providence_n overrule_a in_o these_o case_n i_o do_v not_o here_o pass_v a_o universal_a censure_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o every_o individual_a man_n nay_o i_o hope_v charitable_o concern_v most_o of_o they_o however_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o some_o be_v unhappy_o under_o the_o force_n and_o sway_v of_o the_o forego_n principle_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n i_o speak_v of_o and_o no_o other_o these_o thing_n i_o free_o and_o open_o suggest_v which_o the_o learned_a and_o ingenious_a gentleman_n of_o the_o racovian_a persuasion_n can_v dislike_v unless_o they_o disapprove_v of_o themselves_o unless_o they_o disclaim_v their_o own_o write_n for_o they_o cry_v up_o in_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o and_o in_o etc._n one_o very_o late_o a_o freedom_n of_o discourse_n a_o liberty_n of_o speak_v their_o thought_n which_o they_o applaud_v as_o a_o very_a generous_a and_o noble_a thing_n and_o much_o value_n themselves_o upon_o it_o they_o can_v deny_v that_o to_o i_o which_o they_o allow_v of_o and_o magnify_v in_o themselves_o especial_o when_o i_o most_o sacred_o profess_v to_o they_o that_o i_o have_v sincere_o deliver_v my_o thought_n and_o speak_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n wherefore_o i_o expect_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o person_n of_o their_o ingenuity_n and_o free_a temper_n who_o as_o i_o find_v blame_v other_o even_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n for_o palliate_v and_o dissemble_v and_o not_o speak_v out_o i_o think_v they_o will_v not_o charge_v i_o with_o this_o fault_n for_o i_o have_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o generous_a principle_n and_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o friend_n of_o they_o in_o all_o their_o dear_a eleutheropolis_n that_o be_v more_o disengage_v and_o unbiased_a than_o i_o be_o but_o though_o i_o have_v use_v a_o become_a freedom_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o i_o omit_v because_o i_o will_v let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o i_o be_o not_o eager_a and_o lavish_a in_o blame_v and_o censure_v any_o party_n of_o man_n especial_o since_o it_o be_v suggest_v to_o i_o by_o some_o that_o be_v learned_a and_o sober_a of_o that_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a that_o their_o opinion_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o or_o for_o the_o insincerity_n of_o any_o that_o profess_v it_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o rash_a indiscreet_a passage_n which_o occur_v in_o some_o of_o their_o late_a writer_n i_o do_v it_o likewise_o because_o i_o will_v give_v the_o world_n a_o example_n of_o moderation_n and_o temper_n in_o this_o dispute_v and_o wrangle_a age_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v that_o whilst_o i_o remonstrate_v against_o the_o error_n and_o mistake_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v of_o any_o side_n i_o can_v forbear_v to_o publish_v the_o aggravation_n of_o they_o and_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o the_o truth_n shall_v prevail_v than_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n or_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v expose_v final_o i_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v improper_a and_o unseasonable_a to_o contend_v among_o ourselves_o at_o home_n whilst_o our_o army_n be_v engage_v the_o enemy_n abroad_o the_o proper_a antidote_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n be_v this_o let_v we_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o finite_a being_n and_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a for_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v it_o we_o can_v form_v the_o same_o conception_n of_o one_o and_o the_o other_o yea_o the_o latter_a be_v exalt_v above_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n wherefore_o let_v we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v such_o as_o god_n be_v be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o that_o may_v be_v possible_a in_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v communicable_a to_o three_o distinct_a person_n which_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o finite_a nature_n of_o man_n or_o other_o creature_n let_v we_o attend_v to_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v and_o that_o clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o not_o trouble_v our_o thought_n and_o wrack_n our_o brain_n about_o unsearchable_a mystery_n a_o lover_n of_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o solicitous_a about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o three_o personality_n or_o subsistency_n as_o about_o the_o trinity_n itself_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o latter_a as_o sure_a as_o the_o scripture_n can_v make_v we_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o become_v we_o to_o wrangle_v about_o the_o former_a especial_o when_o we_o find_v that_o ill-minded_n man_n make_v use_v of_o this_o quarrel_n to_o promote_v the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n and_o true_o they_o make_v advance_n towards_o it_o every_o day_n i_o proceed_v to_o other_o doctrine_n which_o administer_v to_o this_o great_a evil_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o which_o may_v just_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o blemish_n of_o these_o inquisitive_a time_n such_o be_v that_o of_o a_o 10._o late_a writer_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v that_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a and_o repugnant_a to_o themselves_o that_o the_o write_n be_v not_o careful_o and_o faithful_o transmit_v to_o we_o but_o abound_v with_o many_o fault_n and_o mistake_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v mere_a scrap_n and_o fragment_n and_o take_v without_o order_n and_o method_n from_o other_o write_n all_o which_o put_v together_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n from_o whence_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o pregnant_a argument_n for_o a_o deity_n again_o the_o same_o design_n be_v advance_v in_o these_o learned_a time_n by_o thrust_v of_o opinion_n and_o theory_n on_o the_o world_n in_o defiance_n of_o the_o plain_a letter_n and_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o if_o the_o sacred_a history_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspire_a man_n be_v not_o as_o credible_a and_o authentic_a as_o that_o of_o profane_a author_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o primitive_a earth_n be_v represent_v opposite_a to_o what_o moses_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o paradise_n as_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a place_n be_v contradict_v yea_o it_o be_v strong_o aver_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n what_o moses_n relate_v concern_v our_o first_o parent_n be_v laugh_v at_o as_o a_o romantic_a story_n the_o universal_a deluge_n in_o noah_n time_n be_v attribute_v to_o a_o accidental_a diruption_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o when_o scan_v be_v find_v to_o be_v fictitious_a and_o imaginary_a and_o thence_o the_o deluge_n itself_o be_v conclude_v by_o many_o to_o be_v so_o and_o moses_n be_v reckon_v by_o they_o as_o a_o impostor_n which_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o thus_o animadvert_v upon_o by_o a_o curious_a observer_n and_o one_o who_o as_o become_v so_o learned_a a_o head_n join_v religion_n with_o his_o philosophical_a researche_n 161._o the_o atheistical_a party_n have_v hereby_o a_o occasion_n say_v he_o bold_o to_o give_v out_o that_o such_o a_o
some_o thought_n concern_v the_o several_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n especial_o in_o the_o present_a age._n with_o some_o brief_a reflection_n on_o socinianism_n and_o on_o a_o late_a book_n entitle_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n and_o sometime_o fellow_n of_o s._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o i._n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o i._o wyatt_n at_o the_o role_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n his_o grace_n thomas_n by_o divine_a providence_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o england_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n your_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o by_o your_o place_n and_o station_n but_o by_o your_o own_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a act_n the_o grand_a patron_n of_o our_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v improper_a to_o present_v you_o with_o these_o brief_a paper_n which_o though_o in_o themselves_o very_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o unworthy_a of_o your_o grace_n view_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o that_o holy_a cause_n against_o the_o repeat_v cavil_n and_o bold_a insult_v of_o atheistical_a spirit_n who_o as_o your_o grace_n with_o a_o very_a deep_a resentment_n and_o regret_n funeral_n observe_v be_v of_o late_o grow_v very_o numerous_a how_o vigorous_o your_o lordship_n have_v attack_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v about_o their_o impious_a design_n be_v in_o great_a part_n owe_v to_o your_o lordship_n successful_a attempt_n i_o presume_v from_o the_o encouragement_n which_o so_o illustrious_a a_o example_n have_v give_v i_o to_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n that_o be_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o withal_o to_o discover_v some_o of_o those_o head_n and_o spring_n whence_o the_o atheistick_a apprehension_n of_o these_o present_a time_n arise_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o the_o venom_n of_o this_o rage_a evil_n and_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n operate_v even_o on_o those_o who_o be_v infect_v and_o corrupt_v with_o it_o already_o i_o be_o sensible_a how_o precious_a your_o grace_n minute_n be_v in_o this_o time_n of_o extraordinary_a business_n and_o emergency_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o public_a by_o any_o far_a application_n to_o your_o grace_n only_o i_o superadd_a my_o hearty_a prayer_n for_o your_o health_n and_o long_a life_n wherein_o the_o common_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v so_o much_o involve_v and_o so_o i_o subscribe_v myself_o your_o grace_n most_o dutiful_a son_n and_o devote_a servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n i_o design_v by_o the_o divine_a help_n and_o conduct_v to_o defend_v the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o argument_n draw_v both_o from_o the_o great_a and_o the_o lesser_a world_n it_o be_v my_o request_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o this_o brief_a essay_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n which_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v a_o suitable_a introduction_n and_o preparative_a to_o that_o other_o undertake_n for_o as_o in_o that_o intend_a discourse_n i_o shall_v careful_o trace_v and_o discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o divinity_n every_o where_o so_o here_o i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o frequent_a a_o obvious_a the_o occasion_n of_o disbelieve_v it_o be_v by_o which_o mean_v we_o shall_v effectual_o learn_v how_o to_o purge_v our_o mind_n of_o those_o ill_a quality_n which_o natural_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o atheism_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o remove_v those_o stumbling-block_n to_o answer_v those_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v up_o those_o mistake_v which_o usual_o betray_v man_n to_o this_o infidelity_n and_o thus_o there_o will_v be_v a_o way_n make_v for_o what_o i_o design_n person_n will_v be_v fit_v to_o receive_v and_o retain_v the_o impression_n which_o those_o topic_n that_o i_o shall_v afterward_o make_v choice_n of_o will_v enstamp_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o age_n which_o have_v late_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o mark_n of_o atheism_n will_v for_o the_o future_a be_v renown_v for_o these_o true_o illustrious_a and_o glorious_a character_n i_o will_v only_o far_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o some_o part_n of_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v viz._n such_o particular_n as_o i_o think_v be_v convenient_a for_o a_o usual_a and_o mix_v auditory_a be_v deliver_v late_o in_o one_o of_o the_o city-pulpit_n and_o the_o other_o head_n with_o their_o enlargement_n which_o be_v of_o somewhat_o a_o different_a strain_n and_o be_v chief_o adapt_v to_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a be_v a_o addition_n since_o but_o as_o i_o have_v add_v several_a thing_n so_o i_o have_v omit_v some_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o both_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o advertise_v the_o reader_n of_o and_o so_o i_o bid_v he_o farewell_o some_o thought_n concern_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o void_a of_o atheist_n in_o king_n david_n time_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n in_o psalm_n fourteen_o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o it_o be_v exceed_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v much_o increase_v since_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n to_o be_v pester_v with_o not_o a_o few_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o those_o cogent_a and_o incontestable_a argument_n for_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v suggest_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o sober_a mind_n there_o be_v still_o a_o atheistical_a spirit_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o i_o may_v call_v they_o so_o whole_a bold_a infidelity_n be_v so_o irrational_a and_o brutish_a that_o reckon_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o be_v a_o melancholic_a conceit_n and_o the_o mere_a effect_n of_o credulity_n and_o ignorance_n yea_o there_o be_v some_o that_o pass_v for_o wit_n who_o strive_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v account_v the_o most_o able_a atheist_n of_o the_o age._n wherefore_o instead_o of_o rehearse_v or_o urge_v those_o topic_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n my_o business_n at_o present_a shall_v be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n which_o now_o vaunt_v itself_o with_o a_o impudent_a forehead_n and_o begin_v to_o boast_v that_o it_o have_v get_v foot_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v search_v into_o the_o occasion_n either_o real_a or_o pretend_a for_o i_o will_v mention_v both_o of_o this_o reign_v mischief_n i_o will_v show_v you_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o impious_a do_v at_o this_o day_n not_o only_o with_o the_o psalmist_n atheistical_a fool_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o open_o and_o avowed_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o supreme_a overrule_v be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n no_o eternal_o wise_a intelligent_a and_o omniscient_a substance_n that_o at_o first_o give_v existence_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o ever_o since_o uphold_v they_o and_o takes_z care_n of_o they_o i._o i_o assign_v ignorance_n to_o be_v one_o great_a spring_n of_o this_o gross_a unbelief_n as_o know_v as_o the_o world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v too_o many_o people_n of_o inferior_a rank_n who_o education_n have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v more_o unhappy_a in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v themselves_o time_n and_o leisure_n to_o look_v into_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o rouse_v those_o inbred_a notion_n which_o be_v implant_v there_o by_o god_n and_o which_o will_v if_o they_o will_v give_v way_n lead_v they_o to_o he_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o concern_v of_o all_o person_n to_o know_v how_o to_o converse_v with_o themselves_o and_o to_o rifle_v their_o own_o breast_n that_o they_o may_v find_v a_o deity_n write_v there_o and_o beside_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o acquire_v such_o a_o stock_n of_o knowledge_n from_o without_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v their_o religion_n and_o not_o be_v seduce_v by_o atheistical_a notion_n that_o fly_v up_o and_o down_o every_o where_o but_o this_o first_o cause_n which_o i_o assign_v of_o atheism_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o have_v not_o time_n as_o they_o order_v
as_o they_o do_v of_o their_o own_o existence_n or_o any_o other_o principle_n in_o nature_n but_o this_o i_o have_v make_v my_o task_n in_o a_o other_o place_n three_o they_o tell_v we_o they_o can_v believe_v a_o deity_n because_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v it_o for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o there_o person_n who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o at_o present_a be_v great_a man_n for_o demonstration_n but_o i_o answer_v the_o existence_n of_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o demonstration_n strict_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o no_o man_n question_n the_o reality_n of_o they_o the_o skilful_a mathematician_n under_o heaven_n can_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o of_o it_o and_o he_o will_v be_v count_v a_o madman_n that_o deny_v it_o we_o be_v moral_o certain_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o demonstrate_v but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o assent_n be_v a_o firm_a on_o moral_a ground_n as_o on_o rigid_a demonstration_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o ground_n for_o the_o evidence_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v by_o any_o intelligent_a man_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a than_o a_o moral_a certainty_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o it_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a but_o by_o be_v moral_o certain_a we_o be_v certain_a enough_o and_o as_o certain_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v this_o shall_v content_v any_o rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v any_o more_o then_o as_o for_o those_o demonstration_n which_o they_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o they_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o they_o be_v sometime_o manage_v they_o yield_v but_o little_a certainty_n for_o not_o to_o speak_v now_o of_o the_o old_a academic_n and_o sceptic_n who_o deny_v geometrical_a principle_n or_o of_o demetrius_n sextus_n empiricus_n epicurus_n zeno_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n who_o reason_v against_o they_o i_o will_v mention_v some_o of_o our_o modern_n and_o those_o of_o great_a skill_n and_o learning_n who_o have_v disagree_v about_o mathematical_a proof_n and_o thereby_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n their_o uncertainty_n the_o great_a astrologer_n huge_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v near_a to_o it_o ten_o thousand_o mile_n than_o it_o be_v say_v copernicus_n but_o i._o scaliger_n will_v have_v the_o write_n of_o those_o author_n who_o hold_v the_o sun_n be_v near_a to_o the_o earth_n than_o it_o be_v in_o former_a day_n 99_o to_o be_v raze_v out_o with_o sponge_n or_o the_o writer_n themselves_o to_o be_v correct_v with_o stripe_n and_o other_o very_a good_a astronomer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o consent_v to_o this_o that_o they_o maintain_v the_o sun_n be_v far_o off_o from_o the_o earth_n than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o yet_o on_o both_o side_n they_o proceed_v on_o mathematical_a ground_n there_o be_v no_o mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o comet_n be_v above_o or_o below_o the_o moon_n say_v cometis_n ricciolus_n a_o very_a skilful_a mathematician_n but_o other_o of_o that_o faculty_n have_v pretend_v much_o to_o the_o contrary_n the_o paralax_n be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v a_o mathematical_a business_n that_o by_o which_o the_o planet_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v high_a or_o low_o but_o the_o great_a astronomer_n have_v quarrel_v with_o one_o another_o about_o this_o doctrine_n tycho_n be_v for_o it_o but_o claramontius_n be_v against_o it_o and_o galilaeus_fw-la even_o explode_v the_o proof_n bring_v from_o the_o paralax_n dr._n wallis_n and_o mr._n hobbes_n contrast_n in_o print_n show_v that_o mathematics_n be_v dubious_a and_o this_o latter_a who_o be_v so_o stiff_a a_o opposer_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o of_o a_o deity_n find_v fault_n with_o all_o geometrician_n old_a and_o new_a in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o principle_n and_o ratiocination_n of_o geomatrician_n cartes_n dioptric_n and_o geometry_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v baffle_v by_o other_o learned_a mathematician_n as_o bourdin_n hobbes_n fermat_n franciscus_n du_fw-fr laurens_n and_o dr._n wallis_n scuffle_v about_o a_o mathematical_a problem_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a science_n i_o be_o certain_a say_v write_n dr._n henry_n more_o that_o mathematical_a certitude_n itself_o be_v not_o absolute_a there_o be_v a_o essay_n of_o dr._n pell_n to_o show_v the_o error_n and_o mistake_v of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o celebrate_a astronomer_n for_o want_n of_o better_a knowledge_n in_o geometry_n even_o 4._o mounseur_fw-fr malebranch_n a_o profound_a admirer_n and_o follower_n of_o descart_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o his_o geometry_n there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o humane_a mind_n and_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o the_o word_n of_o one_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v eminent_a in_o mathematical_a study_n serm._n even_o in_o geometry_n and_o arithmetic_n say_v he_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v forcible_o conclude_v to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v inexplicable_a unimaginable_a incomprehensible_a thus_o you_o see_v the_o mathematical_a certainty_n which_o some_o man_n talk_v of_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o to_o be_v attain_v as_o they_o fancy_n dispute_v have_v place_n in_o geometry_n demonstration_n sometime_o prove_v to_o be_v paralogism_n but_o as_o for_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n it_o be_v vain_o and_o unreasonable_o require_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o the_o matter_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o wherefore_o though_o glanvil_n some_o divine_n have_v be_v great_a philosopher_n and_o mathematician_n yet_o they_o never_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n a_o man_n must_v not_o expect_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n prove_v the_o same_o way_n if_o we_o have_v thing_n evidence_v by_o the_o argument_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v satisfactory_a and_o every_o wise_a man_n rest_v in_o it_o and_o these_o man_n themselves_o do_v so_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o evidence_n which_o the_o thing_n admit_v of_o and_o they_o seek_v no_o far_o which_o show_v that_o in_o the_o present_a case_n they_o be_v disingenuous_a and_o cross-grained_a and_o act_v mere_o out_o of_o prejudice_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a their_o insincerity_n nourish_v their_o atheism_n therefore_o let_v we_o have_v a_o care_n that_o we_o give_v way_n to_o no_o such_o thing_n iii_o another_o cause_n of_o this_o pernicious_a opinion_n be_v ostentation_n of_o wit._n for_o you_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o this_o mischievous_a plant_n spring_v from_o contrary_a seed_n as_o before_o this_o kind_n of_o man_n put_v on_o a_o very_a grave_n and_o solid_a countenance_n so_o now_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o airy_a and_o set_v up_o for_o the_o art_n of_o droll_v before_o they_o appear_v like_o philosopher_n now_o they_o come_v upon_o the_o stage_n like_o buffoon_n then_o with_o a_o magisterial_a grimace_n they_o affect_v demonstration_n now_o nothing_o will_v please_v they_o but_o the_o comical_a part_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o jest_a scoff_v people_n give_v themselves_o to_o raillery_n and_o burlesque_fw-la and_o it_o be_v this_o jocular_a humour_n that_o in_o part_n betray_v they_o to_o atheism_n for_o they_o take_v liberty_n to_o jest_v with_o their_o maker_n these_o witty_a and_o facetious_a folk_n must_v needs_o play_v with_o heaven_n and_o laugh_v god_n out_o of_o his_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a in_o sound_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o in_o the_o place_n of_o these_o have_v a_o fanciful_a way_n of_o jeer_a which_o they_o addict_v themselves_o immoderate_o to_o democritus_n be_v the_o great_a asserter_n of_o eternal_a matter_n and_o think_v that_o the_o casual_a motion_n of_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o influence_n of_o which_o principle_n in_o his_o cogitation_n make_v he_o at_o last_o laugh_v at_o every_o thing_n he_o see_v and_o mock_v at_o all_o action_n and_o occurrence_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o by_o chance_n they_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v the_o follower_n of_o this_o great_a man_n have_v learn_v from_o he_o to_o be_v laugh_a philosopher_n and_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o this_o sect_n nowadays_o this_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a atheism_n of_o this_o age._n they_o think_v their_o tongue_n be_v their_o own_o and_o they_o may_v say_v what_o they_o please_v and_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o what_o