the_o atheistical_a objection_n against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n fair_o consider_v and_o full_o refute_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v in_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n london_n 1698._o be_v the_o seven_o year_n of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o academiae_fw-la cantabrigiensis_n libre_fw-la immorality_n and_o pride_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n january_n the_o 3_o d._n 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n sir_n henry_n ashurst_n baronet_n sir_n john_n rotheram_n sergeant_n at_o law_n john_n evelyn_n senior_n esquire_n trustee_n appoint_v by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esquire_n most_o reverend_a and_o honour_a as_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o preach_v this_o sermon_n by_o your_o kind_a and_o generous_a appointment_n so_o i_o now_o publish_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o your_o command_n and_o humble_o offer_v it_o as_o also_o my_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o your_o candid_a patronage_n and_o acceptance_n i_o have_v in_o pursuance_n of_o your_o grace_n direction_n study_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o shall_v by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n prosecute_v my_o whole_a design_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o method_n of_o treat_v this_o subject_a appear_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o pious_a and_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o noble_a and_o honourable_a founder_n i_o humble_o desire_v your_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o render_v my_o weak_a endeavour_n effectual_a to_o show_v the_o groundlessness_n and_o inconclusiveness_n of_o those_o objection_n which_o atheistical_a man_n usual_o bring_v against_o the_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o end_n they_o be_v sincere_o direct_v to_o by_o most_o reverend_a and_o honour_a your_o most_o oblige_a humble_a servant_n j._n harris_n psalm_n x._o 4_o the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n in_o this_o psalm_n be_v contain_v a_o very_a lively_a description_n of_o the_o insolence_n of_o atheistical_a and_o wicked_a man_n when_o once_o they_o grow_v powerful_a and_o numerous_a for_o then_o as_o we_o read_v at_o the_o three_o verse_n they_o will_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o open_o to_o boast_v of_o and_o glory_n in_o their_o impiety_n they_o will_v bold_o defy_v and_o contemn_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n v_o 13._o they_o will_v deny_v his_o providence_n v_o 11_o and_o despise_v his_o vengeance_n and_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n they_o will_v grow_v so_o proud_a and_o high_a as_o to_o scorn_v to_o pay_v he_o any_o honour_n or_o worship_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o or_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o will_v endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o his_o be_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v a_o account_v more_o particular_o by_o what_o method_n and_o step_n man_n advance_v to_o such_o a_o exorbitant_a height_n of_o wickedness_n as_o to_o set_v up_o for_o atheism_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o there_o be_v in_o they_o these_o three_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n i._o here_o be_v the_o general_a character_n or_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man._n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n etc._n etc._n ii_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o wickedness_n or_o the_o origin_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n do_v chief_o proceed_v and_o that_o be_v pride_n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n etc._n etc._n and_o iii_o here_o be_v the_o great_a charge_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o this_o wicked_a and_o proud_a man_n viz._n wilful_a atheism_n and_o infidelity_n he_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n with_o good_a warrant_n from_o the_o hebr._n all_o his_o thought_n be_v there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o discourse_v on_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o head_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o immorality_n and_o pride_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n among_o we_o and_o on_o the_o three_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n that_o atheistical_a man_n usual_o bring_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o show_v how_o very_a weak_a and_o invalid_a they_o be_v and_o first_o i_o think_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o say_v something_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n of_o impiety_n this_o my_o text_n natural_o lead_v i_o to_o before_o i_o can_v come_v to_o the_o great_a subject_n i_o design_n to_o discourse_n upon_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o heinous_a sin_n and_o the_o method_n and_o step_n by_o which_o man_n advance_v to_o it_o that_o so_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o harden_v in_o it_o nor_o quite_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n and_o avoid_v be_v engage_v in_o such_o course_n as_o do_v natural_o lead_v into_o it_o i._o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o general_a character_n or_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o my_o text_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man._n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v every_o where_o the_o language_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o atheistical_a men._n david_n tell_v we_o psal._n 14.1_o and_o 51.1_o that_o it_o be_v the_o fool_n i._n e._n the_o wicked_a man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n nabal_n often_o signify_v and_o be_v so_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o fool_n by_o his_o own_o fault_n one_o stupefy_v and_o dull_v by_o vice_n and_o lust_n as_o he_o sufficient_o explain_v it_o afterward_o one_o that_o be_v corrupt_a and_o become_v filthy_a and_o that_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n so_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o those_o man_n will_v have_v in_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n who_o do_v depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n and_o live_v without_o he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o those_o which_o be_v once_o debauch_v in_o their_o practice_n may_v easy_o grow_v so_o in_o their_o principle_n for_o when_o once_o it_o be_v a_o man_n interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n he_o will_v ready_o enough_o disbelieve_v his_o existence_n we_o always_o give_v our_o assent_n very_o precipitant_o to_o what_o we_o wish_v for_o and_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a a_o man_n oppress_v with_o a_o load_n of_o gild_n and_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v daily_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n will_v be_v often_o very_o uneasy_a restless_a and_o dissatisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o his_o mind_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o dismal_a and_o ill-boding_a thought_n he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v his_o sin_n and_o to_o forego_v the_o present_a advantage_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v but_o be_v fearful_a too_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o vehement_o disturb_v now_o and_o then_o about_o the_o account_n that_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v of_o his_o action_n now_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a for_o a_o man_n under_o such_o circumstance_n to_o catch_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o offer_v he_o a_o little_a ease_n and_o quiet_v and_o that_o can_v help_v he_o to_o shake_v off_o his_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o impend_a punishment_n and_o misery_n some_o therefore_o bear_v down_o all_o thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o
world_n to_o enjoy_v his_o own_o private_a pleasure_n and_o in_o the_o hobbian_a one_o of_o a_o deity_n not_o guide_v by_o any_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o will_n but_o only_o by_o arbitrary_a lawless_a and_o irrisistible_a power_n for_o both_o these_o opinion_n be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o humour_n of_o their_o author_n and_o propagator_n but_o to_o proceed_v with_o our_o deduction_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n from_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o 1._o if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o consider_v be_v and_o the_o high_a perfection_n that_o do_v belong_v to_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o deity_n who_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o other_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n now_o the_o high_a perfection_n belong_v unto_o be_v we_o find_v to_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o underivable_a and_o necessary_a existence_n always_o be_v and_o never_o cease_v die_v terminate_v or_o be_v extinct_a and_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v great_a and_o ample_a as_o to_o its_o extent_n in_o opposition_n to_o littleness_n or_o scantyness_n and_o to_o be_v limit_v circumscribe_v bound_v or_o restrain_v by_o any_o other_o thing_n and_o if_o we_o attribute_v these_o two_o perfection_n to_o god_n thence_o will_v plain_o arise_v his_o eternity_n and_o his_o immensity_n or_o omnipresence_n for_o what_o can_v possible_o cease_v to_o be_v but_o have_v necessary_a existence_n include_v in_o its_o nature_n be_v eternal_a and_o what_o can_v be_v any_o way_n limit_v circumscribe_v or_o restrain_v must_v needs_o be_v boundless_a and_o immense_a and_o present_v every_o where_o and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o these_o notion_n of_o god_n eternity_n and_o immensity_n do_v find_v a_o easy_a admission_n into_o and_o be_v firm_o root_v in_o all_o considerate_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o who_o be_v not_o debauch_v by_o sceptical_a and_o atheistical_a metaphysic_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o that_o think_v at_o all_o to_o have_v a_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o can_v die_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v or_o that_o be_v so_o confine_v and_o imprison_v in_o any_o one_o part_n of_o space_n that_o he_o can_v extend_v himself_o no_o far_o no_o it_o must_v be_v a_o epicurean_a stupefaction_n of_o soul_n indeed_o that_o can_v induce_v a_o man_n to_o fancy_v a_o mortal_a or_o a_o topical_a god_n one_o that_o may_v be_v slay_v or_o die_v of_o old_a age_n or_o be_v shackle_a and_o confine_v to_o any_o one_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n exclusive_a of_o the_o rest_n and_o though_o a_o man_n can_v find_v perhaps_o that_o he_o have_v a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o eternity_n yet_o that_o god_n must_v be_v without_o beginning_n or_o end_n he_o will_v ready_o allow_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o consider_v the_o thing_n for_o he_o will_v perceive_v that_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v cause_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o must_v be_v self-existent_a and_o without_o beginning_n and_o if_o nothing_o can_v cause_v his_o be_v nothing_o can_v take_v it_o away_o neither_o and_o consequent_o he_o must_v be_v everlasting_a or_o eternal_a and_o of_o this_o attribute_n the_o heathen_n have_v a_o clear_a idea_n and_o belief_n give_v god_n the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o swear_v usual_o by_o the_o immortal_a go_n tully_n say_v deum_fw-la nisi_fw-la sempiternum_fw-la intelligere_fw-la quî_fw-la possumus_fw-la how_o can_v we_o conceive_v the_o deity_n any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o be_v a_o eternal_a be_v and_o aristotle_n in_o many_o place_n make_v eternity_n essential_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o lib._n 2._o de_fw-la coelo_fw-la and_o so_o as_o to_o immensity_n or_o omnipresence_n though_o he_o indeed_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n how_o a_o spirit_n or_o immaterial_a substance_n permeate_n matter_n or_o be_v present_a to_o every_o part_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o will_v conclude_v that_o the_o deity_n must_v some_o how_o or_o other_o actual_o fill_v and_o be_v present_a with_o all_o thing_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v exclude_v any_o where_o or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n bound_v or_o limit_v as_o it_o be_v also_o that_o he_o shall_v act_v or_o operate_v where_o he_o be_v not_o nor_o will_v i_o believe_v any_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n have_v recourse_n either_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v universal_a matter_n or_o infinite_a space_n in_o order_n to_o solve_v his_o immensity_n or_o omnipresence_n for_o the_o former_a he_o will_v see_v necessary_o make_v the_o deity_n material_o divisible_a into_o part_n actual_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o and_o to_o be_v part_n of_o he_o here_o and_o part_v there_o which_o he_o can_v not_o but_o think_v monstrous_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a and_o the_o latter_a render_v god_n nothing_o at_o all_o but_o imaginary_a room_n vacuity_n or_o space_n in_o which_o body_n be_v capable_a of_o move_a up_o and_o down_o or_o to_o and_o fro_o without_o hindrance_n or_o impediment_n from_o any_o medium_fw-la which_o how_o it_o shall_v any_o more_o than_o the_o former_a account_n for_o the_o energetical_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o noble_a perfection_n he_o can_v have_v any_o idea_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o conceive_v as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o to_o prove_v the_o ancient_a heathen_n allow_v this_o attribute_n of_o immensity_n to_o the_o deity_n by_o common_a consent_n tully_n tell_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n assert_v deum_fw-la esse_fw-la animum_fw-la per_fw-la naturam_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la intentum_fw-la &_o comeantem_fw-la de_fw-fr nat._n deorum_fw-la and_o he_o cite_v it_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o thales_n milesius_n deorum_fw-la omne_fw-la esse_fw-la plena_fw-la de_fw-fr legib._n lib._n 2._o which_o virgil_n also_o affirm_v express_o jovis_n omne_fw-la plena_fw-la and_o again_o deum_fw-la namque_fw-la ire_n per_fw-la omnes_fw-la terras_fw-la tractusque_fw-la maris_fw-la coelumque_fw-la profundum_fw-la georg._n lib._n 4._o and_o seneca_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v ubique_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la proesto_fw-la 95._o and_o in_o another_o place_n 4._o quocunque_fw-la te_fw-la flexeris_fw-la ibi_fw-la deum_fw-la videbis_fw-la occurrentem_fw-la tibi_fw-la nihil_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la vacat_fw-la opus_fw-la suum_fw-la ipse_fw-la implet_fw-la 2._o if_o we_o consider_v life_n another_o perfection_n which_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o this_o be_v in_o the_o deity_n too_o who_o be_v the_o great_a author_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o proportion_n imaginable_a now_o the_o perfection_n of_o life_n seem_v to_o consist_v in_o activity_n or_o a_o energetical_a power_n to_o act_n or_o operate_v in_o opposition_n to_o impotence_n weakness_n or_o inability_n and_o this_o perfection_n no_o one_o sure_a can_v possible_o doubt_v to_o be_v in_o the_o deity_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o life_n and_o activity_n in_o ourselves_o can_v proceed_v from_o a_o dead_a and_o unactive_a principle_n our_o reason_n must_v needs_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o inanimate_a and_o impotent_a deity_n or_o of_o one_o that_o be_v any_o way_n defective_a in_o power_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o be_v from_o who_o all_o life_n power_n and_o energy_n be_v derive_v can_v be_v without_o it_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o who_o have_v as_o simplicius_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o whole_a entire_a or_o perfect_a power_n that_o have_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n at_o his_o command_n can_v be_v unable_a to_o perform_v whatever_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v that_o be_v whatever_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o other_o attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o if_o so_o must_v not_o then_o such_o a_o be_v be_v own_a to_o be_v almighty_a or_o omnipotent_a from_o whence_o we_o see_v another_o great_a attribute_n do_v plain_o arise_v and_o of_o this_o attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o clear_a notion_n all_o along_o among_o the_o heathen_a writer_n as_o appear_v from_o homer_n in_o many_o place_n who_o speak_v of_o god_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o thing_n also_o we_o have_v in_o the_o fragment_n of_o linus_n long_o before_o he_o and_o in_o callimachus_n also_o in_o express_a word_n as_o also_o in_o agatho_n a_o ancient_a greek_a poet_n cite_v by_o aristotle_n in_o his_o ethic_n so_o in_o virgil_n and_o ovid_n you_o have_v frequent_o the_o title_n of_o pater_fw-la omnipotens_fw-la give_v to_o the_o deity_n and_o this_o attribute_n of_o infinite_a power_n in_o god_n epicurus_n set_v
most_o material_a and_o essential_a point_n and_o indeed_o have_v leave_v we_o no_o possible_a way_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o when_o as_o i_o have_v show_v above_o god_n have_v not_o only_o fix_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o also_o dispose_v they_o so_o that_o every_o power_n faculty_n and_o capacity_n of_o they_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o way_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v we_o entire_o happy_a if_o i_o say_v after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o moral_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n and_o action_n both_o in_o we_o and_o the_o deity_n be_v pure_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a it_o be_v plain_a reason_n be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o guide_n that_o serve_v to_o no_o manner_n of_o purpose_n but_o to_o bewild_a we_o in_o the_o infinite_a maze_n of_o error_n and_o to_o expose_v we_o to_o roam_v and_o float_v about_o in_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n of_o scepticism_n where_o we_o can_v never_o find_v our_o way_n certain_o to_o any_o place_n nor_o direct_v our_o course_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o but_o this_o not_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v of_o the_o deity_n who_o contain_v in_o himself_o all_o possible_a excellence_n and_o perfection_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o our_o reason_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o conclude_v the_o deity_n also_o guide_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o his_o proceed_n by_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o will_v and_o do_v always_o exercise_v love_v kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v and_o indeed_o the_o hobbian_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n guide_v only_o by_o arbitrary_a will_n omnipotent_a without_o any_o regard_n to_o reason_n goodness_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n be_v so_o far_o from_o attribute_v any_o perfection_n to_o god_n or_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v the_o liberty_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o it_o real_o introduce_v the_o great_a weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o most_o brutish_a madness_n that_o can_v be_v for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o irresistible_a and_o extravagant_a will_n pursue_v the_o most_o fortuitous_a caprichio_n of_o humour_n without_o any_o wisdom_n end_n or_o design_n to_o regulate_v its_o motion_n by_o and_o of_o this_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o they_o always_o connect_v goodness_n with_o the_o idea_n that_o they_o have_v of_o a_o omnipotent_a mind_n be_v supreme_a lord_n over_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o universe_n for_o mind_n not_o guide_v and_o direct_v by_o goodness_n be_v according_a to_o they_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mere_a folly_n and_o madness_n and_o consequent_o no_o true_a deity_n there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o celsus_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o though_o introduce_v upon_o another_o design_n yet_o very_o clear_o show_v the_o idea_n that_o the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o deity_n god_n say_v he_o can_v do_v evil_a thing_n nor_o will_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o reason_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o precedent_n or_o governor_n of_o irregular_a or_o inordinate_a desire_n nor_o of_o erroneous_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n but_o of_o a_o nature_n true_o just_a and_o righteous_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n contr_n cels._n lib._n 5._o p._n 240._o cantabr_n excellent_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o say_v of_o plotinus_n the_o deity_n do_v always_o act_v according_a to_o his_o nature_n or_o essence_n and_o that_o nature_n or_o essence_n discover_v goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n for_o indeed_o if_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v there_o i._n e._n in_o god_n where_o can_v they_o else_o be_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 265._o ficin_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o heathen_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n that_o the_o deity_n must_v be_v a_o good_a just_a and_o righteous_a be_v because_o several_a of_o the_o old_a atheist_n as_o protagoras_n etc._n etc._n argue_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n from_o the_o world_n be_v so_o ill_o make_v and_o order_v as_o it_o be_v and_o from_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_a and_o misery_n among_o mankind_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o find_v in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o there_o have_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o bring_v it_o if_o both_o the_o atheistical_a proposer_n of_o it_o and_o their_o antagonist_n have_v not_o have_v a_o clear_a notion_n that_o goodness_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v natural_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n according_o vaninus_n tell_v we_o that_o protagoras_n use_v to_o say_v si_fw-mi deus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la unde_fw-la igitur_fw-la bona_fw-la si_fw-mi autem_fw-la est_fw-la unde_fw-la mala_fw-la amph._n aetern_a provide_v p._n 90._o and_o the_o same_o thing_n tully_n tell_v we_o also_o lib._n de_fw-fr nat._n deorum_fw-la that_o diagoras_n use_v to_o object_n against_o a_o deity_n all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v some_o common_a standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v always_o these_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n connect_v with_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v gain_v one_o more_o good_a argument_n for_o this_o natural_a and_o eternal_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o a_o yet_o much_o noble_a foundation_n for_o morality_n for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o a_o god_n who_o have_v perfect_a goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n essential_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o who_o have_v create_v several_a order_n of_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o in_o order_n to_o display_v his_o own_o glory_n by_o his_o just_a kind_a and_o gracious_a deal_v with_o they_o we_o can_v but_o think_v i_o say_v that_o god_n will_v give_v to_o those_o of_o his_o creature_n who_o he_o have_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o a_o power_n of_o liberty_n and_o choice_n such_o a_o method_n of_o know_v his_o will_n the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o but_o by_o their_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_v and_o also_o that_o he_o will_v make_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n so_o plain_a and_o conspicuous_a that_o no_o one_o can_v miss_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o by_o a_o wilful_a violation_n of_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n god_n have_v gracious_o implant_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o this_o we_o see_v god_n have_v actual_o do_v and_o indeed_o much_o more_o have_v over_o and_o above_o connect_v very_o great_a reward_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n and_o have_v either_o natural_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o notion_n of_o some_o future_a state_n or_o else_o have_v give_v our_o nature_n such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o notion_n for_o we_o find_v a_o very_a plain_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o state_n among_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a heathen_n and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o he_o have_v also_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o instruction_n whereby_o we_o may_v if_o we_o will_v gain_v a_o yet_o plain_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v more_o perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o method_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o find_v also_o much_o high_a encouragement_n and_o much_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n than_o we_o have_v before_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o this_o be_v vouchsafe_v we_o to_o enforce_v the_o more_o effectual_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o more_o perfect_o to_o perform_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n approve_v as_o good_a lovely_a and_o advantageous_a to_o human_a nature_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n remark_n upon_o some_o late_a paper_n relate_v to_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n and_o immorality_n and_o pride_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n the_o atheist_n objection_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n refute_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o
condition_n in_o a_o uninterrupted_a enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a delight_n and_o quite_o stupefy_v and_o drown_v their_o conscience_n and_o reason_n in_o continual_a excess_n and_o debauchery_n and_o thus_o very_a many_o commence_v atheist_n out_o of_o downright_a sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o come_v at_o last_o to_o believe_v nothing_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o never_o think_v any_o thing_n about_o it_o nor_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o other_o who_o have_v be_v a_o little_a enure_v to_o think_v and_o have_v get_v some_o small_a smattering_n in_o the_o superficial_a part_n of_o learning_n will_v endeavour_v to_o defend_v their_o wicked_a practice_n by_o some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o argument_n these_o will_v one_o while_n justify_v their_o action_n by_o force_a and_o wrest_a citation_n and_o explication_n of_o some_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n at_o another_o time_n they_o will_v shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prevarication_n of_o some_o great_a man_n in_o sacred_a scripture_n as_o a_o licence_n to_o they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a wicked_a act_n without_o consider_v at_o all_o of_o their_o great_a penitence_n afterward_o sometime_o they_o will_v dispute_v the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n torment_n deny_v that_o their_o soul_n shall_v survive_v the_o body_n and_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o glorious_a hope_n of_o be_v utter_o annihilate_v now_o they_o will_v argue_v against_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o by_o and_o by_o against_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o from_o both_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o harm_n nor_o evil_a in_o what_o they_o do_v because_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessitate_v to_o every_o thing_n they_o commit_v but_o against_o all_o this_o precarious_a stuff_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v yet_o appear_v and_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a refutation_n the_o next_o step_v therefore_o must_v be_v to_o quarrel_v at_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v absurdity_n contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o they_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o religion_n they_o contain_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a human_n and_o political_a institution_n and_o the_o invention_n of_o a_o crafty_a and_o design_v order_n of_o man_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o divine_a authority_n nor_o universal_a obligation_n and_o when_o once_o they_o get_v thus_o far_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v at_o liberty_n now_o they_o can_v pursue_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n without_o control_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o the_o conviction_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o be_v get_v above_o the_o childish_a fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n by_o this_o time_n the_o true_a and_o through_o calenture_n of_o mind_n begin_v they_o grow_v now_o delirious_o enamour_v with_o the_o feign_a product_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o these_o notion_n appear_v to_o they_o now_o adorn_v with_o such_o bright_a and_o radiant_a colour_n and_o so_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a that_o they_o will_v rush_v headlong_o into_o this_o fool_n paradise_n though_o eternal_a destruction_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n for_o now_o they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o they_o retrench_v the_o deity_n of_o all_o his_o attribute_n absolute_o deny_v his_o presidence_n over_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v he_o nothing_o but_o a_o kind_n of_o necessary_a and_o blind_a cause_n of_o thing_n nature_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n or_o some_o such_o word_n which_o they_o have_v happen_v to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a writer_n but_o they_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o he_o at_o all_o and_o what_o they_o can_v conceive_v or_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o they_o say_v be_v nothing_o and_o by_o consequence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n this_o or_o such_o like_a i_o be_o persuade_v be_v the_o usual_a method_n by_o which_o these_o kind_n of_o man_n advance_v to_o absolute_a infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o in_o this_o they_o be_v every_o step_n confirm_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o seem_a wit_n and_o real_a boldness_n with_o which_o atheistical_a man_n dress_v up_o their_o argument_n and_o discourse_n and_o of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v strip_v and_o divest_v their_o weakness_n and_o inconclusiveness_n must_v needs_o appear_v to_o every_o one_o but_o the_o mirth_n and_o humour_n and_o that_o surprise_v and_o extravagant_a vein_n of_o talk_v which_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o company_n of_o such_o man_n so_o suit_n and_o agree_v with_o his_o own_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o he_o become_v easy_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o any_o obligation_n to_o its_o precept_n and_o injunction_n and_o so_o he_o will_v soon_o resolve_v to_o seek_v no_o more_o after_o god_n but_o will_v employ_v all_o his_o thought_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o appear_v whole_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o absolute_a infidelity_n and_o atheism_n if_o he_o have_v be_v virtuous_o educate_v and_o be_v incline_v to_o live_v a_o sober_a and_o a_o moral_a life_n for_o there_o be_v certain_o nothing_o that_o religion_n enjoin_v but_o what_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n and_o virtue_n nothing_o but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n nothing_o but_o what_o be_v substantial_o good_a and_o pleasant_a and_o nothing_o but_o what_o will_v approve_v itself_o to_o a_o think_v mind_n as_o certain_o conduce_v to_o the_o good_a of_o human_a society_n and_o to_o every_o one_o quiet_n ease_n and_o happiness_n here_o in_o this_o life_n and_o over_o and_o above_o this_o it_o give_v we_o a_o assurance_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a man_n and_o one_o that_o be_v not_o prejudice_v by_o the_o inducement_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n if_o he_o serious_o consider_v thing_n will_v not_o be_v induce_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o with_o all_o due_a gratitude_n to_o our_o gracious_a god_n accept_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o reward_n as_o this_o of_o eternal_a happiness_n especial_o too_o when_o it_o be_v for_o do_v that_o only_a out_o of_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o religion_n which_o it_o be_v suppose_v he_o be_v incline_v to_o perform_v without_o it_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o honour_n a_o man_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o live_v virtuous_o just_o temperate_o and_o peaceable_o in_o this_o present_a world_n will_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v if_o he_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o for_o who_o advancement_n and_o propagation_n among_o mankind_n all_o that_o gracious_a dispensation_n be_v contrive_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o what_o reason_n can_v therefore_o be_v possible_o assign_v why_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n so_o natural_a to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a inducement_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o will_v not_o every_o man_n aim_n to_o get_v as_o much_o of_o this_o as_o he_o can_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o what_o be_v there_o then_o that_o can_v prejudice_v such_o a_o man_n mind_n against_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o embrace_v any_o offer_n that_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o great_a advantage_n and_o be_v not_o we_o very_o ready_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v advance_v of_o that_o nature_n the_o great_a truth_n therefore_o of_o religion_n contain_v nothing_o impossible_a absurd_a or_o improbable_a in_o they_o and_o exhibit_v to_o he_o infinite_a advantage_n on_o such_o easy_a condition_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o delightful_a object_n of_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n faith_n he_o indeed_o that_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o fear_v that_o his_o irregular_a life_n will_v incapacitate_v he_o for_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o another_o world_n may_v be_v willing_a and_o at_o last_o infatuate_v so_o far_o as_o real_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o he_o know_v he_o can_v obtain_v but_o one_o that_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a sober_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n can_v never_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o unaccountable_o absurd_a as_o to_o commence_v atheist_n contrary_a to_o his_o interest_n his_o inclination_n and_o his_o reason_n and_o as_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o conceive_v a_o person_n can_v be_v a_o atheist_n without_o be_v first_o wicked_a
can_v please_v himself_o at_o last_o with_o say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o err_v like_o a_o fool_n but_o secundum_fw-la verbum_fw-la vid._n oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 92._o when_o man_n have_v a_o while_n enure_v themselves_o to_o talk_v at_o this_o rate_n and_o to_o blow_v themselves_o up_o with_o such_o lofty_a conceit_n and_o fancy_n they_o grow_v by_o degree_n more_o and_o more_o opinionate_a and_o do_v dote_v more_o and_o more_o on_o their_o own_o dear_a notion_n and_o find_v by_o this_o mean_v quiet_a and_o ease_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o at_o last_o degenerate_a so_o far_o as_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o perhaps_o at_o first_o advance_v and_o talk_v only_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o become_v so_o stupid_a and_o blind_a as_o like_o great_a liar_n to_o believe_v their_o own_o figment_n and_o invention_n ephesian_n to_o such_o any_o extravagant_a and_o inconsistent_a hypothesis_n so_o it_o do_v but_o clash_v with_o sacred_a scripture_n shall_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o real_a demonstration_n a_o bold_a and_o dare_a falsity_n shall_v pass_v for_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o a_o profane_a jest_n or_o a_o scurrilous_a reflection_n on_o the_o character_n or_o person_n of_o one_o in_o holy_a order_n shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a refutation_n of_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n he_o can_v bring_v against_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o though_o a_o proud_a man_n always_o think_v himself_o in_o the_o right_n and_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o a_o exemption_n from_o the_o common_a frailty_n and_o error_n of_o mankind_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o body_n so_o frequent_o deceive_v and_o mistake_v as_o he_o for_o he_o do_v so_o over-estimate_n all_o his_o faculty_n and_o endowment_n and_o be_v so_o much_o enamour_v of_o and_o trust_n so_o much_o to_o his_o own_o quickness_n and_o penetration_n that_o he_o usual_o imagine_v his_o great_a genius_n able_a to_o 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abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o such_o author_n and_o the_o real_a ground_n both_o of_o their_o embrace_v and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n plato_n describe_v the_o atheist_n of_o his_o age_n to_o be_v a_o proud_a insolent_a and_o haughty_a sort_n of_o man_n the_o ground_n of_o who_o opinion_n be_v he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o reality_n a_o very_a mischievous_a ignorance_n though_o to_o the_o conceit_a vender_n and_o embracer_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o wise_a of_o all_o opinion_n lactantius_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o discourse_n de_fw-fr ira_fw-la dei_fw-la p._n 729._o oxon._n that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o diagoras_n melius_n and_o theodorus_n two_o of_o the_o ancient_a atheist_n deny_v a_o deity_n be_v that_o they_o may_v gain_v the_o glory_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o some_o new_a opinion_n contradictory_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o diagoras_n sextus_n empiricus_n acquaint_v we_o that_o because_o a_o certain_a perjure_a person_n who_o have_v wrong_v he_o live_v unpunished_a by_o the_o god_n he_o be_v so_o enrage_v at_o it_o that_o he_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o lib._n adr._n mathem_n edit_fw-la genev._n 1621._o the_o like_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n lactantius_n tell_v we_o he_o find_v in_o the_o two_o great_a writer_n that_o appear_v against_o christianity_n in_o his_o time_n in_o bythinia_n the_o former_a of_o these_o who_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v the_o famous_a porphyry_n call_v himself_o antistes_fw-la philosophiae_fw-la the_o chief_a or_o prince_n of_o philosopher_n and_o say_v lactantius_n nescio_fw-la utrum_fw-la superbius_fw-la a_o importunius_fw-la pretend_v to_o correct_v the_o blind_a error_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o guide_v man_n into_o the_o true_a way_n he_o can_v not_o bear_v that_o unskilful_a and_o innocent_a person_n shall_v be_v enslave_v by_o the_o cheat_n of_o and_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o crafty_a and_o design_v men._n lib._n de_fw-fr justit_fw-la p._n 420_o 421._o oxon._n with_o the_o like_a assurance_n do_v the_o modern_a writer_n of_o this_o kind_n express_v themselves_o and_o though_o they_o have_v in_o reality_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o new_a but_o only_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o ancient_n a_o little_a vary_a and_o embellish_v as_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o observe_v hereafter_o more_o at_o large_a yet_o they_o all_o set_v up_o for_o new_a light_n and_o mighty_a discoverer_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n and_o all_o of_o they_o assume_v the_o glory_n of_o first_o lead_v man_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o dark_a maze_n of_o vulgar_a error_n this_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o vanini_n who_o be_v burn_v for_o atheism_n at_o tholouse_n a._n d._n 1619._o who_o mind_n he_o say_v grow_v more_o and_o more_o strong_a healthful_a and_o robu_v judicatura_fw-la as_o he_o exercise_v it_o in_o search_v out_o the_o secret_n of_o that_o supreme_a philosophy_n which_o be_v whole_o unknown_a to_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a rank_n of_o philosopher_n and_o this_o he_o say_v will_v soon_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o perusal_n of_o his_o physico-magicum_a which_o be_v now_o to_o see_v the_o light_n vid._n vanini_n amphitheatr_n in_o epist._n dedicat._n after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v machiavelli_n spinoza_n hobbs_n blount_n and_o all_o the_o late_a atheistical_a writer_n deliver_v themselves_o instance_n of_o which_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o stay_v to_o give_v since_o it_o be_v conspicuous_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o write_n and_o no_o doubt_n take_v notice_n of_o by_o every_o reader_n only_o of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n machiavelli_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o vanini_n himself_o say_v that_o it_o be_v his_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n that_o make_v he_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o sacred_a scripture_n amphitheatr_n p._n 51._o edit_fw-la lugduni_n 1615._o and_o as_o the_o write_n so_o the_o discourse_n of_o these_o gentleman_n do_v equal_o discover_v this_o pride_n and_o vanity_n for_o they_o do_v usual_o deliver_v themselves_o with_o such_o a_o scornful_a and_o contemptuous_a air_n when_o they_o either_o endeavour_n to_o establish_v their_o own_o or_o to_o overthrow_v their_o adversary_n argument_n as_o sufficient_o show_v the_o propriety_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o psalmist_n observation_n here_o that_o it_o be_v through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n that_o the_o wicked_a will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n the_o lxxii_o indeed_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d through_o the_o abundance_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v follow_v by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_n as_o if_o the_o wicked_a be_v angry_a against_o god_n and_o enrage_v at_o his_o presidency_n over_o humane_a affair_n as_o if_o 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thing_n we_o can_v indeed_o perfect_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n because_o we_o have_v shallow_a limit_v finite_a and_o imperfect_a capacity_n and_o faculty_n and_o the_o deity_n contain_v in_o himself_o all_o possible_a perfection_n every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o lesser_a shall_v contain_v and_o comprehend_v the_o great_a especial_o too_o when_o the_o extent_n and_o fullness_n of_o one_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o other_o from_o hence_o therefore_o to_o infer_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n nor_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o god_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o incongruous_a it_o be_v a_o strange_a method_n of_o argue_v that_o i_o can_v know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o a_o thing_n because_o i_o can_v know_v every_o particular_a that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o he_o will_v deserve_o be_v esteem_v a_o madman_n that_o shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o sun_n because_o he_o can_v tell_v 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their_o form_n be_v but_o then_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o know_v can_v be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n since_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o its_o be_v a_o active_a intelligent_a wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v as_o that_o must_v be_v but_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pure_o passive_a and_o obsequious_o capable_a of_o all_o variety_n of_o form_n and_o motion_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o more_o large_o show_v if_o we_o far_a careful_o consider_v of_o this_o be_v that_o we_o have_v thus_o find_v must_v have_v eternal_o be_v or_o exi_v we_o shall_v find_v also_o that_o it_o must_v for_o ever_o continue_v to_o be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o a_o be_v that_o have_v eternal_o exi_v for_o the_o time_n past_a shall_v ever_o terminate_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v since_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o its_o self_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n without_o it_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o its_o destruction_n such_o a_o be_v therefore_o will_v be_v proper_o eternal_a and_o necessary_o self-existent_a without_o begin_v or_o end_n or_o any_o possibility_n of_o die_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v such_o a_o be_v also_o must_v on_o this_o account_n be_v the_o creator_n author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v either_o be_v eternal_a and_o necessary_o self_n existent_a as_o we_o be_v assure_v they_o be_v not_o or_o else_o derive_v from_o and_o produce_v by_o this_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a be_v and_o as_o the_o being_n themselves_o be_v derive_v from_o and_o produce_v by_o this_o eternal_a and_o self_n existent_n be_v so_o
of_o success_n give_v they_o thanks_o make_v the_o creature_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n go_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o religion_n which_o man_n take_v notice_n of_o have_v form_v into_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o another_o place_n 51._o that_o fear_v of_o power_n invisible_a feign_v by_o the_o mind_n or_o imagine_v from_o tale_n public_o allow_v be_v religion_n not_o allow_v be_v superstition_n so_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n hobbs_n religion_n and_o superstition_n differ_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o lie_n and_o a_o cheat_n stand_v only_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o private_a man_n whereas_o the_o former_a be_v support_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o government_n in_o these_o four_o thing_n say_v he_o elsewhere_o 54._o consist_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o religion_n viz._n ignorance_n of_o second_o cause_n opinion_n of_o ghost_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v and_o take_v thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n 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belief_n of_o a_o god_n let_v we_o now_o fair_o examine_v the_o case_n and_o see_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o such_o a_o assertion_n and_o whether_o this_o can_v account_v for_o that_o universal_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o omnipotent_a be_v which_o we_o find_v every_o where_o in_o the_o world_n and_o 1._o i_o say_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n can_v not_o come_v from_o fear_n for_o if_o it_o do_v either_o this_o fear_n must_v be_v universal_o inherent_a in_o all_o mankind_n or_o else_o peculiar_a only_o to_o some_o dastardly_a and_o low-spirited_n mortal_n if_o the_o former_a be_v assert_v it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o fear_n and_o that_o it_o have_v something_o that_o be_v real_a for_o its_o object_n that_o can_v thus_o affect_v all_o man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o all_o man_n be_v natural_o subject_a to_o this_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n how_o can_v any_o one_o ever_o discover_v that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a ground_n for_o this_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n how_o come_v he_o himself_o exempt_v from_o this_o poorness_n of_o spirit_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o this_o terrible_a passion_n how_o come_v he_o to_o discover_v that_o the_o object_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v all_o a_o cheat_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a mormo_n and_o bugbear_n it_o be_v very_o lucky_a for_o he_o that_o the_o ramble_a atom_n of_o his_o constitution_n jump_v by_o chance_n into_o such_o a_o courageous_a and_o noble_a frame_n and_o temper_v but_o pray_v who_o be_v this_o mighty_a man_n when_o and_o where_o do_v he_o live_v what_o ancient_a history_n give_v we_o any_o account_n of_o this_o happy_a person_n that_o laugh_v at_o that_o which_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o be_v afraid_a of_o let_v the_o atheist_n give_v we_o but_o any_o relation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v authentic_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v as_o the_o great_a thing_n 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that_o by_o brave_a and_o great_a soul_n they_o do_v mean_v king_n and_o prince_n but_o the_o wise_a know_v and_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v they_o that_o first_o discover_v this_o cheat_n and_o who_o find_v its_o advantage_n to_o mankind_n have_v ever_o since_o continue_v it_o and_o carry_v it_o on_o for_o the_o public_a good_n these_o cunning_a man_n find_v the_o vulgar_a general_o subject_a to_o dismal_a apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o they_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o invisible_a power_n take_v advantage_n from_o thence_o to_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o form_v the_o product_n of_o their_o fear_n into_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n now_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o these_o cunning_a politician_n find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fear_n dread_a and_o apprehension_n of_o some_o
divine_a and_o almighty_a be_v universal_o impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o very_a convince_a argument_n that_o such_o a_o belief_n have_v a_o good_a foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o consequent_o have_v truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o man_n do_v not_o invent_v but_o find_v this_o notion_n and_o belief_n actual_o exist_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o anticipation_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o invent_v it_o have_v there_o be_v no_o ground_n nor_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o belief_n i_o shall_v plain_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o but_o again_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n do_v not_o arise_v only_o from_o fear_n be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o mankind_n have_v get_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o can_v never_o proceed_v only_o from_o that_o passion_n if_o fear_v only_o be_v to_o make_v a_o god_n it_o will_v compose_v he_o of_o nothing_o but_o black_a and_o terrible_a idea_n it_o will_v represent_v he_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o envious_a and_o spiteful_a a_o grim_a angry_a and_o vindicative_a be_v one_o that_o delight_v in_o nothing_o but_o to_o exercise_v his_o tyrannical_a power_n and_o cruelty_n upon_o mankind_n we_o shall_v then_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o the_o indian_n do_v their_o evil_a god_n and_o we_o do_v the_o devil_n a_o mischievous_a and_o bloody_a deity_n that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n for_o these_o must_v be_v the_o dreadful_a attribute_n of_o a_o be_v which_o fear_v only_o will_v create_v and_o set_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n but_o now_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o find_v a_o quite_o different_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n we_o just_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o most_o kind_a love_v and_o gracious_a be_v and_o who_o mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n 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powerful_a and_o invisible_a be_v which_o they_o hope_v will_v do_v they_o as_o much_o good_a as_o they_o be_v afraid_a it_o will_v do_v they_o hurt_v 47._o but_o these_o two_o contrary_a idea_n like_o equal_a quantity_n in_o a_o equation_n with_o contrary_a sign_n will_v destroy_v one_o another_o and_o consequent_o the_o remainder_n will_v be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n must_v lay_v aside_o such_o a_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v well_o consider_v it_o for_o it_o will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o another_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n do_v not_o take_v its_o first_o original_a from_o fear_n only_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o hence_o that_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v and_o know_v most_o of_o god_n be_v the_o least_o subject_a to_o that_o servile_a passion_n if_o fear_v only_o occasion_v man_n notion_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n the_o consequence_n must_v be_v that_o where_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v most_o strong_a and_o vivid_v there_o man_n must_v be_v most_o timorous_a and_o apprehensive_a of_o danger_n there_o the_o great_a distrust_n suspicion_n and_o anxious_a sollicitousness_n about_o the_o event_n of_o futurity_n will_v be_v always_o find_v but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n that_o no_o one_o be_v so_o free_a from_o those_o melancholy_a and_o dreadful_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n as_o he_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o and_o fear_n god_n for_o he_o can_v find_v always_o in_o he_o almighty_a defence_n and_o protection_n he_o can_v cast_v all_o his_o care_n on_o god_n who_o he_o know_v care_v for_o he_o when_o all_o the_o treacherous_a comfort_n of_o this_o world_n leave_v he_o and_o when_o nothing_o but_o a_o gloomy_a scene_n of_o affliction_n distress_n and_o misery_n present_v its_o self_n here_o yea_o even_o when_o heart_n itself_o and_o strength_n begin_v to_o fail_v god_n will_v be_v he_o know_v the_o strength_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o even_o in_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o his_o affliction_n god_n comfort_n will_v refresh_v his_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o miserable_a wretch_n that_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o nor_o any_o knowledge_n of_o god_n if_o he_o fall_v into_o affliction_n trouble_v or_o misery_n he_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v he_o he_o be_v the_o most_o abject_a and_o dispirited_a of_o all_o mankind_n his_o whole_a head_n be_v sick_a and_o his_o heart_n be_v faint_a and_o his_o spirit_n can_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n for_o he_o have_v not_o only_o no_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o bear_v the_o present_a load_n of_o misery_n but_o he_o expect_v yet_o much_o worse_a to_o come_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o former_a incredulity_n and_o bravery_n he_o now_o as_o the_o devil_n himself_o do_v believe_v and_o tremble_v and_o therefore_o though_o as_o plutarch_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o atheism_n to_o give_v man_n a_o exemption_n from_o fear_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a foolish_a one_o and_o fall_v very_o far_o short_a of_o answer_v its_o end_n for_o it_o desert_n and_o fail_v its_o votary_n in_o their_o great_a extremity_n and_o necessity_n and_o by_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o just_a ground_n for_o hope_n must_v needs_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o most_o dismal_a invasion_n of_o fear_n and_o thus_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n can_v not_o take_v its_o first_o original_a from_o fear_n as_o to_o the_o ignorance_n of_o second_o cause_n which_o be_v sometime_o allege_a as_o another_o occasion_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o modern_a atheist_n do_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v not_o do_v so_o in_o its_o refutation_n i_o have_v show_v already_o whence_o they_o have_v it_o and_o i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o observe_v here_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o ignorant_a of_o second_o cause_n nor_o any_o that_o give_v so_o poor_a and_o trifle_a account_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n as_o these_o atheistical_a philosopher_n do_v and_o therefore_o ignorance_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n than_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o a_o through_o insight_n into_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n of_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n excellent_a order_n and_o that_o useful_a aptitude_n and_o relation_n that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v to_o each_o other_o must_v needs_o convince_v any_o one_o that_o they_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o almighty_a
for_o a_o deity_n without_o the_o attribute_n of_o understanding_n and_o wisdom_n without_o end_n or_o design_n none_o of_o which_o mr._n hobbs_n assert_n express_o can_v be_v in_o god_n 190._o be_v a_o ridiculous_a stupid_a be_v a_o idol_n that_o every_o rational_a agent_n must_v needs_o despise_v and_o which_o can_v never_o be_v the_o object_n of_o any_o one_o adoration_n love_n or_o obedience_n to_o assert_v therefore_o that_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o reason_n nor_o agreeable_a to_o philosophical_a truth_n but_o may_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o the_o sovereign_a power_n please_v to_o make_v they_o this_o be_v design_o to_o expose_v the_o belief_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o to_o render_v it_o so_o precarious_a that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o no_o rational_a man_n faith_n and_o this_o last_o name_v writer_n treat_v the_o deity_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o most_o other_o place_n of_o his_o work_n he_o 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