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cause_n good_a know_v see_v 4,988 5 3.1452 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49908 A treatise of the causes of incredulity wherein are examin'd the general motives and occasions which dispose unbelievers to reject the Christian religion : with two letters, containing a direct proof of the truth of Christianity / translated from the French of Monsieur Le Clerc.; De l'incredulité. English Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736. 1697 (1697) Wing L827; ESTC R19200 151,596 339

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religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v 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hear_v as_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o be_v not_o the_o less_o false_a for_o that_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n teach_v we_o indeed_o those_o who_o use_v that_o argument_n to_o make_v miracle_n doubtful_a do_v it_o only_o to_o perplex_v simple_a man_n who_o hear_v they_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o we_o be_v perfect_o sure_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v doubtful_a by_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contradictory_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v true_a if_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o miraculous_a effect_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v ground_v they_o will_v roundly_o do_v it_o and_o not_o have_v recourse_n to_o objection_n so_o little_o judicious_a but_o not_o dare_v to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v the_o contrary_a of_o what_o we_o believe_v look_v probable_a they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o some_o such_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v now_o to_o confute_v all_o 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it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o miracle_n which_o providence_n wrought_v in_o his_o behalf_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o heaven_n approve_v his_o design_n to_o give_v another_o example_n fetch_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o prince_n 10._o prince_n vid._n q._n curt._n lib._n 10._o c._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o corpse_n remain_v seven_o day_n at_o babylon_n before_o it_o be_v embalm_v without_o smell_v ill_o in_o the_o least_o nor_o have_v his_o face_n a_o different_a colour_n than_o what_o it_o have_v whilst_o he_o be_v alive_a though_o it_o be_v extreme_o hot_a in_o that_o climate_n wherein_o babylon_n be_v situate_v let_v we_o suppose_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o fact_n but_o also_o that_o natural_a cause_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o such_o a_o thing_n either_o for_o or_o against_o alexander_n for_o indeed_o what_o can_v the_o invisible_a power_n mean_v 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do_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v we_o that_o they_o be_v miraculous_a fact_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o foretell_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o the_o like_a miracle_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o pitch_v upon_o one_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o it_o it_o be_v of_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v true_a the_o rest_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o mean_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o we_o see_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o no_o man_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n can_v restore_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n though_o the_o humane_a body_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o no_o more_o than_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n yet_o we_o may_v affirm_v without_o rashness_n 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day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o be_v not_o deceive_v that_o fact_n be_v undeniable_a and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o who_o raise_v jesus_n christ_n bear_v he_o a_o testimony_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n letter_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v on_o that_o occasion_n their_o master_n be_v not_o hide_v in_o a_o chamber_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v upon_o a_o cross_n and_o in_o a_o public_a place_n surround_v with_o roman_a soldier_n he_o have_v be_v bury_v his_o enemy_n seal_v his_o sepulchre_n they_o set_v a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n about_o it_o and_o he_o be_v above_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n in_o it_o therefore_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v true_o dead_a and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o question_v it_o afterward_o they_o see_v he_o several_a time_n touch_v he_o speak_v with_o he_o and_z ate_z with_o he_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o wherefore_o if_o the_o thing_n have_v not_o happen_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v their_o sincerity_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a man_n which_o they_o certain_o be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n can_v be_v doubt_v of_o 7._o the_o more_o we_o examine_v their_o testimony_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o without_o insist_v long_o upon_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o observe_v against_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o feign_a miracle_n can_v be_v object_v against_o that_o miracle_n and_o other_o miracle_n of_o
great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o immediate_o precede_v it_o that_o this_o matter_n be_v never_o manage_v with_o better_a success_n the_o heathen_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o mahometans_n be_v not_o ill_o confute_v before_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v ever_o so_o well_o prove_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n nevertheless_o that_o there_o be_v still_o one_o thing_n behind_o which_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a have_v either_o not_o touch_v at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o slight_o i_o mean_v the_o secret_a motive_n and_o general_a reason_n which_o the_o incredulous_a have_v of_o not_o believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v their_o internal_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n do_v so_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o reason_n offer_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a themselves_o of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o do_v this_o that_o all_o speak_n to_o they_o be_v in_o vain_a before_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o impose_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 3.20_o joh._n 3.20_o neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v which_o signify_v that_o unbeliever_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o have_v long_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o many_o year_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n 21._o ver._n 21._o that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v easy_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n for_o example_n who_o discover_v several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v false_a judge_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a they_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o thousand_o lie_a miracle_n to_o who_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v join_v but_o find_v the_o modern_a miracle_n to_o be_v imposture_n they_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a one_o than_o another_o all_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o but_o as_o a_o totter_a fabric_n it_o must_v be_v show_v the_o incredulous_a then_o that_o those_o reason_n draw_v from_o without_o which_o
it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o and_o the_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n by_o little_a and_o little_o will_v the_o desire_n of_o see_v his_o enemy_n cure_v of_o so_o great_a a_o imperfection_n increase_n and_o he_o will_v insensible_o rid_v himself_o of_o it_o to_o show_v they_o a_o good_a example_n at_o length_n instead_o of_o longing_n to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o his_o enemy_n instead_o of_o make_v imprecation_n against_o they_o he_o will_v ardent_o wish_v they_o may_v become_v better_a man_n and_o will_v beg_v it_o of_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n nay_o he_o will_v on_o his_o side_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o after_o pray_v god_n as_o he_o do_v for_o himself_o that_o his_o enemy_n may_v become_v more_o virtuous_a he_o will_v wish_v they_o all_o that_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o bestow_v and_o more_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v desire_v it_o for_o himself_o now_o this_o it_o be_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n for_o we_o can_v love_v they_o above_o ourselves_o and_o the_o gospel_n require_v no_o more_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o thought_n be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v all_o mankind_n have_v the_o like_a idea_n and_o as_o man_n so_o dispose_v will_v very_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o love_v our_o enemy_n they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o this_o precept_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o this_o be_v that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n do_v it_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o moral_n which_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n very_o good_a and_o ground_v upon_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o their_o opinion_n incredible_a mystery_n and_o suppose_v miracle_n that_o have_v no_o probability_n two_o thing_n we_o must_v remark_n then_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o difficulty_n they_o pretend_v of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n of_o religion_n or_o whether_o the_o dislike_n of_o its_o moral_a precept_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o incredulity_n the_o first_o be_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n as_o incomprehensible_a or_o perplex_v and_o the_o second_o if_o the_o maxim_n of_o their_o moral_n be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o plain_o opposite_a to_o it_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o upon_o all_o other_o account_v they_o ready_o believe_v thing_n they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o conduct_n be_v more_o than_o the_o gospel_n admit_v do_v they_o not_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o ill_a habit_n be_v the_o secret_a but_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o disbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o common_a as_o to_o see_v unbeliever_n strong_o persuade_v of_o judiciary_n astrology_n and_o believe_v that_o magician_n can_v do_v several_a thing_n beyond_o the_o power_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n two_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n for_o example_n who_o action_n will_v not_o let_v we_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a virtue_n be_v both_o accuse_v of_o believe_v the_o prediction_n of_o astrologer_n and_o one_o of_o they_o of_o persuade_v himself_o that_o a_o man_n who_o vomit_v several_a sort_n of_o liquor_n do_v it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n cardinal_n richlieu_n say_v a_o historian_n consult_v beside_o astrology_n all_o kind_n of_o divination_n even_o silly_a woman_n who_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o vapour_n that_o make_v they_o foretell_v by_o chance_n some_o fortuitous_a event_n he_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o art_n of_o throw_v out_o at_o the_o mouth_n all_o sort_n of_o liquor_n after_o have_v first_o drink_v water_n as_o be_v do_v by_o a_o italian_a mountebank_n mazarin_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o cardinal_n have_v at_o so_o simple_a a_o discourse_n burst_v out_o a_o laugh_v have_v like_a to_o lose_v his_o favour_n by_o it_o for_o the_o cardinal_n be_v provoke_v at_o this_o mirth_n whereby_o he_o think_v mazarin_n jeer_v he_o say_v ironical_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o monsieur_n mazarin_n who_o have_v a_o profound_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n mazarin_n very_o submissive_o reply_v that_o give_v the_o fifty_o pistol_n which_o the_o mountebank_n demand_v for_o teach_v his_o secret_n it_o may_v be_v see_v whether_o the_o devil_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o mazarin_n himself_o look_v upon_o all_o divination_n as_o foppery_n except_o astrology_n which_o he_o strong_o fancy_v though_o he_o feign_v the_o contrary_n when_o madam_n mancini_n his_o sister_n die_v and_o afterward_o the_o duchess_n of_o mercaeur_n his_o niece_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o a_o astrologer_n at_o rome_n give_v in_o write_v a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o become_v extraordinary_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a not_o out_o of_o tenderness_n to_o his_o relation_n but_o because_o this_o same_o astrologer_n have_v fix_v the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o death_n to_o a_o time_n that_o be_v very_o near_o he_o lose_v his_o appetite_n upon_o it_o and_o sleep_v not_o for_o many_o night_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v also_o know_v that_o the_o emperor_n julian_n who_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v extreme_o addict_v to_o the_o augury_n and_o presage_n draw_v from_o the_o entrails_n of_o victim_n and_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v blame_v he_o for_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v as_o hard_o to_o be_v credit_v consider_v in_o themselves_o as_o the_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o incredulous_a believe_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n because_o these_o opinion_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o manner_n of_o any_o person_n be_v live_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o incompatible_a as_o the_o christian_a moral_n be_v with_o their_o ill_a habit_n moreover_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n will_v strict_o examine_v themselves_o and_o compare_v their_o conduct_n with_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v i_o will_v own_v myself_o much_o deceive_v if_o they_o find_v it_o proof_n against_o the_o rigour_n of_o its_o precept_n julian_n of_o who_o i_o be_v speak_v have_v many_o excellent_a quality_n which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o quit_v by_o any_o mean_n have_v he_o remain_v still_o a_o christian_n and_o several_a bad_a one_o he_o have_v likewise_o which_o he_o must_v have_v rid_v himself_o of_o will_v he_o follow_v the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v which_o appear_v by_o many_o of_o his_o letter_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o notwithstanding_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o person_n do_v exceed_o contribute_v to_o make_v he_o receive_v or_o reject_v christianity_n and_o that_o unbeliever_n ought_v to_o examine_v themselves_o hereupon_o to_o see_v whether_o this_o whereof_o we_o accuse_v they_o be_v not_o true_a chap._n ii_o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v not_o grant_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n pride_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a persuasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v true_a not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v it_o as_o it_o do_v all_o other_o passion_n contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n but_o also_o because_o those_o affect_v with_o it_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v by_o a_o particular_a effect_n of_o this_o vice_n to_o reject_v unexamined_a the_o proof_n allege_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v what_o i_o design_n to_o show_v after_o i_o have_v first_o describe_v pride_n and_o its_o contrary_a virtue_n humility_n lest_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v concern_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v pride_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v a_o man_n imagine_v he_o possess_v more_o knowledge_n endowment_n or_o virtue_n than_o he_o true_o do_v and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o shall_v be_v more_o honour_a and_o esteem_v than_o he_o deserve_v the_o proud_a can_v without_o vexation_n bear_v that_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o refuse_v to_o other_o person_n they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o high_a idea_n of_o themselves_o but_o likewise_o despise_v other_o who_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v have_v not_o the_o same_o good_a quality_n nor_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o that_o esteem_n which_o
the_o mahometans_n the_o jew_n and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o true_a christianity_n give_v it_o no_o approbation_n so_o that_o if_o the_o falsity_n of_o these_o religion_n or_o sect_n may_v be_v hence_o conclude_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o can_v reason_v against_o christianity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o it_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o blind_a obedience_n from_o such_o as_o embrace_v it_o and_o that_o it_o express_o condemn_v the_o furious_a zeal_n which_o flow_v from_o this_o spring_n one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n 1.14_o rom._n 10.2_o gal._n 1.14_o add_v that_o it_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o blame_v it_o exceed_o another_o say_v to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 3.14_o jam._n 3.14_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o this_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o blind_a zeal_n then_o be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o attribute_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o education_n of_o the_o ignorant_a populace_n who_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o truth_n by_o its_o proper_a light_n and_o the_o virtue_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o their_o heart_n who_o due_o receive_v it_o defend_v it_o with_o the_o same_o arm_n they_o will_v error_n that_o be_v with_o passion_n and_o fury_n this_o sort_n of_o people_n can_v without_o extreme_a injustice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o model_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o christianity_n since_o it_o clear_o condemn_v their_o conduct_n we_o must_v on_o the_o contrary_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o understand_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o but_o good_a reason_n in_o its_o defence_n and_o that_o to_o procure_v themselves_o love_n and_o respect_n practise_v only_o those_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a virtue_n they_o learn_v from_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o true_a christian_n the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n chap._n iii_o that_o unbeliever_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christiam_fw-la religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o people_n devotion_n since_o christianity_n have_v flourish_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v frequent_o prove_v a_o advantageous_a thing_n to_o show_v great_a zeal_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o although_o this_o make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o truth_n not_o depend_v upon_o the_o interest_n one_o have_v or_o have_v not_o to_o defend_v it_o yet_o the_o incredulous_a be_v sure_a to_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o hence_o of_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v endeavour_n make_v sometime_o to_o gain_v they_o over_o by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o age_n but_o they_o instant_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o those_o man_n do_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o will_v be_v great_a getter_n by_o it_o in_o so_o do_v but_o must_v lose_v infinite_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o indeed_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o cogent_a conclusion_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v defend_v or_o that_o now_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o infidel_n but_o their_o reason_v be_v still_o less_o solid_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o put_v it_o in_o a_o great_a light_n it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v to_o give_v those_o occasion_n of_o say_v that_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n diminish_v the_o force_n of_o their_o objection_n and_o those_o who_o by_o their_o ill_a carriage_n put_v before_o they_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v deserve_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o it_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o revenge_v in_o this_o place_n the_o wrong_n they_o do_v to_o christianity_n moreover_o i_o have_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n propose_v to_o myself_o not_o only_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o entire_o reject_v it_o but_o with_o those_o also_o who_o seem_v to_o embrace_v it_o only_o by_o half_n let_v we_o imagine_v then_o a_o cheat_a priest_n people_n but_o too_o much_o know_v in_o all_o christendom_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o benefice_n if_o he_o have_v none_o already_o or_o aspire_v to_o a_o great_a dignity_n than_o what_o he_o possess_v he_o appear_v humble_a gentle_a moderate_a and_o kind_a he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o disinterestedness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n if_o he_o have_v a_o talon_n for_o the_o pulpit_n he_o there_o principal_o show_v his_o zeal_n against_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o time_n nay_o he_o be_v in_o a_o fury_n against_o scandalous_a clergyman_n and_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n so_o long_o complain_v of_o and_o not_o yet_o reform_v in_o a_o word_n he_o use_v all_o the_o discourse_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o that_o place_n in_o order_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o have_v his_o income_n be_v great_a he_o will_v put_v they_o to_o much_o better_a use_v than_o most_o ecclesiastic_n do_v after_o act_v his_o part_n for_o some_o year_n at_o last_o he_o obtain_v his_o end_n that_o be_v a_o dignity_n and_o income_n that_o render_v he_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o long_o to_o be_v know_v he_o be_v forthwith_o haughty_a hard-hearted_a untractable_a and_o passionate_a towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o think_v his_o inferior_n those_o who_o be_v his_o friend_n before_o and_o upon_o who_o friendship_n too_o he_o value_v himself_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o he_o if_o he_o now_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o look_v the_o obligation_n they_o lay_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o private_a person_n and_o when_o they_o expect_v no_o return_v from_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v he_o think_v they_o be_v all_o due_a to_o his_o merit_n and_o that_o more_o be_v owe_v he_o but_o as_o for_o himself_o he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o body_n and_o do_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n when_o he_o cold_o receive_v the_o incense_n they_o be_v base_a enough_o to_o offer_v he_o if_o he_o prefer_v any_o man_n he_o must_v be_v some_o blockhead_n or_o flatterer_n people_n that_o have_v no_o idea_n almost_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o admire_v any_o thing_n the_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a so_o be_v you_o make_v they_o live_v at_o their_o ease_n this_o man_n so_o disintere_v heretofore_o become_v oftentimes_o insatiable_a and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o best_a benefice_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v his_o avarice_n he_o procure_v therefore_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v never_o too_o many_o if_o he_o be_v natural_o covetous_a all_o that_o he_o preach_v before_o of_o liberality_n be_v quite_o vanish_v all_o the_o invective_n he_o make_v against_o avarice_n be_v lay_v in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n he_o do_v good_a to_o no_o body_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o lay_v up_o treasure_n if_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v a_o voluptuous_a or_o stately_a person_n he_o consume_v his_o great_a income_n in_o keep_v a_o magnificent_a table_n in_o have_v a_o stately_a train_n and_o live_v as_o the_o proud_a man_n or_o the_o most_o addict_v to_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sordid_a avarice_n of_o the_o one_o be_v a_o frugality_n become_v a_o good_a clergyman_n and_o the_o excessive_a luxury_n of_o the_o other_o be_v but_o a_o expense_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o keep_v up_o his_o rank_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o beget_v respect_n in_o the_o laity_n far_o from_o make_v the_o least_o reformation_n in_o the_o clergy_n that_o depend_v upon_o they_o they_o let_v they_o loose_v to_o all_o the_o ill_a custom_n and_o manner_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a on_o condition_n they_o be_v submissive_a to_o they_o and_o meddle_v not_o with_o their_o particular_a method_n of_o live_v when_o unbeliever_n consider_v such_o a_o
may_v pretend_v to_o some_o force_n they_o can_v say_v that_o this_o promise_v not_o be_v perform_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o matter_n be_v quite_o contrary_a jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o man_n and_o foresee_v likewise_o future_a event_n have_v clear_o prophesy_v of_o the_o division_n that_o shall_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n suppose_v you_o say_v jesus_n christ_n that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o give_v peace_n on_o earth_n 12.51_o luke_n 12.51_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o rather_o division_n for_o from_o henceforth_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o in_o one_o house_n divide_v three_o against_o two_o and_o two_o against_o three_o etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o 11.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a among_o you_o here_o be_v express_v word_n signify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o division_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n ill_o understand_v or_o rather_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n will_v occasion_v among_o christian_n but_o some_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n to_o cause_n so_o many_o division_n especial_o have_v such_o fatal_a effect_n i_o grant_v this_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o religion_n do_v of_o itself_o inspire_v the_o spirit_n of_o division_n and_o disorder_n but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o innocent_a occasion_n of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ill_a consequence_n draw_v from_o hence_o against_o it_o now_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o christianity_n be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n since_o jesus_n christ_n press_v no_o commandment_n so_o strong_o as_o that_o of_o our_o love_v one_o another_o etc._n john_n 13.33_o 34._o &_o 15.12_o 17_o etc._n etc._n and_o consequent_o of_o live_v peaceable_o one_o towards_o another_o every_o one_o know_v this_o christ_n however_o know_v so_o perfect_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o he_o see_v very_o well_o the_o new_a command_n of_o love_v one_o another_o which_o he_o leave_v his_o disciple_n shall_v not_o be_v well_o obey_v and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n as_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v will_v frequent_o serve_v for_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n in_o occasion_v infinite_a broil_n so_o that_o if_o his_o design_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o event_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o say_v he_o come_v to_o bring_v division_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n i_o cite_v a_o little_a above_o but_o what_o some_o will_v say_v do_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o thing_n become_v god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n to_o prevent_v its_o produce_v any_o disorder_n not_o even_o by_o accident_n no_o sure_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o intervene_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n to_o keep_v the_o peace_n among_o christian_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o his_o design_n as_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o revelation_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o bring_v man_n at_o least_o ordinary_o to_o his_o obedience_n by_o miracle_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o only_o by_o law_n to_o which_o he_o fix_a reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v in_o 3._o in_o part_v 1_o ch._n 3._o another_o place_n this_o be_v what_o st._n paul_n hint_v to_o in_o one_o word_n in_o that_o passage_n i_o cite_v before_o when_o he_o say_v that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a this_o plain_o signify_v that_o if_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n will_v hinder_v all_o division_n about_o his_o doctrine_n among_o christian_n it_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o a_o virtue_n to_o remain_v steadfast_a on_o the_o good_a side_n or_o to_o quit_v the_o bad_a in_o order_n to_o join_v it_o those_o who_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o keep_v to_o it_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o knowledge_n will_v be_v confound_v with_o those_o who_o shall_v embrace_v it_o without_o know_v why_o and_o who_o be_v as_o ready_a to_o embrace_v a_o error_n be_v they_o teach_v it_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n can_v not_o expect_v any_o reward_n since_o it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o any_o one_o power_n to_o forsake_v it_o in_o a_o word_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o propose_v any_o law_n at_o all_o to_o man_n since_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o violate_v they_o for_o god_n according_a to_o our_o adversary_n supposition_n will_v prevent_v this_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o a_o wise_a legislator_n who_o foresee_v that_o his_o law_n may_v be_v ill_o understand_v or_o cause_n division_n shall_v he_o express_v they_o obscure_o will_v take_v care_n to_o use_v very_o clear_a expression_n and_o that_o god_n who_o foresee_v all_o thing_n aught_o by_o consequence_n to_o express_v his_o will_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o prevent_v all_o the_o dispute_n which_o we_o see_v now_o among_o christian_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n have_v express_v himself_o plain_o enough_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o about_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o necessary_n if_o man_n do_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o scripture-notion_n what_o make_v division_n spring_v among_o christian_n be_v the_o addition_n and_o ill-drawn_a consequence_n and_o not_o the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o as_o look_v in_o it_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n they_o easy_o find_v this_o and_o be_v never_o deceive_v about_o any_o thing_n essential_a but_o those_o who_o will_v find_v therein_o what_o vain_a subtlety_n and_o humane_a interest_n or_o passion_n have_v add_v to_o it_o be_v apt_a i_o confess_v to_o be_v deceive_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o sincere_a person_n who_o love_v the_o truth_n preferable_o to_o every_o other_o thing_n the_o gospel_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v occasion_v any_o considerable_a dispute_n but_o to_o man_n govern_v by_o their_o passion_n and_o conceit_v of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o most_o evident_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v obscure_a there_o be_v no_o law_n so_o clear_a but_o a_o wrangler_n may_v raise_v a_o thousand_o difficulty_n about_o it_o and_o if_o a_o legislator_n shall_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o wise_a man_n except_o he_o express_o prevent_v all_o possible_a difficulty_n and_o mark_v all_o the_o case_n wherein_o ill-disposed_a person_n will_v abuse_v his_o law_n there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o legislator_n to_o who_o any_o wisdom_n can_v be_v attribute_v none_o ever_o undertake_v to_o perform_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o write_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o volume_n to_o which_o something_o new_a must_v be_v add_v every_o moment_n since_o there_o may_v happen_v infinite_a case_n every_o day_n therefore_o if_o god_n have_v design_v to_o prevent_v all_o those_o controversy_n already_o move_v or_o that_o shall_v hereafter_o arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n and_o reject_v by_o name_n all_o possible_a error_n he_o must_v have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o volume_n that_o to_o use_v st._n john_n expression_n the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o and_o their_o multitude_n will_v render_v they_o useless_a for_o proof_n that_o the_o clear_a law_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a to_o prevent_v all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n become_v obscure_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o observe_v they_o we_o need_v only_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v already_o say_v of_o the_o charity_n to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o error_n about_o any_o article_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o speak_v more_o clear_o or_o effectual_o upon_o this_o head_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o nevertheless_o the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_n practise_v at_o this_o time_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v say_v just_o the_o contrary_n thus_o they_o dispute_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n rather_o because_o they_o be_v blind_v by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o willing_a to_o dispute_v than_o because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o obscure_a with_o regard_n to_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o condemn_v express_o all_o possible_a error_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christians_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o incredulous_a
there_o be_v many_o readins_n which_o may_v be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o our_o modern_a copy_n do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o as_o his_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v destroy_v unbeliever_n will_v undoubted_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o tolerable_a reply_n to_o they_o but_o cappellus_n show_v very_o clear_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o consequence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n and_o so_o he_o free_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o those_o insult_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o which_o his_o adversary_n have_v expose_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n than_o the_o draw_n of_o such_o consequence_n for_o they_o hear_v on_o the_o one_o side_n some_o grave_n and_o much_o esteem_v teacher_n say_v after_o a_o doleful_a manner_n that_o if_o certain_a opinion_n be_v not_o true_a than_o religion_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o see_v man_n of_o great_a learning_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v those_o opinion_n but_o also_o maintain_v they_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v less_o certain_a than_o religion_n by_o the_o confession_n even_o of_o a_o part_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o they_o by_o reject_v some_o opinion_n ground_v upon_o very_o solid_a argument_n whatever_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n can_v tell_v they_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o make_v they_o pass_v for_o conceit_a man_n and_o of_o no_o great_a sincerity_n this_o help_v they_o also_o to_o perceive_v in_o many_o divine_v a_o strange_a disposition_n which_o will_v dishonour_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o viz._n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o what_o be_v true_a but_o what_o they_o think_v proper_a to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v embrace_v when_o they_o fancy_v that_o if_o a_o certain_a thing_n be_v believe_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v be_v doubt_v of_o they_o do_v trouble_v themselves_o with_o inquire_v whether_o their_o fancy_n be_v ill_o ground_v or_o whether_o that_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v on_o not_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v but_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o woeful_a manner_n that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v dangerous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o can_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v with_o religion_n as_o they_o fancy_v this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o pleader_n who_o be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o be_v in_o the_o right_a he_o suppress_v whatever_o seem_v to_o he_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o what_o he_o defend_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o he_o be_v afraid_a it_o may_v appear_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n such_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o place_n who_o want_v skill_n or_o courage_n shall_v say_v that_o if_o some_o ill-fortified_a and_o inconsiderable_a out-work_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n he_o must_v unavoidable_o surrender_v the_o fortress_n those_o who_o observe_v the_o conduct_n of_o both_o will_v present_o suspect_v the_o pleader_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o governor_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o place_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o hope_n to_o make_v a_o good_a resistance_n unbeliever_n have_v the_o same_o thought_n concern_v divine_v when_o they_o observe_v that_o they_o greedy_o collect_v and_o catch_v at_o whatever_o can_v in_o any_o manner_n make_v their_o cause_n better_o or_o at_o least_o make_v it_o appear_v so_o but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v be_v that_o those_o divine_v dont_fw-fr know_v very_o well_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o only_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faction_n or_o interest_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o weak_a reason_n to_o support_v it_o it_o need_v but_o appear_v naked_a and_o such_o as_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n if_o any_o one_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o love_v not_o truth_n but_o only_o the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v afraid_a for_o religion_n it_o will_v never_o want_v more_o able_a defender_n who_o will_v be_v devote_v to_o it_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n worthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n they_o will_v never_o be_v afraid_a as_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v only_o assault_v with_o reason_n and_o argument_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o 1._o the_o abovementioned_a difficulty_n rather_o concern_v some_o modern_a divine_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o explain_v or_o defend_v not_o so_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o some_o difficulty_n however_o it_o be_v understand_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n first_o i_o will_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a theology_n and_o then_o i_o will_v allege_v some_o particular_a example_n thereof_o whereby_o i_o will_v show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o body_n doubt_v of_o its_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n in_o a_o science_n some_o of_o which_o do_v it_o shake_v its_o principle_n but_o other_o show_v it_o be_v no_o science_n at_o all_o though_o so_o call_v but_o a_o collection_n and_o a_o heap_n of_o ill-grounded_a opinion_n and_o conjecture_n for_o example_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o difficulty_n in_o geometry_n but_o no_o body_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o principle_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o they_o be_v all_o ground_a upon_o clear_a proof_n and_o which_o can_v neither_o become_v obscure_a nor_o doubtful_a whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o proposition_n follow_v from_o those_o principle_n they_o do_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o a_o man_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o accuse_v himself_o of_o not_o understand_v geometry_n well_o than_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o he_o can_v resolve_v a_o difficulty_n or_o else_o they_o show_v that_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v full_o resolve_v on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n raise_v against_o judiciary_n astrology_n which_o not_o only_o perplex_v those_o who_o be_v fond_a of_o it_o but_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o all_o that_o pretend_a science_n as_o a_o heap_n of_o chimerical_a thought_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o difference_n be_v because_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n be_v either_o mere_a definition_n or_o maxim_n clear_a of_o themselves_o or_o demonstrate_v proposition_n whereas_o judiciary_n astrology_n be_v only_o ground_v upon_o false_a supposition_n so_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o a_o science_n be_v ground_v have_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o those_o demonstration_n whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o any_o proposition_n draw_v from_o they_o we_o do_v look_v upon_o that_o science_n to_o be_v less_o certain_a now_o to_o apply_v that_o observation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o difficulty_n which_o unbeliever_n find_v in_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v when_o any_o objection_n be_v raise_v against_o christianity_n be_v to_o see_v whether_o that_o objection_n direct_o show_v that_o the_o proof_n thereof_o be_v false_a though_o nothing_o can_v be_v answer_v to_o that_o difficulty_n if_o those_o that_o raise_v it_o can_v reply_v to_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o difficulty_n do_v not_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v about_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o that_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o incredulous_a act_n not_o wise_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o of_o some_o difficulty_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confute_v the_o proof_n on_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v now_o i_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n can_v destroy_v those_o proof_n
prove_v the_o apostle_n sincerity_n they_o be_v content_v to_o offer_v some_o objection_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o this_o in_o another_o letter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o letter_n ii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n 1._o sir_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o i_o must_v perform_v my_o promise_n see_v without_o it_o i_o shall_v but_o half_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v also_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v they_o that_o be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o we_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o nature_n the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o natural_a cause_n act_v they_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o law_n though_o unavoidable_a at_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v suspend_v and_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v hitherto_o and_o of_o what_o we_o still_o see_v happen_v then_o that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v mere_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o also_o of_o their_o have_v a_o express_a order_n from_o god_n to_o publish_v it_o among_o men._n wherefore_o i_o will_v show_v first_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o how_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a one_o second_o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o last_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o concern_v the_o extent_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o different_a kind_n i_o will_v show_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n 2._o to_o look_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n as_o a_o miracle_n and_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n second_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a soul_n for_o nature_n or_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o order_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n other_o body_n and_o the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o they_o constant_o act_v without_o be_v able_a to_o violate_v they_o three_o he_o in_o who_o behalf_n that_o thing_n be_v do_v aught_o to_o know_v it_o beforehand_o or_o at_o least_o it_o must_v happen_v when_o he_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v examine_v those_o three_o thing_n one_o after_o another_o for_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o can_v be_v fetch_v from_o miracle_n depend_v upon_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o maintain_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o also_o above_o that_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n i_o shall_v speak_v 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as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o 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of_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o be_v add_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o its_o vindication_n with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o mr._n edwards_n reflection_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o on_o his_o book_n entitle_v socinianism_n vnmasque_v by_o samuel_n bold_a rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n 8o._o prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n in_o 10_o book_n by_o richard_n blackmore_n m._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o london_n several_a paper_n relate_v to_o money_n interest_n and_o trade_n etc._n etc._n write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o publish_v at_o different_a time_n by_o john_n lock_v esq_n 8o._o mr._n talent_n chronological_a 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understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o