already_o possess_v a_o virtuous_a large_a and_o contemplative_a soul_n and_o a_o quiet_a convenient_a retirement_n which_o be_v indeed_o all_o the_o happiness_n that_o can_v be_v have_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n and_o to_o subscribe_v myself_o honour_v sir_n your_o great_a admirer_n and_o most_o humble_a servant_n london_n st._n matthew_n day_n 1693._o letter_n ii_o mr._n norris_n answer_n madam_n though_o in_o civility_n to_o your_o person_n my_o answer_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v more_o speedy_a yet_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o your_o letter_n i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v well_o too_o slow_a and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v in_o equity_n allow_v i_o some_o time_n to_o recover_v myself_o out_o of_o that_o wonder_n i_o be_v cast_v into_o to_o see_v such_o a_o letter_n from_o a_o woman_n beside_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o great_a and_o surprise_a content_n of_o it_o i_o find_v you_o thorough_o comprehend_v the_o argument_n of_o my_o discourse_n in_o that_o you_o 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soever_o in_o their_o other_o particular_a determination_n agree_v in_o this_o and_o because_o we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o freedom_n in_o this_o motion_n or_o command_v over_o it_o but_o be_v altogether_o passive_a in_o it_o which_o show_v it_o to_o be_v proper_o a_o natural_a motion_n i_o lay_v down_o this_o therefore_o as_o a_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a proposition_n that_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v to_o good_a in_o general_n but_o now_o how_o can_v the_o will_v be_v move_v towards_o good_a in_o general_n but_o by_o be_v move_v towards_o all_o good_a for_o to_o be_v move_v towards_o good_a as_o good_a be_v to_o be_v move_v towards_o all_o good_a and_o how_o can_v the_o will_v be_v move_v towards_o all_o good_a but_o by_o be_v move_v towards_o a_o universal_a be_v who_o in_o himself_o be_v and_o contain_v all_o good_a for_o as_o the_o understanding_n can_v represent_v to_o itself_o universal_a idea_n but_o by_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o be_v who_o in_o the_o 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he_o receive_v from_o without_o himself_o and_o which_o according_o carry_v he_o out_o from_o himself_o but_o a_o inward_a self-centring_a principle_n that_o both_o derive_v from_o and_o terminate_v in_o himself_o for_o as_o god_n be_v to_o himself_o his_o own_o good_a his_o own_o centre_n and_o beatific_a object_n so_o the_o love_n of_o god_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o love_n of_o himself_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o as_o god_n must_v therefore_o be_v his_o own_o end_n and_o whatever_o he_o will_v or_o act_n he_o must_v will_n and_o act_n for_o himself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v it_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o divine_a love_n so_o also_o that_o the_o love_n which_o be_v in_o we_o must_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o very_a love_n which_o god_n have_v for_o himself_o there_o be_v no_o other_o principle_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o act_v whence_o it_o will_v further_o follow_v that_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o our_o love_n must_v necessary_o be_v towards_o the_o same_o object_n upon_o which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v turn_v for_o since_o love_n in_o all_o create_a spirit_n be_v not_o produce_v but_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o itself_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o love_n which_o he_o bear_v himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v a_o love_n to_o any_o spirit_n which_o do_v not_o natural_o tend_v whither_o his_o own_o love_n do_v and_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o love_n be_v himself_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o same_o be_v also_o the_o natural_a term_n of_o we_o that_o as_o our_o love_n come_v from_o he_o so_o it_o natural_o tend_v to_o he_o and_o that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o efficient_a so_o he_o be_v also_o the_o true_a final_a cause_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o continual_a impression_n whereby_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n move_v he_o towards_o himself_o which_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o a_o very_a considerable_a maxim_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v entertain_v without_o any_o as_o be_v think_v rather_o a_o first_o principle_n than_o a_o conclusion_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v will_v evil_a as_o evil_n which_o though_o a_o truth_n witness_v by_o constant_a experience_n and_o such_o as_o all_o man_n ready_o consent_v to_o and_o acquiesce_v in_o i_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v rational_o account_v for_o upon_o any_o other_o supposition_n than_o the_o present_a but_o according_a to_o this_o the_o account_n be_v clear_a and_o easy_a for_o here_o the_o will_n itself_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o general_a impression_n whereby_o god_n move_v we_o continual_o towards_o himself_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o can_v possible_o will_v or_o love_v evil_a as_o evil_n as_o have_v no_o motion_n from_o god_n towards_o it_o but_o to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n to_o himself_o who_o be_v the_o universal_a good_a and_o as_o we_o may_v demonstrate_v a_o priori_fw-la from_o this_o impression_n whereby_o god_n move_v we_o towards_o himself_o that_o we_o can_v love_v evil_a as_o evil_n so_o from_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v that_o we_o can_v love_v evil_a as_o evil_n we_o may_v argue_v as_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o our_o will_n be_v by_o their_o original_a motion_n carry_v towards_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a and_o sole_a object_n of_o their_o natural_a tendency_n which_o be_v also_o further_o prove_v by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v already_o and_o may_v more_o at_o large_a produce_v for_o our_o see_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n as_o our_o universal_a idea_n for_o since_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v move_v only_o towards_o what_o the_o spirit_n perceive_v as_o be_v universal_o grant_v and_o by_o experience_n find_v to_o be_v true_a and_o since_o as_o it_o have_v be_v sufficicient_o prove_v we_o perceive_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n who_o present_v to_o spirit_n no_o other_o idea_n than_o himself_o who_o indeed_o be_v all_o it_o plain_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o our_o will_n be_v and_o must_v be_v towards_o god_n and_o he_o only_o who_o have_v make_v himself_o the_o sole_a term_n and_o object_n of_o our_o natural_a love_n ought_v also_o to_o be_v make_v by_o we_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o that_o which_o be_v free_a since_o as_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o beginning_n the_o determination_n of_o our_o will_n that_o be_v free_a aught_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a the_o whole_a sum_n and_o force_n of_o this_o reason_n lie_v in_o this_o syllogism_n that_o which_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o natural_a love_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o that_o which_o be_v free_a but_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o natural_a love_n be_v god_n therefore_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o that_o which_o be_v free_a the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o moral_a rectitude_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o our_o love_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o which_o therefore_o the_o free_a motion_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v conformable_a the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v profess_o prove_v and_o i_o think_v sufficient_o wherefore_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o conclusion_n as_o demonstrate_v viz._n that_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o free_a love_n which_o be_v the_o only_a love_n that_o fall_v under_o command_n and_o the_o only_a one_o that_o be_v in_o our_o power_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o god_n require_v all_o the_o love_n which_o he_o can_v possible_o require_v and_o all_o the_o love_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o give_v even_o our_o whole_a heart_n soul_n and_o mind_n which_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o divide_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o creature_n but_o to_o devote_v to_o he_o only_o and_o religious_o to_o present_a as_o a_o burnt-offering_a entire_o to_o be_v consume_v at_o his_o divine_a altar_n and_o thus_o the_o whole_a motion_n of_o our_o will_n fall_v under_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o god_n who_o become_v the_o just_a proprietary_n and_o adequate_a object_n of_o they_o in_o their_o large_a capacity_n and_o utmost_a latitude_n there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o motion_n in_o our_o soul_n as_o in_o our_o body_n natural_a and_o free_a and_o both_o these_o belong_v of_o right_a to_o god_n who_o have_v take_v the_o great_a care_n to_o secure_v they_o to_o himself_o he_o prevent_v that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o he_o
object_n of_o our_o love_n true_o it_o be_v not_o so_o far_o as_o it_o cause_v pain_n for_o the_o cause_v of_o pain_n as_o such_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n of_o love_n but_o i_o suppose_v your_o meaning_n be_v whether_o we_o may_v not_o by_o the_o same_o way_n of_o argue_v prove_v that_o what_o cause_v pain_n be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o object_n of_o love_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o that_o which_o cause_v pain_n do_v it_o in_o all_o respect_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o cause_v pleasure_n the_o cause_v of_o pain_n will_v for_o aught_o i_o can_v at_o present_a see_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n for_o its_o not_o be_v to_o be_v love_v as_o its_o cause_v pleasure_n be_v for_o its_o being_n to_o be_v love_v but_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o present_a supposition_n though_o i_o acknowledge_v pain_n to_o be_v as_o true_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o pleasure_n for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o else_o shall_v cause_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o pleasure_n be_v pleasure_n be_v the_o natural_a genuine_a and_o direct_a effect_n of_o god_n but_o pain_n come_v from_o he_o only_o indirect_o and_o by_o accident_n for_o first_o it_o be_v of_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o produce_v pleasure_n as_o consist_v of_o such_o essential_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n as_o will_v necessary_o beatify_v and_o make_v happy_a those_o spirit_n who_o be_v by_o be_v in_o their_o true_a rational_a order_n due_o dispose_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o but_o if_o this_o same_o excellent_a nature_n occasion_n pain_n to_o other_o spirit_n this_o be_v only_o indirect_o and_o by_o accident_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o moral_a indisposition_n for_o so_o sovereign_a a_o good_n again_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o will._n god_n antecedent_n and_o primary_n design_n be_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o that_o he_o make_v they_o but_o if_o any_o of_o they_o in_o the_o event_n prove_v miserable_a it_o be_v whole_o beside_o his_o first_o design_n and_o only_o by_o a_o subsequent_a and_o secondary_a will._n again_o when_o god_n cause_v pleasure_n it_o be_v because_o he_o will_v it_o for_o its_o self_n and_o natural_o delight_v in_o it_o as_o comport_v with_o his_o primary_n design_n which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o when_o he_o cause_v pain_n it_o be_v not_o that_o he_o will_v it_o from_o within_o or_o for_o itself_o for_o so_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o lovely_a but_o only_o from_o without_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o something_o else_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o sin_n there_o will_v never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o pain_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o god_n will_v our_o pleasure_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n and_o our_o pain_n only_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n but_o now_o in_o measure_v our_o devoirs_fw-fr to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o stand_v affect_v to_o we_o as_o sinner_n but_o how_o he_o stand_v affect_v to_o we_o as_o creature_n how_o he_o be_v dispose_v towards_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o work_n and_o not_o as_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o as_o creature_n he_o love_v we_o and_o will_v our_o happiness_n that_o lay_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v not_o his_o treat_v we_o with_o evil_a as_o sinner_n that_o can_v overturn_v it_o indeed_o if_o god_n have_v design_v we_o for_o misery_n and_o inflict_v it_o upon_o we_o as_o creature_n if_o this_o have_v be_v his_o primary_n and_o direct_a intention_n his_o natural_a and_o original_a will_n according_a to_o the_o system_a of_o those_o who_o say_v that_o god_n make_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o damn_v they_o than_o indeed_o i_o see_v nothing_o that_o shall_v hinder_v your_o objection_n from_o take_v place_n god_n will_v not_o then_o be_v the_o proper_a much_o less_o as_o you_o say_v the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n at_o least_o as_o to_o those_o miserable_a wretch_n so_o destine_v to_o ruin_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v to_o i_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o that_o strange_a hypothesis_n but_o upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o god_n will_v and_o cause_n pleasure_n in_o we_o as_o creature_n and_o put_v we_o to_o pain_n only_o as_o sinner_n there_o will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o our_o not_o love_v he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n as_o for_o our_o love_v he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n for_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o god_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n and_o if_o in_o that_o relation_n god_n be_v our_o benefactor_n and_o the_o author_n of_o our_o good_a he_o have_v a_o sufficient_a right_n and_o if_o the_o only_a author_n the_o only_a right_n to_o our_o love_n though_o as_o sinner_n he_o put_v we_o to_o pain_n which_o be_v thus_o will_v and_o effect_v by_o god_n after_o a_o manner_n so_o different_a from_o our_o pleasure_n can_v so_o well_o conclude_v for_o our_o not_o love_v he_o as_o this_o do_v for_o our_o love_v he_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o your_o first_o instance_n and_o will_v be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o your_o second_o for_o whereas_o you_o further_o urge_v that_o if_o both_o these_o sensation_n viz._n pleasure_n and_o pain_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o same_o cause_n than_o that_o cause_n be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o of_o our_o aversion_n i_o answer_v by_o the_o same_o distinction_n that_o if_o both_o these_o sensation_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o same_o cause_n act_v alike_o in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v as_o you_o say_v but_o since_o it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o i_o 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the_o cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n the_o do_v we_o good_a you_o shall_v say_v to_o make_v a_o right_a antithesis_fw-la be_v not_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a reason_n why_o that_o cause_n shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o else_o if_o it_o be_v than_o something_o else_o do_v we_o good_a beside_o that_o which_o cause_v our_o pleasure_n or_o as_o you_o otherwise_o word_n it_o that_o which_o cause_v pain_n do_v we_o good_a as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o produce_v pleasure_n i_o think_v neither_o of_o these_o consequence_n need_v be_v admit_v not_o the_o first_o because_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n be_v
a_o sufficient_a and_o proper_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n notwithstanding_o that_o pain_n which_o be_v also_o but_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n cause_v by_o he_o as_o to_o what_o you_o suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n have_v as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o our_o love_n as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n have_v as_o good_a a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n because_o they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o but_o not_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n he_o have_v a_o title_n to_o our_o love_n not_o for_o that_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v his_o being_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n that_o make_v he_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o love_n which_o he_o be_v notwithstanding_o his_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o pain_n but_o then_o say_v you_o if_o his_o do_v we_o good_a be_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n than_o something_o else_o do_v we_o good_a beside_o that_o which_o cause_v our_o pleasure_n namely_o pain_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o sensation_n pain_v as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n i_o answer_v pain_n may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o do_v we_o good_a as_o it_o may_v occasion_v to_o we_o some_o good_a that_o exceed_v its_o own_o proper_a evil._n but_o formal_o and_o direct_o it_o do_v not_o do_v we_o good_a as_o not_o make_v we_o while_o actual_o under_o it_o happy_a but_o miserable_a nor_o be_v there_o need_v that_o upon_o our_o supposition_n it_o shall_v god_n be_v sufficient_o lovely_a to_o we_o as_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n to_o which_o we_o need_v not_o add_v the_o advantage_n that_o may_v accrue_v by_o pain_n or_o suppose_v pain_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o beneficial_a as_o pleasure_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o former_a do_v not_o frustrate_v the_o obligation_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o good_a of_o the_o latter_a as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o it_o do_v not_o but_o after_o all_o madam_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n i_o must_v further_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n viz._n that_o your_o objection_n whatever_o force_n it_o may_v have_v be_v not_o peculiar_o level_v against_o i_o but_o lie_v equal_o against_o all_o those_o who_o make_v the_o loveliness_n of_o god_n to_o consist_v in_o his_o relative_n goodness_n or_o in_o his_o be_v our_o good_a who_o i_o think_v be_v the_o most_o at_o least_o the_o most_o considerable_a those_o of_o the_o common_a way_n say_v god_n be_v to_o be_v love_v because_o he_o be_v our_o good_a or_o the_o author_n of_o our_o good_a which_o notion_n i_o think_v right_a but_o only_o add_v to_o it_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a author_n of_o our_o good_a and_o therefore_o the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n in_o which_o argument_n i_o suppose_v these_o man_n will_v not_o deny_v the_o consequence_n as_o be_v the_o same_o with_o their_o own_o but_o only_o the_o minor_a proposition_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o my_o notion_n that_o god_n be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o evil_a than_o the_o same_o will_v no_o less_o conclude_v against_o the_o common_a way_n prove_v as_o much_o that_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v love_v at_o all_o as_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v loud_v only_o i_o say_v it_o prove_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o though_o i_o think_v if_o you_o will_v attend_v to_o what_o i_o have_v offer_v you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o prove_v neither_o madam_n i_o have_v say_v all_o that_o at_o present_a occur_v to_o my_o thought_n upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o i_o think_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o have_v now_o only_o to_o thank_v you_o for_o the_o great_a favour_n of_o your_o letter_n assure_v you_o that_o whenever_o you_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o do_v i_o that_o honour_n again_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o speedy_a answer_n from_o madam_n your_o very_a humble_a servant_n j._n norris_n bemerton_n oct._n 13._o 1693._o postscript_n one_o consideration_n more_o when_o you_o speak_v of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pain_n either_o you_o mean_v as_o to_o this_o life_n or_o as_o to_o the_o next_o if_o as_o to_o the_o next_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v he_o here_o if_o as_o to_o the_o present_a life_n the_o pain_n that_o god_n inflict_v upon_o we_o here_o be_v only_o medicinal_a and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a good_a and_o consequent_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o kindness_n and_o i_o think_v set_v aside_o my_o other_o consideration_n there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o pretence_n for_o not_o love_v or_o hate_v god_n for_o this_o than_o for_o hate_v our_o physician_n or_o surgeon_n for_o put_v we_o to_o pain_n in_o order_n to_o our_o health_n or_o cure_n letter_n iii_o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n you_o see_v how_o greedy_o i_o embrace_v the_o advantageous_a offer_v you_o make_v i_o in_o the_o close_a of_o your_o excellent_a letter_n for_o which_o i_o will_v return_v some_o acknowledgement_n but_o that_o i_o want_v expression_n suitable_a to_o its_o value_n and_o my_o resentment_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o from_o which_o i_o can_v withhold_v my_o assent_n but_o that_o too_o favourable_a opinion_n you_o seem_v to_o have_v conceive_v of_o a_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o considerable_a in_o she_o but_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o a_o love_n to_o truth_n i_o be_o therefore_o exceed_o glad_a to_o find_v this_o noble_a and_o necessary_a theory_n that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o love_n so_o well_o establish_v and_o though_o any_o one_o of_o the_o three_o principle_n you_o argue_v from_o in_o your_o print_a discourse_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o that_o conclusion_n though_o it_o may_v be_v single_o infer_v both_o from_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o love_n and_o from_o the_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o of_o conform_v to_o his_o will_n as_o well_o as_o from_o his_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n yet_o joint_o they_o be_v irrefragable_a and_o i_o have_v nothing_o more_o left_a to_o wish_v but_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o fix_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o their_o desire_n on_o their_o maker_n as_o it_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o for_o when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o all_o conclusion_n be_v try_v there_o be_v no_o rest_n no_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o in_o her_o god_n she_o can_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n nor_o in_o pleasure_n but_o when_o she_o move_v with_o her_o full_a bent_n and_o inclination_n direct_o towards_o he_o and_o absolute_o and_o entire_o depend_v on_o he_o yet_o i_o be_o very_a well_o please_v that_o i_o make_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o have_v so_o well_o resolve_v because_o it_o have_v procure_v i_o a_o clear_a and_o accurate_a account_n of_o what_o before_o i_o have_v only_o in_o confuse_v and_o indistinct_a notion_n and_o have_v begin_v a_o correspondence_n which_o if_o it_o may_v be_v continue_v i_o shall_v reckon_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o can_v befall_v i_o for_o though_o by_o observe_v the_o rule_n you_o have_v already_o enrich_v the_o world_n with_o i_o may_v possible_o find_v out_o truth_n yet_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v i_o have_v do_v so_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o suspect_v my_o own_o notion_n mere_o for_o be_v my_o own_o but_o if_o they_o can_v pass_v so_o exact_a a_o touchstone_n as_o your_o judgement_n i_o shall_v without_o hesitancy_n subscribe_v to_o they_o so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n be_v any_o just_a impediment_n to_o our_o entire_a love_n of_o he_o that_o i_o be_o almost_o persuade_v to_o rank_v it_o among_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o for_o though_o pain_n consider_v abstract_o be_v not_o a_o good_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v so_o circumstantiate_v and_o always_o be_v when_o god_n inflict_v it_o as_o to_o be_v a_o good_n to_o the_o pious_a man_n it_o be_v so_o both_o intentional_o and_o eventual_o and_o though_o inflict_v as_o a_o punishment_n on_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v however_o material_o good_a be_v as_o you_o observe_v a_o act_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a maxim_n that_o all_o our_o good_a be_v whole_o and_o absolute_o from_o god_n and_o all_o our_o evil_n pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o whatever_o method_n god_n use_v to_o draw_v we_o to_o himself_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o good_a for_o we_o
humble_a and_o thankful_a servant_n february_n 15._o 1693._o letter_n viii_o mr._n norris_n answer_n madam_n i_o be_o no_o less_o please_v than_o yourself_o that_o my_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n take_v from_o his_o be_v the_o only_a true_a cause_n of_o our_o good_a be_v so_o well_o discharge_v of_o that_o difficulty_n which_o you_o urge_v against_o it_o because_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o in_o my_o first_o i_o think_v it_o the_o only_a material_a one_o to_o which_o it_o stand_v expose_v and_o because_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o skilful_a hand_n the_o utmost_a advantage_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o now_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v the_o bottom_n i_o go_v upon_o to_o be_v very_o sound_a not_o expect_v to_o be_v attack_v by_o a_o strong_a objection_n or_o by_o one_o better_a manage_v the_o same_o occur_v to_o my_o own_o thought_n while_o i_o be_v compose_v my_o discourse_n but_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o consider_v it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v object_v and_o i_o have_v since_o meet_v with_o a_o little_a fly_a touch_n of_o it_o in_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n of_o very_a considerable_a note_n mounseur_fw-fr regis_fw-la a_o cartesian_a who_o in_o the_o 16_o the_o chapter_n of_o his_o metaphysic_n contend_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o moral_a good_a of_o man_n god_n say_v he_o be_v not_o the_o moral_a good_a of_o man_n neither_o because_o he_o produce_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o he_o nor_o because_o he_o cause_v those_o pleasure_n which_o he_o feel_v not_o the_o first_o because_o god_n will_v then_o be_v the_o moral_a good_a of_o all_o other_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o man_n because_o he_o do_v as_o much_o produce_v what_o in_o agreeable_a to_o they_o as_o what_o be_v so_o to_o man._n not_o the_o second_o because_o god_n will_v then_o be_v no_o less_o the_o moral_a evil_n of_o man_n than_o his_o moral_a good_a because_o he_o do_v no_o less_o produce_v the_o pain_n which_o he_o suffer_v than_o the_o pleasure_n which_o he_o enjoy_v from_o which_o without_o add_v a_o word_n more_o as_o if_o this_o have_v be_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o incontestable_a demonstration_n he_o positive_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o moral_a good_a of_o man._n not_o only_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o for_o this_o reason_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n as_o your_o objection_n run_v but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o at_o all_o for_o he_o conclude_v that_o if_o he_o be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o forementioned_a account_n which_o since_o he_o be_v not_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v so_o at_o all_o a_o strange_a paradox_n by_o the_o way_n but_o what_o force_v there_o be_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v from_o the_o measure_v premise_v the_o other_o difficulty_n against_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n take_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o 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proof_n i_o have_v that_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n here_o be_v not_o love_n of_o desire_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o according_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o dispute_n i_o may_v reasonable_o take_v leave_n to_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o till_o my_o objector_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v since_o my_o account_n of_o the_o first_o commandment_n do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o second_o but_o only_o upon_o supposition_n that_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n there_o signify_v love_n of_o desire_n they_o that_o lie_v that_o to_o my_o charge_n ought_v in_o all_o logic_n and_o conscience_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o have_v that_o signification_n till_o which_o time_n i_o may_v fair_o suppose_v that_o it_o have_v not_o and_o that_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o themselves_o can_v pretend_v that_o desire_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n but_o must_v needs_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o love_n of_o benevolence_n and_o that_o these_o two_o have_v very_o distinct_a idea_n but_o not_o to_o infist_n upon_o a_o privilege_n i_o do_v not_o need_v i_o answer_v again_o that_o all_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o prove_v that_o god_n only_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v with_o love_n of_o desire_n do_v also_o implicity_n prove_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o love_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n and_o consequent_o that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o love_n intend_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o only_a love_n of_o benevolence_n for_o since_o there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o love_n and_o since_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o objection_n the_o entire_a love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o love_n signify_v desire_n if_o i_o prove_v that_o god_n only_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v with_o love_n of_o desire_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v than_o it_o must_v follow_v either_o that_o our_o neighbour_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v love_v at_o all_o which_o be_v manifest_o absurd_a or_o that_o love_n of_o benevolence_n be_v the_o love_n that_o must_v fall_v to_o his_o share_n and_o that_o which_o consequent_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o i_o wonder_v how_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o so_o many_o man_n head_n as_o it_o do_v to_o imagine_v that_o any_o other_o love_n than_o this_o be_v here_o intend_v for_o though_o it_o be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o lawful_a and_o allowable_a to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n with_o love_n of_o desire_n and_o he_o otherwise_o never_o so_o capable_a of_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o command_n and_o require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o duty_n be_v it_o
may_v we_o have_v many_o object_n of_o our_o love_n the_o object_n can_v no_o more_o be_v multiply_v than_o he_o can_v take_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o title_n asunder_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v oneness_n and_o entireness_n therein_o after_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o and_o descant_n upon_o which_o he_o proceed_v i_o suppose_v if_o you_o have_v well_o heed_v what_o i_o have_v say_v you_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fair_a ground_n in_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n why_o he_o shall_v challenge_v all_o our_o love_n let_v we_o come_v now_o and_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o see_v what_o ground_n thereof_o we_o can_v find_v there_o when_o the_o question_n be_v move_v unto_o christ_n whether_o the_o jew_n ought_v to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o caesar_n or_o not_o he_o call_v for_o the_o coin_n and_o ask_v who_o image_n and_o superscription_n it_o bear_v and_o when_o they_o answer_v he_o caesar_n he_o reply_v give_v unto_o caesar_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n but_o he_o add_v to_o our_o purpose_n that_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n they_o must_v give_v unto_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v god_n if_o the_o image_n and_o superscription_n be_v a_o just_a ground_n why_o coin_n shall_v be_v pay_v unto_o caesar_n where_o god_n image_n be_v find_v there_o be_v as_o good_a a_o reason_n that_o that_o shall_v be_v render_v unto_o he_o now_o god_n image_n be_v find_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n for_o we_o be_v make_v according_a to_o his_o image_n so_o that_o all_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o we_o owe_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n a_o second_o way_n be_v god_n image_n in_o we_o by_o grace_n for_o our_o regeneration_n be_v but_o a_o second_o creation_n wherein_o we_o be_v reform_v unto_o that_o image_n according_a to_o which_o god_n at_o first_o create_v we_o all_o then_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n a_o second_o time_n by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o redemption_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o heart_n our_o mind_n our_o soul_n or_o strength_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v of_o we_o quid_fw-la habes_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la accepisti_fw-la what_o have_v thou_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o all_o the_o exaction_n be_v but_o reasonable_a si_fw-mi totum_fw-la exigit_fw-la a_o te_fw-la qui_fw-la totum_fw-la fecit_fw-la refecit_fw-la te_fw-la sure_o st._n paul_n think_v so_o when_o he_o will_v the_o corinthian_n to_o glorify_v god_n with_o their_o body_n and_o with_o their_o soul_n add_v this_o reason_n for_o they_o be_v god_n well_o then_o we_o have_v find_v fair_a ground_n of_o this_o measure_n for_o if_o god_n be_v such_o and_o such_o to_o we_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v the_o only_a lovely_a thing_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v belove_v and_o we_o be_v all_o his_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v due_a unto_o he_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o grace_n than_o ought_v we_o with_o all_o to_o express_v our_o love_n towards_o he_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o love_v he_o sine_fw-la divisione_n &_o sine_fw-la remissione_n none_o of_o our_o ability_n must_v be_v divide_v none_o of_o they_o must_v be_v slack_a in_o do_v this_o work_n first_o of_o the_o division_n we_o must_v not_o divide_v our_o heart_n that_o be_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v have_v a_o heart_n and_o a_o heart_n a_o heart_n for_o god_n and_o a_o heart_n for_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n again_o all_o division_n of_o our_o ability_n be_v a_o plain_a abandon_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o etc._n etc._n god_n will_v have_v all_o or_o none_o etc._n etc._n again_o say_v he_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o all_o this_o but_o to_o make_v we_o see_v how_o little_o we_o perform_v of_o this_o commandment_n and_o how_o little_a cause_n we_o have_v to_o boast_v of_o the_o best_a that_o we_o do_v therein_o who_o be_v he_o that_o can_v deny_v that_o his_o ability_n be_v divide_v and_o that_o he_o love_v more_o thing_n than_o god_n yea_o most_o thing_n more_o than_o god_n etc._n etc._n you_o see_v here_o be_v a_o great_a man_n that_o not_o only_o express_o deliver_v the_o same_o conclusion_n but_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v it_o too_o whether_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v conclusive_a or_o no_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v all_o that_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v to_o remark_n be_v that_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o be_v far_o from_o be_v such_o a_o novelty_n or_o singularity_n as_o many_o imagine_v and_o object_n no_o it_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o do_v be_v only_o to_o reduce_v a_o common_a conclusion_n into_o clear_a and_o distinct_a principle_n such_o as_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o what_o i_o advance_v be_v no_o truth_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o paradox_n which_o be_v enough_o to_o fence_v i_o from_o prejudice_n and_o i_o be_o content_a that_o reason_n shall_v decide_v the_o rest_n when_o i_o have_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o be_v so_o just_a to_o i_o as_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o these_o paper_n till_o he_o have_v first_o careful_o peruse_v the_o discourse_n to_o which_o they_o relate_v and_o which_o contain_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o say_v here_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o communicate_v a_o private_a correspondence_n to_o the_o public_a concern_v which_o i_o shall_v leave_v the_o reader_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o two_o ensue_a letter_n which_o contain_v my_o proposal_n of_o a_o publication_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o my_o correspondent_o compliance_n the_o letter_n be_v as_o follow_v madam_n since_o we_o have_v now_o both_o of_o we_o conclude_v our_o part_n and_o so_o seal_v up_o our_o divine_a subject_n with_o a_o double_a seal_n it_o will_v be_v a_o little_a indecorous_a to_o break_v it_o open_v again_o especial_o for_o i_o who_o can_v think_v '_o it_o prudence_n to_o travel_v on_o even_o in_o so_o pleasant_a a_o road_n after_o my_o guide_n have_v leave_v i_o to_o proceed_v further_o in_o a_o subject_a where_o you_o think_v fit_a to_o end_v or_o to_o vitiate_v with_o any_o addition_n of_o my_o the_o relish_n of_o a_o argument_n upon_o which_o you_o have_v leave_v such_o a_o please_a and_o delicious_a farewell_n no_o madam_n let_v it_o stand_v as_o you_o have_v leave_v it_o for_o though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v absolute_o finish_v as_o indeed_o who_o can_v say_v of_o such_o a_o immense_a subject_n that_o it_o ever_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v most_o just_a and_o fit_a that_o wherever_o you_o please_v to_o end_v there_o shall_v be_v the_o conclusion_n after_o which_o as_o in_o apelles_n venus_n there_o can_v be_v no_o add_v without_o presumption_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o only_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o lament_v a_o little_a that_o you_o conclude_v so_o soon_o your_o meditation_n and_o my_o pleasure_n for_o methinks_v i_o can_v eternal_o hear_v your_o discourse_n upon_o this_o ever_o fruitful_a ever_o engage_v and_o entertain_v theme_n which_o as_o great_a as_o it_o be_v receive_v such_o a_o advantage_n from_o your_o management_n as_o may_v recommend_v it_o to_o those_o dull_a cold_a spirit_n who_o its_o own_o natural_a excellency_n will_v never_o affect_v the_o very_a tuning_n and_o loser_n touch_v of_o a_o sweet_a and_o well_o tone_v instrument_n be_v pleasant_a and_o what_o then_o be_v the_o harmony_n when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v play_v on_o by_o a_o masterly_a hand_n and_o how_o be_v the_o musical_a hearer_n grieve_v when_o he_o see_v the_o melodious_a artist_n unstr_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o aside_o but_o madam_n there_o be_v some_o pleasure_n that_o be_v always_o short_a if_o time_n be_v their_o measure_n and_o be_v your_o discourse_n here_o never_o so_o prolix_a i_o shall_v still_o think_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o complain_v they_o be_v do_v too_o soon_o so_o great_a and_o noble_a be_v the_o subject_a and_o so_o admirable_a both_o your_o thought_n and_o expression_n upon_o it_o such_o choiceness_n of_o matter_n such_o weight_n of_o sense_n such_o art_n and_o order_n of_o contrivance_n such_o clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_v such_o beauty_n of_o language_n such_o address_n of_o style_n such_o bright_a and_o lively_a image_n and_o colour_n of_o thing_n and_o such_o move_a strain_n of_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o powerful_a oratory_n and_o all_o this_o season_v with_o such_o a_o tincture_n of_o piety_n and_o seem_v to_o come_v from_o a_o true_a inward_a vital_a principle_n of_o the_o most_o sincere_a and_o
separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n have_v make_v the_o soul_n willing_a to_o fill_v that_o emptiness_n which_o she_o feel_v in_o herself_o by_o the_o possession_n of_o creature_n whether_o these_o object_n be_v spiritual_a or_o corporal_a the_o desire_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o be_v always_o carnal_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n for_o which_o reasen_v it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n put_v dissension_n and_o emulation_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh._n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o no_o less_o carnal_a lust_n to_o desire_v glory_n and_o reputation_n and_o all_o that_o serve_v in_o order_n to_o it_o than_o to_o desire_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n because_o these_o object_n be_v no_o more_o our_o true_a good_a than_o the_o other_o god_n do_v no_o more_o permit_v that_o we_o shall_v part_v our_o love_n between_o he_o and_o reputation_n between_o he_o and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o man_n than_o between_o he_o and_o feast_n and_o other_o bodily_a pleasure_n for_o it_o be_v always_o the_o division_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v all_o due_a to_o he_o it_o be_v always_o a_o debasement_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v make_v for_o good_a stoop_v beneath_o and_o degrade_v herself_o in_o be_v willing_a to_o enjoy_v a_o creature_n either_o equal_a or_o inferior_a to_o herself_o god_n be_v great_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o only_a and_o entire_a object_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v to_o injure_v he_o to_o divide_v it_o because_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v it_o all_o you_o see_v here_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o whole_a society_n of_o great_a man_n no_o less_o than_o the_o illustrious_a port_n royal_a of_o france_n in_o as_o clear_v and_o express_v term_n as_o can_v be_v to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v infinite_a to_o appeal_v to_o all_o those_o writer_n who_o have_v either_o direct_o assert_v this_o conclusion_n or_o occasional_o let_v fall_v expression_n that_o favour_n and_o insinuate_v it_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n or_o devotion_n extant_a whererein_o passage_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v many_o that_o offer_v to_o deduce_v this_o conclusion_n from_o principle_n but_o that_o it_o be_v general_o hold_v and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n allude_v to_o and_o glance_v at_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o irresistible_a prevalency_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o screen_n they_o from_o the_o prejudice_n and_o imputation_n of_o novelty_n and_o singularity_n who_o undertake_v upon_o a_o rational_a ground_n to_o clear_v and_o defend_v it_o errata_fw-la page_n 44._o line_n 7._o deleâ—_n â—_z l._n 8._o read_v from_o enjoy_v pleasure_n that_o do_v very_o much_o outweigh_v it_o and_o be_v itself_o a_o occasion_n and_o medium_fw-la to_o p._n 49._o l._n 9_o after_o pretend_v add_v 〈◊〉_d p._n 50._o l._n 6._o f._n that_o r._n than_o p._n 180._o l._n 15._o d._n that_o p._n 192._o 1._o 6._o f._n the_o r._n this_o p._n 286._o l._n 5._o r._n please_v letter_n philosophical_a and_o divine_a to_o mr._n john_n norris_n with_o his_o answer_n letter_n 1._o to_o mr._n norris_n sir_n though_o some_o morose_a gentleman_n will_v perhaps_o remit_v i_o to_o the_o distaff_n or_o the_o kitchen_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o glass_n and_o the_o needle_n the_o proper_a employment_n as_o they_o fancy_n of_o a_o woman_n life_n yet_o expect_v better_a thing_n from_o the_o more_o equitable_a and_o ingenious_a mr._n norris_n who_o be_v not_o so_o narrow-souled_a as_o to_o confine_v learning_n to_o his_o own_o sex_n or_o to_o envy_v it_o in_o we_o i_o presume_v to_o beg_v his_o attention_n a_o little_a to_o the_o impertinency_n of_o a_o woman_n pen._n and_o indeed_o sir_n there_o be_v some_o reason_n why_o i_o though_o a_o stranger_n shall_v address_v to_o you_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o my_o doubt_n and_o information_n of_o my_o judgement_n since_o you_o have_v increase_v my_o natural_a thirst_n for_o truth_n and_o set_v i_o up_o for_o a_o virtuso_n for_o though_o i_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o multitude_n of_o book_n variety_n of_o language_n the_o advantage_n of_o academical_a education_n or_o any_o help_v but_o what_o my_o own_o curiosity_n afford_v yet_o think_v be_v a_o stock_n that_o no_o rational_a creature_n can_v want_v if_o they_o know_v but_o how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o this_o as_o you_o have_v teach_v i_o with_o purity_n and_o prayer_n which_o i_o wish_v be_v as_o much_o practise_v as_o they_o be_v easy_a to_o practice_v be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n to_o true_a knowledge_n but_o set_v preface_n and_o apology_n aside_o the_o occasion_n of_o give_v you_o this_o trouble_n be_v this_o read_v the_o other_o day_n the_o three_o volume_n of_o your_o excellent_a discourse_n as_o i_o do_v every_o thing_n you_o write_v with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o no_o less_o advantage_n yet_o take_v the_o liberty_n that_o i_o use_v with_o other_o book_n and_o you_o or_o no_o body_n will_v bear_v it_o to_o raise_v all_o the_o objection_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v and_o to_o make_v they_o undergo_v the_o severe_a test_n my_o thought_n can_v put_v they_o to_o before_o they_o pass_v for_o currant_n a_o difficulty_n arise_v which_o without_o your_o assistance_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o solve_v methinks_v there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o sensation_n and_o you_o have_v make_v it_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o day_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o clear_a from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o principal_a but_o the_o sole_a object_n of_o our_o love_n but_o the_o reason_n you_o assign_v for_o it_o namely_o because_o he_o be_v the_o only_a efficient_a cause_n of_o our_o pleasure_n seem_v not_o equal_o clear_a for_o if_o we_o must_v love_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v lovely_a and_o nothing_o be_v lovely_a but_o what_o be_v our_o good_a and_o nothing_o be_v our_o good_a but_o what_o do_v we_o good_a and_o nothing_o do_v we_o good_a but_o what_o cause_v pleasure_n in_o we_o may_v we_o not_o by_o the_o same_o way_n of_o argue_v say_v that_o that_o which_o cause_n pain_v in_o we_o do_v not_o do_v we_o good_a for_o nothing_o you_o say_v do_v we_o good_a but_o what_o cause_n pleasure_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v our_o good_a and_o if_o not_o our_o good_a than_o not_o lovely_a and_o consequent_o not_o the_o proper_a much_o less_o the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n again_o if_o the_o author_n of_o our_o pleasure_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n the_o only_a object_n of_o our_o love_n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o author_n of_o our_o pain_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o if_o both_o these_o sensation_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o same_o cause_n than_o that_o cause_n be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o of_o our_o aversion_n for_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o avoid_v 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be_v they_o proceed_v from_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o tend_v towards_o it_o and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v make_v we_o passable_a only_o for_o our_o good_a and_o design_v pain_n as_o well_o as_o pleasure_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o by_o these_o two_o different_a handle_n he_o may_v the_o better_o move_v and_o direct_v our_o soul_n towards_o himself_o their_o true_a and_o only_o felicity_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o lovely_a when_o he_o produce_v pain_n as_o when_o he_o cause_v pleasure_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v my_o letter_n be_v principal_o design_v in_o favor_n of_o a_o notion_n which_o i_o have_v entertain_v and_o which_o you_o further_o confirm_v i_o in_o by_o what_o you_o add_v in_o your_o postscript_n viz._n that_o affliction_n by_o which_o we_o usual_o understand_v something_o painful_a be_v be_v not_o evil_a but_o good_a which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v contradict_v by_o your_o assertion_n 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as_o certain_o feel_v pain_n when_o it_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o its_o natural_a order_n and_o do_v not_o move_v towards_o god_n the_o true_a term_n of_o its_o motion_n as_o its_o body_n will_v when_o its_o member_n be_v distort_v will_v be_v as_o sensible_o affect_v with_o crave_v and_o unsatisfy_a desire_n when_o destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o proper_a aliment_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o that_o be_v with_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n when_o in_o lack_n of_o its_o necessary_a food_n and_o will_v feel_v the_o same_o uneasy_a chillness_n and_o darkness_n come_v upon_o it_o when_o deprive_v of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n that_o its_o inferior_a part_n do_v when_o it_o want_v the_o sun_n be_v comfortable_a and_o enlighten_v beam_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o what_o some_o people_n call_v desertion_n pain_n and_o torment_v be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o soul_n when_o she_o do_v not_o stand_v right_o affect_v to_o her_o god_n as_o 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goodness_n since_o therefore_o god_n can_v in_o no_o manner_n of_o way_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n he_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o mental_a pain_n and_o i_o know_v no_o hypothesis_n that_o do_v infer_v it_o except_o the_o predestinarian_a which_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o look_v on_o as_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a and_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v give_v it_o severe_a epithet_n the_o short_a be_v god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o pain_n consider_v as_o a_o sensation_n and_o so_o he_o be_v of_o all_o our_o faculty_n and_o power_n and_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o he_o it_o be_v good_a design_v to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o therefore_o our_o good_a but_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o pain_n consider_v as_o a_o evil_a as_o such_o it_o be_v pure_o
pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o i_o absolute_o allow_v and_o contend_v for_o concern_v the_o latter_a i_o distinguish_v when_o you_o say_v that_o all_o our_o evil_n be_v pure_o and_o entire_o from_o ourselves_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o moral_a evil_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o if_o you_o mean_v of_o natural_a evil_n than_o i_o must_v distinguish_v again_o upon_o the_o word_n from_o ourselves_o which_o may_v signify_v either_o a_o physical_a or_o moral_a or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o efficient_a or_o a_o meritorious_a causality_n we_o be_v certain_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o natural_a evil_n as_o bring_v they_o upon_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n but_o that_o we_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o any_o of_o they_o i_o deny_v as_o all_o our_o good_a be_v whole_o from_o god_n so_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v also_o our_o evil_n we_o have_v not_o the_o power_n to_o modify_v our_o own_o soul_n and_o can_v no_o more_o raise_v the_o sensation_n 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distinct_a from_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v occasional_o and_o consequential_o and_o so_o may_v come_v within_o the_o enclosure_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v we_o good_a you_o think_v fit_a to_o confine_v my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n pleasure_n to_o such_o only_a as_o be_v true_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n by_o which_o i_o suppose_v you_o mean_v those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v call_v rational_a and_o intellectual_a to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o evident_a and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v elsewhere_o make_v it_o so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o be_v resent_v by_o man._n but_o you_o say_v you_o know_v not_o how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o please_a sensation_n which_o wicked_a man_n feel_v in_o what_o we_o call_v sinful_a pleasure_n but_o it_o be_v your_o mistake_n to_o suppose_v that_o sensual_a pleasure_n as_o such_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o sinful_a pleasure_n proper_o speak_v as_o sin_n can_v be_v formal_o pleasant_a so_o neither_o can_v pleasure_n be_v formal_o sinful_a all_o pleasure_n in_o itself_o be_v simple_o good_a as_o be_v a_o real_a modification_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o circumstantiate_a of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o evil._n and_o of_o this_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o sinner_n who_o rather_o than_o forego_v such_o a_o agreeable_a sensation_n will_v enjoy_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o or_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o therefore_o unlawful_a but_o concern_v this_o matter_n you_o may_v further_o satisfy_v yourself_o out_o of_o the_o letter_n between_o dr._n more_o and_o i_o and_o by_o read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o illustration_n m._n malebranch_n make_v upon_o his_o de_fw-fr la_fw-fr recharche_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr verity_n 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