have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o his_o true_a nature_n and_o perfection_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n only_o nor_o the_o empty_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n deity_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o only_a that_o can_v clear_v a_o man_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o atheism_n if_o he_o be_v not_o right_a in_o this_o point_n i._n e._n if_o he_o have_v not_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o god_n as_o imply_v in_o it_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o may_v call_v himself_o by_o as_o fine_a and_o fashionable_a name_n as_o he_o please_v and_o pretend_v to_o deism_n and_o natural_a religion_n but_o in_o reality_n he_o be_v a_o atheist_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o mankind_n for_o as_o one_o say_v preâ—_n that_o know_v very_o well_o what_o a_o atheist_n be_v such_o be_v atheist_n as_o deny_v god_n providence_n or_o who_o restrain_v it_o in_o some_o particular_n and_o exclude_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o direct_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o vaninus_n 124._o call_v tully_n atheist_n on_o this_o very_a account_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v 152._o that_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o deny_v a_o god_n this_o therefore_o be_v return_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o atheist_n let_v we_o now_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o argument_n and_o objection_n that_o be_v usual_o bring_v by_o atheistical_a man_n against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o these_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v exceed_o weighty_a one_o and_o no_o less_o than_o direct_a demonstration_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o strenuous_a proof_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v refute_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o atheist_n ought_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o most_o senseless_a and_o stupid_a of_o all_o mankind_n he_o slight_v and_o despise_v that_o inestimable_a offer_n of_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o he_o run_v the_o risk_a of_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a he_o bid_v open_a defiance_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o he_o oppose_v his_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o sober_a and_o considerate_a sentiment_n of_o the_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n now_o sure_o in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_o that_o he_o can_v be_v mistake_v and_o to_o be_v as_o demonstrative_o certain_a as_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o theorem_fw-la in_o euclid_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n no_o moral_a good_a nor_o evil_a no_o reveal_v religion_n nor_o any_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o can_v any_o man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o pretend_v to_o this_o will_v not_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n pronounce_v this_o impossible_a and_o that_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o nonexistence_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v can_v any_o one_o be_v direct_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o possibility_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o can_v direct_o prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a the_o atheist_n may_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o consequent_o be_v eternal_o damn_v and_o miserable_a now_o will_v any_o one_o that_o can_v think_v at_o all_o run_v this_o dreadful_a hazard_n much_o less_o sure_a one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o penetration_n and_o judgement_n and_o to_o philosophize_v above_o the_o vulgar_a and_o yet_o this_o every_o atheist_n do_v and_o that_o too_o on_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o some_o trifle_a objection_n against_o and_o seem_a absurdity_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o the_o extravagant_a wit_n of_o wicked_a man_n have_v invent_v and_o coin_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o that_o reprove_v they_o to_o stifle_v and_o bear_v down_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o gain_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o principle_n in_o their_o impious_a proceed_n but_o sure_o these_o person_n must_v know_v well_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a thing_n to_o start_v objection_n against_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o obvious_a truth_n they_o know_v also_o that_o in_o other_o case_n themselves_o think_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n only_o because_o they_o can_v ready_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n a_o witty_a man_n may_v bring_v against_o it_o and_o because_o they_o can_v solve_v all_o the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o it_o now_o why_o shall_v not_o they_o proceed_v so_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o know_v that_o all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v over_o and_o over_o by_o those_o learned_a and_o excellent_a person_n which_o have_v write_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o nay_o they_o know_v too_o that_o most_o of_o their_o objection_n have_v be_v already_o refute_v and_o answer_v and_o that_o they_o adhere_v to_o a_o cause_n that_o have_v be_v frequent_o baffle_v they_o know_v the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o that_o if_o religion_n shall_v at_o last_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a they_o must_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a all_o this_o i_o say_v they_o very_o well_o know_v and_o therefore_o it_o look_v strange_o like_o a_o infatuation_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o will_v run_v this_o dreadful_a hazard_n only_o on_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o few_o objection_n and_o a_o bare_a surmise_n only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n or_o religion_n these_o objection_n be_v their_o only_a hold_n and_o pretence_n that_o they_o can_v stick_v to_o and_o abide_v by_o and_o what_o and_o how_o great_a they_o be_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o examine_v these_o i_o shall_v take_v in_o their_o natural_a order_n and_o 1._o consider_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n in_o general_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v allege_v against_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n 3._o such_o as_o be_v advance_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o reveal_v religion_n the_o groundlessness_n and_o inconclusiveness_n of_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v to_o demonstrate_v and_o first_o i_o shall_v consider_v and_o refute_v the_o objection_n and_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o these_o be_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v all_o reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n it_o be_v say_v 1._o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n owe_v its_o original_a either_o to_o the_o foolish_a fear_n of_o some_o man_n or_o the_o crafty_a design_n of_o other_o i_o shall_v at_o this_o time_n handle_v the_o former_a of_o these_o and_o refute_v the_o objection_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n from_o our_o not_o be_v able_a as_o they_o say_v to_o have_v any_o idea_n or_o notion_n of_o he_o the_o atheist_n allege_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v unconceivable_a be_v real_o nothing_o at_o all_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n or_o possible_a notion_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o some_o how_o or_o other_o a_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v sense_n and_o we_o can_v only_o judge_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o evidence_n and_o testimony_n now_o god_n be_v by_o divine_n say_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a infinite_a and_o invisible_a i._n e._n something_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v any_o thing_n about_o 208._o that_o be_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o no_o where_o that_o see_v every_o thing_n and_o yet_o no_o body_n can_v see_v he_o nor_o can_v we_o perceive_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o by_o any_o other_o of_o our_o sense_n we_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o such_o a_o account_n as_o this_o of_o a_o god_n we_o can_v have_v no_o phantasm_n idea_n or_o conception_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o therefore_o we_o just_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o as_o for_o that_o precarious_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a phantom_n or_o mormo_n devise_v and_o set_v up_o by_o politic_a and_o design_v man_n to_o keep_v the_o rabble_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o scare_v such_o fool_n as_o be_v afraid_a of_o their_o own_o shadow_n the_o several_a point_n of_o this_o objection_n i_o shall_v single_o consider_v and_o as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o that_o what_o
the_o atheistical_a objection_n against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n fair_o consider_v and_o full_o refute_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v in_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n london_n 1698._o be_v the_o seven_o year_n of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o academiae_fw-la cantabrigiensis_n libre_fw-la immorality_n and_o pride_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n january_n the_o 3_o d._n 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n sir_n henry_n ashurst_n baronet_n sir_n john_n rotheram_n sergeant_n at_o law_n john_n evelyn_n senior_n esquire_n trustee_n appoint_v by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esquire_n most_o reverend_a and_o honour_a as_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o preach_v this_o sermon_n by_o your_o kind_a and_o generous_a appointment_n so_o i_o now_o publish_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o your_o command_n and_o humble_o offer_v it_o as_o also_o my_o ensue_a discourse_n to_o your_o candid_a patronage_n and_o acceptance_n i_o have_v in_o pursuance_n of_o your_o grace_n direction_n study_v to_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o possible_o i_o can_v and_o shall_v by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n prosecute_v my_o whole_a design_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n which_o method_n of_o treat_v this_o subject_a appear_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o pious_a and_o excellent_a design_n of_o our_o noble_a and_o honourable_a founder_n i_o humble_o desire_v your_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o render_v my_o weak_a endeavour_n effectual_a to_o show_v the_o groundlessness_n and_o inconclusiveness_n of_o those_o objection_n which_o atheistical_a man_n usual_o bring_v against_o the_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o end_n they_o be_v sincere_o direct_v to_o by_o most_o reverend_a and_o honour_a your_o most_o oblige_a humble_a servant_n j._n harris_n psalm_n x._o 4_o the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n in_o this_o psalm_n be_v contain_v a_o very_a lively_a description_n of_o the_o insolence_n of_o atheistical_a and_o wicked_a man_n when_o once_o they_o grow_v powerful_a and_o numerous_a for_o then_o as_o we_o read_v at_o the_o three_o verse_n they_o will_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o open_o to_o boast_v of_o and_o glory_n in_o their_o impiety_n they_o will_v bold_o defy_v and_o contemn_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n v_o 13._o they_o will_v deny_v his_o providence_n v_o 11_o and_o despise_v his_o vengeance_n and_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n they_o will_v grow_v so_o proud_a and_o high_a as_o to_o scorn_v to_o pay_v he_o any_o honour_n or_o worship_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o or_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o will_v endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o his_o be_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v a_o account_v more_o particular_o by_o what_o method_n and_o step_n man_n advance_v to_o such_o a_o exorbitant_a height_n of_o wickedness_n as_o to_o set_v up_o for_o atheism_n and_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o there_o be_v in_o they_o these_o three_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o their_o order_n i._o here_o be_v the_o general_a character_n or_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man._n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n etc._n etc._n ii_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o wickedness_n or_o the_o origin_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n do_v chief_o proceed_v and_o that_o be_v pride_n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n etc._n etc._n and_o iii_o here_o be_v the_o great_a charge_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o this_o wicked_a and_o proud_a man_n viz._n wilful_a atheism_n and_o infidelity_n he_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bibles_n with_o good_a warrant_n from_o the_o hebr._n all_o his_o thought_n be_v there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o discourse_v on_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o head_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o immorality_n and_o pride_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n among_o we_o and_o on_o the_o three_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n that_o atheistical_a man_n usual_o bring_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o show_v how_o very_a weak_a and_o invalid_a they_o be_v and_o first_o i_o think_v it_o very_o necessary_a to_o say_v something_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n of_o impiety_n this_o my_o text_n natural_o lead_v i_o to_o before_o i_o can_v come_v to_o the_o great_a subject_n i_o design_n to_o discourse_n upon_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o discover_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o heinous_a sin_n and_o the_o method_n and_o step_n by_o which_o man_n advance_v to_o it_o that_o so_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o harden_v in_o it_o nor_o quite_o give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n take_v heed_n and_o avoid_v be_v engage_v in_o such_o course_n as_o do_v natural_o lead_v into_o it_o i._o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o general_a character_n or_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o my_o text_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man._n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v every_o where_o the_o language_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o atheistical_a men._n david_n tell_v we_o psal._n 14.1_o and_o 51.1_o that_o it_o be_v the_o fool_n i._n e._n the_o wicked_a man_n for_o so_o the_o word_n nabal_n often_o signify_v and_o be_v so_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o fool_n by_o his_o own_o fault_n one_o stupefy_v and_o dull_v by_o vice_n and_o lust_n as_o he_o sufficient_o explain_v it_o afterward_o one_o that_o be_v corrupt_a and_o become_v filthy_a and_o that_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n so_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n suppose_v that_o those_o man_n will_v have_v in_o they_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n who_o do_v depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n and_o live_v without_o he_o in_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o those_o which_o be_v once_o debauch_v in_o their_o practice_n may_v easy_o grow_v so_o in_o their_o principle_n for_o when_o once_o it_o be_v a_o man_n interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n he_o will_v ready_o enough_o disbelieve_v his_o existence_n we_o always_o give_v our_o assent_n very_o precipitant_o to_o what_o we_o wish_v for_o and_o will_v have_v to_o be_v true_a a_o man_n oppress_v with_o a_o load_n of_o gild_n and_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v daily_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n will_v be_v often_o very_o uneasy_a restless_a and_o dissatisfy_v with_o himself_o and_o his_o mind_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o dismal_a and_o ill-boding_a thought_n he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v his_o sin_n and_o to_o forego_v the_o present_a advantage_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v but_o be_v fearful_a too_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o vehement_o disturb_v now_o and_o then_o about_o the_o account_n that_o he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v of_o his_o action_n now_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a for_o a_o man_n under_o such_o circumstance_n to_o catch_v at_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o offer_v he_o a_o little_a ease_n and_o quiet_v and_o that_o can_v help_v he_o to_o shake_v off_o his_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o impend_a punishment_n and_o misery_n some_o therefore_o bear_v down_o all_o thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o
spirit_n such_o a_o turn_v and_o air_n of_o countenance_n as_o argue_v a_o proud_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o troth_n on_o in_o the_o common_a road_n believe_v and_o worship_v a_o god_n and_o poor_o submit_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o thus_o have_v dispatch_v my_o two_o first_o particular_n and_o show_v that_o wickedness_n and_o pride_n be_v two_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n observable_a in_o my_o text_n viz._n iii_o the_o great_a charge_n which_o the_o psalmist_n bring_v against_o the_o wicked_a person_n here_o mention_v that_o he_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n but_o this_o i_o must_v leave_v for_o my_o next_o discourse_n and_o shall_v now_o conclude_v with_o a_o word_n or_o two_o by_o way_n of_o application_n since_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o that_o wickedness_n in_o general_n and_o 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believe_v they_o to_o be_v in_o reality_n what_o our_o deprave_a and_o prejudicate_a apprehension_n make_v they_o the_o enemy_n to_o religion_n say_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mind_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v be_v all_o force_a and_o strain_v because_o it_o be_v their_o trade_n and_o they_o get_v money_n by_o it_o and_o their_o craft_n oblige_v they_o to_o cry_v out_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n i_o hope_v therefore_o this_o be_v so_o precarious_a and_o partial_a a_o way_n of_o proceed_v to_o subscribe_v to_o religion_n by_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o take_v it_o up_o upon_o trust_n from_o those_o who_o interest_n they_o say_v it_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v i_o say_v that_o man_n will_v not_o act_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o embrace_v atheism_n and_o infidelity_n on_o the_o same_o precarious_a ground_n i_o hope_v all_o such_o person_n can_v clear_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o 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get_v by_o it_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o religion_n let_v not_o therefore_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a and_o blind_a as_o to_o talk_v of_o prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v any_o at_o all_o on_o that_o of_o infidelity_n if_o they_o scorn_v to_o take_v up_o religion_n on_o trust_n without_o examine_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n let_v they_o be_v as_o cautious_a and_o inquisitive_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o not_o run_v hood-winked_n into_o eternal_a destruction_n by_o subscribe_v to_o atheism_n in_o haste_n and_o without_o that_o previous_a consideration_n and_o regard_n which_o so_o great_a and_o important_a a_o affair_n require_v for_o if_o they_o will_v but_o strip_v themselves_o of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o their_o vice_n and_o avoid_v be_v impetuous_o bear_v down_o by_o their_o deprave_a inclination_n 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advancement_n of_o their_o true_a and_o great_a interest_n part_v i._o by_o a_o lover_n of_o their_o sex_n the_o three_o edition_n in_o twelves_o a_o serious_a proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n part_v ii_o wherein_o a_o method_n be_v offer_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o twelves_o letter_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n between_o the_o author_n of_o the_o proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n and_o mr._n john_n norris_n in_o octavo_n a_o answer_n to_o w._n p._n his_o key_n about_o the_o quaker_n light_v within_o and_o oath_n with_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o octavo_n a_o letter_n to_o the_o honourable_a sir_n robert_n howard_n together_o with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a in_o octavo_n now_o in_o the_o press_n discourse_n on_o several_a practical_a subject_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_a w._n payne_n d.d._n with_o a_o preface_n give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n write_n and_o death_n in_o octavo_n the_o 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of_o success_n give_v they_o thanks_o make_v the_o creature_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n go_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o religion_n which_o man_n take_v notice_n of_o have_v form_v into_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o another_o place_n 51._o that_o fear_v of_o power_n invisible_a feign_v by_o the_o mind_n or_o imagine_v from_o tale_n public_o allow_v be_v religion_n not_o allow_v be_v superstition_n so_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n hobbs_n religion_n and_o superstition_n differ_v only_o in_o this_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o lie_n and_o a_o cheat_n stand_v only_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o private_a man_n whereas_o the_o former_a be_v support_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o government_n in_o these_o four_o thing_n say_v he_o elsewhere_o 54._o consist_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o religion_n viz._n ignorance_n of_o second_o cause_n opinion_n of_o ghost_n devotion_n towards_o what_o man_n fear_v and_o take_v thing_n casual_a for_o prognostic_n 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all_o this_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o barbarian_a both_o say_v the_o islander_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o continent_n the_o wise_a and_o the_o unwise_a alike_o aristotle_n say_v 3._o that_o all_o man_n have_v a_o pre-notion_n concern_v the_o god_n even_o both_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n to_o this_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n which_o our_o forefather_n have_v hand_v down_o to_o posterity_n in_o a_o mythological_a dress_n that_o there_o be_v god_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n sustain_v or_o encompass_v all_o thing_n but_o this_o tradition_n he_o say_v have_v in_o process_n of_o time_n some_o figment_n connect_v with_o it_o as_o that_o the_o god_n have_v humane_a shape_v or_o those_o of_o other_o creature_n etc._n etc._n which_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o it_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o at_o first_o divine_o speak_v and_o deliver_v that_o the_o god_n be_v the_o first_o being_n 1654._o many_o more_o testimony_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a writer_n that_o there_o be_v a_o common_a notion_n or_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o these_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a and_o now_o what_o can_v the_o atheist_n say_v to_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o this_o what_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o it_o have_v be_v believe_v by_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n of_o argue_v from_o authority_n that_o aristotle_n use_v in_o his_o topic_n that_o say_v he_o which_o seem_v true_a to_o some_o wise_a man_n aught_o to_o appear_v a_o little_a probable_a what_o most_o wise_a man_n believe_v be_v yet_o further_o probable_a and_o what_o most_o man_n both_o wise_a and_o unwise_a do_v agree_v in_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a yet_o but_o what_o be_v receive_v as_o truth_n by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v certain_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n of_o this_o kind_a that_o be_v possible_a and_o what_o have_v such_o a_o testimony_n it_o be_v intolerable_a arrogance_n and_o folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v and_o to_o set_v up_o their_o single_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o they_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vanity_n that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o weakness_n and_o precariousness_n of_o what_o they_o advance_v nor_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o their_o other_o tenet_n if_o it_o have_v but_o the_o appearance_n of_o contradict_v the_o receive_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o do_v but_o seem_v never_o so_o little_a to_o undermine_n religion_n they_o will_v set_v it_o up_o at_o a_o venture_n as_o a_o demonstration_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o at_o other_o time_n they_o deliver_v thus_o sometime_o they_o will_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a idea_n or_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n at_o other_o time_n they_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o but_o that_o it_o be_v coin_v and_o invent_v by_o some_o cunning_a politician_n a_o long_a while_n ago_o before_o any_o book_n or_o history_n be_v write_v and_o by_o he_o communicate_v by_o tradition_n to_o posterity_n but_o here_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o this_o will_v necessary_o derive_v all_o mankind_n from_o one_o common_a parent_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n they_o will_v at_o another_o time_n by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o lest_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o countenance_v the_o story_n of_o adam_n or_o noah_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o old_a jewish_a tradition_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o account_v for_o the_o people_n of_o america_n and_o all_o island_n remote_a from_o the_o continent_n without_o suppose_v their_o inhabitant_n to_o be_v aborigines_n and_o to_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n like_o mushroom_n and_o then_o to_o account_v for_o the_o general_n notion_n that_o they_o can_v deny_v these_o aborigines_n have_v of_o a_o god_n as_o before_o they_o make_v one_o wise_a man_n invent_v it_o now_o they_o will_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o hundred_o such_o cunning_a politician_n who_o though_o in_o different_a place_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v all_o light_n by_o chance_n on_o the_o very_a same_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v mankind_n just_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a and_o ridiculous_a assertion_n that_o ever_o can_v possible_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o contradictory_n to_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o that_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o shall_v be_v suppose_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o allow_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v a_o real_a foundation_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v man_n that_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o clear_a light_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o backward_o and_o often_o time_n run_v against_o each_o other_o in_o the_o dark_a maze_n of_o error_n those_o must_v needs_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n who_o neglect_v his_o guidance_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o light_n and_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o those_o no_o doubt_n may_v easy_o miss_v of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o he_o and_o all_o who_o thought_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o rich._n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n immorality_n and_o pride_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n january_n the_o 3_o d._n 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n in_o quarto_n the_o atheist_n objection_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n refute_v a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 7_o the_o 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o second_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n in_o quarto_n remark_n on_o some_o late_a paper_n relate_v to_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n all_o three_o by_o j._n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n dr._n woodward_n natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n dr._n abbadie_n vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n the_o atheist_n objection_n against_o the_o immaterial_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o incorporeal_a substance_n refute_v in_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 4_o the_o and_o may_v 2_o d._n 1698._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o john_n four_o 24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o his_o way_n into_o galilee_n pass_v through_o sychar_n a_o city_n of_o samaria_n near_o to_o which_o be_v the_o famous_a well_o of_o the_o patriarch_n jacob._n to_o this_o well_o our_o saviour_n go_v to_o refresh_v himself_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o as_o he_o always_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v do_v good_a take_v occasion_n from_o a_o woman_n come_v to_o draw_v water_n to_o discourse_v with_o she_o about_o the_o business_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o which_o he_o first_o give_v she_o some_o proof_n of_o his_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n from_o whence_o she_o just_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o a_o person_n enrich_v with_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o qualification_n she_o ask_v he_o concern_v one_o great_a point_n that_o have_v be_v long_o in_o dispute_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n i._n e._n about_o the_o true_a place_n for_o religious_a worship_n the_o jew_n right_o assert_v jerusalem_n to_o be_v the_o place_n where_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_n the_o samaritan_n contend_v that_o
most_o material_a and_o essential_a point_n and_o indeed_o have_v leave_v we_o no_o possible_a way_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o when_o as_o i_o have_v show_v above_o god_n have_v not_o only_o fix_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o also_o dispose_v they_o so_o that_o every_o power_n faculty_n and_o capacity_n of_o they_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o way_n and_o indeed_o the_o only_a way_n to_o make_v we_o entire_o happy_a if_o i_o say_v after_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o moral_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n and_o action_n both_o in_o we_o and_o the_o deity_n be_v pure_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a it_o be_v plain_a reason_n be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o guide_n that_o serve_v to_o no_o manner_n of_o purpose_n but_o to_o bewild_a we_o in_o the_o infinite_a maze_n of_o error_n and_o to_o expose_v we_o to_o roam_v and_o float_v about_o in_o the_o boundless_a ocean_n of_o scepticism_n where_o we_o can_v never_o find_v our_o way_n certain_o to_o any_o place_n nor_o direct_v our_o course_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o but_o this_o not_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v of_o the_o deity_n who_o contain_v in_o himself_o all_o possible_a excellence_n and_o perfection_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o our_o reason_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o conclude_v the_o deity_n also_o guide_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o his_o proceed_n by_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o will_v and_o do_v always_o exercise_v love_v kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v and_o indeed_o the_o hobbian_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n guide_v only_o by_o arbitrary_a will_n omnipotent_a without_o any_o regard_n to_o reason_n goodness_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n be_v so_o far_o from_o attribute_v any_o perfection_n to_o god_n or_o as_o they_o pretend_v be_v the_o liberty_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o it_o real_o introduce_v the_o great_a weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o most_o brutish_a madness_n that_o can_v be_v for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o irresistible_a and_o extravagant_a will_n pursue_v the_o most_o fortuitous_a caprichio_n of_o humour_n without_o any_o wisdom_n end_n or_o design_n to_o regulate_v its_o motion_n by_o and_o of_o this_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n be_v so_o sensible_a that_o they_o always_o connect_v goodness_n with_o the_o idea_n that_o they_o have_v of_o a_o omnipotent_a mind_n be_v supreme_a lord_n over_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o universe_n for_o mind_n not_o guide_v and_o direct_v by_o goodness_n be_v according_a to_o they_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mere_a folly_n and_o madness_n and_o consequent_o no_o true_a deity_n there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o celsus_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o though_o introduce_v upon_o another_o design_n yet_o very_o clear_o show_v the_o idea_n that_o the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o deity_n god_n say_v he_o can_v do_v evil_a thing_n nor_o will_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o reason_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o precedent_n or_o governor_n of_o irregular_a or_o inordinate_a desire_n nor_o of_o erroneous_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n but_o of_o a_o nature_n true_o just_a and_o righteous_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n contr_n cels._n lib._n 5._o p._n 240._o cantabr_n excellent_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o say_v of_o plotinus_n the_o deity_n do_v always_o act_v according_a to_o his_o nature_n or_o essence_n and_o that_o nature_n or_o essence_n discover_v goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n for_o indeed_o if_o these_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v there_o i._n e._n in_o god_n where_o can_v they_o else_o be_v find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 265._o ficin_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o heathen_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n that_o the_o deity_n must_v be_v a_o good_a just_a and_o righteous_a be_v because_o several_a of_o the_o old_a atheist_n as_o protagoras_n etc._n etc._n argue_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n from_o the_o world_n be_v so_o ill_o make_v and_o order_v as_o it_o be_v and_o from_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_a and_o misery_n among_o mankind_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o find_v in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o there_o have_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o bring_v it_o if_o both_o the_o atheistical_a proposer_n of_o it_o and_o their_o antagonist_n have_v not_o have_v a_o clear_a notion_n that_o goodness_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v natural_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n according_o vaninus_n tell_v we_o that_o protagoras_n use_v to_o say_v si_fw-mi deus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la unde_fw-la igitur_fw-la bona_fw-la si_fw-mi autem_fw-la est_fw-la unde_fw-la mala_fw-la amph._n aetern_a provide_v p._n 90._o and_o the_o same_o thing_n tully_n tell_v we_o also_o lib._n de_fw-fr nat._n deorum_fw-la that_o diagoras_n use_v to_o object_n against_o a_o deity_n all_o which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v some_o common_a standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v always_o these_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n connect_v with_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o undoubted_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v gain_v one_o more_o good_a argument_n for_o this_o natural_a and_o eternal_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o a_o yet_o much_o noble_a foundation_n for_o morality_n for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o a_o god_n who_o have_v perfect_a goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n essential_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o who_o have_v create_v several_a order_n of_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o in_o order_n to_o display_v his_o own_o glory_n by_o his_o just_a kind_a and_o gracious_a deal_v with_o they_o we_o can_v but_o think_v i_o say_v that_o god_n will_v give_v to_o those_o of_o his_o creature_n who_o he_o have_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o a_o power_n of_o liberty_n and_o choice_n such_o a_o method_n of_o know_v his_o will_n the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o but_o by_o their_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_v and_o also_o that_o he_o will_v make_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n so_o plain_a and_o conspicuous_a that_o no_o one_o can_v miss_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o by_o a_o wilful_a violation_n of_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n god_n have_v gracious_o implant_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o this_o we_o see_v god_n have_v actual_o do_v and_o indeed_o much_o more_o have_v over_o and_o above_o connect_v very_o great_a reward_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n and_o have_v either_o natural_o plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o notion_n of_o some_o future_a state_n or_o else_o have_v give_v our_o nature_n such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o such_o a_o notion_n for_o we_o find_v a_o very_a plain_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o state_n among_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a heathen_n and_o over_o and_o above_o all_o this_o he_o have_v also_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o instruction_n whereby_o we_o may_v if_o we_o will_v gain_v a_o yet_o plain_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v more_o perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o method_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o find_v also_o much_o high_a encouragement_n and_o much_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n than_o we_o have_v before_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o this_o be_v vouchsafe_v we_o to_o enforce_v the_o more_o effectual_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o more_o perfect_o to_o perform_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n approve_v as_o good_a lovely_a and_o advantageous_a to_o human_a nature_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n remark_n upon_o some_o late_a paper_n relate_v to_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n and_o immorality_n and_o pride_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n the_o atheist_n objection_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n refute_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o