Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n great_a matter_n see_v 3,060 5 3.1155 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42445 The certainty and necessity of religion in general, or, The first grounds & principles of humane duty establish'd in eight sermons preach'd at S. Martins in the Fields at the lecture for the year 1697, founded by the Honorable Robert Boyle, Esquire / by Francis Gastrell ... Gastrell, Francis, 1662-1725. 1697 (1697) Wing G300; ESTC R10900 106,790 282

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continuance_n or_o have_v be_v lose_v again_o after_o they_o be_v once_o invent_v the_o same_o objection_n have_v constant_o lie_v against_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o have_v be_v strengthen_v by_o several_a other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o many_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o eternal_a succession_n all_o which_o and_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v say_v against_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n when_o assert_v together_o with_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n do_v more_o strong_o conclude_v against_o this_o supposition_n when_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o take_v into_o it_o under_o which_o respect_n i_o now_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v moreover_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o allege_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n and_o chargeable_a with_o the_o same_o objection_n as_o the_o former_a hypothesis_n be_v for_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o eternal_o produce_v such_o a_o succession_n of_o various_a object_n as_o we_o perceive_v in_o the_o world_n than_o they_o be_v of_o produce_v they_o and_o the_o world_n together_o in_o time_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o new_a object_n without_o a_o god_n they_o must_v all_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n for_o every_o particular_a new_a object_n be_v produce_v in_o time_n must_v owe_v its_o be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o nothing_o in_o this_o supposition_n be_v eternal_a but_o matter_n and_o motion_n which_o under_o all_o change_n continue_v the_o same_o every_o new_a generation_n of_o being_n must_v have_v their_o original_a from_o these_o the_o precedent_a generation_n have_v no_o other_o power_n nor_o difference_n from_o the_o succeed_a but_o what_o arise_v from_o the_o various_a disposition_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n this_o be_v plain_a as_o to_o all_o such_o being_n as_o want_v the_o faculty_n of_o perception_n and_o will_n and_o upon_o examination_n the_o case_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o qualification_n for_o even_o these_o also_o in_o the_o present_a hypothesis_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o derive_v their_o whole_a be_v from_o matter_n and_o motion_n because_o they_o be_v temporary_a being_n which_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o eternal_a but_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_o assignable_a for_o their_o production_n which_o need_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o god_n because_o there_o be_v none_o i_o believe_v of_o this_o opinion_n but_o do_v ascribe_v the_o original_a of_o perception_n and_o will_n to_o matter_n and_o motion_n make_v the_o former_a only_a different_a modisication_n of_o the_o latter_a in_o which_o they_o act_v very_o consistent_o with_o themselves_o in_o make_v a_o absurd_a scheme_n all_o of_o a_o piece_n not_o blending_a truth_n with_o falsehood_n but_o take_v in_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o do_v any_o way_n depend_v upon_o one_o another_o and_o belong_v to_o the_o main_a building_n however_o that_o i_o may_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o exception_n from_o any_o side_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o show_v that_o if_o perception_n and_o will_n be_v not_o the_o issue_n and_o effect_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o have_v already_o be_v show_v they_o be_v not_o the_o existence_n of_o intelligent_a being_n without_o a_o god_n be_v inconceivable_a and_o impossible_a because_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o their_o production_n can_v be_v assign_v for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v inquire_v how_o such_o a_o purticular_a man_n come_v to_o exist_v how_o he_o come_v to_o begin_v to_o be_v a_o conscious_a be_v he_o do_v not_o put_v himself_o together_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o now_o perceive_v he_o to_o exist_v he_o do_v not_o give_v himself_o those_o capacity_n and_o power_n he_o be_v conscious_a of_o together_o with_o his_o consciousness_n of_o they_o this_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n and_o grant_v to_o be_v so_o on_o all_o hand_n whence_o then_o do_v he_o derive_v this_o mighty_a difference_n of_o be_v we_o perceive_v in_o he_o by_o which_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o that_o fall_v under_o our_o cognizance_n not_o from_o some_o intelligent_a be_v of_o infinite_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n with_o those_o he_o perceive_v in_o himself_o not_o from_o any_o mechanical_a power_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n both_o these_o cause_n be_v set_v aside_o in_o the_o present_a enquiry_n nothing_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o the_o man_n which_o now_o exist_v and_o sometime_o ago_o begin_v to_o be_v must_v have_v receive_v his_o existence_n and_o all_o those_o qualification_n which_o distinguish_v he_o from_o matter_n from_o some_o other_o man_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o himself_o who_o exist_v before_o he_o but_o this_o be_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o infinite_a subordination_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o follow_v from_o this_o supposition_n which_o by_o every_o body_n be_v reject_v as_o a_o shocking_n repugnant_a notion_n but_o because_o it_o be_v hereby_o affirm_v that_o one_o be_v may_n sole_o by_o its_o own_o power_n produce_v another_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o perfection_n with_o its_o self_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o next_o impossibility_n to_o a_o being_n make_v itself_o for_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o that_o may_v be_v allow_v we_o have_v see_v before_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v another_o god_n of_o all_o the_o like_a perfection_n with_o himself_o but_o of_o a_o distinct_a existence_n proceed_v from_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o conceive_v it_o utter_o impossible_a that_o any_o kind_n of_o matter_n shall_v produce_v the_o least_o new_a particle_n of_o matter_n nay_o one_o part_n of_o matter_n never_o impart_v any_o motion_n to_o another_o without_o lose_v its_o self_n what_o the_o other_o receive_v and_o in_o all_o other_o material_a production_n there_o be_v only_o a_o new_a disposition_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n and_o not_o any_o new_a be_v of_o a_o distinct_a nature_n from_o it_o which_o new_a disposition_n be_v not_o receive_v entire_o from_o some_o other_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o texture_n with_o its_o self_n but_o from_o material_a particle_n and_o motion_n convey_v from_o several_a distant_a part_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o such_o different_a disposition_n of_o matter_n as_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n alone_o without_o the_o assistance_n and_o regulation_n of_o some_o other_o be_v of_o high_a perfection_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o mind_n or_o conscious_a be_v shall_v produce_v another_o entire_a distinct_a mind_n or_o be_v of_o equal_a perfection_n with_o its_o self_n without_o lose_v any_o thing_n from_o itself_o or_o borrow_v any_o assistance_n from_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o be_v exist_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v as_o strange_a do_v all_o this_o without_o be_v conscious_a of_o this_o its_o chief_a perfection_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v of_o all_o its_o other_o this_o i_o say_v can_v possible_o be_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o god_n all_o the_o continual_a change_n and_o new_a production_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o it_o must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o matter_n and_o motion_n but_o matter_n and_o motion_n not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v such_o effect_n from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n consider_v as_o it_o now_o be_v without_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v impossible_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v consider_v all_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n which_o pretend_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n call_v the_o world_n with_o exclusion_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n i_o shall_v now_o take_v a_o short_a review_n of_o each_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o then_o pass_v to_o more_o general_a reflection_n to_o show_v the_o incompetency_n and_o falsehood_n of_o any_o other_o account_n whatsoever_o that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o original_a and_o existence_n of_o thing_n beside_o that_o of_o their_o proceed_n in_o some_o manner_n from_o god_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o hypothesis_n which_o do_v all_o though_o in_o different_a manner_n establish_v a_o eternal_a coexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o mind_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o premise_v something_o concern_v the_o
reach_n and_o comprehension_n to_o conceive_v at_o all_o and_o that_o he_o who_o have_v so_o wise_o order_v and_o dispose_v every_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v to_o such_o proper_a end_n have_v exercise_v his_o power_n so_o far_o and_o no_o far_o because_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n so_o to_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o i_o think_v in_o all_o this_o but_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o natural_a and_o what_o may_v very_o well_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v out_o without_o the_o help_n of_o much_o learning_n or_o a_o extraordinary_a talon_n of_o reflection_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v what_o have_v constant_o in_o all_o age_n satisfy_v both_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o thoughtful_a and_o stand_v the_o test_n of_o time_n and_o sophistry_n and_o malice_n but_o suppose_v some_o extravagant_a thinker_n entire_o under_o the_o government_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o lust_n because_o they_o be_v not_o by_o when_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o do_v not_o see_v the_o hand_n which_o support_v the_o frame_n and_o move_v all_o the_o several_a wheel_n of_o it_o shall_v therefore_o distrust_v all_o their_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o doubt_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o testimony_n of_o nature_n be_v there_o no_o certain_a proof_n to_o be_v give_v that_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v who_o believe_v a_o god_n upon_o these_o ground_n several_n have_v already_o show_v there_o be_v and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a endeavour_n to_o make_v good_a in_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o unexceptionable_a manner_n i_o can_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o inquire_v what_o certainty_n be_v that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o proof_n may_v be_v proper_o and_o true_o call_v certain_a and_o what_o not_o now_o certainty_n or_o evidence_n which_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n consider_v in_o the_o thing_n or_o idea_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v a_o necessary_a agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o one_o part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n with_o another_o as_o apply_v to_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v the_o perception_n of_o such_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n or_o such_o a_o firm_a well-grounded_n assent_v as_o exclude_v not_o only_o all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n but_o all_o conceivable_a possibility_n of_o a_o mistake_n and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o all_o our_o own_o perception_n and_o sensation_n whatever_o we_o feel_v or_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o and_o that_o we_o be_v full_o and_o undeceivable_o assure_v of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o our_o judgement_n found_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o well-regulated_n report_v of_o our_o external_a sense_n to_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o agreement_n and_o disagreement_n of_o any_o pure_a intellectual_a idea_n except_o this_o be_v allow_v we_o have_v no_o principle_n to_o reason_n from_o nor_o indeed_o any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o not_o so_o much_o as_o scepticism_n but_o universal_a darkness_n and_o confusion_n cover_v humane_a nature_n but_o he_o that_o grant_v thus_o much_o and_o be_v true_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n must_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n be_v then_o as_o i_o suppose_v by_o a_o infallible_a consciousness_n satisfy_v of_o our_o own_o operation_n and_o existence_n and_o by_o a_o passive_a perception_n of_o various_a kind_n and_o sort_n of_o impression_n by_o the_o help_n of_o certain_a organ_n of_o the_o body_n full_o convince_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n without_o we_o of_o different_a nature_n or_o manner_n of_o existence_n upon_o a_o far_a exercise_n of_o our_o active_a power_n and_o application_n of_o our_o sense_n to_o external_a object_n and_o then_o review_v and_o reason_v over_o the_o observation_n that_o result_v from_o thence_o we_o come_v to_o these_o certain_a conclusion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o change_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o great_a many_o new_a appearance_n present_v themselves_o which_o before_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v some_o of_o which_o be_v observe_v to_o disappear_v again_o as_o other_o likewise_o be_v the_o rise_z and_o original_n of_o which_o we_o never_o know_v that_o under_o all_o these_o change_n and_o variety_n of_o appearance_n there_o be_v something_o which_o be_v constant_o the_o same_o which_o we_o call_v matter_n or_o solid_a extend_a substance_n that_o the_o different_a appearance_n our_o sense_n inform_v we_o of_o in_o matter_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o difference_n of_o bulk_n or_o number_n figure_n motion_n and_o rest_v that_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o several_a thing_n in_o ourselves_o which_o we_o perceive_v as_o different_a from_o all_o these_o that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o conscious_a but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o this_o consciousness_n and_o all_o that_o we_o perceive_v in_o ourselves_o as_o distinct_a from_o matter_n which_o we_o call_v mind_n or_o spirit_n be_v join_v and_o unite_v to_o a_o certain_a portion_n of_o matter_n or_o collection_n of_o material_a particle_n call_v humane_a body_n that_o when_o this_o humane_a body_n change_v its_o appearance_n and_o such_o a_o particular_a union_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v dissolve_v than_o that_o consciousness_n and_o all_o those_o internal_a operation_n which_o be_v now_o the_o object_n of_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v join_v with_o that_o matter_n they_o be_v just_a before_o unite_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o conclusion_n we_o be_v from_o thence_o immediate_o lead_v to_o these_o follow_a inquiry_n how_o come_v all_o this_o about_o how_o come_v there_o to_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o matter_n when_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v it_o exist_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o change_n that_o be_v 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unless_o a_o be_v that_o once_o be_v not_o can_v put_v itself_o into_o be_v but_o that_o be_v impossible_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a something_o now_o real_o be_v therefore_o something_o must_v be_v eternal_a and_o as_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o something_o must_v be_v eternal_a so_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o several_a change_n we_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n the_o succession_n of_o new_a conscious_a being_n and_o different_a disposition_n of_o matter_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o now_o if_o something_o be_v eternal_a and_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a than_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o eternal_a be_v make_v by_o that_o which_o be_v i._n e._n original_o receive_v its_o be_v and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o it_o from_o a_o eternal_a author_n or_o cause_n otherwise_o either_o something_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v make_v itself_o which_o before_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v impossible_a or_o one_o temporary_a be_v must_v make_v another_o which_o it_o can_v do_v but_o by_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o such_o power_n which_o together_o with_o its_o existence_n it_o receive_v from_o some_o other_o be_v and_o so_o on_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o all_o power_n and_o be_v the_o only_a question_n than_o be_v what_o be_v eternal_a for_o upon_o this_o depend_v the_o resolution_n of_o all_o our_o other_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a satisfaction_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v all_o the_o claim_n and_o pretension_n make_v to_o this_o glorious_a prerogative_n of_o eternal_a existence_n afterward_o i_o shall_v examine_v what_o those_o attribute_n be_v that_o must_v necessary_o belong_v to_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o then_o show_v that_o that_o be_v to_o which_o all_o these_o attribute_n agree_v be_v what_o we_o call_v god_n and_o there_o be_v
of_o he_o or_o be_v real_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o help_v to_o make_v up_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n or_o do_v eternal_o proceed_v from_o he_o because_o he_o have_v eternal_o a_o effectual_a will_n to_o produce_v it_o but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o supposition_n can_v be_v true_a for_o neither_o matter_n itself_o nor_o matter_n and_o motion_n nor_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v eternal_a independent_o of_o god_n because_o as_o have_v be_v full_o prove_v already_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v exi_v eternal_o without_o a_o god_n from_o which_o proof_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v viz._n necessary_a existence_n and_o all_o possible_a perfection_n nor_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o actual_a production_n of_o all_o temporary_a being_n for_o which_o soever_o of_o they_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v suppose_v also_o want_v those_o perfection_n we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a one_o imaginable_a by_o we_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o existence_n where_o these_o be_v want_v because_o than_o we_o may_v suppose_v a_o necessary_a eternal_a be_v with_o they_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a perfection_n than_o another_o necessary_a eternal_a be_v without_o they_o but_o we_o can_v suppose_v two_o necessary_a and_o independent_a eternal_a being_n of_o unequal_a perfection_n therefore_o what_o want_v any_o of_o these_o qualification_n we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n can_v exist_v necessary_o and_o of_o itself_o and_o further_o what_o we_o suppose_v destitute_a of_o knowledge_n and_o will_n can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a power_n of_o produce_v temporary_a being_n be_v it_o in_o its_o self_n allow_v to_o be_v eternal_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n that_o exclude_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o be_v suppose_v eternal_a which_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v give_v of_o god_n must_v be_v take_v into_o it_o as_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o free_a eternal_a effect_n of_o his_o eternal_a will._n thus_o some_o have_v affrm_v that_o the_o world_n and_o every_o thing_n we_o see_v or_o know_v be_v god_n other_o that_o all_o thing_n flow_v from_o god_n by_o which_o if_o they_o mean_v necessary_a emanation_n they_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o his_o be_v and_o essence_n if_o production_n to_o his_o will._n so_o that_o however_o we_o express_v ourselves_o upon_o these_o matter_n every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v or_o frame_v any_o notion_n of_o must_v be_v either_o god_n or_o some_o way_n proceed_v from_o he_o be_v reckon_v to_o his_o nature_n or_o his_o work_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o no_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o ascribe_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o time_n of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n produce_v every_o thing_n not_o contain_v in_o that_o idea_n even_o original_a matter_n and_o motion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o particular_a being_n in_o it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o any_o of_o these_o together_o with_o god_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v give_v of_o he_o however_o his_o opinion_n may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o can_v make_v no_o change_n in_o our_o thought_n with_o regard_n to_o religion_n the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o the_o same_o here_o as_o we_o have_v establish_v it_o the_o same_o consequence_n will_v every_o where_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o the_o assertor_n of_o any_o such_o opinion_n will_v bear_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n with_o we_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n which_o however_o hold_v have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o we_o than_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n willing_o when_o we_o may_v have_v better_a information_n or_o if_o we_o can_v yet_o other_o opinion_n may_v appear_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o present_a case_n and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v any_o further_a enquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n as_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o about_o they_o thus_o have_v i_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o dispatch_v as_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v examine_v all_o the_o account_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o present_a existence_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o particular_a observation_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o not_o all_o that_o may_v be_v make_v but_o such_o as_o i_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o god_n or_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i_o before_o describe_v who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a cause_n or_o author_n of_o every_o thing_n we_o see_v or_o know_v or_o have_v over_o be_v beside_o he_o and_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o be_v the_o world_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v ever_o exist_v any_o other_o way_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o general_a reflection_n to_o strengthen_v the_o common_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o conclude_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n that_o the_o world_n be_v as_o we_o now_o perceive_v must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o chance_n necessity_n or_o wisdom_n but_o chance_n be_v nothing_o necessity_n without_o a_o god_n unintelligible_a and_o therefore_o wisdom_n or_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o god_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a be_v make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n we_o now_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o world_n be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n be_v be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o be_v make_v without_o any_o cause_n and_o to_o speak_v thus_o be_v to_o use_v word_n without_o any_o mean_v under_o they_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v make_v any_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v that_o before_o be_v not_o without_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o some_o real_a positive_a be_v of_o antecedent_n existence_n inadequate_a and_o insufficient_a cause_n be_v often_o assign_v for_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n because_o be_v next_o to_o and_o immediate_o precede_v the_o effect_n they_o be_v sole_o take_v notice_n of_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o their_o subordination_n to_o or_o direction_n by_o other_o and_o oftentimes_o something_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o it_o but_o in_o both_o these_o case_n it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o real_a efficiency_n observe_v that_o these_o judgement_n be_v make_v which_o must_v all_o proceed_v from_o some_o real_a be_v though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o attribute_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a one_o or_o to_o one_o that_o have_v only_o a_o share_n in_o the_o effect_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o real_a assign_v which_o be_v as_o much_o and_o as_o proper_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o make_v a_o world_n as_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n so_o meet_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a determination_n of_o figure_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n but_o these_o must_v be_v either_o eternal_a or_o the_o effect_n of_o certain_a eternal_a sixth_o rule_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n or_o be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o casual_a but_o every_o thing_n necessary_a or_o providential_a for_o suppose_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o matter_n so_o and_o so_o figure_v and_o move_v we_o can_v consider_v it_o as_o indifferent_a to_o several_a effect_n but_o necessary_o determine_v to_o one_o which_o must_v inevitable_o follow_v such_o a_o suppose_a disposition_n unless_o something_o extrinsical_a to_o matter_n shall_v restrain_v or_o change_v the_o determination_n if_o any_o thing_n extrinsical_a to_o matter_n or_o beside_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v allow_v it_o must_v be_v god_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o exist_v but_o matter_n and_o motion_n then_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n
without_o a_o large_a date_n of_o present_a life_n or_o a_o prospect_n of_o another_o conceive_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o or_o at_o least_o be_v attainable_a by_o any_o other_o action_n beside_o those_o of_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v all_o but_o a_o imaginary_a scene_n a_o bare_a idea_n or_o pattern_n draw_v by_o the_o mind_n which_o never_o be_v and_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o religion_n as_o now_o they_o do_v those_o few_o that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o live_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o i_o recept_n of_o it_o shall_v enjoy_v more_o happiness_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n much_o less_o such_o who_o practice_n be_v inconstant_a and_o defective_a which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o careful_a observer_n of_o those_o measure_n of_o act_v which_o religion_n prescribe_v however_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v just_o be_v infer_v that_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n productive_a of_o happiness_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o consequent_o be_v design_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v obtain_v this_o effect_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o direct_v and_o dispose_v to_o seek_v it_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o these_o mean_n be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a but_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o without_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o use_v they_o render_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o present_a from_o hence_o i_o say_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o god_n who_o in_o his_o great_a wisdom_n have_v order_v all_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o order_v they_o in_o vain_a or_o with_o a_o intention_n of_o deceive_a but_o have_v contrive_v it_o so_o that_o some_o time_n or_o other_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o all_o point_n shall_v be_v obtain_v and_o therefore_o if_o a_o full_a and_o exact_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o there_o will_v be_v reward_n answerable_a to_o the_o high_a performance_n and_o expectation_n we_o have_v reason_n also_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o course_n be_v sometime_o interrupt_v with_o voluntary_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v they_o will_v notwithstanding_o by_o some_o favour_n or_o grace_n procure_v they_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n will_v put_v a_o mighty_a distinction_n betwixt_o such_o as_o do_v but_o sometime_o deviate_v from_o those_o religious_a measure_n they_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o those_o who_o constant_o act_v by_o different_a principle_n 4._o the_o proof_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v the_o four_o thing_n i_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n here_o than_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o general_a and_o regular_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o defect_n do_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o to_o prefer_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o life_n before_o another_o upon_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o great_a and_o more_o powerful_a can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o religion_n be_v not_o universal_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o society_n of_o man_n make_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o govern_n principle_n of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a likewise_o that_o those_o few_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v they_o do_v in_o many_o instance_n neglect_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o happen_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n than_o our_o mortal_a condition_n will_v otherwise_o subject_v we_o to_o so_o it_o oftentimes_o fall_v to_o the_o religious_a man_n lot_n to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v all_o the_o trouble_v and_o uneasiness_n he_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o impression_n mix_v with_o and_o obstruct_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o carry_v he_o to_o contrary_a action_n though_o very_o much_o be_v owe_v to_o this_o cause_n but_o a_o great_a many_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o wicked_a man_n pure_o for_o his_o be_v religious_a so_o that_o do_v he_o perfect_o and_o complete_o fulfil_v all_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v his_o misery_n will_v be_v proportionable_o increase_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v it_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v some_o other_o state_n of_o happiness_n for_o such_o as_o live_v exact_o according_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n here_o which_o will_v be_v so_o full_a and_o sufficient_a a_o recompense_n for_o all_o the_o misery_n they_o have_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n as_o to_o justify_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o term_n for_o if_o god_n design_v man_n for_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v and_o appoint_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o it_o as_o manifest_o appear_v from_o his_o annex_v pleasure_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o unmixed_a practice_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o from_o several_a other_o indication_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o end_n to_o be_v defeat_v after_o a_o due_a and_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o derive_v dependent_a power_n and_o contrivance_n of_o other_o being_n and_o order_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o diligent_a and_o exact_a in_o observe_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o act_v shall_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n meet_v with_o the_o least_o success_n shall_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v a_o few_o perfect_o religious_a afflict_a and_o torment_v by_o wicked_a man_n bare_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o if_o they_o be_v what_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v mighty_a blessing_n in_o store_n for_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o their_o present_a suffering_n be_v as_o nothing_o from_o hence_o also_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o exact_a and_o universal_a performance_n and_o yet_o who_o be_v render_v more_o miserable_a by_o the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n than_o they_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o degree_n of_o religion_n they_o come_v up_o to_o it_o be_v reasonable_a i_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o will_n some_o time_n or_o other_o receive_v more_o happiness_n or_o less_o misery_n than_o other_o proportionable_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o affliction_n now_o for_o according_a as_o they_o have_v pursue_v the_o mean_n so_o will_v their_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n be_v or_o if_o no_o reward_n be_v due_a but_o to_o a_o full_a discharge_v of_o all_o obligation_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o who_o have_v perform_v some_o part_n of_o what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o and_o endeavour_v at_o general_a obedience_n shall_v be_v punish_v as_o high_a as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a or_o of_o a_o total_a neglect_n contempt_n or_o volation_n of_o their_o duty_n however_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o god_n according_a to_o all_o the_o indication_n he_o have_v give_v to_o mankind_n of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n preferable_a to_o that_o of_o other_o who_o act_n by_o contrary_a measure_n which_o it_o will_v not_o always_o be_v be_v there_o no_o other_o state_n of_o life_n after_o this_o be_v end_v from_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o man_n will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o by_o different_a degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o different_a regard_n they_o have_v to_o religion_n in_o this_o life_n the_o certainty_n
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sure_a be_v more_o than_o any_o man_n that_o make_v the_o venture_n can_v pretend_v to_o i_o do_v not_o here_o argue_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o prefer_v religion_n before_o irreligion_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v safe_o so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n a_o man_n shall_v not_o suffer_v any_o thing_n in_o another_o state_n by_o such_o a_o choice_n whereas_o he_o that_o choose_v irreligion_n have_v only_o his_o own_o opinion_n for_o his_o security_n and_o be_v threaten_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n with_o eternal_a misery_n after_o death_n i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o alone_a a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v a_o man_n choice_n to_o one_o side_n against_o all_o other_o argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v threaten_v out_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o evil_n threaten_v be_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v full_a as_o probable_a that_o it_o shall_v happen_v as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o which_o be_v the_o case_n now_o suppose_v he_o act_v very_o rational_o and_o wise_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o undergo_v some_o lesser_a inconvenience_n at_o present_a than_o put_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o great_a now_o that_o the_o misery_n annex_v to_o irreligion_n be_v very_o considerable_a can_v be_v deny_v it_o be_v suppose_v great_a than_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o conceive_v by_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a it_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v by_o such_o principle_n as_o not_o must_v be_v allow_v whatever_o hypothesis_n be_v true_a for_o if_o chance_n make_v the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o character_n of_o wisdom_n we_o behold_v in_o it_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o happen_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n and_o that_o those_o we_o call_v irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o it_o and_o the_o religious_a happy_a it_o look_v indeed_o like_o 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there_o be_v in_o this_o hypothesis_n to_o the_o contrary_n where_o every_o thing_n be_v suppose_v casual_a or_o every_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n why_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v suture_a shall_v or_o shall_v not_o exist_v or_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v after_o such_o or_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v equal_o probable_a nothing_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o determine_v the_o mind_n one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o another_o state_n than_o that_o he_o will_v at_o least_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v produce_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o probable_a in_o every_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o irreligious_a will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a they_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n they_o be_v of_o than_o the_o other_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n and_o account_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n must_v not_o act_v at_o all_o or_o if_o he_o do_v prefer_v act_v one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v the_o safe_a side_n shall_v determine_v he_o but_o moreover_o it_o be_v not_o only_o as_o probable_a that_o the_o irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o a_o future_a state_n allow_v any_o of_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o their_o own_o way_n of_o proof_n it_o appear_v that_o our_o hypothesis_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a as_o any_o advance_v by_o they_o nothing_o further_a than_o a_o possibility_n of_o they_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o do_v moreover_o pretend_v by_o many_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n to_o evince_v the_o certainty_n of_o we_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o show_v all_o they_o to_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a wherefore_o if_o upon_o a_o equal_a probability_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o safe_a measure_n much_o more_o be_v we_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v when_o reason_n and_o happiness_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o side_n nay_o far_o he_o that_o prefer_v that_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o eternal_a misery_n in_o another_o state_n be_v denounce_v against_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o have_v more_o ground_n of_o probability_n of_o his_o side_n but_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o conviction_n he_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v from_o certain_a direct_a principle_n that_o his_o own_o opinion_n be_v right_a or_o that_o the_o contrary_a be_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a because_o the_o consequence_n be_v of_o that_o vast_a importance_n that_o the_o present_a inconvenience_n we_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v by_o act_v a_o contrary_a way_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o hazard_n or_o likelihood_n of_o misery_n that_o attend_v this_o thus_o do_v we_o of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n defend_v ourselves_o against_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o peremptory_o condemn_v we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n for_o be_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o they_o without_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o return_v from_o we_o and_o then_o urge_v we_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n thus_o i_o say_v do_v we_o answer_v do_v we_o believe_v their_o opinion_n or_o censure_n probable_a the_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o we_o perhaps_o seem_v as_o probable_a or_o more_o so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v false_a we_o will_v then_o allow_v some_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n but_o we_o do_v not_o now_o go_v over_o to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o safety_n because_o we_o not_o only_o think_v our_o opinion_n certain_a and_o they_o impossible_a absurd_a or_o irrational_a and_o be_v full_o persuade_v we_o have_v prove_v they_o so_o but_o suppose_v ourselves_o to_o err_v in_o all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o we_o think_v it_o demonstrable_a from_o common_a principle_n own_a on_o both_o side_n that_o none_o of_o these_o error_n which_o upon_o due_a care_n for_o better_a information_n be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o truth_n can_v expose_v we_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n if_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o atheist_n and_o irreligious_a can_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o himself_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o suppose_a consequence_n of_o irreligion_n seem_v as_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o knowledge_n own_v by_o he_o as_o the_o popish_a tenet_n do_v to_o a_o protestant_n or_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o unwarrantable_a as_o the_o vision_n resvery_n or_o prediction_n of_o every_o little_a enthusiast_n or_o fortune-teller_n to_o a_o man_n of_o calm_a sedate_v sense_n and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o good_a in_o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o reason_v then_o may_v he_o despise_v our_o threaten_n and_o laugh_n at_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n secure_o but_o to_o deny_v all_o these_o important_a concern_v truth_n without_o offer_v at_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o falsehood_n to_o say_v they_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a point_n and_o yet_o to_o act_v with_o the_o same_o assurance_n and_o security_n as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_o false_a to_o refuse_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o for_o want_v of_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a proof_n without_o confute_v the_o argument_n already_o advance_v or_o produce_v strong_a on_o the_o contrary_a side_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o prove_v they_o first_o to_o be_v vain_a
or_o resistible_a to_o contradict_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o world_n without_o make_v any_o new_a discovery_n or_o observation_n to_o lay_v aside_o a_o whole_a scheme_n and_o system_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o establish_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a branch_n and_o connexion_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o some_o little_a remote_a consequence_n and_o to_o venture_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o a_o seem_a possibility_n of_o a_o escape_n which_o very_o few_o perceive_v or_o allow_v these_o be_v all_o egregious_a instance_n of_o the_o absurd_a faith_n and_o foolish_a conduct_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o act_v upon_o contrary_a ground_n and_o measure_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o atheist_n common_o discover_v his_o folly_n in_o and_o that_o be_v the_o publish_n and_o propagate_a his_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v more_o the_o atheist_n interest_n that_o other_o people_n shall_v have_v religion_n than_o it_o be_v the_o religious_a man_n for_o his_o whole_a happiness_n be_v in_o this_o life_n the_o more_o other_o people_n be_v restrain_v and_o the_o better_a they_o be_v persuade_v he_o act_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o do_v the_o large_a will_v his_o liberty_n and_o advantage_n be_v and_o the_o less_o he_o will_v suffer_v from_o their_o design_n and_o pursuit_n whereas_o the_o religious_a man_n reversion_n be_v not_o endanger_v but_o confirm_v by_o what_o he_o lose_v or_o suffer_v here_o other_o proof_n likewise_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o irreligion_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n both_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v profess_v favourer_n of_o it_o such_o as_o their_o credulity_n and_o readiness_n of_o belief_n in_o common_a indifferent_a matter_n and_o sometime_o embrace_v absurd_a opinion_n explode_v by_o all_o the_o world_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v distrustful_a of_o every_o thing_n upon_o the_o subject_a of_o religion_n their_o believe_a matter_n that_o concern_v their_o present_a happiness_n upon_o less_o ground_n their_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o run_v great_a hazard_n upon_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o future_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o contrary_a fear_v and_o avoid_v thing_n upon_o a_o less_o appearance_n or_o likelihood_n of_o danger_n than_o what_o religion_n afford_v and_o last_o their_o act_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o deny_v themselves_o what_o they_o esteem_v substantial_a happiness_n out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o imaginary_a notion_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o common_a observation_n and_o too_o long_o to_o be_v full_o insist_v upon_o here_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v hint_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o vi_o six_o and_o last_o general_a branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n propose_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n or_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o such_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o people_n be_v better_o satisfy_v of_o than_o the_o power_n nnd_v influence_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a motive_n of_o judge_v every_o body_n be_v apt_a to_o resolve_v the_o cause_n of_o another_o man_n differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o into_o some_o particular_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n but_o this_o we_o do_v common_o without_o examine_v whether_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n for_o his_o dissent_n than_o we_o have_v for_o our_o persuasion_n whether_o the_o opinion_n he_o be_v of_o be_v not_o in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n true_a though_o he_o believe_v upon_o false_a ground_n or_o whether_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o judge_n as_o we_o do_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o like_a motive_n we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o by_o which_o mean_v we_o be_v often_o not_o only_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o partiality_n we_o charge_v upon_o other_o but_o either_o confirm_v in_o our_o error_n or_o else_o prevent_v from_o make_v just_a inquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v by_o chance_n and_o more_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o think_v it_o a_o very_a preposterous_a and_o deceitful_a method_n of_o prove_v a_o thing_n false_a to_o assign_v some_o peculiar_a prejudices_fw-la and_o wrong_a motive_n of_o judge_v which_o may_v possible_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n though_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o other_o side_n and_o which_o have_v often_o have_v the_o like_a influence_n upon_o man_n understanding_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o from_o thence_o immediate_o without_o any_o further_a proof_n to_o infer_v that_o such_o and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o point_n in_o question_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o argue_v but_o after_o plain_a and_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o opinion_n according_a to_o the_o stand_a rule_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_v it_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o inquire_v how_o any_o people_n come_v to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n but_o the_o strangeness_n and_o seem_a unaccountableness_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o expect_v and_o in_o some_o respect_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o evidence_n to_o themselves_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v such_o favourable_a notion_n of_o mankind_n as_o not_o to_o imagine_v that_o person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o faculty_n and_o all_o other_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n as_o they_o have_v shall_v deny_v what_o appear_v so_o plain_a to_o they_o without_o some_o rational_a ground_n for_o their_o denial_n have_v therefore_o as_o i_o persuade_v myself_o full_o and_o evident_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o be_v allow_v to_o say_v that_o all_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o sole_a effect_n of_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n if_o any_o such_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v assignable_a and_o if_o we_o search_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o look_v into_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lodge_v there_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o false_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o several_a art_n and_o method_n of_o deceit_n which_o be_v use_v by_o man_n to_o delude_v themselves_o we_o shall_v soon_o discover_v the_o secret_a spring_n and_o original_a of_o all_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n now_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v be_v these_o two_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o after-reckoning_a for_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a or_o wise_a than_o other_o men._n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o powerful_a cause_n and_o be_v only_o assist_v and_o strenghen_v afterward_o by_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v it_o can_v be_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o plain_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o forego_n proof_n of_o religion_n but_o from_o the_o confession_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o atheist_n themselves_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n immortality_n and_o a_o future_a state_n shock_n the_o understanding_n and_o contradict_v the_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o deny_v these_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o be_v of_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n by_o without_o those_o troublesome_a consequence_n of_o duty_n sin_n and_o punishment_n the_o atheist_n will_v not_o scruple_n this_o philosophy_n and_o lucretius_n himself_o will_v easy_o grant_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v immortal_a to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o reunite_v again_o will_v you_o allow_v he_o that_o conclusion_n that_o neither_o separate_v nor_o reunite_v it_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o remembrance_n of_o what_o be_v do_v before_o the_o separation_n god_n shall_v also_o enjoy_v the_o fullness_n of_o perfection_n he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o all_o the_o magnificent_a attribute_n that_o man_n can_v conceive_v so_o his_o whole_a employment_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v not_o unnecessary_o trouble_v to_o take_v account_n of_o our_o action_n this_o be_v the_o dreadful_a