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reason_n and_o wit_n to_o argue_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o dispute_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o end_n they_o labour_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o make_v the_o best_a shift_n they_o can_v either_o to_o answer_v or_o evade_v they_o again_o they_o magnify_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o such_o a_o be_v and_o though_o to_o prove_v a_o negative_a in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n be_v both_o irrational_a and_o impossible_a yet_o to_o show_v their_o goodwill_n to_o their_o maker_n the_o slend're_v cavil_n or_o probability_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v have_v a_o mighty_a force_n with_o they_o and_o the_o slight_a sophistry_n be_v advance_v into_o demonstration_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v they_o endeavour_v 2._o to_o banish_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n out_o of_o 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thought_n of_o he_o will_v be_v easy_a enough_o to_o they_o and_o this_o temptation_n to_o atheism_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n cease_v can_v they_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v the_o false_a one_o with_o riot_n and_o uncleaness_n none_o will_v be_v great_a votary_n than_o they_o but_o since_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o strike_v such_o a_o damp_n upon_o their_o pleasure_n and_o put_v such_o a_o curb_n and_o restraint_n upon_o their_o vice_n they_o can_v away_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o the_o belief_n that_o they_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o be_v but_o be_v this_o a_o wise_a or_o safe_a course_n no_o extreme_o foolish_a and_o dangerous_a for_o though_o '_o it_o be_v weakness_n to_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v yet_o not_o to_o fear_v where_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n and_o a_o proper_a object_n for_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o a_o certain_a danger_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v frighten_v by_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o madness_n indeed_o can_v we_o put_v out_o the_o sun_n by_o wink_v or_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n by_o shake_v off_o the_o dread_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o our_o unbelief_n but_o since_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n depend_v not_o upon_o our_o belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o they_o and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o existence_n it_o must_v be_v monstrous_o senseless_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o he_o again_o to_o regulate_v our_o faith_n by_o interest_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o walk_v by_o a_o false_a and_o crooked_a rule_n for_o these_o be_v frequent_o corrupt_v clap_v a_o wrong_a bias_n upon_o the_o mind_n which_o too_o often_o turn_v it_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o turn_v it_o unto_o fable_n and_o consequent_o to_o steer_v our_o course_n by_o these_o measure_n be_v to_o follow_v a_o false_a guide_n which_o must_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o our_o way_n indeed_o will_v man_n right_o understand_v and_o follow_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o will_v then_o lead_v they_o aright_o into_o the_o path_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n or_o security_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v without_o it_o but_o when_o they_o weak_o mistake_v their_o interest_n and_o vain_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o superior_a be_v to_o obstruct_v it_o they_o do_v but_o court_v misery_n and_o fond_o choose_v their_o own_o destruction_n in_o short_a the_o vast_a risk_a that_o these_o man_n run_v plain_o show_v it_o to_o be_v extreme_o unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a for_o if_o the_o atheist_n find_v at_o last_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o he_o have_v all_o his_o life-time_n deny_v and_o despise_v what_o unspeakable_a horror_n must_v seize_v his_o guilty_a soul_n which_o must_v groan_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o such_o a_o almighty_a be_v and_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a without_o ease_n or_o remedy_n the_o goodman_n run_v no_o risk_a at_o all_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o be_v have_v make_v he_o more_o healthful_a and_o easy_a to_o himself_o more_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o more_o honour_a and_o respect_v of_o all_o man_n for_o both_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o last_o he_o can_v find_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o this_o belief_n but_o if_o there_o be_v one_o he_o have_v infinite_o the_o better_a on_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v but_o a_o doubtful_a case_n common_a prudence_n teach_v man_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n to_o which_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o incline_v i_o be_o sir_n your_o hearty_a friend_n a._n b._n october_n 16._o 1698._o letter_n ii_o sir_n i_o find_v you_o sensible_a in_o your_o last_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n of_o that_o artifice_n which_o have_v draw_v so_o many_o into_o atheism_n viz._n the_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o the_o more_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o another_o device_n make_v use_v of_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v some_o man_n endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o supreme_a be_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v take_v from_o the_o work_v both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v the_o man_n of_o lystra_n that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n indeed_o the_o admirable_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o wonderful_a provision_n make_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o plain_o bespeak_v a_o almighty_a agent_n to_o be_v both_o the_o contriver_n and_o preserver_n of_o it_o yea_o there_o be_v those_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n stamp_v upon_o every_o creature_n that_o manifest_o show_v the_o finger_n of_o a_o god_n and_o direct_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o contemplation_n of_o he_o now_o to_o evade_v this_o clear_a and_o palpable_a proof_n of_o his_o be_v the_o atheist_n rack_v his_o brain_n to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n of_o account_v for_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o first_o cause_n or_o orderer_n of_o they_o and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n viz._n the_o first_o of_o those_o that_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o other_o of_o such_o as_o make_v it_o the_o product_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n the_o former_a be_v the_o follower_n of_o aristotle_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o epicurus_n both_o which_o show_v their_o great_a unwillingness_n to_o believe_v a_o deity_n and_o how_o desirous_a they_o be_v to_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o these_o matter_n to_o which_o end_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n one_a who_o to_o set_v aside_o a_o first_o cause_n affirm_v the_o world_n to_o have_v have_v no_o beginning_n but_o to_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n as_o it_o now_o be_v there_o have_v be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o man_n and_o all_o
93_o letter_n 13._o of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n p._n 99_o letter_n 14._o his_o charge_v religion_n with_o a_o foolish_a bargain_n p._n 106_o letter_n 15._o the_o close_a contain_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o atheism_n p._n 113_o letter_n i._n sir_n i_o receive_v you_o wherein_o i_o find_v you_o passionate_o bewail_v the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n and_o very_o desirous_a to_o know_v something_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o cure_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o complaint_n and_o because_o this_o evil_n have_v so_o malign_v a_o influence_n not_o only_o on_o the_o private_a but_o public_a welfare_n can_v but_o commend_v the_o charity_n of_o your_o request_n and_o therefore_o shall_v endeavour_v something_o towards_o your_o satisfaction_n one_a and_o here_o the_o first_o and_o grand_a device_n of_o the_o atheist_n that_o occur_v to_o our_o view_n be_v the_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o more_o secure_o to_o enjoy_v and_o indulge_v his_o lust_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o little_a search_v into_o and_o unravel_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o malignity_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o man_n life_n be_v the_o prime_n fundamental_a cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n make_v a_o party_n against_o religion_n who_o chief_a design_n it_o be_v to_o check_v and_o control_v they_o and_o where_o religion_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o subdue_v man_n lust_n their_o man_n lust_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o subdue_v their_o religion_n these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o as_o the_o one_o get_v ground_n the_o other_o lose_v it_o when_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o prevail_v over_o the_o affection_n they_o soon_o draw_v the_o mind_n over_o 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obnoxious_a to_o his_o just_a indignation_n and_o vengeance_n have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v he_o and_o if_o they_o can_v to_o fly_v from_o he_o from_o who_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o than_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o have_v thus_o make_v he_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v plain_o become_v their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o be_v now_o interest_n you_o know_v have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n on_o man_n inclination_n and_o as_o they_o easy_o believe_v what_o make_v for_o they_o so_o they_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o that_o which_o make_v against_o they_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o good_a man_n easy_o believe_v a_o god_n from_o who_o they_o have_v wellgrounded_n hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o a_o future_a reward_n whereas_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o it_o because_o they_o have_v reason_n only_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o destruction_n from_o he_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v any_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v but_o like_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v again_o two_o man_n wicked_a life_n have_v make_v it_o their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n their_o next_o step_n be_v to_o make_v it_o their_o wish_n that_o there_o be_v none_o this_o be_v another_o piece_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o a_o far_o advance_v to_o atheism_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o incense_v deity_n must_v needs_o sit_v very_o uneasy_a upon_o the_o mind_n it_o can_v but_o fret_v and_o gall_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o continual_a horror_n and_o perplexity_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o serve_v to_o embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v a_o check_n upon_o man_n vice_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n in_o quiet_a which_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v they_o grow_v impatient_a under_o this_o 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because_o we_o understand_v not_o all_o mystery_n in_o nature_n shall_v we_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o we_o be_v quite_o ignorant_a and_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o any_o thing_n this_o will_v lead_v to_o downright_a scepticism_n and_o make_v we_o believe_v we_o know_v nothing_o beside_o we_o may_v know_v as_o much_o of_o he_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o now_o to_o know_v we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a able_a to_o receive_v the_o full_a knowledge_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o deity_n a_o great_a part_n whereof_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o though_o we_o here_o know_v but_o in_o part_n shall_v then_o know_v even_o as_o we_o be_v know_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v monstrous_o unreasonable_a to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n or_o think_v it_o altogether_o unconceivable_a because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n in_o this_o present_a imperfect_a state_n wherein_o we_o know_v but_o little_a of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o how_o do_v the_o atheist_n account_v for_o all_o these_o noble_a effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n without_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n why_o by_o resolve_v all_o into_o matter_n and_o motion_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o of_o the_o fine_a and_o more_o subtle_a part_n of_o matter_n call_v atom_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n lucky_o fall_v into_o those_o configuration_n by_o which_o all_o this_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o help_n or_o direction_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o that_o some_o happen_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o more_o know_v than_o other_o proceed_v from_o some_o of_o those_o more_o refine_a part_n of_o matter_n fall_v accidental_o into_o more_o happy_a form_n and_o contexture_n in_o they_o than_o they_o do_v in_o other_o and_o so_o instead_o of_o believe_v in_o god_n they_o believe_v only_o in_o matter_n and_o motion_n a_o great_a piece_n of_o 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spirit_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o solve_v of_o these_o and_o a_o thousand_o other_o difficulty_n that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v whole_o immerse_v in_o matter_n can_v doubt_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o a._n b._n letter_n x._o sir_n another_o device_n of_o the_o atheist_n be_v his_o take_a occasion_n from_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o earthly_a thing_n to_o question_v both_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o a_o god_n they_o see_v good_a man_n afflict_v and_o the_o wicked_a in_o great_a prosperity_n which_o they_o think_v can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o so_o wise_a just_a and_o excellent_a a_o be_v as_o be_v pretend_v this_o be_v a_o quarrel_n of_o a_o ancient_a date_n or_o a_o old_a stumble_a block_n that_o have_v trip_v up_o the_o heel_n of_o many_o we_o read_v of_o it_o in_o david_n day_n who_o be_v himself_o in_o great_a danger_n of_o stumble_v at_o it_o for_o himself_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o foot_n be_v almost_o go_v and_o his_o step_n have_v well_o nigh_o slip_v when_o he_o see_v the_o wicked_a in_o great_a prosperity_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n like_o other_o folk_n not_o plague_v like_o other_o man_n but_o be_v lusty_a and_o strong_a their_o eye_n stand_v out_o with_o fatness_n have_v as_o much_o as_o heart_n can_v wish_v whilst_o better_a man_n than_o they_o look_v meager_a and_o thin_a be_v pinch_v with_o want_n and_o chastened_a every_o morning_n this_o make_v he_o begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o wise_a and_o supreme_a be_v that_o order_v these_o thing_n i_o behold_v say_v he_o the_o ungodly_a flourish_a like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n and_o the_o righteous_a man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n droop_v and_o hang_v the_o head_n like_o a_o wither_v leaf_n very_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o heart_n in_o vain_a
and_o wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n mean_v that_o he_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o be_v religious_a to_o no_o purpose_n when_o other_o that_o neglect_v it_o fare_v much_o better_a than_o he_o again_o we_o find_v these_o thing_n object_v in_o the_o day_n of_o plutarch_n seneca_n and_o other_o heathen_a moralist_n who_o by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o natural_a light_n go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o the_o solve_v of_o this_o riddle_n of_o divine_a providence_n though_o many_o of_o the_o poet_n conclude_v the_o world_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o blind_a chance_n and_o fortune_n from_o the_o promiscuous_a event_n and_o distribution_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o still_o who_o observe_v the_o misery_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a be_v lead_v to_o arraign_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o be_v this_o any_o tolerable_a plea_n for_o atheism_n no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o 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heavenly_a father_n for_o their_o future_a good_a they_o be_v design_v mere_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o patience_n and_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o constancy_n which_o if_o manful_o bear_v will_v tend_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o reward_n and_o add_v a_o great_a weight_n and_o lustre_n to_o their_o crown_n of_o glory_n these_o with_o many_o other_o consideration_n of_o great_a moment_n sufficient_a to_o solve_v this_o difficulty_n you_o may_v find_v insist_v on_o at_o large_a by_o plutarch_n epictetus_n simplicius_n seneca_n and_o other_o to_o who_o i_o refer_v you_o all_o which_o be_v the_o plain_a discovery_n of_o natural_a reason_n render_v this_o objection_n so_o far_o from_o any_o just_a plea_n for_o atheism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o may_v make_v all_o man_n say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n but_o how_o then_o come_v man_n to_o be_v so_o mislead_v by_o this_o mean_n or_o where_o lie_v the_o mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n why_o this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o a_o fond_a and_o immoderate_a estimation_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n and_o partly_o likewise_o from_o some_o wrong_a notion_n that_o be_v entertain_v about_o the_o affliction_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n for_o when_o man_n so_o overvalue_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o to_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o to_o be_v happy_a without_o they_o and_o so_o mistake_v the_o evil_n and_o adversity_n of_o it_o as_o to_o judge_v all_o man_n miserable_a and_o unhappy_a that_o fall_n under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o accuse_v the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manager_n and_o disposer_n of_o they_o he_o that_o take_v wealth_n and_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v the_o proper_a lot_n and_o portion_n of_o righteous_a man_n may_v be_v easy_o induce_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o hard_a fare_n of_o good_a man_n that_o want_v they_o and_o he_o that_o have_v such_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o adversity_n as_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o punishment_n and_o wage_n of_o unrighteousness_n may_v envy_v and_o applaud_v the_o good_a fortune_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o so_o often_o escape_v they_o now_o both_o these_o be_v gross_a mistake_n and_o have_v unhappy_o lead_v some_o man_n into_o atheism_n to_o rectify_v which_o you_o must_v know_v that_o affliction_n be_v sometime_o a_o great_a blessing_n than_o prosperity_n the_o one_o serve_v to_o make_v man_n better_o the_o other_o worse_o there_o be_v few_o that_o in_o pindar_n phrase_n can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d right_o manage_v great_a prosperity_n yea_o too_o many_o be_v undo_v by_o it_o to_o eternity_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v design_v for_o their_o good_a become_v the_o instrument_n of_o their_o ruin_n but_o where_o lie_v the_o danger_n of_o prosperity_n why_o first_o it_o tempt_v many_o unto_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o too_o apt_a to_o forget_v both_o god_n and_o themselves_o jesurun_n wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v his_o abundance_n make_v he_o bold_a and_o insolent_a and_o lift_v up_o both_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o heel_n too_o against_o his_o maker_n david_n observe_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o prosper_v in_o his_o day_n that_o pride_n compass_v they_o about_o as_o a_o chain_n and_o violence_n cover_v they_o as_o a_o garment_n and_o this_o make_v they_o speak_v of_o wicked_a blasphemy_n and_o set_v their_o talk_n against_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 73._o 8_o 9_o yea_o he_o himself_o feel_v something_o of_o this_o tumour_n for_o he_o say_v in_o his_o prosperity_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v he_o begin_v to_o cast_v off_o all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o rely_v only_o on_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v agar_n pray_v against_o riches_n lest_o be_v full_a he_o shall_v deny_v god_n and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n prov._n 30._o 8_o 9_o again_o prosperity_n tempt_v many_o unto_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n man_n corrupt_a nature_n too_o often_o turn_v the_o encouragement_n to_o virtue_n into_o the_o incentives_n to_o vice_n and_o make_v their_o plenty_n the_o fuel_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o vanity_n by_o which_o mean_n their_o riches_n serve_v only_o to_o inflame_v their_o reckon_n and_o their_o abuse_a gift_n and_o talent_n do_v but_o sink_v they_o the_o deep_a into_o eternal_a misery_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o rectify_v the_o psalmist_n mistake_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o keep_v he_o from_o grieve_v or_o grudge_v at_o the_o short-lived_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o when_o he_o go_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n he_o soon_o understand_v the_o end_n of_o those_o man_n how_o they_o be_v sit_v in_o slippery_a place_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v sudden_o cast_v down_o and_o come_v to_o a_o fearful_a end_n from_o whence_o he_o learn_v rather_o to_o pity_v than_o envy_v that_o prosperity_n which_o have_v so_o fatal_a a_o issue_n and_o serve_v mere_o to_o fatten_v they_o for_o the_o slaughter_n as_o you_o may_v read_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 73_o psalm_n but_o be_v adversity_n the_o cure_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o do_v affliction_n best_o tend_v to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o they_o yes_o for_o these_o help_n to_o keep_v man_n humble_a sensible_a of_o their_o weakness_n and_o dependence_n upon_o a_o superior_a power_n and_o make_v they_o look_v up_o to_o he_o from_o who_o both_o trouble_v and_o deliverance_n come_v indeed_o affliction_n natural_o lead_v man_n to_o consider_v he_o that_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o the_o rod_n will_v natural_o look_v to_o he_o that_o strike_v and_o consider_v too_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o inflict_v it_o and_o since_o affliction_n spring_v not_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n they_o direct_v our_o contemplation_n high_a and_o show_v we_o the_o divine_a hand_n that_o send_v they_o by_o which_o mean_v we_o be_v bring_v to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o of_o he_o that_o appoint_v it_o in_o their_o affliction_n say_v god_n they_o will_v seek_v i_o early_o the_o mariner_n in_o a_o storm_n call_v each_o upon_o their_o god_n who_o be_v and_o providence_n in_o a_o calm_a they_o have_v utter_o forget_v before_o i_o be_v afflict_v say_v the_o psalmist_n i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o have_v learn_v thy_o statute_n and_o therefore_o thankful_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n of_o very_a faithfulness_n have_v cause_v he_o to_o be_v trouble_v adversity_n and_o trouble_n have_v reduce_v many_o that_o be_v miss-led_n and_o corrupt_v by_o prosperity_n riches_n say_v the_o philosopher_n be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v good_a thing_n therefore_o the_o worst_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a have_v they_o neither_o be_v affliction_n to_o be_v reckon_v evil_a thing_n therefore_o the_o best_a as_o well_o as_o the_o
better_a than_o their_o action_n and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o do_v as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o as_o they_o do_v this_o direction_n we_o find_v give_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o speak_v many_o good_a thing_n from_o it_o though_o their_o do_n run_v counter_a to_o their_o doctrine_n what_o therefore_o they_o say_v we_o be_v bid_v to_o do_v but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o much_o better_a course_n to_o learn_v from_o other_o bad_a life_n to_o amend_v our_o own_o than_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o grow_v worse_o and_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o before_o our_o eye_n beside_o have_v not_o some_o man_n bad_a design_n to_o carry_v on_o and_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o promote_v they_o may_v not_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n and_o be_v nothing_o true_a or_o good_a because_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o serve_v bad_a end_n now_o though_o these_o false_a trick_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n or_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o vain_a pretence_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a diamond_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o be_v catch_v in_o this_o snare_n and_o mislead_v by_o such_o a_o apparent_a fallacy_n why_o this_o must_v proceed_v partly_o from_o some_o man_n averseness_n to_o religion_n heighten_v by_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o follow_v the_o swinge_n of_o their_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o any_o check_n or_o restraint_n it_o may_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o partly_o likewise_o from_o their_o too_o great_a proneness_n to_o atheism_n which_o make_v they_o lay_v hold_v on_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o mean_a that_o may_v give_v any_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n to_o it_o in_o short_a then_o the_o atheist_n great_a aptness_n to_o draw_v such_o bad_a conclusion_n from_o life_n may_v be_v a_o good_a caution_n against_o all_o immorality_n and_o vice_n by_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v but_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v make_v a_o plea_n for_o atheism_n or_o give_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o discard_v religion_n as_o a_o imposture_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o a._n b._n letter_n xiii_o sir_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n letter_n show_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o atheist_n argument_n against_o a_o deity_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o another_o artifice_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o undermine_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v to_o scoff_n at_o and_o deride_v religion_n and_o if_o he_o can_v argue_v it_o to_o endeavour_v to_o laugh_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o know_a man_n and_o wit_n of_o the_o age_n who_o first_o try_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o when_o that_o fail_v fly_v to_o art_n to_o support_v their_o atheism_n and_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o rally_v and_o ridicule_n religion_n this_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n which_o man_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o arrive_v to_o present_o for_o the_o psalmist_n intimate_v that_o they_o must_v walk_v a_o while_n in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n before_o they_o can_v set_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o scorner_n psal_n 1._o 1._o when_o they_o be_v seat_v there_o and_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o this_o vile_a practice_n they_o soon_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o so_o persuade_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o scorn_v and_o despise_v he_o but_o do_v these_o man_n think_v by_o laughter_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o that_o a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n will_v be_v thus_o play_v or_o droll_v out_o of_o his_o be_v can_v they_o hope_v to_o prevail_v by_o level_v their_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o most_o high_a set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n and_o cause_v their_o tongue_n to_o walk_v through_o the_o earth_n no_o certain_o this_o be_v both_o a_o fruitless_a and_o frivolous_a attempt_n for_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n will_v laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v the_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o in_o derision_n what_o end_n then_o can_v these_o man_n propose_v in_o such_o a_o vile_a piece_n of_o wickedness_n why_o this_o be_v do_v first_o to_o gain_v to_o themselves_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v wit_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o do_v by_o expose_v the_o most_o serious_a thing_n the_o life_n and_o picquancy_n of_o wit_n as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v lie_v in_o the_o surprizingness_n of_o its_o conceit_n and_o expression_n and_o consequent_o to_o ridicule_n thing_n sacred_a which_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v privilege_v from_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o astonish_v and_o surprise_v the_o hearer_n and_o if_o any_o as_o light_n and_o vain_a person_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v be_v thereby_o move_v to_o laughter_n they_o be_v tickle_v with_o the_o conceit_n and_o thereby_o please_v and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o this_o impious_a practice_n this_o way_n the_o dull_a person_n if_o they_o will_v be_v profane_a enough_o may_v be_v easy_o dub_v wit_n by_o venture_v to_o say_v those_o rude_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v presume_v to_o utter_v and_o this_o prove_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o many_o who_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v think_v witty_a again_o two_o this_o be_v think_v by_o some_o a_o genteel_a and_o brave_a thing_n to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o those_o fear_n which_o other_o be_v awe_v and_o terrify_v withal_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o sort_n of_o gallantry_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v above_o the_o fright_n that_o possess_v vulgar_a mind_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o those_o fetter_n of_o religion_n with_o which_o the_o generality_n suffer_v themselves_o tame_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o the_o better_a to_o break_v these_o chain_n they_o labour_v to_o break_v their_o jest_n upon_o they_o moreover_o three_o this_o be_v do_v to_o give_v the_o better_a countenance_n to_o their_o sinful_a practice_n and_o immorality_n for_o if_o they_o can_v expose_v virtue_n and_o make_v religion_n ridiculous_a they_o may_v act_v their_o vice_n with_o the_o great_a grace_n and_o follow_v the_o sway_n of_o their_o lust_n without_o shame_n or_o control_v beside_o they_o think_v it_o a_o good_a plea_n for_o their_o wickedness_n that_o they_o do_v not_o therein_o contradict_v any_o principle_n they_o profess_v they_o act_n suitable_o to_o what_o they_o pretend_v and_o therefore_o to_o put_v the_o better_a face_n upon_o their_o vice_n they_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o they_o do_v thus_o by_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o ridicule_n the_o most_o serious_a thing_n they_o bring_v on_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o droll_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n but_o be_v there_o any_o wisdom_n or_o safety_n in_o so_o do_v no_o quite_o otherwise_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o sottish_a or_o dangerous_a for_o all_o such_o mirth_n be_v no_o better_a than_o madness_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o laughter_n will_v short_o end_v in_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o will_v rather_o lose_v their_o friend_n than_o their_o jest_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o this_o droll_a humour_n shall_v carry_v any_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o best_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o idle_a profane_a jest_n which_o taint_v the_o air_n that_o give_v it_o breath_n and_o either_o grate_v upon_o or_o corrupt_v the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o but_o because_o this_o be_v become_v a_o too_o frequent_a and_o fashionable_a practice_n and_o have_v betray_v many_o into_o atheism_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o first_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o the_o unpardonable_a rudeness_n and_o indecence_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v it_o high_o unbecoming_a any_o person_n of_o sense_n or_o breed_n for_o since_o mankind_n general_o profess_v a_o high_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v a_o