and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v difficult_a or_o uneasy_a to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v because_o of_o imperfection_n that_o labour_n and_o trouble_n do_v attend_v any_o being_n in_o their_o operation_n can_v they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v perfect_o it_o will_v be_v no_o labour_n at_o all_o to_o they_o god_n therefore_o have_v a_o infinite_a power_n to_o effect_v what_o he_o please_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o most_o perfect_o and_o consequent_o without_o any_o toil_n or_o labour_n and_o since_o all_o thing_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o he_o they_o must_v all_o be_v perfect_o subject_a to_o his_o power_n and_o where_o there_o be_v perfect_a subjection_n there_o can_v be_v no_o resistance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o resistance_n there_o can_v be_v no_o labour_n and_o then_o as_o for_o duration_n which_o be_v the_o other_o perfection_n of_o life_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v attend_v with_o dependence_n for_o there_o be_v no_o life_n but_o depend_v upon_o god_n to_o be_v shorten_v or_o prolong_v according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o life_n of_o all_o being_n be_v maintain_v and_o supply_v by_o his_o all-enlivening_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o if_o he_o withdraw_v from_o they_o but_o one_o moment_n they_o present_o expire_v so_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o all_o create_a life_n be_v dependent_a and_o precarious_a and_o even_o those_o being_n that_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o have_v no_o other_o tenure_n of_o life_n but_o god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n who_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o nostril_n can_v blow_v they_o out_o when_o he_o please_v but_o the_o duration_n of_o god_n life_n be_v altogether_o independent_a for_o he_o subsist_v of_o himself_o from_o that_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o have_v do_v so_o from_o all_o eternity_n past_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o himself_o in_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v do_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v without_o the_o support_n or_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o behold_n for_o his_o duration_n to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o be_v but_o derive_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o life_n within_o himself_o whence_o he_o also_o derive_v life_n to_o all_o other_o being_n again_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n viz._n quickness_n and_o exquisiteness_n of_o perception_n we_o must_v whole_o abstract_a from_o it_o all_o that_o imperfection_n with_o which_o it_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o in_o they_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o sundry_a affection_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o happiness_n such_o as_o fear_v sorrow_n repentance_n desperation_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o argue_v a_o defect_n of_o power_n or_o wisdom_n and_o 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we_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o if_o the_o affection_n themselves_o have_v any_o place_n in_o his_o nature_n but_o because_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o they_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o resent_v all_o those_o evil_n which_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n commit_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o painful_a impression_n that_o they_o make_v upon_o his_o nature_n for_o he_o neither_o feel_v the_o misery_n he_o pity_v and_o relieve_v nor_o be_v vex_v at_o the_o sin_n he_o detest_v and_o abhor_v but_o all_o the_o resentment_n he_o have_v both_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o suffering_n and_o sin_n be_v perfect_o calm_a to_o himself_o and_o devoid_a of_o all_o passion_n and_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a his_o will_n be_v perfect_o reasonable_a must_v be_v different_o affect_v towards_o different_a object_n and_o contrary_o affect_v towards_o contrary_a object_n because_o they_o propose_v to_o it_o different_a and_o contrary_a reason_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o complacency_n towards_o good_a object_n so_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o abhorrence_n towards_o bad_a but_o this_o abhorrence_n arise_v not_o either_o from_o any_o sense_n of_o hurt_n they_o do_v he_o or_o fear_v of_o hurt_n they_o can_v do_v he_o his_o nature_n be_v whole_o impassable_a but_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n be_v whole_o found_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o not_o in_o any_o sense_n or_o feeling_n he_o have_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o detest_v must_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o grief_n and_o vexation_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v to_o god_n the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o abstract_n from_o it_o all_o those_o affection_n which_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o imperfection_n either_o of_o our_o nature_n or_o our_o happiness_n but_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n viz._n knowledge_n and_o rectitude_n of_o will_n we_o must_v also_o abstract_a from_o they_o all_o those_o imperfection_n with_o which_o they_o be_v at_o tend_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o instance_n knowledge_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v attend_v with_o reason_v and_o discourse_v that_o be_v infer_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o argue_v consequent_n from_o principle_n and_o effect_n from_o cause_n which_o be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o be_v narrow_a and_o confine_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v improve_v without_o labour_n and_o study_v for_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o infer_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n because_o in_o this_o way_n our_o knowledge_n must_v be_v successive_a and_o we_o must_v know_v one_o thing_n before_o we_o can_v know_v another_o we_o must_v know_v the_o principle_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o consequent_n and_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n else_o how_o can_v we_o deduce_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o this_o deducing_a or_o infer_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n and_o labour_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o it_o this_o imperfection_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_n for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a or_o unconfined_a by_o the_o utmost_a extension_n and_o duration_n of_o thing_n do_v at_o one_o intuition_n or_o simple_a view_n behold_v all_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a and_o to_o come_v yea_o whensoever_o wheresoever_o or_o howsoever_o possible_a and_o behold_v as_o he_o do_v all_o consequent_n in_o their_o principle_n all_o effect_n in_o their_o cause_n he_o do_v not_o know_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o but_o comprehend_v they_o all_o together_o in_o his_o infinite_a mind_n without_o any_o succession_n or_o improvement_n so_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n pass_v he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v now_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v do_v to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v always_o infinite_a and_o what_o be_v infinite_a admit_v not_o either_o of_o more_o or_o less_o and_o then_o for_o that_o other_o perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o consist_v in_o rectitude_n of_o will_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v acquire_v even_o as_o that_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v measure_v and_o regulate_v for_o rectitude_n of_o will_n consist_v in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v as_o right_a reason_n direct_v must_v needs_o be_v acquire_v in_o the_o creature_n because_o that_o right_a reason_n be_v so_o by_o which_o it_o choose_v and_o refuse_v so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o rectitude_n of_o our_o will_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n
propose_v by_o god_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o cor._n 7.1_o so_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o future_a punishment_n be_v level_v against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1.18_o and_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o be_v all_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o christ_n be_v manifest_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n 3.8_o it_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v to_o righteousness_n 1_o pet._n 2.24_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o thereby_o he_o may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6.4_o and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o heb._n 7.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o have_v tell_v we_o he_o will_v come_v to_o judgement_n to_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n and_o to_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n mat._n 24.42_o compare_v with_o 2_o pet._n 3._o verse_n 11._o thus_o you_o see_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o so_o many_o topic_n of_o divine_a persuasion_n whereby_o god_n address_v himself_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o every_o other_o affection_n in_o we_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o persuasion_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o eternal_a obligation_n of_o morality_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o article_n in_o all_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n or_o that_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o dry_a and_o empty_a notion_n that_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o since_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v to_o bind_v and_o fasten_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o what_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n contribute_v hereunto_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v moral_a goodness_n that_o god_n chief_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o what_o his_o argument_n do_v chief_o persuade_v we_o to_o that_o his_o command_n do_v chief_o oblige_v we_o to_o ii_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a man_n in_o moral_a goodness_n we_o find_v the_o jewish_a religion_n exceed_o abound_v with_o positive_a precept_n for_o such_o be_v all_o those_o sacred_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n of_o which_o the_o bark_n and_o outside_o of_o that_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o sacrifice_n in_o particular_a thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_n thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n psal._n 51.16_o that_o be_v thou_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o any_o internal_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o desire_v they_o mere_o as_o they_o be_v institute_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o moral_a goodness_n for_o so_o many_o of_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v institute_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o magical_a unclean_a and_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o the_o eastern_a heathen_a as_o particular_o that_o prohibition_n of_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n leu._n 19.19_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o magical_a rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v as_o a_o charm_n for_o fructification_n so_o also_o that_o command_n of_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o ground_n like_o water_n and_o cover_v it_o with_o dust_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o gather_v the_o blood_n into_o a_o trench_n or_o vessel_n and_o then_o sit_v round_o it_o in_o a_o circle_n whilst_o they_o imagine_v their_o god_n to_o be_v lick_v it_o up_o and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o of_o this_o kind_n the_o prohibition_n of_o seethe_v a_o kid_n in_o his_o mother_n milk_n exod._n 23.19_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a who_o at_o the_o ingather_n of_o their_o fruit_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v a_o kid_n and_o see_v it_o in_o the_o milk_n of_o its_o dam_n and_o then_o in_o a_o magical_a procession_n to_o sprinkle_v all_o their_o tree_n and_o field_n and_o garden_n with_o it_o thereby_o to_o render_v they_o more_o fruitful_a the_o follow_a year_n beside_o all_o which_o you_o may_v find_v a_o world_n of_o other_o instance_n in_o maimonides_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o these_o eastern_a heathen_n be_v porta_fw-la magna_fw-la ad_fw-la reddendas_fw-la praeceptorum_fw-la causas_fw-la the_o great_a rationale_n of_o the_o mosaic_a precept_n and_o that_o multarum_fw-la legum_fw-la rationes_fw-la &_o causae_fw-la mihi_fw-la innotuerint_fw-la ex_fw-la cognition_n fidei_fw-la rituum_fw-la &_o cultus_fw-la zabiorum_n i._n e._n that_o by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o eastern_a heathen_n he_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o many_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o so_o that_o though_o these_o precept_n be_v not_o moral_a yet_o be_v they_o set_v up_o as_o so_o many_o fence_n by_o god_n to_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o straggle_v into_o those_o heathen_a immorality_n again_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v institute_v to_o shadow_v out_o the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o mystery_n be_v to_o invite_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n thus_o their_o law_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v institute_v to_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o great_a transaction_n of_o their_o future_a messiah_n his_o incarnation_n and_o immaculate_a life_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n ascension_n and_o intercession_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o also_o their_o festival_n law_n and_o particular_o their_o law_n of_o jubilee_n be_v make_v to_o shadow_v out_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o their_o pour_v out_o water_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o their_o ritual_a purgation_n from_o uncleanness_n be_v intend_v for_o obscure_a intimation_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n all_o which_o doctrine_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o most_o pregnant_a invitation_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_a duty_n for_o god_n find_v they_o not_o only_o a_o perverse_a but_o a_o dull_a and_o sottish_a people_n as_o those_o general_o be_v that_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o slavery_n apprehend_v that_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o instruct_v they_o will_v be_v by_o sign_n and_o material_a representation_n even_o as_o parent_n do_v their_o child_n by_o picture_n and_o according_o in_o isaiah_n 28.10_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v they_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a with_o a_o stammer_a tongue_n i._n e._n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o child_n and_o so_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dialect_n and_o this_o way_n of_o instruct_v they_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n be_v much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o egypt_n who_o manner_n they_o be_v infinite_o fond_a of_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o probable_a and_o take_v and_o according_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n consist_v of_o hieroglyphic_n or_o visible_a sign_n by_o which_o their_o mind_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o morality_n thus_o by_o circumcision_n god_n signify_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o mortify_v their_o unchaste_a desire_n by_o their_o legal_a wash_n he_o intimate_v to_o they_o their_o obligation_n to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n yea_o this_o as_o st._n barnabas_n in_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o all_o that_o difference_n of_o meat_n in_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o pronounce_v swine_n flesh_n unclean_a to_o instruct_v they_o
he_o have_v not_o only_o reveal_v they_o together_o but_o also_o incorporate_v they_o into_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o frame_v and_o constitute_v by_o this_o happy_a conjunction_n of_o natural_a with_o reveal_v may_v be_v thus_o define_v it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o rational_a creature_n to_o render_v such_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v institute_v and_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n suitable_a to_o his_o excellency_n and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o where_o by_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v immediate_o direct_v to_o and_o terminate_v upon_o god_n as_o all_o those_o be_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n but_o all_o those_o act_n in_o general_n which_o god_n have_v command_v which_o be_v perform_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n that_o be_v out_o of_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v and_o authority_n be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o act_v of_o worship_n to_o he_o as_o prayer_n or_o praise_n or_o adjuration_n and_o now_o have_v give_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v from_o hence_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v what_o principle_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n for_o first_o god_n be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a that_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v second_o religion_n be_v a_o obligation_n of_o we_o to_o god_n that_o this_o obligation_n may_v take_v effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o about_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n three_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o due_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o he_o to_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v certain_o reward_v we_o if_o we_o render_v those_o act_n to_o he_o and_o as_o certain_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o four_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o fulfil_v this_o obligation_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n five_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o perform_v this_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o mediation_n these_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n in_o which_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o through_o fix_v those_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o to_o discourse_v of_o these_o principle_n distinct_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o order_n to_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v heb._n 11.6_o where_o by_o come_v to_o god_n be_v mean_v worship_v he_o that_o be_v express_v our_o veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o action_n and_o unless_o our_o outward_a action_n in_o religion_n proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o they_o be_v not_o worship_n but_o mockery_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a a_o man_n shall_v inward_o venerate_v god_n when_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o real_a soever_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n do_v so_o necessary_o exist_v as_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o he_o imply_v a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o not_o be_v yet_o while_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v not_o our_o thought_n can_v be_v no_o more_o concern_v about_o he_o than_o about_o purchase_v a_o inheritance_n in_o utopia_n so_o that_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v be_v the_o prime_n fundamental_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v remove_v religion_n must_v sink_v and_o all_o its_o sacred_a obligation_n fly_v in_o sunder_o but_o this_o be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o argument_n shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n depend_v and_o that_o first_o by_o inquire_v into_o and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n infidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o by_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n be_v i_o shall_v reserve_v they_o till_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o his_o providence_n where_o i_o think_v there_o be_v enough_o say_v to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o desperate_o harden_v against_o all_o conviction_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o consider_v how_o loud_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n the_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o beautiful_a structure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n do_v proclaim_v the_o be_v of_o god_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o monster_n as_o a_o atheist_n among_o reasonable_a being_n and_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v warm_o dispute_v among_o the_o learned_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o or_o no_o a_o question_n which_o these_o late_a age_n have_v determine_v in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o a_o induction_n of_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n but_o doubtless_o have_v man_n impartial_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o deliver_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o infatuation_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o inveterate_a prejudice_n of_o a_o corrupt_a imagination_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o so_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n as_o atheism_n imply_v to_o have_v enter_v into_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o once_o man_n will_n and_o affection_n have_v espouse_v a_o proposition_n they_o will_v make_v one_o shift_n or_o other_o be_v it_o never_o so_o absurd_a to_o impose_v it_o on_o their_o understand_n and_o consider_v how_o many_o cause_n there_o be_v lead_v man_n to_o atheism_n who_o be_v predispose_v thereunto_o i_o can_v think_v a_o atheist_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o wonder_n for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n understand_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o will_n and_o their_o will_n be_v bias_v with_o inclination_n to_o impiety_n they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o then_o from_o wish_v there_o be_v none_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o will_v be_v a_o very_a short_a and_o easy_a transition_n since_o therefore_o their_o atheism_n proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n as_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n perhaps_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v rather_o to_o detect_v and_o remove_v those_o faulty_a cause_n in_o their_o will_n than_o to_o attempt_v upon_o their_o reason_n with_o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o according_o you_o see_v that_o when_o god_n have_v once_o erect_v this_o goodly_a theatre_n of_o being_n and_o imprint_v on_o it_o so_o many_o glorious_a character_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o from_o time_n to_o time_n he_o have_v wrought_v innumerable_a miracle_n to_o reduce_v man_n from_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o he_o never_o wrought_v one_o to_o reduce_v they_o from_o atheism_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n by_o this_o stand_a miracle_n the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v shall_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o miracle_n for_o other_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o disorder_n and_o interruption_n of_o nature_n and_o certain_o the_o regular_a course_n and_o stand_a order_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o much_o more_o glorious_a evidence_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n than_o the_o most_o miraculous_a interruption_n and_o disorder_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v atheist_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v imprint_v so_o many_o proof_n of_o his_o be_v on_o this_o visible_a creation_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v
and_o to_o absent_a one_o self_n ordinary_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o christian._n by_o which_o mean_v their_o natural_a sense_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v continual_o awaken_v and_o revive_v they_o be_v not_o only_o secure_v by_o it_o from_o all_o atheistical_a impression_n but_o also_o animate_v and_o excite_v to_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a conversation_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n till_o it_o have_v uttter_o disable_v it_o from_o restrain_v the_o wantonness_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n some_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o separate_a communion_n and_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o so_o do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o common_a resort_n of_o idleness_n drunkenness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o whilst_o the_o master_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o go_v to_o conventicle_n the_o servant_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n assume_v the_o liberty_n of_o will_n to_o go_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n insomuch_o that_o it_o grow_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o young_a people_n debauch_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o all_o the_o week_n after_o whilst_o under_o pretence_n of_o join_v with_o a_o different_a communion_n they_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o inspection_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n and_o till_o once_o our_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v cure_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prevent_v this_o ill_a practice_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o our_o servant_n which_o with_o so_o much_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n we_o demand_v of_o our_o governor_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n profaneness_n have_v insinuate_v itself_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o schism_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n become_v a_o common_a sanctuary_n for_o the_o licentious_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n worship_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o common_a and_o fashionable_a that_o it_o almost_o cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a yea_o so_o far_o at_o length_n have_v this_o impious_a humour_n prevail_v that_o to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o be_v devout_a be_v among_o too_o many_o man_n grow_v a_o note_n of_o disgrace_n and_o the_o character_n of_o a_o priestridden_a fool_n and_o a_o man_n be_v hardly_o look_v upon_o as_o fit_v for_o genteel_a conversation_n that_o know_v any_o other_o use_n of_o a_o holiday_n but_o only_o to_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o lie_v abed_o or_o to_o game_n or_o drink_n and_o debauch_v by_o which_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o natural_a sense_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v quicken_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o have_v be_v gradual_o wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v all_o that_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o overspread_v this_o present_a age._n for_o when_o once_o man_n have_v renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n be_v abandon_v of_o their_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o atheism_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vile_a lust_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n will_v easy_o precipitate_v they_o but_o alas_o how_o ridiculous_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o their_o own_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o tail_n one_o folly_n to_o another_o and_o to_o second_o extravagance_n with_o madness_n it_o will_v make_v one_o amaze_v to_o think_v that_o ever_o reasonable_a being_n shall_v be_v so_o besot_v as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o world_n over_o which_o a_o almighty_a be_v preside_v who_o see_v all_o their_o action_n and_o in_o who_o hand_n all_o event_n be_v which_o concen_v they_o and_o even_o the_o everlasting_a fate_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o he_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n or_o veneration_n to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v the_o mere_a trifle_n or_o most_o insignificant_a cypher_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n but_o sure_o when_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o black_a and_o horrid_a impiety_n one_o will_v think_v their_o wise_a course_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o compensate_a for_o their_o past_a profaneness_n by_o the_o strictness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o future_a devotion_n but_o for_o man_n to_o proceed_v from_o neglect_v god_n worship_n to_o deny_v his_o be_v be_v to_o do_v worse_a because_o they_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o thereby_o to_o inflame_v the_o provocation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o render_v their_o condition_n desperate_a because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o atheism_n which_o you_o see_v be_v all_o derive_v from_o man_n will_n and_o not_o from_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o i_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a that_o no_o man_n ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o inexcusable_a fault_n in_o his_o will._n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o inexcusable_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n by_o represent_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n in_o discourse_v which_o i_o shall_v meddle_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v with_o the_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o man_n turn_v atheist_n but_o for_o want_v of_o consideration_n and_o a_o honest_a will_n and_o that_o the_o bias_n that_o carry_v they_o towards_o infidelity_n be_v not_o in_o their_o understand_n but_o in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v only_o their_o partiality_n to_o their_o lust_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o wish_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n be_v partial_a on_o the_o side_n of_o atheism_n suppose_v it_o be_v disputable_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a 2._o he_o conclude_v against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o wellbeing_a of_o humane_a society_n 3._o he_o conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n 4._o he_o conclude_v for_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v infinite_o the_o most_o unsafe_a and_o hazardous_a 5._o he_o conclude_v for_o the_o unsafe_v side_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o the_o high_a uncertainty_n 6._o he_o plain_o contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o conclusion_n i._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a for_o the_o chief_a worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o god_n without_o who_o its_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o five_o sense_n be_v the_o sole_a entertainment_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o these_o mighty_a faculty_n which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v natural_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v they_o but_o only_a to_o consult_v and_o choose_v the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o perish_a body_n for_o except_v god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o nature_n as_o a_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n no_o good_a to_o be_v find_v but_o what_o be_v prepare_v to_o entertain_v the_o boundless_a liquorishness_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o have_v we_o none_o but_o such_o as_o these_o to_o consult_v for_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o cater_n for_o our_o flesh_n and_o we_o shall_v
that_o upon_o examination_n have_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v if_o both_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o solve_v a_o thousand_o phainomena_n in_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o utmost_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a atheist_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v to_o advance_v atheism_n to_o a_o grand_a perhaps_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v how_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v as_o they_o be_v without_o a_o god_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o be_v none_o and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v their_o most_o ingenious_a endeavour_n be_v only_o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o witty_a man_n may_v be_v mistake_v for_o what_o a_o hopeless_a kind_n of_o task_n be_v it_o to_o show_v how_o that_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o blind_a chance_n or_o necessity_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o wise_a design_n and_o contrivance_n fair_o imprint_v on_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o undesigning_a chance_n to_o fit_a mean_n to_o end_n or_o end_v to_o nature_n or_o so_o to_o proportion_v part_n to_o one_o another_o as_o to_o make_v a_o comely_a symmetry_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n and_o not_o fail_v in_o one_o how_o often_o as_o the_o above_o name_v author_n from_o tully_n discourse_n may_v a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v shake_v together_o a_o sett_n of_o letter_n in_o a_o bag_n fling_v they_o out_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o a_o exact_a poem_n or_o make_v a_o good_a discourse_n in_o prose_n and_o may_v not_o a_o little_a book_n be_v as_o easy_o make_v by_o chance_n as_o the_o great_a volume_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o rich_a sense_n and_o contrivance_n or_o how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n be_v in_o sprinkle_v colour_n upon_o a_o canvas_n with_o a_o careless_a hand_n before_o they_o will_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o exact_a picture_n of_o a_o man_n and_o be_v a_o man_n easy_o make_v by_o chance_n than_o his_o picture_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o conceive_v the_o most_o regular_a building_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v frame_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o stone_n and_o iron_n and_o timber_n as_o that_o these_o blind_a and_o ramble_a part_n of_o matter_n shall_v chance_v to_o place_n themselves_o so_o orderly_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o observe_v such_o a_o exact_a harmony_n and_o decorum_n as_o if_o they_o keep_v time_n with_o the_o musical_a law_n of_o some_o almighty_a mind_n that_o compose_v their_o measure_n and_o regulate_v their_o motion_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o universe_n but_o grant_v the_o atheist_n what_o he_o so_o eager_o tho_o unsuccessful_o contend_v for_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v happen_v by_o mere_a chance_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n find_v his_o faith_n upon_o a_o mere_a possibility_n when_o it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a if_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o shall_v he_o throw_v himself_o from_o the_o top_n of_o a_o high_a steeple_n the_o air_n between_o may_v be_v so_o condense_v as_o to_o bear_v he_o up_o and_o preserve_v he_o from_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n by_o his_o fall_n but_o will_v you_o not_o think_v the_o man_n slark_n mad_a that_o shall_v venture_v his_o neck_n upon_o that_o possibility_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o far_o more_o desperate_a venture_n that_o the_o atheist_n make_v by_o thus_o hazard_v his_o soul_n to_o everlasting_a destruction_n upon_o a_o bare_a possibility_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o god_n to_o destroy_v he_o iii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o best_a evidence_n that_o the_o contrary_a will_v admit_v for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n we_o have_v as_o full_a evidence_n as_o the_o matter_n can_v bear_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o to_o require_v more_o be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o let_v we_o at_o present_a suppose_n but_o for_o argument-sake_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n a_o spirit_n that_o be_v as_o wise_a and_o as_o good_a and_o as_o powerful_a as_o he_o who_o we_o call_v god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v suppose_v i_o say_v there_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n actual_o exist_v we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a evidence_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o that_o he_o actual_o exist_v for_o we_o can_v not_o see_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n because_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o spirit_n we_o can_v not_o demonstrate_v his_o existence_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la or_o from_o any_o cause_n because_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n he_o must_v be_v un_fw-we cause_v or_o self-originated_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o only_a demonstration_n we_o can_v give_v of_o his_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v à _fw-fr posteriori_fw-la or_o from_o such_o sensible_a effect_n as_o can_v only_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o such_o a_o be_v and_o of_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o we_o have_v infinite_a instance_n before_o we_o for_o in_o sum_n we_o have_v all_o this_o visible_a world_n about_o we_o who_o changeable_a nature_n demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o superior_a cause_n and_o who_o unspeakable_a vastness_n beauty_n and_o contrivance_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o most_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a cause_n for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o whatsoever_o be_v changeable_a can_v self-exist_a but_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o some_o superior_a cause_n because_o whatsoever_o self-exists_a be_v necessary_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_o be_v always_o the_o same_o that_o which_o be_v without_o any_o cause_n can_v but_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o without_o any_o cause_n can_v but_o be_v so_o or_o so_o for_o ever_o and_o consequent_o if_o the_o world_n be_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o cause_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v necessary_o but_o also_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_o and_o unchangeable_o but_o contrariwise_o we_o plain_o perceive_v that_o it_o run_v a_o perpetual_a course_n of_o change_n and_o alteration_n that_o its_o part_n be_v continual_o alter_v their_o figure_n and_o shift_v their_o place_n with_o one_o another_o whereas_o if_o this_o part_n be_v of_o itself_o necessary_o as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o it_o will_v necessary_o be_v where_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v eternal_o and_o since_o the_o mutability_n of_o this_o world_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o superior_a cause_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o consider_v the_o vastness_n and_o beauty_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o most_o reasonable_a to_o attribute_v it_o to_o such_o a_o all-good_a alwise_a and_o almighty_a cause_n as_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v for_o what_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a power_n can_v bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o such_o a_o vast_a and_o immense_a world_n shall_v you_o enter_v into_o a_o vast_a and_o magnificent_a palace_n and_o find_v no_o creature_n in_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o mouse_n or_o weasel_n can_v you_o possible_o believe_v that_o these_o impotent_a vermin_n build_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o build_n of_o the_o most_o royal_a palace_n do_v not_o so_o much_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o these_o weak_a animal_n as_o the_o build_n of_o this_o world_n do_v the_o power_n of_o any_o cause_n but_o a_o god_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o infinite_a number_n of_o being_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o the_o vast_a provision_n that_o be_v make_v to_o entertain_v they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n we_o can_v but_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o power_n which_o make_v they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o rare_a and_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n how_o perfect_a each_o one_o be_v in_o its_o kind_a how_o exact_o fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o what_o a_o lovely_a symmetry_n and_o proportion_n they_o all_o make_v in_o the_o whole_a how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o imagine_v but_o that_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n which_o cause_v it_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o that_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o open_o proclaim_v its_o cause_n to_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o this_o evidence_n of_o god_n existence_n will_v not_o convince_v man_n they_o be_v impregnable_o fortify_v against_o all_o conviction_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v carry_v they_o into_o those_o
ground_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o how_o much_o more_o may_v a_o allwise_a and_o almighty_a mind_n and_o therefore_o since_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la we_o behold_v a_o world_n of_o curious_a art_n among_o brute_n animal_n that_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o little_a feat_n we_o can_v teach_v they_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o reasonable_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o of_o these_o dance_a animal_n learn_v all_o his_o artificial_a motion_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o without_o any_o artsmaster_n to_o teach_v he_o as_o that_o ant_n and_o bee_n acquire_v all_o the_o art_n and_o providence_n they_o practice_n without_o either_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o by_o any_o understanding_n of_o their_o own_o or_o be_v ever_o instruct_v in_o it_o by_o any_o other_o provident_a mind_n for_o art_n and_o providence_n can_v be_v suppose_v without_o reason_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o art_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o some_o mind_n without_o they_o that_o have_v the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o all_o their_o motion_n iii_o another_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v the_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o correspondency_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n of_o themselves_o or_o of_o one_o another_o for_o if_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v a_o admirable_a harmony_n among_o thing_n which_o yet_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v frame_v and_o adapt_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o nor_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o frame_v and_o adapt_v but_o by_o the_o art_n and_o contrivance_n of_o some_o very_a wise_a and_o intelligent_a mind_n for_o how_o can_v any_o cause_n fit_a any_o two_o thing_n to_o one_o another_o without_o have_v some_o idea_n in_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o both_o if_o therefore_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v discover_v a_o world_n of_o mutual_a suitability_n of_o this_o to_o that_o and_o of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o they_o all_o proc_v from_o some_o wise_a cause_n that_o have_v a_o universal_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o see_v how_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v suit_v such_o a_o thing_n before_o ever_o he_o actual_o adapt_v they_o one_o to_o another_o now_o not_o to_o insist_v any_o further_a upon_o the_o admirable_a fitness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o earth_n the_o water_n and_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n one_o to_o another_o which_o i_o have_v large_o discourse_v already_o how_o exact_o be_v every_o animal_n fit_v for_o its_o element_n and_o every_o element_n for_o its_o animal_n thus_o the_o bird_n for_o instance_n be_v fit_v with_o wing_n to_o fly_v aloft_o in_o the_o air_n and_o the_o air_n be_v fit_v to_o bear_v they_o up_o and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o vibration_n of_o their_o wing_n the_o fish_n be_v fit_v to_o swim_v in_o the_o water_n have_v fin_n which_o serve_v instead_o of_o oar_n to_o cut_v through_o and_o divide_v the_o stream_n and_o the_o water_n be_v fit_v for_o the_o fish_n to_o swim_v in_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o fluid_a substance_n that_o be_v easy_o cut_v and_o divide_v and_o as_o for_o the_o earth_n and_o those_o earthy_a animal_n that_o inhabit_v it_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a congruity_n between_o they_o for_o they_o be_v all_o frame_v to_o walk_v or_o creep_v must_v have_v a_o hard_a and_o solid_a matter_n to_o move_v on_o and_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o hard_a and_o solid_a matter_n require_v such_o animal_n as_o can_v walk_v or_o creep_v on_o it_o and_o as_o every_o element_n be_v fit_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o animal_n and_o every_o animal_n to_o move_v in_o its_o element_n so_o every_o element_n have_v a_o food_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o appetite_n of_o its_o animal_n and_o every_o animal_n a_o appetite_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o food_n of_o its_o element_n so_o that_o as_o every_o animal_n be_v fit_v within_o with_o all_o those_o faculty_n and_o organ_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o its_o procure_n and_o enjoy_v what_o be_v good_a for_o it_o and_o its_o shun_v and_o repel_v what_o be_v hurtful_a so_o it_o be_v also_o furnish_v without_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o its_o support_n and_o satisfaction_n thus_o every_o faculty_n within_o have_v a_o object_n without_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o be_v exact_o correspondent_a therewith_o without_o which_o as_o have_v be_v excellent_o observe_v the_o faculty_n will_v become_v vain_a and_o useless_a yea_o and_o sometime_o harmful_a and_o destructive_a as_o reciprocal_o the_o object_n will_v import_v little_a or_o nothing_o if_o such_o a_o faculty_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o and_o suit_v to_o it_o for_o thus_o the_o eye_n will_v be_v perfect_o useless_a if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o light_n and_o the_o light_n will_v be_v much_o less_o considerable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o eye_n for_o if_o all_o light_n be_v extinguish_v all_o those_o curious_a colour_n into_o which_o the_o light_n be_v refract_v will_v be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o if_o all_o those_o colour_n be_v extinguish_v the_o eye_n will_v be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o one_o of_o its_o most_o pleasant_a entertainment_n and_o what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o all_o that_o infinite_a variety_n of_o melodious_a sound_n fragrant_a odour_n and_o delicious_a savour_n which_o this_o frame_n of_o nature_n afford_v be_v there_o no_o hear_n smell_a or_o taste_v faculty_n and_o what_o will_v these_o faculty_n signify_v be_v there_o no_o such_o sound_n or_o odour_n or_o savour_n so_o that_o these_o object_n and_o faculty_n be_v all_o as_o perfect_o fit_v one_o to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o art_n to_o fit_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v better_o sit_v for_o see_v than_o the_o eye_n nothing_o better_a frame_v to_o render_v thing_n visible_a than_o the_o light_n and_o light_n can_v be_v refract_v into_o no_o colour_n so_o grateful_a unto_o the_o eye_n as_o green_a which_o be_v the_o great_a colour_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ear_n and_o sound_n the_o smell_n and_o odour_n the_o taste_n and_o savour_n and_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n to_o hear_v as_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v be_v so_o exquisite_o frame_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o be_v sure_a light_n be_v make_v for_o see_v and_o sound_n for_o hear_v and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o exact_o harmonious_a and_o agreeable_a with_o one_o another_o without_o the_o powerful_a art_n and_o direction_n of_o some_o very_a skilful_a mind_n that_o know_v beforehand_o that_o this_o thing_n will_v perfect_o fit_v that_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o both_o when_o therefore_o 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its_o own_o motion_n and_o then_o move_v again_o or_o divert_v from_o its_o course_n and_o then_o return_v again_o if_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o some_o will_n without_o it_o that_o guide_v and_o dispose_v it_o according_a to_o its_o own_o council_n but_o beside_o these_o scripture_n miracle_n there_o be_v sundry_a miraculous_a instance_n of_o the_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v bad_a public_o record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n some_o of_o vindicate_v the_o innocence_n other_o of_o restore_v the_o life_n other_o of_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a man_n some_o of_o detect_v the_o crime_n of_o bad_a man_n other_o of_o strike_v they_o dead_a in_o their_o impious_a fact_n other_o of_o punish_v they_o in_o kind_n and_o other_o of_o inflict_v on_o they_o those_o very_a plague_n which_o they_o have_v imprecate_v on_o themselves_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o falsehood_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o which_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o be_v furnish_v with_o sundry_a notorious_a instance_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o condemn_v the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n for_o public_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v sundry_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o of_o all_o these_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v so_o strong_o attest_v there_o be_v but_o any_o one_o true_a and_o real_a that_o one_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n for_o if_o ever_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v effect_v that_o be_v either_o above_o the_o power_n or_o contrary_n to_o the_o establish_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n it_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o if_o god_n do_v sometime_o visible_o exert_v his_o own_o immediate_a efficacy_n on_o this_o world_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o he_o always_o govern_v it_o for_o whenever_o he_o thus_o exert_v it_o it_o be_v for_o some_o reason_n to_o be_v sure_a and_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n shall_v he_o thus_o strip_v his_o arm_n and_o visible_o exert_v his_o power_n upon_o or_o before_o we_o but_o either_o to_o awaken_v our_o attention_n or_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n or_o alarm_n our_o fear_n or_o encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o if_o ever_o he_o have_v any_o such_o design_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o govern_v we_o for_o to_o what_o other_o purpose_n can_v a_o almighty_a be_v be_v suppose_v to_o address_v himself_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o faith_n and_o attention_n but_o to_o subdue_v and_o reduce_v we_o under_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o visible_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v prediction_n of_o future_a and_o remote_a contingency_n that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o thing_n have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_a tully_n give_v numerous_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o his_o two_o book_n of_o divination_n in_o the_o first_o of_o which_o he_o set_v down_o this_o as_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o prediction_n esse_fw-la deos_fw-la &_o eorum_fw-la providentiâ_fw-la mundum_fw-la administrari_fw-la eosdemque_fw-la consulere_fw-la rebus_fw-la humanis_fw-la nec_fw-la solum_fw-la universis_fw-la verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la singulis_fw-la i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v god_n and_o that_o by_o their_o providence_n the_o world_n be_v govern_v that_o they_o take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o these_o prediction_n he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v one_o chrysippus_n who_o write_v a_o large_a book_n in_o which_o he_o give_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o they_o all_o confirm_v by_o very_o good_a authority_n beside_o which_o there_o be_v their_o oracle_n and_o their_o sybilline_a write_n among_o which_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a many_o true_a prediction_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o impose_v on_o as_o they_o be_v to_o pay_v such_o a_o mighty_a respect_n and_o veneration_n to_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o for_o several_a age_n together_o but_o as_o for_o their_o oracle_n there_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o record_v in_o ancient_a historian_n together_o with_o their_o punctual_a accomplishment_n and_o tully_n in_o particular_a tell_v we_o of_o one_o of_o apollo_n his_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v a_o thousand_o year_n before_o that_o sypselus_fw-la the_o tyrant_n shall_v reign_v at_o corinth_n and_o varro_n make_v mention_n of_o one_o vectius_n valens_n a_o augur_n in_o the_o time_n of_o romulus_n who_o when_o rome_n be_v build_v foretell_v by_o the_o fly_n of_o twelve_o vulture_n that_o the_o city_n shall_v continue_v a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o year_n which_o according_o happen_v but_o as_o for_o the_o reality_n of_o prediction_n we_o need_v seek_v no_o far_o than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o you_o have_v sundry_a prophecy_n of_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n after_o as_o particular_o of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o those_o two_o captivity_n the_o one_o in_o egypt_n the_o other_o in_o babylon_n the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v foretell_v four_o hundred_o year_n and_o the_o latter_a above_o seventy_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o accomplish_v punctual_o to_o a_o day_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o gen._n 15.13_o compare_v with_o exod._n 12.41_o and_o jer._n 25.12_o compare_v with_o 2_o chron._n 36.21_o 22._o which_o latter_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o record_v in_o scripture_n but_o mention_v by_o eupolemus_n a_o heathen_a historian_n cite_v by_o eusebius_n prepar_n pag._n 454._o thus_o also_o you_o have_v isaiah_n his_o prophecy_n of_o cyrus_n who_o name_n and_o achievement_n he_o most_o exact_o foretell_v long_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v isaiah_n 44.45_o and_o then_o for_o daniel_n prophecy_n of_o the_o grand_a revolution_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n they_o do_v so_o punctual_o describe_v what_o happen_v long_o after_o that_o porphyry_n himself_o though_o a_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o his_o prophecy_n with_o the_o succeed_a event_n vid._n st._n chrysost._n cont_n jud._n tom._n 6._o p._n 326._o and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o by_o affirm_v without_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n that_o they_o be_v write_v afterward_o in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o lxx_o interpreter_n who_o translate_v the_o old_a testament_n a_o hundred_o year_n before_o translate_v this_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n with_o it_o and_o josephus_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o jaddus_n the_o high_a priest_n show_v this_o very_a prophecy_n to_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o live_v long_o before_o antiochus_n joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 11._o but_o to_o name_v no_o more_o there_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o the_o place_n and_o most_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o ministry_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n all_o which_o be_v so_o punctual_o accomplish_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o do_v not_o the_o jew_n in_o who_o hand_n they_o have_v be_v always_o preserve_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v forge_v on_o purpose_n by_o some_o christian_n to_o countenance_v our_o saviour_n pretence_n of_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o prophesy_v if_o but_o any_o one_o of_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v real_a and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v will_v be_v very_o strange_a this_o one_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n for_o to_o foresee_v thing_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o before_o their_o cause_n be_v in_o be_v so_o as_o to_o describe_v before_o hand_n the_o precise_a time_n and_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o to_o foresee_v thing_n casual_a and_o contingent_a that_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o voluntary_a agent_n require_v a_o mind_n of_o infinite_a comprehension_n that_o see_v through_o all_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o cause_n and_o have_v a_o perfect_a prospect_n not_o only_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o actual_o exist_v but_o also_o of_o all_o that_o be_v future_a and_o possible_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o foresee_v a_o remote_a futurity_n in_o all_o its_o particular_a circumstance_n who_o immediate_a cause_n be_v either_o unborn_a or_o free_a and_o undetermined_a without_o have_v a_o
be_v nothing_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n that_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o nothing_o still_o i._n e._n limit_v and_o defective_a be_v only_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o its_o own_o primitive_a nothingness_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o i_o give_v a_o poor_a man_n a_o hundred_o pound_n that_o he_o be_v worth_a so_o much_o money_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o i_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o hundred_o more_o be_v owe_v only_o to_o his_o own_o poverty_n and_o just_o so_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o god_n who_o produce_v i_o out_o of_o nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o defect_n of_o be_v be_v only_o owe_v to_o that_o nonentity_n out_o of_o which_o he_o produce_v i_o and_o therefore_o since_o our_o perfection_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n but_o not_o our_o defect_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o latter_a to_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o former_a now_o the_o defect_n of_o create_a perfection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o remove_v and_o abstract_n from_o god_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o of_o the_o thing_n second_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o thing_n the_o defect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o whole_o exclude_v something_o much_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a thus_o matter_n for_o instance_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o thing_n because_o it_o exclude_v spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n which_o be_v much_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o exclude_v nothing_o better_a but_o yet_o be_v deficient_a in_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o for_o instance_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o exclude_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o excellent_a but_o yet_o as_o reside_v in_o create_a being_n want_n a_o great_a many_o possible_a degree_n of_o perfection_n now_o both_o these_o defect_n be_v natural_a be_v uncause_v and_o so_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o proceed_v from_o he_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n therefore_o of_o these_o twofold_a defect_n in_o create_a perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v conceive_v of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n and_o eminence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o causality_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v injurious_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o their_o perfection_n of_o which_o he_o be_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v do_v god_n right_a in_o our_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o he_o we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o matter_n and_o material_a perfection_n because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o their_o very_a kind_n and_o nature_n as_o exclude_v such_o substance_n and_o perfection_n as_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n which_o consist_v in_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o matter_n and_o material_a affection_n from_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n i._n e_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o degree_n in_o those_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o raise_v and_o exalt_v they_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o their_o utmost_a height_n and_o eminence_n and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o eminency_n which_o consist_v in_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o short_a and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n abstract_v from_o all_o defect_n and_o limitation_n these_o three_o way_n therefore_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o will_n yet_o far_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a rule_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o form_v a_o right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o first_o if_o we_o will_v think_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v attribute_v all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o second_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o the_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n three_o in_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o they_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a four_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n five_o though_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o subject_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o creature_n yet_o we_o be_v always_o to_o suppose_v his_o will_n and_o his_o power_n to_o be_v in_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n six_o in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v always_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v exact_o harmonious_a and_o consistent_a with_o each_o other_o i._o to_o the_o form_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a perfection_n for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v derive_v must_v necessary_o include_v all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v all_o those_o perfection_n which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o other_o for_o how_o can_v he_o give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o free_a cause_n may_v give_v less_o to_o their_o effect_n than_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v give_v more_o though_o they_o may_v withhold_v from_o their_o effect_n any_o perfection_n or_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o have_v they_o can_v derive_v to_o they_o any_o which_o they_o have_v not_o whatsoever_o therefore_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v essential_a to_o that_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o be_v be_v derive_v otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o in_o his_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o consequent_o more_o than_o he_o can_v give_v or_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o all_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o create_a being_n must_v necessary_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o must_v all_o those_o too_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o for_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o no_o perfection_n can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o he_o for_o no_o cause_n can_v produce_v that_o perfection_n in_o another_o which_o it_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o be_v produce_v by_o he_o and_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n must_v be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a since_o therefore_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o god_n and_o since_o no_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o be_v actual_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n ii_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n for_o our_o understanding_n be_v too_o shortsighted_a to_o penetrate_v immediate_o into_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v and_o apprehend_v they_o but_o either_o by_o their_o cause_n or_o by_o their_o effect_n but_o now_o god_n be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a fountain_n of_o all_o cause_n can_v be_v know_v by_o his_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v none_o and_o therefore_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o his_o effect_n
perfect_a inspection_n not_o only_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n of_o thing_n but_o also_o into_o all_o their_o particular_a conjunction_n and_o conspiracy_n and_o that_o mind_n which_o see_v into_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v all-seeing_a and_o have_v nothing_o conceal_v from_o it_o that_o be_v either_o present_a or_o future_a or_o possible_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o prediction_n of_o remote_a and_o contingent_a futurity_n it_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o all-seeing_a mind_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o all-seeing_a mind_n that_o oversee_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o accurate_o inspect_v all_o that_o be_v past_a or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v in_o it_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o such_o a_o mind_n shall_v sit_v look_v on_o as_o a_o idle_a spectator_n and_o act_n no_o part_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o vast_a and_o busy_a scene_n of_o thihg_n for_o that_o it_o thus_o exact_o inspect_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v great_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v great_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o about_o it_o nor_o exercise_v any_o providence_n over_o it_o be_v altogether_o inconceivable_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o be_v such_o as_o due_o consider_v can_v but_o prevail_v with_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o steel_v against_o all_o conviction_n and_o utter_o abandon_v both_o of_o their_o reason_n and_o modesty_n sect_n iii_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n consider_v and_o answer_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o the_o common_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o here_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o little_a and_o shameful_a cavil_n which_o have_v be_v make_v against_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o very_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o credit_n to_o they_o to_o be_v serious_o confute_v i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o only_o which_o be_v the_o common_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o fair_a show_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v these_o five_o 1._o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o providence_n do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o ease_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o manifold_a evil_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n it_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o unequal_a division_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o wretched_a state_n and_o condition_n to_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n abandon_v i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n that_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o little_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o carry_v its_o own_o answer_n with_o it_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o majesty_n to_o sit_v still_o or_o to_o act_v to_o wrap_v up_o itself_o in_o everlasting_a sloth_n and_o idleness_n or_o to_o display_v itself_o in_o a_o vigorous_a activity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v great_a and_o more_o majestic_a as_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o any_o be_v to_o employ_v and_o exercise_v its_o power_n than_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v asleep_a and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o what_o high_a sphere_n can_v god_n exercise_v his_o power_n than_o in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o to_o govern_v well_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o dispense_v the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o to_o shed_v forth_o the_o ample_a sphere_n of_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o vast_a dominion_n doubtless_o the_o most_o glorious_a employment_n that_o the_o large_a mind_n can_v undertake_v be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v great_a and_o more_o godlike_a than_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o this_o float_a universe_n and_o steer_v its_o motion_n to_o their_o end_n with_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a hand_n what_o therefore_o can_v god_n do_v more_o worthy_a of_o himself_o than_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n well_o and_o wise_o or_o wherein_o can_v he_o better_o display_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n than_o in_o keep_v this_o mighty_a engine_n in_o such_o a_o admirable_a order_n so_o as_o that_o though_o its_o part_n be_v infinite_a in_o number_n and_o variety_n and_o in_o their_o several_a line_n of_o motion_n do_v frequen_o cross_v and_o intersect_v each_o other_o yet_o do_v they_o neither_o clash_n nor_o interfere_v disturb_v nor_o confound_v one_o another_o but_o in_o their_o different_a function_n mutual_o assist_v each_o other_o and_o all_o conspire_v in_o a_o common_a good_a compose_v out_o of_o their_o infinite_a discord_n a_o most_o elegant_a harmony_n in_o which_o mighty_a performance_n there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o a_o infinite_a power_n to_o exert_v its_o utmost_a activity_n for_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o employ_v its_o utmost_a skill_n and_o for_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o utmost_a beneficence_n so_o that_o to_o undertake_v this_o province_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a arrogance_n for_o any_o but_o a_o god_n to_o undertake_v it_o and_o if_o contrivance_n be_v the_o end_n of_o wisdom_n action_n of_o power_n beneficence_n of_o goodness_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v where_o can_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n find_v a_o more_o ample_a sphere_n for_o action_n contrivance_n and_o beneficence_n than_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o majesty_n to_o govern_v what_o can_v better_a comport_v with_o the_o great_a majesty_n than_o to_o display_v itself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o large_a dominion_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o consider_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o this_o great_a family_n of_o being_n how_o can_v it_o be_v beneath_o his_o majesty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o offspring_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v below_o he_o to_o provide_v for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o below_o he_o to_o create_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o contemptible_a as_o not_o to_o deserve_v his_o regard_n why_o do_v he_o create_v it_o if_o there_o be_v not_o why_o shall_v he_o disdain_v to_o govern_v it_o and_o if_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n have_v some_o end_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o god_n think_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o object_n of_o his_o creation_n why_o shall_v he_o not_o as_o well_o think_v the_o constant_a direction_n of_o it_o to_o that_o end_n to_o be_v a_o object_n worthy_a of_o his_o providence_n ii_o it_o be_v further_a object_v against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n providence_n that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o quiet_a and_o happiness_n for_o to_o attend_v to_o such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n include_v can_v but_o distract_v his_o thought_n and_o thereby_o disturb_v he_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o all_o which_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n arise_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o our_o measure_n god_n by_o ourselves_o because_o we_o find_v our_o own_o mind_n so_o narrow_a and_o our_o own_o power_n so_o limit_v as_o that_o we_o can_v without_o distraction_n attend_v to_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o this_o mighty_a business_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o god_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a who_o almighty_a power_n imply_v a_o ability_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v possible_a and_o who_o infinite_a knowledge_n include_v a_o universal_a prospect_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v this_o will_v easy_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o this_o objection_n for_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o imperfection_n that_o being_n operate_v with_o labour_n and_o