be_v prosperous_a they_o conclude_v they_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v afflict_a and_o meet_a with_o cross_a event_n than_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o they_o and_o have_v forsake_v they_o and_o though_o this_o argue_v such_o a_o stupid_a ignorance_n of_o christianity_n that_o one_o will_v think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o temptation_n to_o a_o christian_a yet_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o three_o part_n of_o the_o melancholy_a the_o desertion_n nay_o despair_n of_o many_o christian_n be_v owe_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n they_o think_v their_o condition_n safe_a for_o the_o next_o world_n while_o they_o be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o frown_n they_o be_v irrecoverable_o damn_v but_o will_v such_o man_n consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o want_v bread_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v no_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n it_o will_v cure_v these_o desertion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o great_a gild_n which_o a_o strait_a fortune_n awaken_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o i_o doubt_n be_v too_o often_o the_o case_n two_o there_o be_v another_o snare_n in_o this_o to_o persuade_v our_o saviour_n to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n without_o the_o immediate_a direction_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o this_o have_v be_v a_o distrust_n of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n to_o have_v relieve_v his_o own_o want_n by_o preternatural_a and_o uncommand_v method_n and_o therefore_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v it_o be_v write_v man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v bread_n indeed_o be_v the_o ordinary_a provision_n god_n have_v make_v for_o the_o support_n of_o man_n life_n but_o when_o these_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a provision_n fail_v he_o have_v other_o way_n to_o support_v life_n as_o he_o feed_v the_o israelite_n with_o manna_n and_o quail_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o give_v they_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n but_o then_o we_o must_v patient_o and_o secure_o expect_v by_o what_o mean_v god_n will_v provide_v for_o we_o â—…d_v till_o the_o word_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n â—…l_v we_o have_v some_o particular_a command_n â—…d_v direction_n for_o it_o we_o must_v take_v no_o â—…xtraordinary_a uncommand_v much_o â—…ss_o forbid_v way_n to_o preserve_v our_o â—…ives_n for_o this_o be_v want_n of_o trust_n in_o god_n â—…r_a want_n of_o submission_n to_o his_o will._n â—…xtream_a want_n and_o necessity_n be_v almost_o 〈◊〉_d irresistible_a temptation_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o distrust_v the_o ordinary_a proâ—…isions_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o provide_v â—…r_n ourselves_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o can_v â—…nd_v to_o justify_v what_o we_o do_v by_o such_o neâ—…essities_n it_o require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o â—…aith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o we_o have_v â—…o_o prospect_n of_o ordinary_a succour_n patiâ—…ntly_o to_o expect_v god_n provision_n withâ—…ut_o go_v out_o of_o god_n way_n but_o â—…hus_o our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v and_o â—…as_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o conquer_v this_o temptation_n man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n if_o bread_n fail_v we_o must_v expect_v by_o what_o other_o mean_v god_n will_v supply_v our_o want_n and_o not_o transgress_v those_o law_n god_n have_v prescribe_v we_o how_o desperate_a soever_o our_o condition_n seem_v to_o be_v two_o the_o next_o temptation_n be_v in_o the_o other_o extreme_a to_o presume_v so_o far_o upon_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n as_o to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o vainglorious_a experiment_n of_o god_n care_n he_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thy_o self_n down_o for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v thou_o and_o in_o their_o hand_n they_o shall_v beat_v thou_o up_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o shall_v dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o the_o stone_n when_o the_o tempter_n perceive_v that_o christ_n whole_o rely_v on_o the_o direction_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n he_o enforce_v his_o temptation_n with_o scripture_n too_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o all_o which_o impose_v upon_o man_n with_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n as_o our_o late_a experience_n of_o a_o wild_a enthusiastic_a age_n will_v tell_v we_o when_o nothing_o so_o bad_a can_v be_v think_v of_o but_o some_o man_n have_v scripture-example_n or_o precept_n or_o prophecy_n or_o parable_n to_o justify_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v aware_a of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o the_o other_o art_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o tempter_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n prove_v that_o this_o text_n can_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n will_v command_v his_o angel_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v â—…ling_v himself_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n because_o we_o be_v express_o forbid_v to_o make_v such_o experiment_n of_o god_n protection_n as_o this_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o â—…halt_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n to_o tempt_v be_v to_o try_v and_o to_o tempt_v god_n be_v to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v or_o can_v do_v for_o we_o beyond_o his_o promise_n and_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o proâ—…idence_n especial_o when_o we_o either_o â—…urmur_n against_o god_n for_o not_o answerâ—…ng_v our_o unreasonable_a demand_n or_o preâ—…ume_v upon_o his_o favour_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o do_v or_o exâ—…ect_v his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n when_o we_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a â—…rotection_n of_o his_o providence_n it_o be_v â—…asie_a have_v i_o time_n to_o give_v instance_n of_o â—…ll_a these_o way_n of_o tempt_a god_n the_o â—…emptation_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v â—…e_v last_o i_o mention_v out_o of_o a_o vain-gloâ—…ous_a humour_n and_o a_o presumption_n of_o god_n peculiar_a favour_n to_o we_o voluntaâ—…ly_o without_o any_o reasonable_a pretence_n â—…uch_o less_o necessity_n to_o thrust_v ourselves_o â—…to_o apparent_a and_o unavoidable_a danger_n â—…nd_v expect_v god_n shall_v save_v we_o by_o miâ—…cles_n for_o this_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v to_o to_o fling_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o a_o presumptuous_a confidence_n of_o god_n care_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o angel_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n this_o look_n like_o faith_n in_o god_n a_o plerophory_n of_o hope_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o love_n but_o indeed_o be_v vanity_n pride_n insolence_n presumption_n and_o a_o tempt_a of_o god_n it_o be_v such_o a_o affront_n and_o indignity_n as_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o bear_v from_o their_o best_a friend_n when_o they_o impose_v upon_o they_o not_o to_o do_v they_o a_o real_a kindness_n but_o to_o gratify_v their_o vanity_n and_o humour_n in_o such_o demand_n as_o a_o wiâ—…_n man_n can_v honourable_o grant_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o more_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a presumption_n than_o this_o wheâ—…_n man_n have_v such_o a_o strong_a imagination_n oâ—…_n their_o be_v the_o son_n the_o choose_a and_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o thinâ—…_n they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o forfeâ—…_n god_n love_n they_o may_v make_v moâ—…_n bold_a with_o god_n law_n than_o other_o man_n for_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o people_n nay_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o advancâ—…_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n they_o haâ—…_n espouse_v which_o they_o call_v the_o glorâ—…_n of_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n thaâ—…_n be_v by_o transgress_v all_o the_o know_v and_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n these_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n â—…nd_v we_o have_v see_v the_o miserable_a effect_n â—…f_v they_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n â—…ink_v that_o he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n as_o to_o have_v god_n at_o his_o beck_n â—…o_o save_o he_o by_o miracle_n when_o he_o â—…ilfully_o expose_v himself_o to_o such_o danâ—…ers_n as_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v deâ—…ver_v he_o from_o much_o less_o to_o think_v â—…at_a god_n will_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a â—…nd_n evil_a for_o his_o sake_n that_o he_o will_v disâ—…ense_v with_o his_o law_n law_n which_o â—…re_v as_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o â—…is_v own_o nature_n when_o ever_o such_o vain_a â—…nthusiasts_n pretend_v to_o serve_v themselves_o â—…nd_v his_o glory_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 3._o these_o two_o temptation_n be_v maâ—…aged_v with_o great_a art_n to_o deceive_v the_o
we_o suffer_v for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o send_v they_o they_o can_v bring_v we_o no_o message_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n infect_v with_o this_o disease_n we_o suffer_v many_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o then_o we_o learn_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o a_o little_a worldly_a policy_n and_o prudence_n to_o take_v better_a care_n of_o our_o self_n and_o our_o affair_n to_o be_v jealous_a and_o distrustful_a of_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o watch_v our_o opportunity_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n we_o suffer_v and_o to_o return_v they_o with_o interest_n and_o yet_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o providence_n though_o it_o be_v as_o honourable_a to_o god_n to_o deny_v his_o providence_n as_o to_o deny_v his_o sovereign_a disposal_n and_o government_n of_o all_o event_n or_o rather_o they_o be_v both_o a_o equal_a reproach_n to_o he_o for_o a_o providence_n which_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o creature_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o we_o can_v say_v that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o his_o creature_n if_o any_o evil_n befall_v they_o without_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n but_o natural_a conscience_n see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v whatever_o the_o visible_a and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o suffering_n be_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o tremble_v before_o his_o judge_n though_o he_o do_v not_o see_v he_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n when_o he_o feel_v only_o the_o hand_n of_o men._n and_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o what_o be_v the_o language_n of_o these_o guilty_a fear_n but_o that_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v that_o strike_v it_o be_v move_v and_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n that_o the_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o man_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n for_o why_o shall_v the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v from_o man_n so_o terrify_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n have_v we_o not_o a_o natural_a persuasion_n that_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v send_v by_o god_n whoever_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v natural_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o fly_v to_o god_n for_o help_v atheist_n themselves_o can_v whole_o prevent_v this_o but_o when_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o sudden_a danger_n nature_n be_v too_o quick_a and_o too_o powerful_a for_o their_o philosophy_n and_o surprise_v they_o into_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n which_o they_o must_v do_v penance_n for_o when_o their_o fright_a be_v over_o sinner_n who_o forget_v god_n in_o prosperity_n fly_v to_o he_o in_o their_o distress_n remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v it_o own_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o suffering_n as_o well_o as_o his_o power_n to_o save_v for_o both_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o his_o power_n to_o help_v which_o make_v sinner_n fly_v to_o god_n in_o their_o distress_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o anger_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v they_o do_v not_o fly_v to_o god_n as_o man_n do_v to_o a_o powerful_a patron_n but_o as_o criminal_n do_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o provoke_v father_n or_o prince_n when_o they_o fly_v to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n as_o humble_a penitent_n to_o appease_v his_o anger_n that_o he_o may_v remove_v his_o judgement_n and_o when_o we_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o remove_v the_o rod_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o it_o be_v â—…e_o that_o strike_v as_o well_o as_o he_o alone_o that_o can_v save_v and_o that_o conscience_n judge_v right_a in_o all_o this_o however_o some_o man_n may_v attribute_v it_o to_o a_o superstitious_a education_n be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o resist_v his_o will_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v if_o job_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o his_o large_a possession_n in_o a_o day_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o give_v and_o the_o lord_n that_o take_v away_o if_o the_o mighty_a king_n of_o assyria_n invade_v israel_n and_o lie_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o country_n he_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o his_o hand_n be_v his_o indignation_n isa._n 10._o 5_o 6._o affliction_n come_v not_o forth_o of_o the_o dust_n neither_o do_v trouble_v spring_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n but_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n he_o put_v down_o one_o and_o set_v up_o another_o psal._n 75._o 7_o 8._o this_o show_v we_o that_o whatever_o our_o suffering_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o appoint_v the_o rod_n and_o then_o it_o must_v near_o concern_v we_o two_o to_o hear_v the_o rod_n what_o and_o to_o who_o it_o speak_v now_o in_o this_o case_n also_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o rod_n teach_v another_o way_n but_o teach_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o conscience_n and_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o be_v it_o proclaim_v aloud_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o it_o and_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o conscience_n know_v their_o errand_n and_o call_v all_o our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n before_o we_o nothing_o but_o gild_n make_v we_o afraid_a of_o god_n and_o how_o quiet_a and_o secure_a soever_o sinner_n be_v at_o other_o time_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v awaken_v their_o guilty_a fear_n and_o if_o man_n will_v hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n it_o will_v certain_o tell_v they_o why_o god_n strike_v and_o we_o can_v take_v a_o safe_a course_n than_o to_o reform_v those_o sin_n of_o which_o our_o conscience_n then_o accuse_v we_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n be_v against_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n there_o record_v especial_o public_a and_o national_a judgement_n be_v inflict_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v our_o example_n as_o they_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o providence_n god_n never_o punish_v but_o for_o sin_n though_o he_o may_v exercise_v particular_a good_a man_n with_o difficult_a trial_n and_o therefore_o when_o bad_a man_n and_o a_o wicked_a nation_n suffer_v they_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o cause_n they_o have_v sin_v and_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o summon_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o to_o take_v away_o sin_n the_o voice_n of_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n prophet_n wash_v 〈◊〉_d make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o â—…our_n do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n isa._n 1._o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o sufficient_o know_v if_o it_o be_v but_o sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o secret_a and_o hide_a deâ—…gns_n of_o providence_n which_o many_o time_n surprise_v the_o world_n with_o unexpecteâ—…_n event_n be_v the_o care_n of_o god_n anâ—…_n belong_v not_o to_o we_o till_o the_o scene_n oâ—…_n pen_n and_o we_o see_v what_o part_n be_v alloâ—…_n t_v we_o in_o it_o whatever_o god_n be_v aâ—…_n do_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o tâ—…_n amend_v our_o life_n which_o will_v remouâ—…_n the_o scourge_n from_o we_o and_o entitle_v we_o tâ—…_n the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o providencâ—…_n whereas_o to_o busy_a ourselves_o with_o poliâ—…_n tick_n or_o prophetic_a guess_n at_o unknowâ—…_n event_n to_o paint_v our_o imagination_n witâ—…_n black_a and_o frightful_a or_o with_o gay_a anâ—…_n charm_v scene_n of_o thing_n as_o despondâ—…_n ing_z fear_n or_o sanguine_a hope_n inspire_v thâ—…_n prophet_n can_v do_v we_o no_o good_a but_o may_v dâ—…_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n to_o ourselves_o anâ—…_n the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n oâ—…_n the_o rod_n which_o make_v no_o new_a reveâ—…_n lation_n to_o we_o but_o only_o awaken_v thâ—…_n
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v by_o man_n be_v there_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o agree_v upon_o such_o law_n yes_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o human_a society_n to_o secure_v private_a man_n from_o injury_n and_o violence_n and_o to_o make_v they_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o agree_v to_o make_v they_o law_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v not_o make_v those_o law_n which_o have_v natural_a and_o necessary_a reason_n to_o make_v they_o law_n can_v mere_a human_a compact_n and_o government_n either_o make_v or_o change_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n can_v they_o if_o they_o so_o please_v make_v virtue_n vice_n or_o vice_n virtue_n and_o as_o well_o consult_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o do_v so_o if_o not_o then_o mere_a human_a compact_n can_v neither_o make_v nor_o unmake_v these_o law_n god_n have_v make_v these_o law_n for_o we_o by_o make_v we_o such_o creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o nature_n as_o require_v such_o law_n if_o we_o will_v live_v by_o nature_n and_o attain_v our_o natural_a happiness_n and_o who_o then_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o as_o much_o exact_a from_o we_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o law_n as_o man_n do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n when_o human_a government_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o do_v so_o and_o have_v god_n make_v the_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n necessary_a and_o will_v he_o not_o punish_v they_o himself_o especial_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o human_a government_n be_v very_o precarious_a without_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n as_o those_o lawgiver_n be_v very_o sensible_a who_o to_o give_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o their_o law_n pretend_v to_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o go_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o very_a hypothesis_n which_o allow_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o what_o human_a law_n and_o human_n contract_v make_v leave_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o break_v these_o law_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o or_o will_v venture_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v these_o man_n so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o show_v how_o necessary_a a_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o very_a be_v of_o human_a society_n so_o that_o those_o who_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v never_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notition_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a nor_o attribute_v these_o law_n to_o any_o other_o author_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o fit_v our_o nature_n to_o these_o law_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o these_o law_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o but_o then_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o more_o certain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n this_o confirm_v all_o the_o fear_n of_o nature_n and_o leave_v no_o possible_a hope_n for_o sinner_n but_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n secure_o with_o their_o eye_n open_a and_o therefore_o two_o the_o next_o step_n they_o take_v be_v to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o ignorance_n folly_n and_o imposture_n but_o what_o a_o task_n be_v this_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o darkness_n be_v light_a and_o light_a darkness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v reject_v before_o they_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shine_v as_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o admire_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n put_v out_o our_o eye_n leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o thing_n nor_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o lie_v more_o easy_a and_o obvious_a in_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n now_o but_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o mankind_n natural_o assent_v to_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n now_o this_o the_o atheist_n reject_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v a_o first_o cause_n they_o must_v own_v a_o god_n for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n because_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o universal_a as_o of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o notion_n which_o be_v both_o so_o natural_a to_o mankind_n do_v mutual_o confirm_v each_o other_o but_o what_o account_n do_v these_o man_n give_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o either_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o always_o be_v what_o it_o now_o be_v or_o that_o atom_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n but_o be_v this_o the_o natural_a persuasion_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o world_n have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o cause_n or_o that_o it_o be_v made-by_a chance_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o which_o we_o can_v form_v no_o possible_a notion_n of_o nature_n teach_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v they_o come_v to_o know_v it_o when_o they_o neither_o see_v the_o world_n from_o eternity_n nor_o see_v it_o make_v by_o the_o fortuitous_a jumble_v of_o atom_n it_o be_v certain_a these_o principle_n differ_v as_o light_v and_o darkness_n do_v to_o ascribe_v all_o thing_n to_o a_o first_o cause_n give_v a_o sensible_a account_n how_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o wise_o make_v which_o be_v knowledge_n and_o light_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n when_o we_o see_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o so_o wise_o make_v only_o confound_v and_o amaze_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o in_o darkness_n indeed_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n have_v nothing_o natural_a or_o enlighten_v in_o they_o but_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n to_o believe_v that_o something_o be_v eternal_a for_o if_o there_o ever_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o human_a understanding_n to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o to_o assert_v one_o eternal_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n may_v feel_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n
evidence_n â—…f_v they_o that_o they_o be_v what_o we_o can_v â—…onceive_v and_o comprehend_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a â—…eason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v be_v â—…o_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o reveâ—…tion_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n beâ—…ween_v reason_n and_o faith_n he_o who_o will_v â—…elieve_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a reason_n â—…pproves_v believe_v his_o reason_n not_o the_o revelation_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o natural_a philosopher_n not_o a_o believer_n he_o believe_v â—…he_a scripture_n as_o he_o will_v believe_v platoâ—…nd_n â—…nd_z tully_n not_o as_o inspire_v write_n but_o â—…s_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o wise_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o this_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o faith_n and_o revelation_n at_o once_o for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o faith_n what_o matter_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v or_o not_o when_o we_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v with_o they_o than_o with_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v agreeable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n let_v these_o man_n then_o either_o reject_v faith_n and_o scripture_n or_o confess_v that_o revelation_n as_o to_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n must_v serve_v we_o instead_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o reason_n be_v they_o sure_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o shall_v he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n in_o such_o matter_n why_o will_v they_o not_o believe_v a_o revelation_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a in_o such_o matter_n for_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o believe_v god_n and_o believe_v a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o god_n do_v know_v and_o can_v reveal_v such_o mystery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o do_v reveal_v they_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o undoubted_a revelation_n then_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v such_o mystery_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o dispute_n viz._n that_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o objection_n against_o reveal_v mystery_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n if_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o no_o man_n question_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o what_o he_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n mere_o because_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o familiar_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o reveal_v truth_n be_v not_o more_o unconceivable_a than_o many_o natural_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n why_o shall_v their_o be_v unconceivable_a be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o believe_v a_o revelation_n than_o it_o be_v against_o believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n equal_o unconceivable_a when_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o we_o do_v that_o man_n beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v nor_o can_v we_o any_o more_o conceive_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o we_o do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o if_o we_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v what_o revelation_n teach_v how_o unconceivable_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o we_o do_v what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v though_o it_o be_v alike_o unconceivable_a all_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o man_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v before_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v dispute_v subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n put_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o his_o argument_n by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o can_v move_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n believe_v their_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o subtle_a disputant_n that_o that_o be_v not_o which_o they_o certain_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v now_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o man_n will_v allow_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n they_o must_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v how_o unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a soever_o its_o nature_n be_v for_o when_o we_o know_v what_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o may_v be_v know_v by_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n as_o those_o man_n must_v confess_v who_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a revelation_n no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o must_v persuade_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o itself_o though_o few_o man_n consider_v it_o that_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o understanding_n or_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o revelation_n than_o they_o do_v from_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v revelation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n shall_v man_n resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o they_o see_v till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o all_o they_o see_v as_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o they_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o great-scepticks_a as_o they_o be_v infidel_n for_o as_o for_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v or_o find_v seem_v contradiction_n in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o philosophical_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o guess_v at_o they_o all_o our_o false_a guess_n may_v be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o condemn_v all_o self-love_n which_o when_o it_o act_v regular_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o have_v prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n for_o the_o further_a explication_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o inquire_v what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o condemn_v 2._o how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v 3._o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v for_o can_v self-love_n be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n can_v the_o same_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a and_o yet_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o design_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o inspire_v good_a man_n with_o great_a and_o generous_a design_n set_v they_o above_o this_o world_n make_v they_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o very_o just_a and_o charitable_a to_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n which_o act_v in_o bad_a man_n and_o drive_v they_o into_o all_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n they_o gratify_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n â—…y_v it_o they_o find_v present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o do_v what_o they_o love_v they_o please_v themselves_o they_o pursue_v what_o they_o call_v happiness_n which_o be_v self-love_n still_o though_o turn_v off_o of_o its_o natural_a bias_n by_o mistake_a notion_n of_o happiness_n all_o man_n love_v themselves_o but_o self-love_n do_v not_o act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v what_o self_n to_o love_v for_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n which_o have_v different_a interest_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o have_v distinct_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o a_o good_a man_n love_v his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n too_o and_o design_n and_o endeavour_n the_o happiness_n of_o both_o which_o be_v the_o entire_a happiness_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a self-love_n which_o make_v the_o flesh_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n govern_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o reason_n improve_v our_o mind_n in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n raise_v our_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o love_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o that_o best_a of_o being_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n secure_v a_o eternal_a interest_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n into_o immortal_a life_n but_o a_o bad_a man_n love_v but_o one_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o mean_a part_n too_o and_o make_v much_o more_o mean_a and_o vile_a by_o be_v love_v alone_o his_o self-love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n which_o gratify_v a_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a mind_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o subdue_v reason_n to_o sense_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o stifle_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o root_v up_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o to_o charm_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v not_o chide_v and_o condemn_v and_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o enjoyment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o it_o do_v not_o mean_v our_o personal_a self_n for_o so_o every_o man_n do_v and_o must_v love_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o person_n but_o it_o be_v to_o love_v something_o for_o ourselves_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v ourselves_o when_o god_n never_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v our_o own_o self_n or_o a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o to_o love_v this_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v to_o love_v our_o self_n only_o and_o to_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o self_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n that_o be_v it_o be_v what_o a_o sinner_n will_v call_v himself_o and_o will_v account_v his_o whole_a self_n and_o in_o please_v of_o which_o he_o place_v his_o whole_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o that_o self_n which_o god_n make_v god_n make_v man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o such_o man_n will_v call_v nothing_o themselves_o but_o flesh_n god_n make_v man_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a happiness_n as_o he_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o such_o man_n place_v their_o whole_a happiness_n in_o sense_n now_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o man_n of_o god_n make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n man_n be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o brutish_a nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v their self_o and_o their_o happiness_n be_v their_o own_o creature_n not_o god_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n their_o own_o way_n and_o device_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 2._o such_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v they_o prefer_v their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o a_o good_a man_n live_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n the_o love_n of_o god_n give_v law_n and_o bound_n to_o his_o love_n of_o himself_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o such_o instance_n as_o god_n allow_v he_o deny_v his_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o interest_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o self_n to_o have_v any_o will_n any_o love_n any_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o for_o god_n be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o god_n live_v in_o he_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o he_o be_v his_o own_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o 2_o gal._n 20._o but_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v divide_v himself_o from_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o obedience_n affect_v a_o independent_a state_n to_o stand_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o a_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o he_o three_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o because_o they_o love_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o serve_v their_o private_a interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v their_o principle_n to_o do_v good_a to_o themselves_o without_o ever_o be_v concern_v what_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v by_o it_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o body_n else_o to_o please_v or_o take_v care_n of_o unless_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o design_n by_o it_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v only_o of_o themselves_o for_o they_o love_v no_o body_n else_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sordid_a narrow_a selfish_a spirit_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n which_o dwell_v within_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o centre_n and_o its_o own_o circumference_n for_o flesh_n be_v a_o narrow_a principle_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o feel_v any_o pain_n but_o its_o own_o and_o therefore_o must_v confine_v
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n with_o tree_n and_o fruit_n and_o corn_n and_o herb_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v eternal_a when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o individual_n of_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o being_n be_v daily_o make_v for_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o individual_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o make_v the_o world_n be_v make_v necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o have_v no_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v always_o what_o it_o be_v without_o the_o least_o change_n that_o to_o ascribe_v eternity_n to_o a_o world_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a change_n be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o assert_v a_o eternal_a succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o think_v that_o the_o effect_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o cause_n can_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o 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