be_v much_o more_o imputable_a to_o the_o perverseness_n of_o their_o will_n than_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o understand_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o if_o you_o have_v discover_v some_o opinion_n ln_o religion_n to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o you_o be_v once_o very_o confident_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a in_o religion_n if_o so_o you_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o mathematics_n neither_o since_o some_o man_n have_v be_v as_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o false_a axiom_n in_o geometry_n as_o ever_o you_o can_v be_v of_o false_a proposition_n in_o religion_n that_o you_o be_v once_o over-confident_a in_o a_o disputable_a matter_n be_v your_o own_o fault_n and_o folly_n but_o must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n because_o you_o have_v be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o what_o though_o you_o 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and_o almost_o necessary_a transition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o too_o many_o sorrowful_a instance_n for_o as_o this_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v always_o remarque_v for_o a_o grave_n serious_a and_o religious_a genius_n be_v never_o so_o general_o taint_v with_o atheism_n as_o now_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o chargeable_a with_o such_o a_o general_n neglect_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o for_o several_a age_n after_o the_o reformation_n be_v due_o frequent_v and_o devout_o celebrate_v till_o by_o the_o prevalence_n of_o our_o restless_a sect_n and_o faction_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gradual_o weaken_v and_o at_o last_o total_o destroy_v in_o the_o happy_a day_n before_o which_o the_o family_n of_o each_o parish_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o worship_n
so_o valuable_a as_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o be_v form_v and_o unite_v into_o regular_a corporation_n if_o not_o how_o apparent_o do_v we_o engage_v against_o our_o own_o interest_n when_o we_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n iii_o the_o atheist_n 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 for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n our_o best_a and_o secure_a condition_n be_v expose_v to_o a_o world_n of_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a accident_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o the_o wisdom_n to_o foresee_v nor_o the_o power_n to_o prevent_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v self-sufficient_a as_o to_o our_o worldly_a happiness_n that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o cause_n upon_o which_o we_o depend_v for_o it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o uncertainty_n wherein_o we_o be_v continal_o bandy_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o make_v the_o game_n 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evil_n of_o it_o what_o can_v i_o do_v with_o myself_o or_o how_o can_v i_o enjoy_v myself_o without_o a_o god_n to_o rely_v on_o upon_o the_o supposal_n that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o can_v easy_o relieve_v myself_o under_o the_o most_o dismal_a apprehension_n i_o can_v fair_o conclude_v and_o safe_o depend_v on_o it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v care_n by_o my_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v to_o make_v he_o my_o friend_n he_o will_v either_o prevent_v the_o evil_n i_o apprehend_v or_o support_v i_o under_o they_o or_o convert_v they_o to_o my_o good_a either_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v my_o heart_n at_o ease_n and_o instate_v i_o in_o a_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o myself_o but_o now_o by_o give_v up_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o throw_v away_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o leave_v myself_o utter_o destitute_a and_o supportless_a for_o what_o solid_a ground_n of_o support_n can_v i_o have_v when_o i_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o security_n either_o that_o the_o evil_n i_o dread_n shall_v be_v prevent_v or_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o proportionable_a strength_n to_o bear_v they_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o good_a or_o advantage_n from_o they_o without_o which_o consideration_n every_o evil_a that_o threaten_v or_o befall_v i_o be_v pure_a unmingled_a misery_n against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n or_o cordial_n in_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n for_o suppose_v i_o shall_v argue_v with_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n that_o every_o ill_a accident_n that_o befall_v i_o be_v fatal_a as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v without_o my_o power_n or_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o i_o to_o grieve_v at_o it_o this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n mollify_a the_o anguish_n of_o my_o mind_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o enrage_v and_o inflame_v it_o for_o that_o my_o calamity_n be_v fatal_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o avoid_v or_o remove_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n than_o a_o diminution_n of_o it_o or_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v as_o the_o same_o moralist_n otherwhiles_o do_v why_o shall_v i_o grieve_v at_o the_o evil_n that_o befall_v i_o when_o alas_o my_o grief_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v they_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o increase_v and_o multiply_v they_o contribute_v new_a venom_n to_o their_o sting_n and_o render_v they_o more_o pungent_a and_o dolorous_a what_o a_o faint_a cordial_n will_v it_o be_v to_o my_o oppress_a mind_n to_o consider_v that_o my_o grief_n will_v but_o augment_v my_o load_n it_o be_v some_o ease_n to_o a_o deject_a soul_n to_o vent_v its_o grief_n in_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n which_o while_o she_o seek_v to_o smother_v in_o a_o sullen_a silence_n like_o imprison_a wind_n will_v breed_v a_o colic_n in_o her_o bowel_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o i_o must_v deny_v myself_o the_o only_a solace_n of_o a_o miserable_a man_n for_o fear_v of_o augment_v my_o misery_n again_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o the_o same_o author_n that_o affliction_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o in_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o indifferent_o improvable_a into_o mischief_n or_o benefit_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n suppose_v that_o the_o affliction_n come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n who_o can_v extract_v good_a out_o of_o all_o our_o evil_n and_o render_v the_o rank_a poison_n medicinal_a but_o otherwise_o you_o will_v find_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cold_a comfort_n to_o call_v your_o misery_n by_o another_o name_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o temper_v our_o evil_n and_o to_o ordain_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n they_o will_v prove_v themselves_o evil_n to_o we_o by_o what_o soft_a name_n soever_o we_o may_v call_v they_o again_o and_o to_o name_n no_o more_o suppose_v i_o shall_v 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fool-hardiness_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n we_o have_v to_o support_v ourselves_o under_o any_o calamity_n but_o alas_o such_o real_a grief_n of_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v redress_v with_o pretty_a say_n and_o grave_a sentence_n which_o though_o they_o may_v look_v take_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v and_o experience_n they_o force_v we_o to_o pronounce_v as_o job_n do_v of_o his_o friend_n miserable_a comforter_n be_v you_o all_o and_o physician_n of_o no_o value_n so_o that_o be_v we_o leave_v destitute_a of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o those_o bless_a support_v we_o derive_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o
their_o religion_n a_o sanctuary_n for_o their_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n other_o gilding_n over_o their_o faction_n and_o sedition_n with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n some_o prosecute_n their_o own_o revenge_n and_o ambition_n under_o the_o ensign_n of_o pure_a worship_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n other_o commute_v for_o their_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o a_o clamorous_a zeal_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o other_o pick_v pocket_n with_o one_o hand_n while_o they_o have_v be_v lift_v up_o the_o other_o to_o heaven_n in_o devotion_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o have_v tempt_v the_o rude_a and_o unthinking_a vulgar_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a castle_n in_o the_o air_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o invention_n of_o knave_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o fool_n now_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o these_o vile_a hypocrite_n who_o have_v lay_v this_o stumbling-block_n 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be_v capable_a of_o be_v prostitute_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n i_o confess_v when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o cheat_n act_v under_o the_o masque_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v but_o present_o to_o reject_v religion_n because_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n make_v bold_a to_o disguise_v themselves_o in_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o virtue_n as_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v common_a prostitute_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o viii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v division_n and_o schism_n form_v out_o of_o little_a opinion_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o place_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o those_o opinion_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o hereafter_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o opinion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v excessive_o fond_a at_o the_o present_a they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o suspect_v religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v as_o ill_o ground_v as_o those_o little_a opinion_n which_o they_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n on_o and_o so_o after_o they_o have_v run_v through_o several_a set_v of_o opinion_n and_o in_o fine_a have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v all_o delusion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v religion_n itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o system_fw-la of_o lie_n and_o imposture_n for_o as_o weak_a head_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o battlement_n shake_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n so_o weak_a understanding_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o suspect_v even_o the_o fundamental_o of_o of_o religion_n when_o once_o they_o perceive_v those_o darling_n notion_n totter_v which_o they_o have_v confident_o presume_v to_o superstruct_v thereupon_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o sect_n and_o division_n of_o it_o for_o how_o many_o woeful_a example_n have_v we_o of_o person_n who_o have_v once_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v run_v from_o sect_n to_o sect_n and_o from_o one_o extravagant_a opinion_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v total_o discard_v religion_n itself_o and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_v into_o atheism_n and_o as_o separate_n into_o party_n upon_o little_a difference_n in_o religion_n expose_v the_o separatist_n themselves_o to_o great_a temptation_n to_o atheism_n so_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o be_v indifferent_a on_o 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distinguish_v between_o the_o disputable_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v these_o sect_n and_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n shall_v reflect_v upon_o this_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v without_o far_a inquiry_n that_o religion_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a maze_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n wander_v about_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o justle_v and_o rancounter_v one_o another_o without_o any_o certain_a clew_n on_o either_o side_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v their_o inquiry_n under_o which_o misapprehension_n they_o will_v either_o damn_v all_o religion_n for_o a_o cheat_n or_o hover_v about_o in_o eternal_a uncertainty_n not_o know_v where_o in_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o fix_v and_o settle_v their_o faith_n and_o hereunto_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age._n for_o while_o some_o man_n by_o run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o pursuit_n of_o those_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o new_a light_n that_o have_v break_v and_o divide_v our_o communion_n have_v at_o length_n quite_o tire_v out_o their_o zeal_n and_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o be_v at_o length_n lie_v down_o in_o the_o mire_n of_o irreligion_n and_o open_a profaneness_n other_o by_o look_v on_o and_o behold_v the_o wild_a division_n which_o these_o new_a light_n have_v make_v have_v be_v tempt_v to_o run_v away_o from_o religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o uncertain_a opinion_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o distract_v and_o bewild_a man_n brain_n now_o though_o the_o author_n of_o these_o division_n whosoever_o they_o be_v be_v doubtless_o high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o that_o irreligion_n which_o attend_v they_o yet_o for_o man_n from_o hence_o to_o draw_v atheistical_a conclusion_n
be_v compass_v about_o with_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n and_o which_o without_o god_n be_v our_o great_a misfortune_n we_o have_v a_o thing_n call_v reason_n within_o our_o breast_n which_o be_v very_o ingenious_a in_o give_v sting_n to_o our_o misery_n and_o vex_v we_o with_o cut_v reflection_n on_o they_o but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o qualify_v one_o grief_n or_o minister_v one_o dram_n of_o solid_a comfort_n to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o god_n there_o be_v such_o vast_a and_o innumerable_a comfort_n flow_v down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o providence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o allay_v our_o sorrow_n but_o to_o convert_v they_o into_o joy_n and_o triumph_n for_o in_o he_o we_o behold_v not_o only_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o always_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o also_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o always_o will_v what_o it_o know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o a_o infinite_a power_n that_o always_o do_v what_o it_o will_v and_o whilst_o we_o see_v and_o consider_v this_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n can_v happen_v amiss_o to_o we_o welcome_o pain_n welcome_o pleasure_n welcome_o loss_n welcome_o gain_n welcome_a disgrace_n welcome_a honour_n for_o if_o we_o have_v but_o god_n our_o friend_n we_o may_v secure_o depend_v upon_o it_o that_o whatever_o befall_v we_o be_v best_o for_o we_o who_o but_o a_o madman_n therefore_o will_v ever_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n or_o make_v it_o his_o interest_n to_o exclude_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n indeed_o be_v he_o a_o envious_a malicious_a or_o tyrannical_a be_v that_o repine_v at_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n to_o plague_n or_o destroy_v they_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o quit_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o imagine_v it_o our_o interest_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 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our_o nature_n the_o bane_n of_o our_o society_n the_o vexation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n to_o banish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n from_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o only_a support_n we_o can_v rational_o depend_v on_o iv._o the_o atheist_n 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 he_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o act_n according_o runs_z a_o very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a venture_n if_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o thing_n he_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v mistake_v he_o only_o venture_v the_o dissatisfy_v a_o few_o extravagant_a lust_n the_o cross_v some_o irregular_a inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o if_o he_o have_v gratify_v will_v have_v vex_v and_o torment_v he_o and_o entangle_v his_o life_n with_o a_o thousand_o ill_a circumstance_n he_o only_o venture_v some_o prayer_n and_o some_o tear_n some_o watch_n and_o srugling_n and_o contention_n with_o himself_o and_o perhaps_o some_o reproach_n and_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n in_o exchange_n for_o which_o he_o have_v common_o a_o healthful_a and_o a_o prosperous_a a_o even_a safe_a and_o content_a life_n a_o quiet_a and_o a_o triumphant_a conscience_n and_o a_o joyous_a expectation_n of_o a_o blissful_a eternity_n to_o come_v which_o do_v outweigh_v all_o the_o incommodity_n he_o venture_v all_o the_o pain_n he_o undergo_v and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o he_o debar_v himself_o and_o if_o in_o the_o conclusion_n when_o he_o resign_v up_o his_o breath_n it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o god_n nor_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n his_o condition_n will_v be_v altogether_o as_o good_a as_o the_o atheist_n with_o who_o he_o will_v sleep_v quiet_o in_o the_o same_o dust_n under_o the_o same_o everlasting_a insensibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o atheist_n by_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o act_v according_o runs_z the_o most_o desperate_a hazard_n in_o the_o world_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o throw_v away_o the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o contingency_n and_o resign_v up_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n together_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a futurity_n and_o all_o the_o innumerable_a joy_n it_o abound_v with_o beside_o all_o which_o i_o say_v he_o venture_v to_o be_v eternal_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o expose_v himself_o naked_a and_o defenceless_a to_o the_o unquenchable_a wrath_n of_o a_o everliving_a god_n in_o exchange_n for_o all_o which_o he_o have_v no_o other_o present_a compensation_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o riotous_a and_o tumultuary_a life_n which_o do_v always_o die_v away_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v general_o dash_v and_o sophisticated_a with_o a_o thousand_o very_a sad_a and_o 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religion_n that_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a how_o it_o can_v subsist_v without_o it_o for_o while_o we_o look_v on_o ourselves_o as_o being_n that_n be_v independent_a from_o god_n that_o do_v live_v and_o breath_n and_o subsist_v of_o ourselves_o without_o any_o new_a supply_n of_o be_v from_o he_o why_o shall_v we_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o a_o be_v from_o who_o we_o expect_v no_o support_n or_o to_o render_v homage_n to_o a_o be_v on_o who_o we_o have_v no_o dependence_n so_o that_o by_o disbelieve_v this_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n cut_v off_o all_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o lay_v a_o embargo_n on_o religion_n for_o if_o we_o depend_v not_o on_o he_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o if_o we_o owe_v not_o our_o life_n and_o being_n to_o his_o power_n what_o right_o have_v he_o to_o exact_v our_o obedience_n but_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o as_o being_n that_n hang_v upon_o he_o and_o derive_v every_o breath_n and_o moment_n of_o our_o being_n from_o he_o so_o that_o shall_v he_o withdraw_v from_o we_o that_o almighty_a arm_n that_o sustein_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o subsist_v of_o ourselves_o we_o must_v present_o drop_v into_o nothing_o how_o can_v we_o forbear_v without_o infinite_a stupidity_n and_o ingratitude_n to_o devote_v ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o power_n and_o faculty_n to_o his_o service_n for_o what_o a_o stupid_a wretch_n shall_v i_o be_v shall_v i_o not_o study_v to_o please_v he_o upon_o who_o i_o know_v my_o life_n and_o be_v depend_v and_o who_o mere_o by_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n from_o underneath_o i_o can_v let_v i_o sink_v into_o nothing_o when_o he_o please_v and_o what_o a_o ungrateful_a wretch_n shall_v i_o be_v shall_v i_o refuse_v to_o honour_n worship_n and_o obey_v he_o from_o who_o i_o draw_v every_o breath_n i_o breath_n and_o derive_v new_a life_n and_o be_v every_o moment_n ii_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n possess_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o give_v away_o this_o world_n from_o himself_o and_o cast_v it_o out_o of_o his_o own_o disposal_n as_o a_o common_a scramble_v among_o man_n but_o that_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o absolute_a unalienable_a and_o independent_a propriety_n in_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v and_o possess_v for_o all_o thing_n owe_v their_o be_v to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o upholder_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v his_o because_o it_o be_v by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o if_o we_o who_o act_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o he_o may_v claim_v a_o right_n to_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o invention_n and_o industry_n how_o much_o more_o
that_o be_v far_o off_o from_o he_o they_o be_v out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o beyond_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o thunderbolt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v too_o far_o remove_v from_o they_o either_o to_o succour_v they_o when_o they_o want_v his_o aid_n or_o to_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o deserve_v his_o displeasure_n which_o must_v needs_o extinguish_v both_o their_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o be_v the_o master-spring_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o yet_o unless_o we_o also_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v a_o full_a inspection_n into_o all_o our_o action_n and_o affair_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o he_o for_o if_o he_o see_v not_o into_o our_o affair_n how_o can_v he_o succour_v and_o relieve_v we_o and_o if_o he_o can_v relieve_v we_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o hope_v in_o he_o depend_v upon_o he_o or_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a insight_n into_o all_o our_o action_n how_o shall_v he_o reward_v or_o punish_v we_o and_o if_o he_o can_v reward_v we_o what_o shall_v encourage_v if_o he_o can_v punish_v we_o what_o shall_v terrify_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o be_v that_o be_v always_o with_o we_o and_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v surround_v we_o wirh_n his_o boundless_a presence_n that_o include_v and_o penetrate_v every_o part_n of_o our_o substance_n see_v into_o our_o inmost_a thought_n and_o purpose_n and_o ransack_v every_o corner_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o his_o allseeing_a eye_n and_o have_v a_o through_o and_o perfect_a prospect_n of_o all_o our_o affair_n and_o concern_v we_o can_v without_o infinite_a force_n to_o our_o reason_n forbear_v fear_v and_o reverence_v serve_v and_o adore_v he_o iv._o to_o fasten_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n continual_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o this_o great_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n that_o set_v every_o wheel_n and_o cause_v agoing_a and_o by_o his_o all-commanding_a influence_n maintain_v direct_v and_o overrule_v their_o motion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n whether_o by_o nature_n or_o chance_n or_o design_n but_o by_o his_o ordination_n and_o disposal_n that_o even_o those_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o such_o particular_a course_n and_o effect_n be_v influence_v and_o conduct_v by_o he_o and_o that_o whensoever_o they_o stray_v from_o their_o course_n suspend_v or_o precipitate_v their_o motion_n or_o move_v counter_a to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n it_o be_v by_o his_o order_n and_o direction_n that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o drive_v and_o guide_v the_o heavenly_a body_n impress_n the_o degree_n and_o chalk_v out_o the_o path_n of_o their_o motion_n and_o by_o his_o own_o almighty_a hand_n turn_v round_o those_o stupendous_a wheel_n in_o a_o perpetual_a revolution_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v upon_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a mat._n 5.45_o that_o it_o be_v at_o his_o beck_n and_o command_n that_o those_o vast_a body_n of_o light_n exhale_v the_o vapour_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o dissolve_v they_o down_o again_o in_o hail_n and_o rain_n and_o snow_n for_o so_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o cover_v the_o heaven_n with_o cloud_n and_o prepare_v the_o rain_n for_o the_o earth_n that_o send_v forth_o his_o commandment_n unto_o the_o earth_n and_o give_v snow_n like_o wool_n and_o scatter_v the_o hoar_a frost_n like_o ash_n and_o cast_v forth_o his_o ice_n like_o morsel_n and_o send_v forth_o his_o word_n and_o melt_v they_o and_o cause_v the_o wind_n to_o blow_v and_o the_o water_n flow_v psalm_n 147.8_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o that_o the_o fire_n and_o hail_n and_o snow_n and_o vapour_n and_o stormy_a wind_n do_v fulfil_v his_o word_n psalm_n 148.8_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v by_o his_o order_n and_o influence_n that_o the_o earth_n send_v up_o its_o sap_n into_o the_o seed_n and_o root_n of_o herb_n and_o corn_n and_o plant_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o spring_v and_o grow_v and_o that_o all_o animal_n do_v propagate_v their_o kind_a and_o still_o replenish_v the_o storehouse_n of_o nature_n for_o so_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o clothes_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n and_o array_v the_o lily_n in_o all_o their_o glory_n mat._n 2.28_o 29_o 30._o and_o that_o he_o cause_v the_o grass_n to_o grow_v for_o the_o cattle_n and_o herb_n for_o the_o use_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o food_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n psal._n 104.14_o and_o then_o as_o for_o fortuitous_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o depend_v upon_o accidental_a and_o irregular_a cause_n as_o a_o man_n be_v hit_v with_o a_o arrow_n let_v fly_v at_o random_n or_o brain_v with_o a_o stone_n fall_v from_o the_o top_n of_o a_o house_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o order_v direct_v and_o overrule_v by_o god_n so_o as_o that_o to_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o casual_a or_o contingent_a and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n happen_v of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o their_o immediate_a cause_n yet_o do_v they_o as_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o as_o the_o rise_n and_o set_v of_o the_o sun_n and_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o how_o fortuitous_a soever_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o design_n and_o natural_a tendency_n of_o second_o cause_n yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o happen_v beside_o the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n who_o foresee_v and_o design_n they_o before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o direct_v and_o level_v they_o to_o his_o own_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n and_o purpose_n for_o so_o the_o arrow_n which_o the_o soldier_n let_v fly_v at_o random_n be_v level_v by_o god_n at_o ahab_n breast_n so_o that_o his_o death_n be_v chance_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o soldier_n who_o shoot_v the_o arrow_n but_o design_n in_o god_n who_o direct_v it_o and_o according_o prov._n 16.33_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lap_n but_o the_o whole_a dispose_n thereof_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o chance-medley_n when_o a_o man_n accidental_o kill_v another_o without_o any_o design_n or_o intention_n though_o it_o be_v mere_a accident_n in_o he_o it_o be_v council_n and_o design_n in_o god_n who_o as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o deliver_v the_o man_n he_o slay_v into_o his_o hand_n exod._n 21.13_o and_o then_o last_o as_o for_o those_o event_n which_o happen_v by_o the_o design_n of_o free_a and_o rational_a agent_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o overrule_v by_o god_n too_o that_o whatever_o befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a design_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n be_v for_o good_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a end_n either_o permit_v or_o determine_v by_o the_o sovereign_a disposer_n of_o all_o event_n so_o that_o without_o his_o wise_a permission_n or_o determination_n neither_o angel_n nor_o man_n nor_o devil_n can_v do_v we_o either_o good_a or_o hurt_n that_o every_o good_a thing_n we_o receive_v from_o they_o only_o pass_v to_o we_o through_o their_o hand_n from_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v only_o the_o channel_n and_o conveyance_n of_o the_o overflow_a stream_n of_o his_o infinite_a bounty_n and_o that_o when_o ever_o we_o suffer_v any_o ill_n from_o they_o they_o be_v but_o the_o rod_n in_o god_n hand_n wherewith_o he_o chasten_v and_o correct_v we_o that_o he_o have_v the_o overrule_a disposal_n of_o all_o the_o ill_n which_o they_o inflict_v upon_o we_o and_o can_v render_v their_o sting_n a_o sovereign_a balm_n and_o their_o rank_a poison_n medicinal_a to_o we_o so_o that_o their_o malice_n be_v in_o god_n disposal_n can_v effect_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o and_o if_o it_o do_v we_o hurt_v it_o be_v his_o executioner_n but_o if_o he_o please_v it_o shall_v do_v we_o good_a and_o like_a leech_n apply_v by_o a_o skilful_a physician_n shall_v draw_v away_o our_o disease_n while_o it_o be_v suck_v our_o blood_n for_o so_o god_n make_v the_o malice_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n the_o mean_n of_o his_o advancement_n in_o egypt_n and_o by_o the_o covetousness_n of_o judas_n and_o cruelty_n of_o the_o jew_n advance_v the_o holy_a jesus_n to_o his_o own_o right_a hand_n and_o execute_v his_o purpose_n to_o redeem_v mankind_n thus_o god_n overrule_v the_o action_n of_o man_n
action_n and_o out_o of_o a_o high_a complacency_n in_o the_o one_o and_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o other_o treasure_n up_o both_o in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v ourselves_o oblige_v by_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v good_a and_o eschew_v what_o be_v evil_a for_o what_o a_o infinite_a encouragement_n be_v it_o to_o do_v good_a to_o consider_v that_o while_n we_o be_v do_v it_o god_n eye_n be_v upon_o we_o regard_v we_o with_o high_a applause_n and_o approbation_n and_o enter_v it_o with_o all_o its_o acceptable_a circumstance_n into_o the_o eternal_a record_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o proclaim_v before_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o our_o everlasting_a honour_n and_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o our_o memory_n be_v lose_v upon_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o we_o do_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o deep_a abyss_n of_o oblivion_n all_o our_o piety_n and_o virtue_n shall_v be_v fame_v in_o the_o record_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v everlasting_a memorial_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o infinite_a discouragement_n be_v it_o from_o sin_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v be_v intent_n upon_o we_o follow_v we_o through_o all_o our_o retreat_n and_o concealment_n and_o record_v every_o ill_a deed_n with_o all_o its_o foul_a aggravation_n in_o the_o eternal_a volume_n of_o his_o own_o remembrance_n which_o he_o will_v one_o day_n most_o certain_o open_v and_o read_v out_o before_o all_o the_o world_n to_o our_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o when_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v go_v and_o all_o that_o render_v it_o tempt_v or_o desirable_a for_o ever_o vanish_v and_o forget_v the_o shame_n and_o infamy_n of_o it_o shall_v stand_v upon_o record_n and_o be_v transmit_v down_o to_o eternal_a age_n vii_o and_o last_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v reward_v and_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o our_o do_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o idle_a nor_o a_o impotent_a spectator_n of_o our_o action_n that_o mere_o please_v and_o vex_v himself_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o but_o that_o all_o the_o notice_n he_o take_v of_o they_o be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o reward_v and_o punish_v they_o which_o he_o will_v one_o day_n most_o certain_o do_v to_o our_o everlasting_a joy_n or_o confusion_n but_o because_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n i_o shall_v insist_v no_o far_o on_o it_o here_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n which_o there_o be_v to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n section_n give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o sound_n the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o create_v this_o belief_n in_o we_o and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o all_o religion_n upon_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o all_o immediate_o depend_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o a_o priori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o 2._o a_o posteriori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n i._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v from_o thence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o uphold_v dispose_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o overrule_a providence_n for_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o god_n he_o must_v necessary_o be_v and_o exist_v of_o himself_o without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o any_o superior_a cause_n 2._o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v 3._o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v present_a with_o all_o thing_n 4._o where_o ever_o he_o be_v so_o active_a be_v his_o perfection_n that_o he_o can_v but_o operate_v wheresoever_o he_o find_v object_n to_o work_v upon_o from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o continual_o exercise_v a_o overrule_a providence_n over_o the_o world_n i._o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v necessa_o exist_v or_o be_v of_o himself_o without_o dependence_n on_o any_o superior_a cause_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n we_o mean_v by_o he_o a_o be_v that_o be_v as_o perfect_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o have_v nothing_o before_o he_o nothing_o superior_a to_o he_o nothing_o great_a than_o himself_o which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o any_o derive_v be_v because_o all_o effect_n be_v after_o their_o cause_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n inferior_a to_o they_o as_o derive_v their_o being_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n from_o they_o but_o to_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v after_o or_o any_o way_n inferior_a to_o any_o cause_n be_v a_o palpable_a contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o he_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v something_o before_o the_o eternal_a something_o superior_a to_o the_o supreme_a something_o more_o perfect_a than_o infinite_a perfection_n so_o that_o either_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n or_o he_o must_v be_v of_o himself_o or_o from_o his_o own_o essence_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v as_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n pass_v to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v it_o be_v infinite_o remove_v from_o not_o be_v and_o so_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n must_v from_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o a_o be_v we_o must_v admit_v of_o whether_o we_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o god_n or_o no_o for_o either_o we_o must_v allow_v that_o this_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o exist_v of_o itself_o by_o its_o own_o never_o fail_v fullness_n of_o be_v without_o ever_o need_v any_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o and_o by_o be_v impossible_a or_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o derive_v their_o be_v from_o some_o first_o cause_n who_o have_v no_o cause_n in_o be_v before_o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v uncause_v and_o unproduced_a and_o if_o god_n exist_v of_o himself_o as_o he_o must_v do_v suppose_v he_o be_v he_o must_v be_v superior_a to_o all_o thing_n for_o that_o 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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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be_v move_v by_o some_o internal_a spring_n and_o contrivance_n of_o a_o musical_a mind_n how_o then_o can_v we_o attend_v to_o the_o admirable_a harmony_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o natural_a reference_n and_o due_a proportion_n and_o exact_a correspondency_n of_o all_o its_o innumerable_a part_n to_o one_o another_o without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a harmonical_a mind_n which_o tune_v it_o at_o first_o and_o still_o play_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o immediate_a touch_n and_o impulse_n of_o its_o own_o invisible_a hand_n and_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v thus_o fit_v and_o adapt_v together_o so_o be_v they_o also_o most_o regular_o subordinate_v to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o their_o rank_n and_o worth_a the_o senseless_a element_n with_o all_o their_o fruit_n and_o product_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o use_n of_o animal_n to_o
order_n and_o harmony_n be_v still_o continue_a and_o preserve_v for_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o impossible_a for_o matter_n of_o itself_o unguided_a by_o wisdom_n and_o art_n to_o pursue_v any_o constant_a course_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o regular_a form_n it_o be_v as_o we_o see_v all_o tear_v and_o break_v into_o little_a part_n innumerable_o many_o and_o infinite_o diverse_a in_o their_o size_n and_o figure_n and_o motion_n and_o thence_o only_o fit_a in_o their_o several_a course_n to_o cross_v and_o confound_v each_o other_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a without_o vast_a wisdom_n and_o answerable_a power_n so_o to_o manage_v this_o wild_a and_o disorder_a swarm_n of_o atom_n as_o to_o determine_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a bound_n continue_v they_o in_o their_o regular_a rank_n and_o file_n and_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o tenure_n of_o action_n so_o as_o that_o in_o all_o those_o new_a production_n of_o the_o individual_n of_o every_o kind_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n which_o be_v every_o day_n compound_v out_o of_o they_o they_o shall_v none_o of_o they_o ever_o extravagate_v in_o their_o motion_n so_o as_o to_o disturb_v and_o hinder_v one_o another_o and_o final_o disorder_v and_o interrupt_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o generation_n when_o therefore_o we_o consider_v how_o this_o great_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o abovecited_a author_n express_v it_o who_o part_n be_v infinite_a for_o number_n and_o variety_n have_v stand_v six_o thousand_o year_n together_o always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o unimpaired_a in_o its_o beauty_n unworn_a in_o its_o part_n unwearied_a and_o undisturbed_a in_o its_o motion_n through_o what_o a_o infinite_a series_n of_o generation_n and_o corruption_n all_o its_o plant_n and_o animal_n have_v past_a and_o yet_o how_o after_o they_o have_v be_v corrupt_v over_o and_o over_o and_o their_o whole_a frame_n have_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o their_o part_n divide_v and_o disperse_v they_o have_v still_o be_v generate_v anew_o and_o rally_v into_o the_o same_o specific_a nature_n which_o though_o they_o still_o consist_v of_o numberless_a part_n be_v constant_o draw_v up_o into_o the_o same_o posture_n and_o figure_n and_o position_n and_o with_o strange_a regularity_n digest_v into_o the_o same_o handsome_a order_n as_o if_o they_o all_o keep_v time_n with_o the_o musical_a law_n of_o some_o almighty_a mind_n as_o the_o stone_n of_o thebes_n do_v with_o amphion_n lute_n and_o thereby_o continual_o dance_v into_o their_o natural_a figure_n when_o i_o say_v we_o consider_v these_o strange_a and_o wondrous_a thing_n what_o tolerable_a account_n can_v we_o give_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o a_o overrule_a providence_n for_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o in_o a_o six_o thousand_o year_n course_n of_o generation_n and_o corruption_n these_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a part_n of_o matter_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o infinite_a diversity_n be_v so_o natural_o apt_a to_o thwart_v and_o disturb_v one_o another_o shall_v maintain_v such_o regular_a course_n of_o motion_n as_o still_o to_o concentre_v in_o the_o same_o form_n so_o as_o that_o through_o all_o this_o vast_a tract_n of_o time_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o kind_n of_o plant_n or_o animal_n shall_v miscarry_v how_o i_o say_v can_v this_o have_v be_v have_v they_o not_o all_o along_o be_v conduct_v by_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a providence_n v._o another_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v the_o miraculous_a event_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n by_o miraculous_a event_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o either_o for_o their_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o production_n do_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o at_o least_o be_v produce_v by_o they_o out_o of_o their_o establish_a course_n and_o order_n such_o as_o divide_v the_o sea_n stop_v the_o sun_n raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o sick_a and_o blind_a and_o lame_a with_o a_o touch_n or_o word_n of_o all_o which_o we_o have_v notorious_a instance_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o these_o attest_v with_o as_o full_a and_o convince_a evidence_n as_o ever_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o be_v record_v in_o history_n for_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o perform_v in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o nation_n and_o be_v record_v in_o those_o very_a age_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o so_o can_v have_v be_v easy_o disprove_v by_o ten_o thousand_o live_a witness_n have_v they_o not_o be_v true_a beside_o that_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a heathen_a poet_n and_o historian_n in_o their_o mythology_n and_o history_n who_o to_o be_v sure_o will_v never_o have_v yield_v the_o glory_n of_o such_o wondrous_a effect_n to_o a_o nation_n who_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v have_v they_o not_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o undeniable_a evidence_n in_o a_o word_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n of_o that_o nation_n who_o both_o by_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v and_o by_o the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o their_o prediction_n have_v sufficient_o evidence_v themselves_o to_o be_v supernatural_o inspire_v beside_o all_o which_o i_o say_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v abundant_o attest_v by_o the_o new_a the_o credit_n whereof_o be_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o world_n of_o new_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o particular_o by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v not_o only_o in_o part_n confess_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o his_o most_o mortal_a enemy_n and_o by_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o be_v implacable_a persecutor_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o also_o by_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n who_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o these_o miracle_n and_o do_v not_o only_o attest_v they_o with_o their_o mouth_n but_o also_o seal_v their_o testimony_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o confirm_v it_o before_o all_o the_o world_n with_o infinite_a other_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v in_o his_o name_n and_o which_o they_o continue_v to_o work_v for_o several_a age_n together_o as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o wondrous_a success_n of_o their_o ministry_n which_o without_o be_v attest_v with_o such_o miraculous_a effect_n can_v never_o have_v propagate_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n such_o a_o hate_a religion_n over_o all_o the_o world_n but_o also_o from_o the_o confident_a appeal_n which_o the_o christian_a writer_n frequent_o make_v to_o their_o heathen_a enemy_n in_o which_o they_o subpoena_n they_o in_o as_o daily_a spectator_n of_o their_o wondrous_a work_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o challenge_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n so_o than_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o miraculous_a effect_n can_v no_o more_o be_v doubt_v than_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o man_n as_o pompey_n the_o great_a or_o julius_n caesar_n the_o former_a be_v attest_v all_o thing_n consider_v with_o much_o more_o evidence_n than_o the_o latter_a and_o if_o this_o attestation_n be_v true_a there_o must_v be_v a_o providence_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o blind_a nature_n which_o neither_o deliberate_v nor_o choose_v shall_v of_o itself_o ever_o vary_v or_o interrupt_v its_o course_n without_o rush_v into_o utter_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n how_o shall_v any_o part_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o move_v either_o fast_a or_o slow_a than_o ordinary_a so_o restrain_v or_o quicken_v its_o own_o motion_n as_o to_o reduce_v itself_o back_o again_o to_o its_o establish_a course_n for_o if_o it_o once_o move_v fast_o it_o must_v have_v some_o degree_n of_o motion_n superadd_v to_o it_o and_o till_o that_o be_v withdraw_v it_o must_v move_v fast_o for_o ever_o if_o it_o move_v slow_a it_o must_v have_v some_o degree_n of_o motion_n withdraw_v from_o it_o and_o till_o that_o be_v restore_v it_o must_v move_v slow_a for_o ever_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o nature_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o which_o move_v by_o a_o blind_a necessity_n shall_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n either_o hasten_v and_o then_o slacken_v or_o slacken_v and_o then_o hasten_v the_o course_n of_o its_o motion_n as_o it_o must_v do_v in_o the_o production_n of_o miraculous_a effect_n without_o be_v influence_v by_o a_o almighty_a providence_n we_o have_v several_a miraculous_a instance_n of_o the_o divert_v natural_a cause_n from_o their_o course_n and_o stop_v they_o in_o it_o such_o as_o cause_v the_o water_n to_o divide_v and_o stand_v still_o and_o the_o sun_n to_o move_v backward_o now_o how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o any_o natural_a cause_n that_o have_v no_o will_n of_o its_o own_o to_o move_v and_o determine_v it_o shall_v either_o stop_v
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
those_o different_a commodity_n it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n that_o it_o fare_v best_a with_o the_o worst_a and_o worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o through_o the_o commonness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v into_o a_o maxim_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o man_n always_o pity_v the_o miserable_a and_o envy_v the_o prosperous_a and_o that_o these_o passion_n do_v natural_o bribe_v their_o judgement_n to_o think_v worse_o of_o the_o one_o and_o better_a of_o the_o other_o than_o either_o deserve_v for_o those_o who_o we_o pity_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o love_n and_o those_o who_o we_o love_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v well_o of_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o we_o envy_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o hate_v and_o those_o who_o we_o hate_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v ill_o of_o and_o then_o because_o god_n do_v not_o reward_n and_o punish_v man_n according_a to_o the_o sentence_n that_o our_o blind_a pity_n or_o envy_n pass_v on_o they_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o quarrel_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o close_a hypocrite_n that_o under_o a_o mighty_a show_n and_o ostentation_n of_o piety_n do_v secret_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sundry_a wasteful_a and_o ruinous_a vice_n which_o many_o time_n reduce_v they_o to_o poverty_n and_o misery_n and_o these_o we_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o good_a it_o fare_v ill_o with_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v abundance_n of_o good_a man_n that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o reserve_v modest_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n whieh_n make_v but_o very_o little_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v blessed_v and_o prosper_v and_o these_o we_o as_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o bad_a that_o fare_n well_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v such_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o object_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n such_o maxim_n as_o be_v only_o found_v on_o our_o own_o fallacious_a observation_n but_o can_v we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o pity_n and_o envy_n and_o penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o good_a man_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o bad_a even_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o more_o bad_a man_n prosper_v than_o good_a because_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a than_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n i_o doubt_v the_o prosperous_a good_a will_v far_o exceed_v the_o prosperous_a bad_a though_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o thirty_o of_o the_o one_o to_o forty_o of_o the_o other_o and_o suppose_v that_o in_o proportion_n there_o be_v more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a advance_v to_o worldly_a greatness_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o doubtful_a consider_v how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o judge_v ill_o of_o great_a man_n and_o to_o reckon_v more_o of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bad_a than_o we_o ought_v through_o envy_n and_o misunderstand_a the_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o great_a but_o in_o a_o moderate_a fortune_n and_o that_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v no_o where_o so_o free_o and_o entire_o enjoy_v as_o in_o the_o middle_a region_n between_o poverty_n and_o riches_n for_o as_o poverty_n be_v attend_v with_o famine_n and_o cold_a and_o anguish_n so_o greatness_n be_v attend_v with_o hurry_n and_o tumult_n empale_v with_o care_n and_o imprison_v with_o pomp_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n so_o that_o the_o true_o unfortunate_a be_v the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o great_a while_o the_o middle_a state_n without_o partake_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o either_o include_v all_o that_o be_v true_o desirable_a in_o both_o extreme_n all_o that_o poverty_n want_v and_o all_o that_o greatness_n enjoy_v and_o in_o this_o happy_a state_n i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v there_o be_v proportionable_o far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o be_v reduce_v to_o extreme_a necessity_n so_o very_o rare_a that_o david_n in_o all_o his_o life_n time_n can_v not_o produce_v one_o instance_n of_o it_o psal._n 37.25_o for_o miserable_a poverty_n be_v usual_o the_o consequence_n either_o of_o idleness_n or_o luxury_n or_o faction_n or_o knavery_n all_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o true_a goodness_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o condition_n on_o this_o side_n pinch_v necessity_n be_v ordinary_o even_o in_o this_o life_n far_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o most_o gay_a and_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o outward_a glory_n and_o greatness_n be_v usual_o nothing_o but_o the_o gaudy_a cover_n of_o a_o tragical_a inside_n of_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v torture_v with_o pride_n and_o envy_n with_o boundless_a hope_n insatiable_a desire_n and_o horrible_a reflection_n that_o dash_n and_o embitter_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n while_o the_o good_a man_n under_o his_o mean_a and_o simple_a outside_o carry_v a_o great_a and_o happy_a soul_n a_o content_a mind_n a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o a_o calm_a conscience_n which_o mighty_o sweeten_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v his_o homely_a morsel_n outrelish_v the_o most_o study_a luxury_n let_v we_o therefore_o but_o judge_n impartial_o of_o man_n and_o but_o true_o state_n what_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o proportion_v the_o number_n of_o the_o good_a to_o the_o bad_a and_o balance_v the_o inside_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o other_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v easy_o convince_v that_o even_o in_o this_o life_n the_o good_a ordinary_o fare_v much_o better_a than_o the_o bad_a for_o in_o true_a computation_n necessity_n and_o greatness_n be_v the_o only_a unfortunate_a state_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a but_o between_o these_o two_o all_o condition_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o happy_a mean_a there_o be_v far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a and_o then_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v infinite_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o bad_a as_o to_o the_o render_v their_o outward_a condition_n happy_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o ordinary_o and_o general_o they_o must_v be_v the_o more_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a second_o so_o far_o as_o this_o maxim_n that_o all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o against_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a account_n 1._o because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o secondary_a cause_n 2._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v beneath_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v very_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o '_o they_o 3._o because_o this_o life_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o not_o of_o our_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 4._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o befall_v we_o here_o be_v not_o so_o true_o to_o be_v estimate_v by_o themselves_o as_o by_o their_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 5._o this_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v 6._o because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i._o the_o happen_v of_o all_o thing_n alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o in_o this_o life_n good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o mingle_v together_o rhat_o in_o case_n of_o common_a calamity_n what_o happen_v to_o the_o one_o must_v happen_v to_o the_o other_o without_o a_o miraculous_a interposal_n of_o providence_n thus_o while_o god_n leave_v second_o cause_n to_o their_o natural_a course_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o war_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v incorporate_v together_o in_o the_o same_o society_n and_o so_o long_o as_o free_a agent_n be_v leave_v to_o
flourish_v it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o ever_o psalm_n 92.7_o if_o then_o in_o the_o consequent_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n be_v bless_v in_o their_o affliction_n and_o bad_a man_n plague_v in_o their_o prosperity_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o general_o be_v these_o unequal_a distribution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n that_o they_o be_v a_o glorious_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o wherein_o can_v the_o divine_a providence_n better_o express_v its_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n together_o than_o by_o benefit_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o bad_a by_o such_o cross_n and_o improbable_a method_n v._o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a it_o shall_v often_o do_v so_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v for_o be_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n manage_v with_o that_o exact_a equality_n as_o that_o the_o good_a do_v never_o suffer_v nor_o the_o bad_a escape_n unpunished_a we_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a moral_a argument_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n shall_v providence_n never_o reward_v the_o good_a nor_o punish_v the_o bad_a in_o this_o life_n but_o confound_v they_o together_o without_o any_o distinction_n it_o may_v tempt_v we_o to_o despair_v of_o any_o just_a retribution_n from_o it_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n weigh_v out_o to_o man_n in_o exact_a proportion_n to_o their_o merit_n and_o demerit_n without_o any_o inequality_n we_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o and_o consequent_o no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o judgement_n to_o come_v for_o what_o occasion_n will_v there_o be_v for_o any_o future_a judgement_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v already_o exact_o balance_v and_o adjust_v and_o therefore_o as_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v requisite_a the_o same_o plain_a instance_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o its_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a by_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v no_o less_o requisite_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o in_o equality_n in_o the_o present_a management_n and_o distribution_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v administer_v with_o that_o exact_a regularity_n as_o to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v undecided_a case_n enough_o remain_v for_o a_o future_a tribunal_n to_o adjust_a and_o determine_v so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o present_a management_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v equality_n enough_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o just_a providence_n so_o there_o be_v also_o inequality_n enough_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o future_a judgement_n god_n have_v wise_o provide_v in_o his_o present_a administration_n of_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o instance_n enough_o of_o his_o just_a procedure_n towards_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o yet_o to_o leave_v we_o instance_n enough_o of_o unrewarded_a virtue_n and_o prosperous_a wickedness_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o intend_v a_o after_o reckon_a for_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o repeat_v example_n of_o just_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o every_o age_n almost_o god_n set_v before_o we_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o manifold_a evil_n which_o some_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o good_n which_o some_o bad_a man_n enjoy_v without_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v adjust_a these_o inequality_n and_o vindicate_v the_o cause_n of_o oppress_a virtue_n and_o crush_v triumphant_a wickedness_n into_o everlasting_a confusion_n vi_o and_o last_o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i_o confess_v be_v god_n to_o make_v no_o other_o distribution_n to_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a but_o what_o be_v make_v in_o this_o life_n the_o inequality_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a objection_n against_o his_o providence_n but_o then_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o cloudy_a scene_n of_o thing_n will_v short_o close_v up_o in_o a_o righteous_a judgement_n wherein_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o good_a have_v suffer_v they_o shall_v be_v award_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o for_o the_o good_n which_o the_o bad_a have_v enjoy_v they_o shall_v be_v doom_v to_o everlasting_a wretchedness_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v these_o present_a 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the_o last_o be_v all_o but_o one_o continue_a plot_n like_o that_o of_o a_o well-contrived_a comedy_n which_o at_o first_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o intricate_a so_o that_o by_o what_o be_v past_a or_o present_a there_o be_v no_o guess_v at_o the_o conclusion_n for_o all_o through_o the_o intermediate_v act_n virtue_n and_o honour_n fight_v their_o way_n through_o difficulty_n and_o disappointment_n and_o sometime_o the_o hero_n act_v a_o sad_a and_o sometime_o the_o villain_n a_o prosperous_a part_n at_o which_o the_o unskilful_a spectator_n grieve_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o damn_v the_o poet_n for_o distribute_v such_o unequal_a fate_n but_o then_o in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o act_n all_o the_o cross_a accident_n clear_v up_o and_o issue_n in_o a_o fair_a conclusion_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o the_o hero_z be_v crown_v and_o the_o villain_n hiss_v off_o the_o stage_n let_v we_o therefore_o have_v but_o the_o patience_n to_o stay_v till_o providence_n have_v finish_v 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its_o will_n affection_n and_o action_n with_o those_o everlasting_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o carnal_a accomplishment_n and_o place_n all_o their_o perfection_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n viz._n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a fermentation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n in_o vehement_a impression_n of_o fancy_n and_o mechanical_a movement_n of_o affection_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstacy_n and_o hypocondriacal_a income_n and_o manifestation_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o substantial_a virtue_n or_o piety_n in_o they_o nor_o common_o any_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o renounce_v that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o never_o have_v and_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o and_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o glorious_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o triumphant_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n whilst_o poor_a moral_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o regulate_v their_o affection_n and_o action_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o with_o a_o scornful_a compassion_n and_o place_v in_o the_o lowermost_a form_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o when_o man_n take_v such_o false_a measure_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o but_o only_o by_o argue_v from_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o form_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v first_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v sure_a its_o perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o willing_a affect_v and_o act_v reasonable_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o govern_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n by_o those_o immutable_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v and_o which_o be_v exemplify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n this_o notion_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v natural_o conduct_v our_o thought_n to_o god_n and_o let_v we_o see_v that_o his_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o lawless_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o decree_n without_o foresight_n resolve_v without_o reason_n and_o will_n because_o it_o will_v and_o then_o execute_v its_o own_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a purpose_n by_o dint_n of_o irresistible_a power_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v our_o own_o perfection_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a deformity_n in_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o while_o we_o attentive_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o unvariable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o all-comprehending_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v decree_a and_o execute_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o best_o become_v a_o god_n to_o will_n and_o act_v on_o i._n e._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a for_o if_o to_o will_n and_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n too_o but_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v of_o god_n at_o rover_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n or_o rule_v to_o square_v and_o direct_v our_o apprehension_n ii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a humour_n and_o temper_n for_o self-love_n be_v the_o most_o vehement_a affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o all_o it_o be_v other_o affection_n be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o one_o vice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o universal_o obnoxious_a than_o that_o of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o too_o often_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n and_o even_o idolise_v the_o vice_n of_o our_o own_o temper_n so_o that_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v stern_a sour_a and_o imperious_a or_o fond_a easy_a and_o indulgent_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v it_o as_o a_o great_a perfection_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v we_o without_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o eternal_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n and_o than_o whatever_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v always_o tincture_v with_o such_o false_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n because_o they_o frame_v their_o judgement_n of_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o reason_n as_o by_o their_o temper_n and_o humour_n and_o so_o their_o different_a humour_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o but_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o epicurean_o who_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a sect_n entire_o addict_v to_o ease_v and_o pleasure_n fancy_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o a_o be_v that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o action_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o extra-mundane_a paradise_n where_o he_o live_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o infinite_a luxury_n without_o ever_o concern_v his_o thought_n with_o any_o thing_n abroad_o for_o this_o they_o think_v be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o thus_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o live_v have_v they_o be_v god_n themselves_o thus_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_a morose_n and_o inflexible_a people_n copy_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o complexion_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o inflexible_a be_v that_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a fate_n and_o according_o the_o scythian_n and_o thracian_n the_o gaul_n and_o carthaginian_n who_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a nature_n picture_v their_o god_n from_o their_o own_o temper_n imagine_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o bloodthirsty_a nature_n that_o delight_v to_o feed_v their_o hungry_a nostril_n with_o the_o nidorous_a reek_n and_o steam_n of_o humane_a gore_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o platonist_n who_o be_v general_o of_o a_o very_a soft_a and_o amorous_a nature_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o soft_a and_o amorous_a as_o their_o own_o complexion_n compose_v altogether_o of_o love_n and_o smile_n and_o endearment_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o vengeance_n and_o severity_n how_o just_a soever_o in_o itself_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o the_o ethiopian_n picture_v their_o god_n black_a because_o they_o be_v black_a themselves_o so_o general_o man_n have_v be_v always_o prone_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o many_o time_n represent_v he_o so_o utter_o unlike_a to_o himself_o because_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n to_o themselves_o they_o first_o mistake_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o perfection_n and_o then_o deify_v they_o they_o into_o divine_a attribute_n thou_o think_v say_v god_n that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n 50.21_o that_o be_v thou_o do_v frame_v thy_o conception_n of_o i_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o thy_o own_o ill-nature_n and_o so_o think_v base_o and_o unworthy_o of_o i_o and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v among_o christian_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o