the_o want_n of_o a_o little_a quiet_a whereof_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o for_o some_o small_a time_n but_o methinks_v a_o short_a term_n of_o carelessness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a value_n with_o a_o man_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o quit_v it_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v live_v in_o this_o eternal_a indifference_n for_o all_o that_o require_v application_n if_o any_o leave_v this_o laziness_n for_o other_o thing_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o bring_v for_o not_o quit_v it_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v his_o own_o state_n as_o to_o religion_n if_o indeed_o after_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o man_n can_v not_o enjoy_v his_o former_a quiet_n he_o may_v plead_v very_o plausible_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o carriage_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a after_o fatigue_v himself_o a_o little_a his_o repose_n be_v but_o the_o more_o pleasant_a and_o so_o the_o lazy_a shall_v by_o this_o principle_n at_o least_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v religion_n but_o now_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o true_a as_o we_o maintain_v a_o more_o deplorable_a state_n can_v not_o well_o be_v conceive_v in_o this_o life_n than_o that_o of_o the_o lazy_a gentleman_n we_o have_v describe_v for_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o lamentable_a than_o to_o precipitate_v one_o self_n into_o eternal_a misery_n rather_o than_o take_v the_o pain_n of_o learning_n the_o mean_n to_o avoid_v it_o that_o man_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o lazy_a person_n who_o will_v not_o rise_v at_o night_n for_o fear_n of_o break_v his_o repose_n though_o the_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n no_o he_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o madman_n we_o see_v by_o these_o example_n very_o clear_o how_o unreasonable_a that_o spiritual_a laziness_n be_v which_o keep_v man_n from_o examine_v religion_n we_o perceive_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o the_o misery_n that_o may_v proceed_v from_o it_o nevertheless_o there_o have_v be_v former_o man_n of_o this_o character_n and_o there_o be_v now_o even_o among_o christian_n such_o be_v those_o jew_n of_o thessalonica_n 17.4_o act_n 17.4_o whereof_o very_a few_o be_v the_o better_a for_o s._n paul_n preach_v because_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v and_o whereof_o the_o most_o part_n very_o zealous_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n raise_v a_o commotion_n in_o the_o town_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o s._n luke_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o berea_n another_o city_n of_o macedonia_n to_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n these_o say_v the_o historian_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v if_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n have_v love_n enough_o for_o the_o truth_n to_o do_v as_o much_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v less_o ready_a to_o receive_v their_o reason_n who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o '_o they_o but_o the_o laziness_n that_o detain_v they_o in_o judaisme_n join_v to_o their_o other_o passion_n keep_v they_o from_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o consequent_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o live_v among_o the_o christian_n and_o perhaps_o a_o part_n of_o the_o mahometan_n may_v neglect_v the_o examen_fw-la of_o christianity_n out_o of_o divers_a principle_n such_o as_o those_o we_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n but_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o mix_v with_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o laziness_n we_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n they_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o all_o meditation_n and_o discussion_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o that_o they_o vouchsafe_v not_o even_o to_o examine_v why_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o judaisme_n or_o mahometanism_n be_v altogether_o busy_a about_o sensible_a object_n and_o the_o care_n of_o life_n they_o can_v without_o reluctancy_n think_v serious_o and_o attentive_o of_o any_o other_o subject_a they_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o people_n extreme_o weary_a after_o walk_v a_o great_a way_n on_o foot_n but_o desire_v to_o take_v a_o long_o walk_v to_o refresh_v and_o divert_v themselves_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v be_v sure_a to_o such_o a_o proposition_n but_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o repose_n they_o will_v think_v of_o no_o other_o thing_n except_o quiet_o enjoy_v their_o rest_n thus_o such_o as_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n and_o fatigue_v with_o the_o perpetual_a care_n they_o occasion_n be_v lazy_a as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n christianity_n be_v at_o this_o time_n divide_v into_o several_a sect_n whereof_o some_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o a_o error_n may_v we_o not_o therefore_o place_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lazy_a those_o person_n who_o full_a of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v never_o careful_o examine_v which_o of_o these_o sect_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o own_o that_o divers_a other_o motive_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o remain_v without_o know_v why_o themselves_o in_o that_o party_n wherein_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o condemn_v all_o other_o without_o vouchsafe_v to_o examine_v their_o tenet_n but_o if_o you_o remark_n it_o well_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n which_o occasion_n this_o conduct_n be_v a_o certain_a lazy_a aversion_n to_o the_o trouble_v of_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o may_v proceed_v yet_o further_o see_v there_o be_v people_n who_o condemn_v not_o only_o their_o native_a religion_n without_o have_v ever_o sufficient_o study_v it_o but_o likewise_o all_o other_o religion_n though_o still_o less_o know_v to_o they_o because_o first_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v discover_v some_o falsity_n therein_o they_o conclude_v next_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o so_o can_v never_o resolve_v upon_o serious_o or_o thorough_o examine_v the_o truth_n after_o have_v find_v out_o as_o they_o think_v that_o the_o able_a man_n they_o know_v teach_v a_o false_a doctrine_n for_o a_o gospel-truth_n they_o judge_v by_o this_o sample_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o country_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o laziness_n which_o keep_v they_o as_o it_o be_v enchant_v make_v they_o think_v it_o more_o convenient_a to_o condemn_v all_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o to_o engage_v in_o a_o solicitous_a enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o laziness_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o person_n who_o disagree_v to_o it_o but_o when_o they_o will_v actual_o get_v quit_v of_o this_o passion_n they_o find_v themselves_o so_o much_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o be_v cure_v or_o to_o form_v a_o opposite_a habit._n beside_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v in_o a_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o this_o idle_a temper_n which_o be_v not_o only_o infinite_o more_o satisfactory_a but_o likewise_o much_o more_o reasonable_a and_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n will_v be_v prefer_v to_o a_o shameful_a quiet_n worthy_a of_o beast_n then_o men._n let_v we_o imagine_v now_o such_o a_o lazy_a person_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o let_v we_o compare_v his_o condition_n to_o that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v accustom_a to_o enquiry_n find_v no_o repose_n except_v in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o have_v perceive_v some_o false_a doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v he_o as_o a_o true_a one_o for_o we_o may_v grant_v this_o to_o several_a of_o the_o lazy_a unbeliever_n he_o reject_v this_o doctrine_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v true_a concern_v religion_n without_o consider_v that_o important_a truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o falsehood_n in_o the_o theology_n of_o his_o country_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v people_n perhaps_o elsewhere_o exempt_v from_o those_o error_n that_o be_v teach_v he_o or_o final_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n may_v have_v be_v misunderstand_v common_a sense_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n at_o least_o till_o he_o have_v examine_v these_o three_o
to_o they_o and_o they_o neither_o endanger_v their_o reputation_n nor_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n for_o so_o do_v they_o never_o fail_v to_o break_v they_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o fraud_n and_o cheat_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o sue_v for_o it_o and_o their_o reputation_n be_v not_o so_o blemish_v as_o to_o do_v they_o some_o prejudice_n in_o the_o world_n they_o common_o call_v a_o honest_a man_n a_o man_n who_o can_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o law_n and_o live_v not_o worse_a than_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a man_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v a_o man_n who_o keep_v a_o better_o outside_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o we_o call_v piety_n that_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a exercise_n the_o frequent_v whereof_o be_v a_o very_a equivocal_a sign_n of_o a_o good_a inward_a disposition_n we_o see_v every_o minute_n some_o man_n careful_a of_o that_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v pious_a man_n by_o their_o discourse_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o be_v as_o greedy_a and_o unjust_a as_o those_o who_o profess_v no_o virtue_n if_o we_o examine_v thorough_o those_o good_a and_o honest_a man_n we_o shall_v see_v very_o often_o that_o we_o be_v only_o behold_v to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n for_o their_o outward_a and_o seem_a virtue_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o know_v but_o very_o imperfect_o and_o observe_v but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o serve_v their_o end_n if_o justice_n be_v so_o general_o violate_v what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o charity_n which_o go_v much_o far_a do_v we_o see_v many_o people_n who_o concern_v themselves_o in_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o in_o their_o own_o be_v they_o slow_a and_o reserve_v in_o judge_v of_o they_o do_v they_o not_o present_o pass_v a_o ill_a sentence_n upon_o they_o without_o mind_v the_o wrong_n it_o may_v do_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v they_o not_o much_o ado_n to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o they_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o christian_a society_n be_v most_o unjust_a they_o damn_v they_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n without_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o their_o manner_n or_o understand_v their_o opinion_n and_o then_o they_o do_v they_o all_o the_o harm_n they_o can_v in_o this_o life_n nay_o such_o a_o conduct_n so_o contrary_a to_o charity_n be_v account_v zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o christian_n fancy_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v see_v every_o day_n that_o they_o shall_v inherit_v heaven_n by_o cruel_o tear_v and_o persecute_v their_o neighbour_n meekness_n and_o charity_n so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o those_o false_a zealot_n as_o indifferency_n to_o any_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v fury_n and_o cruelty_n be_v the_o only_a character_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n those_o who_o shall_v teach_v other_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o their_o judgement_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o doctrine_n they_o understand_v not_o which_o be_v duty_n humanity_n shall_v teach_v we_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o exasperate_a ignorant_a people_n by_o their_o public_a and_o private_a discourse_n against_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v as_o good_a pattern_n of_o judge_v rash_o and_o persecute_v without_o any_o pity_n as_o they_o be_v ill_a example_n of_o live_v like_o christian_n as_o for_o the_o other_o temporal_a interest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n how_o few_o be_v they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o own_o as_o they_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o who_o endeavour_n to_o procure_v they_o as_o they_o may_v without_o prejudice_v themselves_o it_o seem_v that_o provide_v we_o live_v well_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v for_o ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o other_o groan_n for_o example_n under_o excessive_a labour_n to_o earn_v what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o they_o and_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o beg_v by_o the_o first_o misfortune_n that_o befall_v they_o other_o may_v be_v without_o any_o thing_n but_o we_o must_v want_v nothing_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n too_o little_a for_o they_o and_o no_o profit_n too_o great_a for_o we_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o do_v starve_v but_o as_o for_o we_o no_o riches_n can_v be_v too_o vast_a in_o many_o place_n a_o man_n be_v account_v even_o a_o person_n of_o exemplary_a virtue_n when_o he_o endeavour_v not_o to_o hurt_v his_o neighbour_n though_o he_o do_v he_o no_o good_a be_v nevertheless_o able_a to_o help_v he_o without_o prejudice_v himself_o charity_n among_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o but_o a_o negative_a virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o do_v no_o harm_n not_o in_o do_v good_a and_o eager_o promote_a our_o neighbour_n interest_n as_o the_o gospel_n command_v it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o these_o man_n to_o part_n with_o their_o indolence_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o when_o it_o be_v not_o their_o interest_n but_o the_o least_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o neighbour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o do_v nothing_o for_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o other_o part_n of_o charity_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a who_o want_v our_o alm_n how_o many_o be_v they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v who_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o or_o give_v away_o their_o overplus_n but_o who_o keep_v any_o proportion_n between_o their_o vain_a or_o foolish_a expense_n and_o their_o alms._n if_o among_o christian_n we_o look_v for_o the_o virtue_n we_o owe_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o to_o ourselves_o such_o as_o modesty_n or_o humility_n abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n patience_n in_o adversity_n i_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v find_v more_o of_o they_o than_o among_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a or_o modern_a heathen_n provide_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v justice_n to_o both_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v very_o scarce_o especial_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n nay_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n more_o than_o other_o be_v mere_a hypocrite_n as_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v if_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n be_v careful_o examine_v humility_n or_o modesty_n hinder_v they_o not_o from_o hunt_v after_o preferment_n which_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o from_o make_v extraordinary_a expense_n when_o they_o have_v get_v they_o nor_o from_o treat_v man_n contemptuous_o who_o virtue_n and_o talent_n shine_v infinite_o above_o they_o abstinence_n from_o pleasure_n hinder_v they_o not_o from_o enjoy_v at_o least_o all_o the_o convenience_n and_o when_o they_o can_v all_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o life_n whilst_o they_o preach_v frugality_n to_o other_o they_o will_v do_v or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o give_v they_o or_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o employment_n they_o enjoy_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o their_o virtue_n consist_v in_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o will_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v censure_v for_o have_v perform_v one_o of_o their_o christian_a duty_n or_o to_o draw_v hatred_n on_o themselves_o by_o practise_v it_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v they_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n to_o the_o reputation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o get_v or_o keep_v among_o men._n the_o rest_n of_o christian_n do_v the_o like_a not_o to_o make_v their_o ruler_n ashamed_a six_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o compare_v the_o christian_a moral_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o christian_n say_v they_o can_v believe_v that_o those_o moral_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n see_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a they_o say_v they_o can_v apprehend_v that_o a_o religion_n reveal_v as_o we_o affirm_v for_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o excellent_a above_o all_o other_o make_v not_o a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o world_n in_o what_o concern_v good_a manner_n but_o if_o they_o have_v reflect_v enough_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o state_n of_o europe_n and_o asia_n before_o it_o be_v establish_v they_o will_v spare_v that_o objection_n they_o shall_v remember_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v some_o law_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o though_o admirable_a in_o themselves_o force_v no_o body_n to_o observe_v they_o that_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o wonder_v if_o they_o be_v
great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o 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vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o impose_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 3.20_o joh._n 3.20_o neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v which_o signify_v that_o unbeliever_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o have_v long_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o many_o year_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n 21._o ver._n 21._o that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v easy_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n for_o example_n who_o discover_v several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v false_a judge_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a they_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o thousand_o lie_a miracle_n to_o who_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v join_v but_o find_v the_o modern_a miracle_n to_o be_v imposture_n they_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a one_o than_o another_o all_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o but_o as_o a_o totter_a fabric_n it_o must_v be_v show_v the_o incredulous_a then_o that_o those_o reason_n draw_v from_o without_o which_o
to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o dialectic_a or_o logick_n there_o be_v not_o one_o philosopher_n who_o have_v any_o reasonable_a no_o nor_o a_o probable_a hypothesis_n concern_v god_n except_o the_o platonist_n who_o accommodate_v their_o opinion_n so_o much_o to_o vulgar_a notion_n that_o by_o this_o medley_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a they_o render_v all_o the_o good_a they_o speak_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a notwithstanding_o such_o as_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n to_o hear_v this_o sort_n of_o people_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v out_o of_o a_o unpardonable_a negligence_n to_o understand_v what_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o they_o one_o will_v think_v no_o body_n can_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n among_o christian_n since_o they_o general_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v better_o spend_v his_o time_n than_o in_o discover_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v but_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n not_o 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themselves_o in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o make_v their_o fortune_n be_v nevertheless_o in_o great_a esteem_n and_o in_o such_o advantageous_a post_n that_o their_o lot_n appear_v worthy_a of_o envy_n whilst_o such_o as_o may_v inform_v other_o by_o their_o knowledge_n live_v in_o contempt_n and_o obscurity_n this_o general_a custom_n which_o obtain_v almost_o every_o where_o do_v throw_v people_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v not_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o thus_o slight_v that_o science_n which_o signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o their_o worldly_a affair_n and_o who_o consequence_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o resist_v those_o passion_n to_o which_o they_o willing_o abandon_v themselves_o they_o think_v as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v upon_o those_o proof_n which_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o occasion_n of_o doubt_n 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they_o frame_v without_o perceive_v it_o and_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v solid_a enough_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a obey_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o just_a as_o much_o as_o their_o worldly_a interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v they_o imagine_v that_o most_o man_n act_v a_o part_n only_o and_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o real_o do_v not_o or_o else_o they_o conclude_v that_o person_n so_o injudicious_a as_o to_o contradict_v their_o belief_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v but_o a_o ill_a example_n to_o follow_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_o do_v of_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o persuasion_n by_o their_o conduct_n see_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v change_v the_o latter_a thus_o they_o imitate_v pretty_a well_o the_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o believe_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o multitude_n in_o as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o they_o have_v principle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n if_o they_o neglect_v inform_v themselves_o in_o religion_n this_o proceed_v from_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o regulate_v not_o their_o manner_n according_a to_o its_o precept_n it_o be_v because_o they_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o recompense_n promise_v those_o who_o shall_v observe_v they_o nor_o to_o the_o pain_n wherewith_o they_o be_v menace_v that_o violate_v they_o in_o a_o word_n they_o act_n coherent_o whereas_o the_o life_n of_o other_o be_v a_o perpetual_a contradiction_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v huge_o out_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o multitude_n feign_v only_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o injudiciousness_n make_v they_o contradict_v their_o belief_n by_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o preserve_v our_o persuasion_n entire_a even_o when_o we_o contradict_v it_o by_o our_o action_n than_o to_o suit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o conduct_v we_o follow_v and_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o man_n may_v sincere_o believe_v a_o principle_n to_o be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o not_o order_v his_o life_n according_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v that_o what_o set_v most_o man_n action_n a_o go_v be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v not_o seldom_o entire_o repugnant_a to_o this_o knowledge_n no_o body_n for_o example_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o bribery_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o well-governed_a state_n and_o that_o all_o employment_n shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o those_o only_o who_o deserve_v they_o nay_o the_o law_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v bribery_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v few_o person_n that_o do_v not_o solicit_v for_o themselves_o or_o for_o their_o friend_n when_o any_o opportunity_n of_o advancement_n offer_v itself_o we_o find_v also_o that_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n which_o they_o break_v nevertheless_o every_o day_n when_o they_o reap_v any_o present_a advantage_n from_o it_o we_o may_v allege_v a_o more_o evident_a example_n of_o this_o contradiction_n between_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n a_o gouty_a man_n who_o contract_v this_o troublesome_a distemper_n by_o drink_v too_o much_o wine_n doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o the_o immoderate_a use_n of_o this_o liquor_n must_v needs_o prove_v very_o hurtful_a to_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a pleasure_n he_o find_v in_o drink_v carry_v it_o and_o he_o can_v forbear_v drink_v more_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o several_a other_o passion_n in_o
upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n i._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o 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these_o discourse_n and_o behold_v this_o conduct_n so_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n laugh_v at_o this_o pretend_a faith_n and_o draw_v from_o it_o this_o unhappy_a consequence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v receive_v so_o credulous_o be_v either_o false_a or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v extreme_o suspect_v thus_o the_o heathen_n former_o hear_v the_o christian_n say_v that_o they_o need_v only_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_v 6._o mean_v origen_n count_v cell_n l._n 1_o &_o 6._o laugh_v in_o like_a manner_n at_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o none_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o credulous_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o reason_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o have_v for_o a_o main_a principle_n this_o doctrine_n that_o people_n must_v embrace_v it_o without_o know_v why_o and_o that_o such_o as_o shall_v thus_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o have_v maintain_v this_o i_o 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be_v external_o profess_v and_o that_o a_o man_n let_v no_o opportunity_n slip_v of_o show_v other_o by_o his_o life_n and_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o speculative_a science_n to_o continue_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n without_o bear_v any_o fruit_n out_o of_o it_o and_o without_o appear_v in_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o certain_a ardour_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o it_o command_v that_o the_o true_a christian_n be_v easy_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o earnest_n it_o be_v this_o disposition_n that_o be_v call_v zeal_n from_o a_o greek_a word_n which_o signify_v jealousy_n to_o show_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v less_o ardour_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n than_o a_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v concern_v to_o preserve_v that_o of_o his_o bride_n this_o zeal_n extend_v general_o to_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o some_o of_o they_o only_o we_o ought_v zealous_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n we_o learn_v from_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o betray_v and_o equal_v it_o to_o falsehood_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o manifest_v less_o ardour_n in_o observe_v its_o injunction_n see_v this_o be_v not_o less_o essential_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v be_v join_v for_o christianity_n be_v entire_o ruin_v if_o those_o thing_n be_v separate_v which_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v unite_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o this_o end_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n do_v indispensible_o suppose_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n be_v agree_v about_o this_o principle_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v very_o express_v about_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o prove_v it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o as_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o way_n of_o explain_v they_o in_o their_o country_n be_v frequent_o see_v to_o violate_v the_o clear_a precept_n of_o it_o after_o a_o most_o scandalous_a manner_n as_o if_o this_o ardour_n they_o show_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o men._n there_o be_v some_o people_n for_o instance_n who_o discourse_n breathe_v nothing_o else_o one_o will_v think_v but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o of_o propagate_a it_o among_o men._n they_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o they_o defend_v it_o with_o much_o heat_n against_o opposite_a error_n and_o they_o stick_v at_o no_o difficulty_n to_o make_v truth_n triumph_v over_o falsehood_n nay_o they_o expose_v themselves_o 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observation_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v long_o ago_o to_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n may_v be_v now_o say_v to_o many_o people_n you_o that_o make_v your_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n 2.23_o rom._n 2.23_o by_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_n god_n for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o gentile_n through_o you_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n draw_v a_o consequence_n very_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o see_v those_o who_o pass_v for_o the_o pillar_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v sometime_o the_o best_a employment_n and_o who_o be_v in_o most_o esteem_v be_v such_o ill_a people_n the_o religion_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a artifice_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o cover_v their_o passion_n under_o a_o pretence_n which_o gain_v they_o respect_n for_o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o the_o zealous_a do_v if_o you_o believe_v they_o be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o unbeliever_n come_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n which_o they_o can_v deny_v be_v only_o a_o fine_a idea_n to_o impose_v the_o more_o easy_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o their_o guard_n they_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o say_v they_o but_o the_o most_o zealous_a observe_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v other_o perhaps_o obey_v they_o exact_o that_o they_o may_v get_v by_o it_o but_o as_o for_o themselves_o they_o laugh_v at_o they_o you_o will_v hear_v those_o for_o example_n preach_v charity_n and_o impartiality_n who_o have_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o be_v wonderful_o please_v to_o find_v those_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o not_o selfish_a or_o uncharitable_a because_o it_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n this_o be_v what_o unbeliever_n say_v and_o they_o be_v never_o unfurnish_a with_o example_n to_o cite_v about_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o have_v not_o be_v violate_v by_o some_o zealot_n and_o many_o time_n without_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n because_o this_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n cover_v all_o defect_n the_o fact_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v foresee_v it_o by_o exalt_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v principal_o violate_v by_o this_o false_a zeal_n above_o not_o only_a orthodoxy_n but_o even_o the_o high_a knowledge_n and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n itself_o not_o every_o one_o that_o cry_v unto_o i_o lord_n 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o lord_n say_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v who_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o doctrine_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a admonition_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a example_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o st._n paul_n likewise_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o such_o emphatical_a term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o speak_v more_o home_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o a_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o 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violate_v as_o all_o other_o be_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n concern_v another_o life_n man_n though_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o remote_a and_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o outward_a object_n which_o work_n upon_o their_o sense_n or_o imagination_n that_o the_o present_a time_n prevail_v over_o the_o future_a beside_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o persuasion_n though_o persuasion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a no_o body_n doubt_v of_o some_o considerable_a fact_n of_o ancient_a history_n for_o example_n that_o cesar_n overcome_v pompey_n however_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o that_o whereby_o every_o body_n be_v persuade_v of_o what_o he_o see_v though_o those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o roman_a author_n that_o be_v contemporary_a and_o those_o 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and_o charity_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o however_o those_o notion_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o a_o horrible_a custom_n practise_v among_o the_o roman_n have_v be_v condemn_v they_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o see_v man_n kill_v one_o another_o or_o fight_v with_o wild_a beast_n so_o cruel_a a_o diversion_n last_v during_o many_o age_n at_o rome_n nor_o be_v the_o humanity_n of_o the_o roman_a people_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n offend_v at_o it_o in_o the_o least_o the_o same_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grecian_n be_v so_o horrible_o addict_v to_o fornication_n and_o sodomy_n that_o they_o never_o imagine_v there_o be_v any_o harm_n it_o it_o provide_v it_o may_v not_o prejudice_v their_o temporal_a interest_n those_o who_o will_v read_v their_o comical_a and_o satirical_a poet_n will_v not_o only_o see_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o also_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o those_o debauchery_n among_o christian_n one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v always_o detest_v and_o not_o so_o common_a and_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o among_o the_o heathen_n because_o they_o be_v both_o condemn_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o heathen_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o infamous_a debauchery_n not_o only_o without_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o but_o also_o without_o feel_v any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n because_o they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o never_o give_v over_o their_o lewdness_n but_o when_o the_o body_n be_v wear_v out_o can_v no_o long_o answer_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o never_o show_v any_o sorrow_n for_o it_o whereby_o youth_n may_v be_v deter_v from_o it_o all_o that_o old_a man_n can_v say_v to_o young_a man_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n only_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o family_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o do_v evil_a when_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o lewdness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o bridle_n which_o stop_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pleasure_n and_o a_o leaven_n which_o often_o work_v repentance_n and_o excite_v man_n to_o deter_v other_o from_o do_v the_o like_a i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o justice_n be_v much_o better_o administer_v among_o christian_n than_o elsewhere_o but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o their_o civil_a and_o political_a law_n be_v better_a what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v settle_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v uncertain_a among_o other_o nation_n or_o rather_o have_v introduce_v they_o anew_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o do_v evil_a dare_v not_o assert_v it_o and_o that_o many_o crime_n be_v not_o daily_o commit_v which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v commit_v open_o to_o live_v somewhat_o modest_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o roman_n one_o need_v to_o have_v be_v well_o breed_v up_o or_o to_o have_v learned_a philosophy_n nor_o do_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v several_a unjust_a thing_n which_o excess_n only_o can_v make_v infamous_a but_o among_o christian_n man_n learn_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o the_o law_n that_o condemn_v they_o and_o no_o body_n will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o least_o unjustice_n be_v allow_v they_o prince_n abuse_v not_o their_o authority_n as_o they_o do_v in_o paganism_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o subject_n enjoy_v more_o quiet_o and_o safe_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n especial_o in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v great_a than_o in_o other_o chap._n vi_o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o know_v answer_v not_o their_o objection_n well_o or_o maintain_v some_o false_a doctrine_n as_o true_a one_o and_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o lead_v man_n into_o incredulity_n who_o have_v wit_n and_o judgement_n enough_o be_v the_o weak_a answer_n which_o be_v often_o return_v to_o their_o objection_n and_o the_o absurd_a doctrine_n which_o be_v maintain_v against_o they_o as_o true_a one_o no_o christian_a society_n will_v contradict_v i_o because_o they_o accuse_v one_o another_o of_o very_a great_a error_n thus_o without_o name_v any_o in_o particular_a i_o leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o make_v such_o application_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n difficult_a to_o apprehend_v in_o
system_n of_o divinity_n which_o raise_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v talk_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n propose_v some_o doubt_n to_o divine_n nay_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n viz._n that_o all_o other_o err_v in_o something_o it_o can_v be_v wonder_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o unbeliever_n offer_v some_o objection_n to_o divine_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n or_o which_o they_o resolve_v by_o contradict_v themselves_o divine_n upbraid_v one_o another_o with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n not_o altogether_o ignorant_a observe_v in_o the_o society_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v explain_v be_v subject_a to_o great_a difficulty_n or_o be_v altogether_o false_a let_v we_o 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better_a it_o be_v know_v when_o man_n know_v nothing_o better_o about_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n and_o have_v not_o penetration_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n of_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n because_o they_o present_o suspect_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n which_o they_o have_v not_o examine_v be_v not_o better_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n be_v account_v as_o essential_a as_o other_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o a_o man_n take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o read_v book_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o ingenious_a man_n of_o both_o side_n he_o will_v often_o perceive_v that_o both_o party_n attack_v very_o well_o and_o defend_v themselves_o ill_a that_o man_n will_v conclude_v from_o 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that_o i_o do_v follow_v the_o particular_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o place_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v they_o see_v some_o opinion_n manifest_o false_a establish_v in_o those_o vast_a country_n by_o a_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o offer_v any_o objection_n they_o be_v pitiful_o resolve_v and_o than_o if_o they_o dare_v reply_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o censure_n and_o threaten_n not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o inquisition_n and_o burn_v if_o they_o grow_v obstinate_a nevertheless_o divine_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n though_o evident_o false_a with_o great_a heat_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o prove_v they_o many_o layman_n who_o want_v not_o penetration_n but_o know_v no_o better_o think_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o distinct_o apprehend_v the_o falsity_n of_o what_o be_v say_v they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a other_o add_v to_o their_o meditation_n the_o read_n of_o some_o controversial_a book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n author_n and_o they_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a altogether_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o right_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o their_o teacher_n can_v free_v they_o from_o that_o opinion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o often_o find_v some_o book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n author_n who_o attack_z well_o enough_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o certain_a protestant_n and_o those_o protestant_n be_v as_o unlucky_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v successful_a in_o assault_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n they_o also_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o because_o their_o examination_n reach_v not_o to_o all_o the_o sect_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o confound_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o condemn_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o beside_o other_o motive_n which_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o those_o thought_n and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o see_v two_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o so_o much_o that_o they_o retain_v their_o opinion_n for_o ever_o if_o no_o better_a book_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o if_o no_o body_n free_v they_o from_o the_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o divine_n to_o maintain_v those_o doctrine_n those_o who_o assert_v they_o with_o heat_n and_o declaim_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n against_o other_o christian_a society_n be_v prefer_v and_o get_v the_o most_o considerable_a dignity_n of_o the_o party_n they_o be_v in_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v moderate_a towards_o those_o who_o be_v call_v heretic_n or_o heterodox_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o favour_v if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o employment_n and_o ruin_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v altogether_o undo_v and_o almost_o every_o where_n if_o any_o intimate_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v in_o though_o he_o do_v it_o never_o so_o modest_o they_o show_v he_o no_o pity_n he_o must_v suffer_v whatever_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n can_v do_v when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o disposition_n be_v that_o divine_n will_v be_v judge_n and_o party_n in_o controvert_v doctrine_n against_o the_o clear_a principle_n of_o equity_n though_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o favour_v one_o of_o the_o party_n though_o their_o decision_n be_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o unsatisfactory_a they_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a and_o solid_a nay_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o book_n of_o their_o adversary_n ought-not_a to_o be_v read_v or_o those_o who_o read_v they_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n of_o not_o approve_v their_o argument_n otherwise_o they_o must_v undergo_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o party_n unbeliever_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o several_a particular_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v maintain_v out_o of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o by_o unjust_a and_o violent_a mean_n conclude_v that_o divine_n and_o consequent_o all_o christian_n be_v factious_a people_n and_o enemy_n to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o other_o
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v every_o where_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v common_o receive_v where_o they_o live_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o condemn_v it_o from_o hear_v a_o silly_a preacher_n who_o represent_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o people_n who_o entertain_v no_o favourable_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o explication_n thereof_o which_o they_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v but_o too_o often_o ill_o provide_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n speak_v there_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v a_o severe_a examination_n of_o judicious_a man_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o sort_n of_o discourse_n can_v without_o great_a injustice_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v some_o who_o affect_v to_o give_v they_o that_o name_n as_o if_o such_o preacher_n be_v inspire_v apostle_n and_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o call_v such_o meditation_n by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n be_v it_o not_o that_o such_o expression_n give_v occasion_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o despise_v christianity_n which_o deserve_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o the_o most_o penetrate_a and_o solid_a wit_n as_o many_o sermon_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o illiterate_a person_n as_o no_o body_n can_v bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o author_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o who_o perhaps_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o otherwise_o and_o then_o pretend_v he_o may_v with_o reason_n vent_v his_o 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some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v say_v they_o inward_o persuade_v of_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o know_v why_o that_o be_v the_o cant_n of_o a_o perfect_a fanatic_a who_o equal_v without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o alcoran_n and_o all_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o follower_n whereof_o may_v all_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o their_o preach_a consist_v in_o some_o fact_n and_o in_o good_a reason_n attend_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o very_o much_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o by_o a_o mere_a enthusiasm_n other_o to_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o great_a honour_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o art_n which_o they_o themselves_o serious_o etc._n serious_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o &_o 11.4_o 13_o etc._n etc._n say_v they_o have_v not_o they_o set_v forth_o their_o style_n as_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o eloquence_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n what_o follow_v from_o thence_o unbeliever_n read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o seek_v what_o they_o be_v tell_v be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o because_o they_o do_v find_v it_o they_o fancy_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v exasperate_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v in_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o wonderful_a style_n they_o whole_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v
blame_v for_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o their_o eloquence_n but_o see_v they_o say_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o impostor_n upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o apostle_n style_v to_o say_v so_o by_o the_o by_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v simple_a and_o plain_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v second_o it_o be_v a_o style_n without_o any_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o disposition_n if_o a_o thousand_o sublime_a stroke_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o they_o come_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a not_o from_o the_o word_n or_o order_n three_o we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o that_o providence_n undoubted_o watch_v over_o their_o manner_n of_o writing_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o say_v truth_n and_o lest_o if_o they_o have_v express_v themselves_o ill_o they_o shall_v be_v misunderstand_v by_o their_o reader_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a place_n to_o treat_v of_o that_o subject_a i_o only_o make_v those_o remark_n to_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o take_v advantage_n at_o the_o ill_a rhetoric_n of_o some_o defender_n of_o christianity_n who_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o general_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o defend_v truth_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o and_o i_o declare_v as_o to_o myself_o that_o i_o do_v desire_n at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v find_v in_o their_o work_n if_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n i_o desire_v those_o mistake_v may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o i_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o religion_n i_o vindicate_v there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v say_v here_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o temporal_a interest_n to_o move_v they_o to_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n i_o have_v already_o say_v so_o elsewhere_o and_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o first_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o any_o examination_n because_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part._n so_o that_o if_o self-interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v often_o the_o reason_n why_o divine_n maintain_v now_o some_o opinion_n and_o after_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a christianity_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n not_o the_o apostle_n who_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n after_o those_o general_a observation_n i_o must_v set_v down_o some_o particular_a example_n of_o false_a doctrine_n which_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o one_o may_v write_v large_a volume_n about_o that_o matter_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o allege_v three_o or_o four_o example_n of_o doctrine_n which_o offend_v unbeliever_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o people_n now_o who_o pretend_v that_o we_o ought_v scarce_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o maintain_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v its_o divinity_n without_o know_v why_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reason_n neither_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v even_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o reason_n rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o thought_n viz._n that_o reason_n may_v overthrow_v all_o divinity_n if_o those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o see_v any_o body_n who_o reason_n better_a than_o ordinary_a divine_n do_v or_o have_v any_o principle_n somewhat_o different_a from_o they_o which_o he_o have_v embrace_v by_o use_v his_o reason_n they_o slander_v he_o as_o a_o dangerous_a man_n because_o he_o venture_v to_o reason_n about_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n such_o a_o character_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o hatred_n and_o stir_v ill-affected_a person_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o divine_a to_o live_v quiet_o with_o a_o man_n who_o endeavour_n to_o reason_n well_o and_o ground_n the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o undeniable_a principle_n other_o will_v have_v we_o humble_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v public_o to_o explain_v religion_n without_o mistrust_v they_o or_o reason_v at_o all_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o on_o they_o as_o infallible_a though_o we_o have_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o most_o christian_n to_o examine_v those_o doctrine_n and_o their_o best_a way_n be_v as_o they_o say_v blind_o to_o follow_v their_o guide_n such_o discourse_n which_o be_v common_o to_o be_v hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v make_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a many_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o come_v then_o into_o one_o mind_n be_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v at_o this_o rate_n be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o absurd_a but_o what_o may_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n if_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o our_o ordinary_a affair_n we_o will_v real_o think_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_n to_o deceive_v we_o if_o they_o will_v sell_v something_o to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o must_v not_o examine_v it_o we_o will_v present_o suspect_v that_o they_o design_v to_o cheat_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o reason_n to_o distinguish_v a_o false_a religion_n from_o a_o true_a one_o beside_o it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n wherein_o we_o know_v the_o revelation_n be_v nevertheless_o those_o man_n will_v have_v we_o to_o read_v those_o book_n with_o a_o unlimited_a credulity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v whatever_o we_o be_v tell_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o notion_n they_o be_v afraid_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v only_o for_o reason_n and_o who_o insignificant_a word_n and_o a_o ill-grounded_a authority_n can_v satisfy_v unbeliever_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o design_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o divine_v very_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v can_v be_v maintain_v see_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o because_o that_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o have_v not_o careful_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n fancy_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v it_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o suspicious_a with_o some_o modern_a divine_n when_o divine_n have_v teach_v principle_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o preach_v transubstantiation_n and_o other_o such_o doctrine_n to_o credulous_a man_n which_o they_o insinuate_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o maxim_n of_o not_o reason_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o unbeliever_n fail_v not_o to_o perceive_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o persist_v the_o more_o in_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o not_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v our_o reason_n to_o examine_v whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o or_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o suppose_v every_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o also_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o able_a to_o put_v a_o good_a sense_n upon_o their_o word_n by_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v make_v
their_o life_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o example_n do_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o society_n it_o be_v therefore_o false_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v arbitrary_a law_n and_o no_o commandment_n give_v to_o man_n for_o their_o good_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o god_n will_v have_v mystery_n in_o religion_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a only_o to_o humble_v man._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v no_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v none_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o confuse_a one_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o exact_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o general_a and_o confuse_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o understand_v not_o at_o all_o see_v to_o believe_v that_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v perceive_v between_o the_o term_n it_o be_v make_v of_o as_o logician_n teach_v and_o none_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o a_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o perceive_v for_o example_n when_o i_o be_o tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o dead_a and_o to_o rise_v but_o also_o clear_o perceive_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o those_o two_o thing_n though_o i_o do_v know_v distinct_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o if_o i_o be_v tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o not_o rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n dead_a and_o to_o rise_v perceive_v no_o relation_n between_o a_o affirmation_n and_o a_o negation_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o contradictory_n proposition_n they_o can_v be_v a_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o it_o understand_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n which_o contain_v several_a such_o proposition_n when_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v propose_v to_o unbeliever_n as_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n they_o fail_v not_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o chief_a reason_n they_o allege_v to_o make_v that_o history_n suspect_v be_v the_o false_a miracle_n which_o be_v now_o give_v out_o as_o true_a one_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o their_o duty_n by_o this_o pious_a fraud_n those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o that_o art_n or_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v those_o pretend_a miracle_n can_v reply_v nothing_o to_o unbeliever_n without_o condemn_v themselves_o or_o betray_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o be_v far_o from_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o bold_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v mere_a imposture_n fancy_v the_o former_a be_v so_o too_o those_o who_o cast_v in_o their_o way_n that_o stumbling-block_n be_v bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o man_n of_o no_o judgement_n or_o less_o conscience_n but_o though_o unbeliever_n may_v triumph_v over_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o assert_v some_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v they_o can_v say_v against_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v ground_v be_v like_o those_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v every_o day_n first_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n affect_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n every_o minute_n and_o out_o of_o ostentation_n such_o as_o be_v those_o that_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o second_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v get_v no_o money_n by_o publish_v they_o abroad_o as_o it_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o to_o who_o those_o church_n belong_v wherein_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v that_o very_a thing_n viz._n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n bring_v wealth_n to_o the_o master_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v one_o right_o suspect_v whatever_o be_v say_v about_o it_o three_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v ground_v be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o who_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o those_o miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o have_v examine_v they_o shall_v have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v such_o a_o discovery_n have_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o man_n ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o inquisition_n where_o it_o be_v set_v up_o or_o of_o draw_v on_o themselves_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o mob_n which_o sometime_o be_v not_o less_o to_o be_v fead_v than_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o be_v wellgrounded_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a but_o when_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n beside_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o fact_n one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v it_o but_o no_o body_n dare_v do_v that_o now_o with_o respect_n to_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a thus_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o be_v say_v for_o those_o of_o our_o time_n none_o but_o those_o who_o want_v either_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n will_v compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v here_o that_o unbeliever_n pretend_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o what_o i_o have_v suppose_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n now_o they_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a now_o there_o be_v none_o neither_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o former_o because_o the_o only_a reason_n that_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o work_v miracle_n many_o century_n ago_o be_v the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o other_o way_n and_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n subsist_v still_o so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v god_n be_v not_o less_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n out_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v now_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ancient_a miracle_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v of_o use_n to_o cure_v our_o doubt_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v establish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a because_o the_o history_n of_o religion_n preserve_v the_o proof_n of_o those_o that_o be_v do_v at_o its_o first_o establishment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o history_n be_v doubt_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o new_a miracle_n be_v now_o require_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v good_a as_o we_o affirm_v and_o if_o they_o be_v doubt_v of_o only_o out_o of_o a_o ill_a principle_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n goodness_n if_o there_o remain_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o much_o worse_a than_o with_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n he_o wrought_v miracle_n former_o but_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o history_n to_o be_v true_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o miracle_n this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o man_n have_v not_o now_o the_o same_o reason_n