religion_n either_o by_o rational_a deduction_n or_o natural_a inscription_n oral_a tradition_n have_v not_o find_v that_o good_a success_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o divinity_n as_o much_o to_o encourage_v other_o â—o_o urge_v or_o to_o prosecute_v thâ—_n same_o in_o morality_n but_o he_o say_v that_o though_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n ancient_a custom_n and_o difficult_a article_n of_o faith_n may_v suffer_v much_o by_o â—eing_v convey_v this_o way_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v not_o god_n instruct_v adam_n in_o these_o thing_n matter_n of_o fact_n or_o may_v not_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v by_o god_n be_v misrepresent_v as_o well_o as_o those_o do_v by_o man_n as_o for_o difficult_a article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o more_o complex_fw-la nature_n and_o include_v a_o long_a series_n of_o proposition_n or_o if_o he_o suppose_v this_o tradition_n to_o extend_v to_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n than_o this_o way_n may_v be_v very_o liable_a to_o mistake_v and_o corruption_n by_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o hand_n but_o suppose_v god_n have_v teach_v adam_n to_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n with_o out_o the_o respective_a mode_n of_o either_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o these_o might_n as_o safe_o and_o secure_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n as_o those_o other_o precept_n he_o mention'_v but_o these_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n he_o say_v such_o as_o worship_n god_n honour_v thy_o parent_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o natural_a to_o the_o understanding_n so_o easy_a â—o_o be_v embrace_v by_o it_o and_o appear_v upon_o proposal_n to_o be_v so_o extreme_o useful_a â—o_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n here_o he_o seem_v to_o relinquish_v his_o own_o principle_n tradition_n and_o to_o find_v the_o belief_n and_o ready_a reception_n of_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n in_o their_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o the_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o must_v be_v assent_v to_o and_o can_v never_o be_v mistake_v or_o forget_v but_o pa._n 33._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o very_a barbarous_a people_n who_o we_o be_v very_o certain_a want_v most_o of_o these_o moral_a notion_n so_o that_o here_o must_v have_v be_v some_o mistake_n or_o forgetfulness_n on_o some_o hand_n or_o other_o but_o he_o say_v pa._n 37._o if_o morality_n be_v inscribe_v on_o man_n heart_n parent_n may_v with_o as_o must_v wisdom_n pretend_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o love_v their_o child_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v such_o a_o natural_a duty_n or_o instinct_n for_o parent_n to_o love_v their_o child_n that_o they_o can_v but_o do_v it_o but_o why_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n reciprocal_a why_o may_v not_o child_n be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n bind_v to_o honour_v their_o parent_n as_o parent_n to_o love_v their_o child_n and_o yet_o he_o say_v pa._n 72._o that_o among_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n to_o throw_v their_o child_n when_o bear_v into_o the_o next_o ditch_n they_o meet_v with_o no_o great_a argument_n of_o such_o a_o natural_a love_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o as_o they_o can_v not_o but_o show_v and_o exercise_v pa._n 33_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v odd_a to_o think_v that_o these_o proposition_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o such_o a_o unaccountable_a way_n as_o that_o of_o inscription_n and_o yet_o he_o say_v pa._n 92._o that_o god_n permission_n of_o vice_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o his_o like_n it_o he_o have_v otherwise_o declare_v his_o will_n by_o give_v to_o all_o man_n a_o law_n of_o virtue_n this_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o traditionary_a law_n because_o that_o have_v not_o by_o some_o defect_n or_o other_o extend_v to_o all_o men._n pa._n 38._o it_o be_v further_a remarkable_a that_o parent_n deut._n 6.6_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n these_o moral_a duty_n but_o what_o then_o do_v ever_o any_o body_n assert_v that_o this_o natural_a inscription_n do_v superâ—ede_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o instruction_n or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v make_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o after_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n viz._n the_o moral_a law_n moses_n add_v and_o these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o diligent_o to_o thy_o child_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o word_n be_v not_o introduce_v immediate_o after_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o ten_o commandmentsâ—_n the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v recite_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o 5_o the_o chap._n and_o v_o 31._o god_n there_o speak_v to_o moses_n say_v stand_v thou_o here_o by_o i_o and_o i_o will_v speak_v unto_o thou_o all_o tâ—e_v commandment_n and_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o thou_o shall_v teach_v they_o that_o they_o may_v dothem_a in_o the_o land_n which_o i_o give_v they_o to_o posssess_v it_o now_o these_o word_n commandment_n statute_n and_o judgement_n be_v general_o understand_v to_o signify_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a law_n and_o certain_o the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v some_o other_o law_n beside_o the_o tenâ—_n commandment_n in_o the_o land_n which_o theâ—_n lord_n give_v they_o to_o possess_v it_o the_o like_a word_n be_v repeat_v ch._n 6._o 1._o whereupon_o â—_o 6._o it_o follow_v these_o word_n which_o i_o command_v the_o this_o day_n shall_v be_v inâ—_n thy_o heart_n he_o proceed_v it_o be_v further_a remarkable_a that_o what_o moses_n here_o say_v shall_v be_v in_o the_o jew_n heart_n the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 2._o 15._o be_v write_v in_o the_o gentile_n heart_n so_o that_o unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o substantial_a difference_n evince_v between_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o write_v there_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o inscribe_v proposition_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n i_o perceive_v that_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o inscribe_v proposition_n must_v either_o now_o speak_v or_o else_o for_o ever_o hereafter_o hold_v their_o peace_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o that_o expression_n of_o moses_n of_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n relate_v only_o to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n viz_o the_o moral_a law_n why_o then_o may_v not_o moses_n be_v as_o well_o explain_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o st._n paul_n by_o moses_n and_o so_o natural_a inscription_n be_v understand_v by_o both_o 2._o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o can_v show_v a_o substantial_a difference_n betwixt_o â—â—ose_a expression_n or_o no_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v sâ—ow_v such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o impartial_a and_o considerate_a reader_n 1_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o speak_v secundum_fw-la idem_fw-la or_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la moses_n speak_v of_o the_o precept_n of_o all_o the_o three_o law_n moral_n ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a st._n paul_n only_o of_o the_o moral_a 2._o they_o do_v not_o speak_v eodem_fw-la modo_fw-la moses_n expression_n of_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o best_a interpreter_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v in_o their_o memory_n be_v and_o affection_n st._n paul_n be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n signify_v something_o more_o as_o suppose_v the_o gentile_n natural_o conscious_a of_o the_o observation_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n so_o that_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o compare_v those_o two_o place_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o natural_a inscription_n right_o understand_v pa._n 129._o no_o body_n say_v that_o god_n reveal_v these_o natural_a truth_n to_o we_o but_o only_o give_v we_o faculty_n of_o discern_v they_o and_o may_v not_o the_o same_o be_v say_v of_o some_o moral_a truth_n which_o we_o common_o call_v natural_a religion_n that_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v these_o truth_n to_o we_o but_o only_o give_v we_o faculty_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o we_o may_v either_o find_v or_o frame_v such_o proposition_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o natural_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o can_v too_o often_o remind_v the_o reader_n that_o i_o never_o assert_v these_o natural_a ot_fw-mi innate_a notion_n to_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n in_o any_o gross_a or_o literal_a sense_n upon_o which_o mistake_a ground_n and_o persuasion_n only_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v oppose_v by_o some_o pa._n 83._o of_o my_o former_a discourse_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o archetypall_a form_n and_o
imagine_v that_o the_o inference_n from_o hence_o will_v have_v be_v either_o 1_o sy_n that_o then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o native_a inscription_n or_o 2_o lie_n that_o they_o be_v not_o serviceable_a in_o order_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o reason_n or_o 3_o lie_n that_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o disquisition_n of_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o only_o this_o then_o reason_n itself_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v but_o if_o it_o do_v this_o seem_v only_o to_o extend_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n reason_n do_v but_o very_o indifferent_o perform_v this_o among_o the_o heathen_n but_o he_o say_v it_o do_v it_o as_o effectual_o as_o if_o a_o digest_v of_o law_n be_v original_o record_v on_o the_o mind_n but_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v that_o the_o heathen_n may_v not_o thank_v those_o native_a impression_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sink_v low_a into_o barbarism_n than_o indeed_o they_o be_v or_o suppose_v that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v a_o great_a and_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n than_o i_o be_o afraid_a they_o do_v yet_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v that_o they_o owe_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o obligation_n to_o duty_n mere_o to_o their_o rational_a enquiry_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o or_o separation_n from_o these_o innate_a notion_n or_o not_o rather_o to_o the_o benign_a influence_n that_o these_o late_a however_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a have_v upon_o they_o but_o pa._n 76._o he_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o innate_a idea_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o since_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o a_o wise_a creator_n shall_v establish_v any_o ordinance_n without_o some_o special_a end_n and_o use_v annex_v to_o it_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v not_o serve_v any_o other_o way_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o st_z that_o what_o he_o there_o suppose_v be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v viz._n that_o man_n general_o may_v as_o well_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o such_o rational_a enquiry_n as_o they_o may_v by_o these_o native_a inscription_n 2_o lie_n how_o do_v he_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o appoint_v the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o two_o thing_n as_o in_o this_o case_n natural_a inscription_n and_o rational_a deduction_n as_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o same_o end_n they_o mutual_o support_v defend_v and_o confirm_v each_o other_o pa._n 77._o in_o a_o word_n then_o though_o the_o sacred_a language_n seem_v to_o favour_v the_o notion_n of_o native_a inscription_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v just_o resolve_v into_o metaphor_n and_o figure_n &c_n &c_n but_o it_o be_v some_o advantage_n to_o the_o notion_n that_o the_o sacred_a language_n favour_v it_o especial_o since_o the_o assertor_n thereof_o be_v defender_n of_o that_o text_n and_o find_v their_o opinion_n upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o the_o sacred_a language_n may_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o metaphor_n but_o he_o must_v prove_v that_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v so_o interpret_v and_o here_o the_o assertor_n of_o these_o inscription_n may_v more_o just_o say_v that_o the_o text_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o plain_a obvious_a and_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n no_o occasion_n of_o a_o metaphor_n i_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o those_o power_n and_o faculty_n that_o god_n have_v endue_v we_o with_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v a_o rule_n of_o action_n yet_o i_o can_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o mere_a exercise_n of_o reason_n in_o those_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n before_o mention_v will_v do_v it_o as_o clear_o and_o as_o effectual_o as_o if_o a_o digest_v of_o law_n be_v original_o record_v on_o the_o mind_n though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o any_o such_o digest_v be_v thus_o record_v only_o some_o of_o the_o primary_n original_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o nature_n or_o some_o great_a stroke_n thereof_o be_v original_o communicate_v to_o the_o soul_n yet_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n thus_o communicate_v and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o subject_a of_o '_o they_o but_o here_o if_o i_o may_v speak_v my_o own_o private_a conjecture_n i_o think_v these_o rational_a enquiry_n by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o faculty_n may_v better_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o truth_n than_o they_o can_v those_o of_o goodness_n and_o be_v more_o available_a for_o the_o sound_n of_o intellectual_a and_o notional_a rather_o than_o moral_a and_o practical_a principle_n upon_o pa._n 75._o he_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o probability_n may_v determine_v our_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o doctrine_n of_o innate_a idea_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v reject_v than_o retain_v but_o if_o probability_n will_v avail_v any_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o innate_a idea_n have_v its_o probability_n too_o as_o 1._o since_o this_o doctrine_n of_o native_a idea_n or_o inscription_n he_o mean_v the_o same_o by_o both_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o mere_a indifferency_n but_o have_v a_o very_a useful_a influence_n both_o upon_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n be_v it_o not_o therefore_o the_o more_o probable_a to_o be_v true_a and_o further_o â—s_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n ro._n 2._o 15._o will_v positive_o and_o plain_o say_v that_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentile_n if_o it_o real_o and_o true_o be_v not_o â—o_o 2._o be_v it_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v leave_v the_o gentile_a world_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o in_o their_o circumstance_n can_v not_o be_v any_o tolerable_a direction_n to_o they_o either_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n or_o holiness_n without_o some_o other_o at_o least_o more_o probable_a mean_n to_o keep_v they_o if_o possible_a from_o sink_v too_o much_o below_o themselves_o 3_o d._n this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o innate_a idea_n or_o natural_a inscription_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n they_o say_v of_o have_v recourse_n hereunto_o reason_n itself_o sufficient_o serve_v for_o those_o purpose_n without_o it_o now_o this_o be_v such_o a_o argument_n as_o may_v perhaps_o be_v urge_v with_o equal_a force_n against_o all_o the_o moral_a that_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o may_v not_o nay_o do_v not_o some_o man_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o revelation_n reason_n itself_o they_o say_v have_v do_v that_o without_o it_o but_o perhaps_o it_o may_v seem_v too_o much_o a_o recede_a from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o plead_v that_o over_o again_o by_o probability_n which_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n be_v favour_v by_o plain_a expression_n of_o scripture_n but_o mr._n becconsal_n in_o his_o chapt._n of_o parental_a love_n and_o affection_n pa_n 122._o speak_v of_o the_o low_a order_n of_o â—_z say_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o parental_a love_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o peculiar_a propension_n weave_v in_o with_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o being_n and_o pa._n 126._o for_o a_o man_n to_o love_n and_o cherish_v his_o offspring_n be_v certain_o the_o result_n of_o a_o inward_a propension_n now_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o assertor_n of_o innate_a principle_n do_v understand_v any_o thing_n more_o by_o they_o than_o what_o be_v here_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o follow_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o close_a affinity_n it_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n but_o be_v it_o the_o less_o innate_a because_o it_o be_v also_o rational_a or_o may_v not_o a_o man_n actual_o love_v his_o child_n out_o of_o that_o inward_a propension_n so_o to_o do_v thoâ—_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o affinity_n it_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o mr._n becconsal_n and_o i_o in_o this_o particular_a seem_v to_o be_v this_o pa._n 74._o that_o he_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o innate_a idea_n or_o practical_a principle_n serve_v not_o any_o real_a purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o think_v it_o do_v mr._n lock_v in_o his_o reply_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v innate_a notion_n employ_v the_o most_o of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v least_o considerable_a he_o skirmish_n about_o the_o outwork_n but_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o
candidate_n for_o happiness_n with_o a_o mere_a natural_a pagan_a who_o never_o know_v any_o other_o religion_n i_o think_v he_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v it_o because_o one_o who_o have_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o full_o afterward_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o will_v live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o self_n condemnation_n all_o his_o life_n after_o unless_o he_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o debauchery_n as_o to_o sin_n away_o all_o sâ—nse_n even_o of_o natural_a religion_n itself_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v such_o a_o dead_a weight_n upon_o his_o conscience_n as_o will_v necessary_o sink_v he_o below_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o honest_a heathen_a for_o i_o believe_v even_o such_o a_o one_o may_v die_v with_o better_a hope_n of_o future_a happiness_n than_o a_o renegado_n christian._n here_o i_o shall_v further_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n and_o imprudence_n of_o deism_n 1._o deism_n give_v no_o tolerable_a account_v of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a phaenomena_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n of_o that_o speedy_a and_o general_a reception_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a thing_n according_a to_o the_o deist_n principle_n be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n here_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v urge_v herein_o 1_o sy_n the_o contrariety_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n bear_v to_o the_o vicious_a principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o great_a opposition_n it_o meet_v withal_o from_o all_o side_n and_o yet_o its_o prevail_a against_o and_o conquer_a all_o difficulty_n without_o any_o outward_a visible_a assistance_n 3_o lie_n the_o first_o promulger_n of_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o honest_a man_n they_o be_v too_o learned_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o too_o honest_a to_o deceive_v other_o 4_o the_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o interest_n in_o the_o case_n see_v they_o engage_v in_o a_o cause_n wherein_o they_o can_v not_o have_v any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o these_o thing_n i_o only_o mention_v be_v more_o full_o prosecute_v by_o other_o 2._o deism_n require_v more_o evidence_n â—or_a thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o more_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v now_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o possible_o can_v have_v suppose_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v absolute_o true_a if_o we_o require_v more_o than_o this_o we_o then_o run_v into_o scepticism_n the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n next_o to_o atheism_n 3._o deism_n be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o viz._n that_o christiaâ—ity_n be_v false_a something_o that_o have_v be_v either_o false_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n or_o what_o â—he_v world_n have_v foolish_o impose_v upon_o itself_o this_o the_o deist_n must_v be_v certain_a of_o otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o most_o imprudent_a thing_n imaginable_a because_o of_o that_o foolish_a choice_n he_o make_v and_o the_o infinite_a hazard_n he_o run_v thereby_o so_o that_o let_v the_o genius_n of_o christianity_n be_v as_o mild_a and_o charitable_a as_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o yet_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o have_v any_o where_o declare_v pardon_v for_o apostate_n and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man_n to_o proceed_v against_o those_o who_o have_v renounce_v their_o allegiance_n rathâ—r_n like_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n than_o fair_a enemy_n i_o have_v hitherto_o examine_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n mention_v pa._n 203._o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o inference_n as_o he_o call_v it_o pa._n 204._o that_o though_o a_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v dubious_a yet_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n to_o embrace_v it_o we_o do_v not_o grant_v supernatural_a religion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o least_o dubious_a therefore_o the_o consequence_n be_v good_a and_o well_o ground_v that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o more_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o embrace_v it_o this_o methinks_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v one_o might_n rather_o wonder_v how_o in_o a_o christian_a state_n we_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o for_o first_o to_o embrace_v or_o comply_v with_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o christianity_n be_v no_o violation_n of_o any_o command_n or_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n itself_o for_o the_o utmost_a effort_n that_o deism_n hitherto_o have_v or_o perhaps_o can_v make_v be_v only_o some_o little_a difficulty_n it_o urge_v against_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n not_o any_o positive_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o falsity_n of_o either_o nay_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o even_o natural_a religion_n serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v and_o follow_v will_v by_o easy_a step_n lead_v a_o man_n to_o the_o imbrace_v of_o the_o christian_a 2._o christianity_n and_o natural_a religion_n have_v the_o same_o general_a end_n and_o design_n to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n by_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o addition_n contain_v in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n they_o be_v not_o any_o vicious_a mixture_n or_o adulteration_n of_o the_o natural_a but_o rather_o improvement_n of_o it_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n christianity_n do_v not_o propound_v any_o less_o noble_a end_n nor_o make_v use_n of_o any_o less_o effectual_a mean_n than_o natural_a religion_n do_v but_o rather_o advance_n and_o improve_v both_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v safe_a in_o the_o natural_a it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n christianity_n have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o many_o more_o then_o as_o to_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o accompany_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n a_o more_o profound_a mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n aâ—d_v a_o more_o exalt_a degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o piety_n this_o certain_o be_v rather_o a_o argument_n of_o its_o excellence_n than_o any_o diminution_n of_o it_o especial_o consider_v the_o great_a assistance_n that_o the_o reveal_v religion_n afford_v we_o to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n which_o it_o require_v of_o we_o and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o reward_n that_o attend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o so_o that_o if_o reveal_v religion_n be_v false_a it_o can_v no_o way_n prejudice_v the_o design_n of_o the_o natural_a but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o certain_o it_o be_v than_o the_o mere_a belief_n of_o a_o natural_a religion_n will_v be_v of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o those_o who_o have_v enjoy_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o then_o pa._n 204._o he_o say_v i_o can_v embrace_v what_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o knowledge_n but_o in_o order_n to_o our_o embrace_v of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o come_v within_o the_o compasâ—_n of_o our_o knowledge_n as_o that_o we_o shall_v full_o comprehend_v all_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o thus_o we_o may_v embrace_v the_o mistery_n of_o our_o faith_n though_o they_o do_v not_o thus_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o thus_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o mode_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n than_o we_o must_v in_o obedience_n to_o this_o principle_n reject_v the_o principal_a article_n even_o of_o natural_a religion_n also_o but_o he_o proceed_v and_o if_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o evidence_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o make_v i_o but_o our_o not_o believe_v be_v not_o always_o a_o sign_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v too_o weak_a but_o that_o our_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o strong_a evidence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o work_v as_o mathematical_a one_o do_v not_o force_n assent_v but_o suppose_v some_o previous_a disposition_n of_o the_o subject_a upon_o which_o their_o efficacy_n many_o time_n depend_v it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o as_o may_v convince_v a_o rational_a and_o prudent_a person_n if_o man_n will_v be_v perverse_a and_o and_o sceptical_a i_o know_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v remain_v so_o still_o pertinaciae_fw-la remedium_fw-la non_fw-la posuit_fw-la deus_fw-la not_o in_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o proceed_v next_o to_o answer_v two_o argument_n
ut_fw-la ambae_fw-la fides_fw-la &_o lex_fw-la jure_fw-la svo_fw-la utantur_fw-la necessario_fw-la debent_fw-la unà _fw-la cum_fw-la intellectu_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la actus_fw-la eximios_fw-la exerere_fw-la but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o there_o can_v be_v any_o necessary_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v pure_o natural_a the_o other_o supernatural_a and_o similitude_n may_v indeed_o sometime_o illustrate_v but_o never_o necessary_o prove_v any_o thing_n he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o pa._n 333._o maximi_fw-la viri_fw-la his_fw-la novissimis_fw-la temporibus_fw-la evidenter_fw-la probarunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o great_a man_n of_o late_a day_n have_v evident_o proud_a that_o neither_o faith_n nor_o nè_fw-la seman_n fidei_fw-la be_v in_o we_o from_o our_o infancy_n i_o do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n that_o such_o novel_a doctrine_n as_o this_o be_v preach_v who_o he_o mean_v by_o his_o viri_fw-la maximi_fw-la i_o know_v not_o but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o indisputable_a and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o he_o or_o for_o any_o else_o who_o resume_v the_o dispute_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v not_o at_o least_o a_o seman_n fidei_fw-la that_o be_v a_o inward_a principle_n of_o divine_a grace_n so_o far_o as_o to_o regenerate_v the_o infant_n convey_v in_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v why_o he_o shall_v call_v that_o a_o obsolete_a opinion_n because_o perhaps_o some_o modern_a french_a divine_n have_v be_v against_o it_o ut_fw-la si_fw-la vulgo_fw-la omnes_fw-la ac_fw-la presertim_fw-la seneca_n de_fw-fr vertutum_fw-la seminibus_fw-la locuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la distinctam_fw-la sâ—orum_fw-la dictorum_fw-la notitiam_fw-la non_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la it_o be_v a_o easy_a way_n of_o confute_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o to_o tell_v they_o as_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a custom_n now_o a_o day_n that_o they_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n or_o clear_a perception_n of_o what_o they_o say_v but_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o modesty_n may_v very_o well_o become_v a_o great_a man_n than_o himself_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o god_n who_o at_o first_o create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o make_v as_o it_o be_v one_o actual_a stroke_n either_o of_o truth_n or_o holiness_n upon_o his_o soul_n wherein_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n he_o may_v much_o more_o especial_o resemble_v his_o creator_n so_o likewise_o in_o his_o new_a creation_n or_o spiritual_a regeneration_n which_o be_v general_o i_o think_v suppose_v to_o be_v begin_v in_o baptism_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v nothing_o by_o way_n of_o actual_a conveyance_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n as_o a_o inward_a principle_n here_o i_o beg_v the_o reader_n pardon_v if_o i_o so_o far_o digress_v as_o brief_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o catechetical_a lecture_n have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o 70_o the_o pa._n vol._n 1_o sy_n relate_v hereunto_o all_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o the_o catechism_n be_v not_o thus_o actual_o regenerate_v here_o the_o question_n be_v not_o to_o what_o degree_n they_o be_v regenerate_v in_o baptism_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v real_o regenerate_v or_o no._n no_o one_o can_v here_o imagine_v that_o child_n shall_v be_v so_o regenerate_v in_o baptism_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n as_o adult_v person_n do_v as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v not_o dutiful_a to_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n no_o one_o ever_o doubt_v this_o but_o will_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o even_o such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o once_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o regenerate_v in_o baptism_n may_v not_o man_n put_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o state_n of_o salvation_n wherein_o once_o they_o be_v by_o their_o gross_a and_o wilful_a sin_n but_o then_o further_o every_o degree_n of_o undutifulnes_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o regenerate_v state_n indeed_o upon_o â—very_n commission_n of_o sin_n we_o ought_v to_o return_v again_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v yet_o every_o particular_a sin_n do_v not_o put_v a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n into_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n and_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o catechism_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o imitate_v god_n that_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o every_o one_o that_o be_v catechise_v be_v require_v to_o answer_v that_o in_o his_o baptism_n he_o be_v make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n whereas_o many_o catechuman_n be_v not_o yâ—t_o renew_v and_o real_o convert_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o sy_n that_o these_o two_o expression_n of_o be_v renew_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o imitate_v of_o god_n be_v not_o here_o well_o join_v together_o because_o child_n may_v be_v so_o renew_v in_o their_o spirit_n as_o to_o be_v real_o regenerate_v and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o actual_o imitate_v of_o god_n 2._o catechuman_n be_v indeed_o require_v to_o answer_v so_o neither_o do_v our_o church_n herein_o require_v they_o to_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o so_o they_o be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o true_a and_o real_a regeneration_n i_o still_o insist_v upon_o that_o word_n because_o our_o church_n assert_n it_o though_o our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a author_n do_v suppose_v that_o many_o catechuman_n be_v never_o yet_o actual_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o regenerate_v and_o many_o never_o will_v beâ—_n â—_z which_o make_v baptism_n a_o more_o insignificant_a thing_n than_o either_o scripture_n or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ever_o design_v to_o make_v it_o but_o why_o may_v not_o the_o catechumen_n true_o say_v that_o in_o baptism_n he_o be_v make_v a_o child_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o a_o mere_a covenant-relation_n viz._n by_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n tit._n 3._o 5._o and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o charitable_o and_o true_o too_o suppose_v the_o catechumen_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o christian_a education_n still_o to_o have_v the_o seed_n of_o baptismal_a grace_n remain_v in_o he_o which_o we_o firm_o believe_v god_n at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o our_o church_n tell_v we_o that_o infant_n die_v before_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v certain_o save_v and_o yet_o this_o we_o know_v that_o nothing_o impure_a or_o unholy_a can_v enter_v into_o that_o state_n but_o he_o proceed_v so_o that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n by_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o godlike_a imitation_n express_v rather_o a_o duty_n what_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v than_o etc._n etc._n by_o godlike_a imitation_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v a_o pious_a imitation_n of_o god_n though_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o that_o expression_n will_v bear_v it_o or_o no_o but_o then_o let_v we_o apply_v what_o he_o here_o say_v to_o the_o office_n of_o baptism_n and_o see_v what_o sense_n it_o will_v make_v when_o we_o pray_v that_o the_o child_n then_o come_v to_o christ_n holy_a baptism_n may_v receive_v remission_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o spiritual_a regeneration_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o thing_n then_o actual_o to_o be_v receive_v at_o baptism_n but_o at_o a_o certain_a critical_a moment_n of_o conversion_n some_o year_n after_o if_o perhaps_o such_o a_o thing_n ever_o happen_v at_o all_o and_o whereas_o in_o the_o last_o prayer_n of_o that_o office_n it_o be_v say_v we_o yield_v the_o hearty_a thanks_o most_o merciful_a father_n that_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o regenerate_v this_o infant_n with_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n this_o must_v be_v understand_v so_o as_o that_o he_o be_v only_o at_o present_a put_v into_o a_o capacity_n oâ—_n be_v regenerate_v hereafterâ—_n but_o he_o that_o thus_o explain_v the_o catechism_n must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n destroy_v the_o office_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o other_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o itself_o if_o man_n do_v not_o come_v with_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o pa._n 60._o that_o this_o matter_n be_v right_o state_v by_o one_o thus_o that_o be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o own_o opinion_n yet_o i_o believeâ—_n upon_o examination_n neither_o his_o authority_n nor_o his_o reason_n will_v be_v find_v of_o any_o great_a force_n i_o shall_v only_o further_o take_v notice_n