he_o that_o be_v know_v to_o act_v for_o himself_o only_o will_v be_v trust_v and_o assist_v no_o further_o than_o his_o own_o present_a interest_n be_v perceive_v unavoidable_o to_o concur_v with_o another_o man_n and_o last_o the_o happiness_n a_o religious_a man_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o another_o life_n be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v exceed_v all_o experience_n imagination_n or_o possibility_n of_o comprehension_n and_o consequent_o the_o hope_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o belief_n must_v afford_v he_o great_a pleasure_n here_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o the_o great_a and_o happy_a condition_n a_o man_n can_v frame_v to_o himself_o here_o gradual_o increase_v by_o a_o successful_a advance_n of_o the_o fine_a best-formed_a design_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o be_v i_o believe_v compare_v with_o any_o actual_a enjoyment_n 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no_o better_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o do_v than_o those_o upon_o examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o subject_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o step_n or_o measure_n 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v what_o kind_a or_o degree_n of_o proof_n it_o admit_v of_o 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o common_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o 3._o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a objection_n make_v use_v of_o against_o religion_n 4._o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o who_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o proof_n that_o be_v how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v there_o 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reason_n and_o restrain_v our_o assent_n what_o other_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n have_v we_o that_o make_v our_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o there_o be_v never_o any_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n offer_v or_o pretend_v to_o yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v easy_o discoverable_a upon_o the_o first_o trial_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o way_n all_o that_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o produce_v such_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n to_o show_v such_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o they_o as_o shall_v render_v they_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o upon_o a_o fair_a proposal_n we_o shall_v be_v easy_o incline_v to_o embrace_v and_o assent_v to_o they_o though_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o irresistible_o to_o determine_v we_o this_o we_o call_v argue_v from_o probability_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o 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there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n no_o religion_n nor_o future_a state_n than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o of_o these_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o our_o own_o existence_n and_o constitution_n and_o from_o the_o existence_n frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n without_o we_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v and_o we_o know_v not_o our_o original_a or_o by_o what_o power_n we_o come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v we_o perceive_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o we_o the_o beginning_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o come_v to_o exist_v be_v it_o therefore_o more_o likely_a and_o probable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n than_o that_o there_o real_o be_v some_o such_o
as_o deny_v all_o this_o where_o shall_v he_o first_o set_v out_o in_o his_o proof_n what_o order_n shall_v he_o give_v his_o thought_n where_o must_v he_o take_v his_o rise_n when_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v original_a foundation-truths_n what_o evidence_n will_v be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o love_v a_o lie_n and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v how_o be_v they_o to_o be_v attempt_v who_o be_v strong_o fortify_v with_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o have_v hardly_o leave_v a_o man_n that_o will_v attack_v they_o any_o ground_n to_o stand_v upon_o such_o a_o unreasonable_a defiance_n of_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v just_o think_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n to_o deserve_v no_o other_o confutation_n but_o that_o of_o punishment_n however_o since_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o innocent_a or_o indifferent_a may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o those_o who_o be_v just_a enter_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o irreligion_n may_v be_v far_o advance_v and_o confirm_v in_o they_o by_o more_o settle_a atheist_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o security_n of_o those_o as_o shall_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o if_o they_o be_v judge_v capable_a of_o be_v convince_v and_o therefore_o the_o method_n to_o be_v use_v upon_o this_o occasion_n must_v be_v such_o as_o will_v sure_a destroy_v the_o pretence_n of_o atheism_n as_o well_o as_o give_v the_o easy_a account_n and_o most_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o perverter_n of_o mankind_n may_v lose_v all_o their_o power_n and_o force_n upon_o other_o by_o lose_v the_o advantage_n of_o come_v unanswered_a in_o order_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o have_v not_o quite_o renounce_v their_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n according_a as_o i_o have_v before_o describe_v and_o state_v it_o and_o the_o falsehood_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v oppose_v i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o manner_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o relation_n there_o be_v between_o they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v the_o notion_n of_o religion_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i_o before_o suppose_v three_o from_o the_o knowledge_n i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v concern_v the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v deduce_v a_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n of_o religion_n four_o i_o shall_v far_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o comparison_n of_o it_o with_o irreligion_n and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n arise_v from_o thence_o five_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n what_o can_v be_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o usual_a plea_n for_o it_o and_o from_o thence_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o their_o principle_n and_o action_n who_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o do_v than_o those_o upon_o examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v six_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o inquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n or_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o such_o opinion_n and_o conclude_v with_o a_o short_a explication_n of_o the_o different_a notion_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n i._n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v between_o they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v the_o notion_n of_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o must_v begin_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o ourselves_o now_o our_o existence_n be_v grant_v the_o same_o consciousness_n that_o satisfy_v we_o of_o this_o if_o we_o careful_o attend_v to_o what_o pass_v within_o we_o will_v far_o inform_v we_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o think_v perceive_v and_o know_v which_o capacity_n be_v usual_o style_v understanding_n and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n of_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o think_v and_o not_o to_o think_v or_o perceive_v and_o not_o perceive_v certain_a object_n or_o idea_n and_o to_o move_v and_o not_o to_o move_v certain_a part_n of_o our_o body_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v other_o contiguous_a body_n as_o likewise_o a_o power_n of_o act_v and_o not_o act_v according_a to_o our_o own_o determination_n that_o be_v we_o can_v actual_o entertain_v a_o thought_n or_o dismiss_v it_o cause_n a_o motion_n or_o hinder_v it_o when_o we_o have_v so_o determine_v with_o ourselves_o and_o that_o bare_o by_o determine_v so_o to_o do_v which_o general_a power_n of_o determine_v ourselves_o and_o execute_v our_o own_o determination_n or_o command_n be_v call_v the_o will_n and_o include_v all_o that_o be_v active_a within_o we_o and_o upon_o further_a reflection_n we_o may_v find_v that_o in_o several_a instance_n we_o have_v a_o equal_a power_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o to_o think_v or_o not_o to_o think_v to_o move_v or_o not_o to_o move_v and_o in_o several_a instance_n a_o equal_a power_n to_o act_n or_o not_o to_o act_n according_a to_o such_o determination_n but_o in_o several_a other_o we_o can_v determine_v ourselves_o but_o one_o way_n and_o in_o some_o where_o we_o can_v determine_v ourselves_o either_o way_n we_o can_v obey_v but_o one_o determination_n in_o the_o first_o case_n we_o act_v with_o liberty_n in_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n but_o all_o our_o action_n in_o all_o the_o several_a instance_n before_o mention_v be_v style_v voluntary_a as_o proceed_v immediate_o and_o effectual_o from_o ourselves_o only_o when_o the_o act_n or_o not_o act_v proceed_v whole_o from_o some_o extrinsic_a violence_n surmount_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o body_n which_o be_v proper_o call_v force_n as_o distinguish_v from_o necessity_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v we_o but_o belong_v to_o those_o being_n who_o employ_v that_o force_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o experience_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v all_o manner_n of_o agreeable_a and_o disagreeable_a sentiment_n whether_o cause_v by_o ourselves_o or_o occasion_v by_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a spring_n of_o action_n which_o set_v all_o our_o power_n a-work_o and_o give_v rise_v to_o all_o our_o determination_n the_o obtain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o be_v the_o whole_a employment_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v natural_o by_o our_o very_a frame_n and_o make_v please_v or_o displease_v with_o without_o be_v teach_v by_o one_o another_o to_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o desire_v and_o do_v be_v averse_a from_o and_o forbear_v several_a thing_n in_o compliance_n with_o these_o first_o original_a sentiment_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v something_o antecedent_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o action_n begin_v within_o ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o without_o which_o it_o have_v not_o be_v which_o when_o take_v away_o or_o cease_v the_o action_n cease_v too_o and_o there_o follow_v a_o rest_n acquiescence_n or_o satisfaction_n this_o reason_n or_o motive_n of_o action_n be_v call_v a_o end_n the_o perception_n of_o which_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o future_a as_o such_o as_o will_v be_v all_o thing_n consider_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n when_o present_a than_o any_o thing_n it_o feel_v now_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o action_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o requisite_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o now_o if_o this_o representation_n be_v true_a and_o the_o action_n proper_a and_o fit_a a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o 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a_o distant_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o natural_a hypothesis_n of_o something_o out_o of_o the_o present_a reach_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v hardly_o ever_o know_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n take_v in_o general_a and_o therefore_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o they_o can_v respect_v only_o the_o learned_a whereas_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n have_v in_o every_o age_n be_v actual_o and_o express_o believe_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v the_o notion_n and_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o reason_n and_o reflection_n only_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o such_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o external_a help_n and_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o a_o few_o to_o who_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v behold_v for_o all_o they_o know_v concern_v several_a truth_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n before_o mention_v 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under_o great_a obligation_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n not_o to_o employ_v it_o than_o those_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o they_o to_o obey_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n then_o be_v their_o power_n their_o right_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o right_n of_o oblige_v there_o be_v a_o power_n of_o oblige_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a uncontrollable_a power_n of_o oblige_v there_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n a_o right_a also_o but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o subordinate_a dependent_a power_n of_o oblige_v it_o may_v be_v exercise_v without_o right_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o obligation_n which_o the_o person_n who_o exercise_v it_o owe_v to_o a_o superior_a power_n but_o here_o by_o a_o right_n of_o oblige_v i_o will_v be_v understand_v to_o mean_v a_o liberty_n of_o offer_v such_o motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o rational_a being_n as_o when_o due_o apply_v will_v determine_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o with_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o infallible_o approve_v and_o be_v please_v with_o themselves_o for_o so_o do_v not_o a_o title_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o their_o action_n by_o a_o irresistible_a force_v according_a to_o the_o free_a and_o unlimited_a pleasure_n of_o that_o be_v to_o who_o the_o title_n be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v whether_o god_n have_v such_o a_o right_a as_o this_o over_o his_o creature_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o enquiry_n now_o but_o that_o he_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o oblige_v as_o i_o have_v explain_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v from_o the_o necessary_a attrilute_n of_o god_n before_o specify_v and_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o obligation_n of_o which_o i_o have_v
here_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n whether_o god_n have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o our_o obedience_n upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n but_o that_o of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v voluntary_o upon_o any_o other_o reason_n or_o motive_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o whether_o happiness_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o ultimate_a ground_n of_o all_o obligation_n or_o only_o a_o subordinate_a but_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a consideration_n if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v upon_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o satisfy_v i_o shall_v no_o far_o dispute_v because_o i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o whatever_o other_o ground_n or_o motive_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n may_v be_v imagine_v by_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o act_v upon_o more_o noble_a and_o disinterest_v principle_n than_o that_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o to_o become_v religious_a except_o it_o can_v be_v plain_o or_o probable_o at_o least_o make_v out_o to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v better_v his_o condition_n by_o it_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o only_a argument_n that_o can_v prevail_v upon_o a_o unbeliever_n to_o embrace_v religion_n and_o i_o sirm_o believe_v whoever_o fair_o consult_v himself_o will_v find_v that_o he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v act_v upon_o any_o other_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o often_o act_v without_o know_v or_o consider_v what_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v and_o we_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n without_o any_o express_a consideration_n of_o future_a happiness_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o our_o obedience_n but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o prove_v to_o we_o that_o misery_n will_v be_v the_o certain_a consequence_n of_o those_o action_n we_o think_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n oblige_v to_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o first_o judgement_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o act_v another_o way_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v will_v be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o return_v to_o the_o main_a question_n whether_o we_o be_v actual_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o term_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o beligion_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n i_o shall_v prove_v there_o be_v first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v such_o a_o course_n of_o action_n or_o scheme_n and_o model_n of_o live_v which_o whoever_o due_o and_o fair_o reflect_v upon_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o he_o do_v live_v after_o that_o manner_n he_o shall_v approve_v himself_o for_o so_o do_v and_o if_o he_o live_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o find_v himself_o necessary_o determine_v to_o approve_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o live_v and_o to_o condemn_v the_o contrary_a must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v according_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v draw_v this_o inference_n that_o therefore_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o must_v be_v more_o for_o his_o happiness_n to_o act_v this_o way_n than_o any_o other_o because_o be_v it_o not_o his_o free_a unbiased_a judgement_n can_v not_o upon_o a_o fair_a balance_n of_o all_o the_o several_a reason_n and_o motive_n of_o action_n approve_v he_o when_o he_o do_v so_o act_n and_o condemn_v he_o when_o he_o do_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o different_a motive_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o can_v determine_v the_o mind_n to_o these_o different_a act_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o oblige_v to_o act_v as_o he_o judge_v he_o ought_v to_o act_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v give_v we_o such_o a_o nature_n by_o which_o we_o be_v neceflary_o determine_v to_o judge_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o that_o end_n and_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v exercise_v and_o employ_v those_o other_o faculty_n and_o power_n he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o suitable_o hereunto_o and_o that_o consequent_o what_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v we_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o propose_v those_o prevail_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n they_o have_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o what_o god_n have_v make_v to_o appear_v reasonable_a or_o unreasonable_a to_o we_o to_o do_v will_n according_o conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n or_o misgry_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n oblige_v we_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v and_o far_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v under_o this_o head_n that_o god_n purposely_o create_v we_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o a_o design_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o such_o and_o such_o performance_n not_o only_o from_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o make_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o from_o many_o other_o token_n and_o indication_n of_o such_o a_o end_n or_o design_n plain_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o by_o god_n be_v what_o we_o call_v our_o religion_n three_o i_o shall_v positive_o and_o direct_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o that_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n or_o obligation_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v will_v certain_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o consider_v only_o in_o his_o present_a condition_n as_o include_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o life_n four_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o do_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o to_o prefer_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v before_o another_o upon_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o great_a and_o more_o powerful_a can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o from_o all_o which_o consideration_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v plain_o and_o full_o evince_v 1._o first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v which_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o prefer_v to_o any_o other_o so_o that_o upon_o a_o clear_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o pure_a natural_a reason_n we_o can_v but_o like_v approve_v or_o be_v please_v with_o this_o way_n of_o act_v and_o dislike_n condemn_v or_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o contrary_a and_o far_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v or_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o thus_o like_a or_o approve_v we_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v and_o what_o we_o dislike_v or_o condemn_v we_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o do_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v real_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_a to_o such_o judgement_n because_o it_o must_v be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n so_o to_o act_v that_o there_o be_v some_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n or_o some_o such_o certain_a distinction_n found_v in_o or_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v alter_v or_o destroy_v by_o any_o arbitrary_a agreement_n or_o institution_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o these_o be_v perceivable_a by_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o same_o way_n that_o any_o other_o part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v be_v truth_n which_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v constant_o own_v however_o they_o may_v have_v differ_v in_o assign_v which_o they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o they_o now_o to_o put_v these_o matter_n beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o contest_v concern_v they_o i_o only_o desire_v this_o may_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o clear_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n that_o a_o man_n can_v deny_v or_o withhold_v his_o assent_n to_o they_o and_o that_o wherever_o this_o happen_v there_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n ought_v or_o
ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o after_o this_o or_o that_o manner_n or_o be_v so_o and_o so_o relate_v to_o one_o another_o as_o for_o example_n i_o may_v be_v as_o full_o satisfy_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v away_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o man_n when_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v not_o add_v to_o my_o own_o by_o it_o as_o i_o can_v be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o move_v be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v exist_v and_o not_o exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o have_v the_o same_o suitableness_n or_o agreeableness_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o same_o force_n or_o violence_n will_v be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o either_o which_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o criterion_n of_o certainty_n assignable_a by_o we_o several_a other_o moral_a proposition_n may_v be_v bring_v or_o deduce_v from_o these_o that_o carry_v a_o irresistible_a conviction_n along_o with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v overrule_v by_o any_o after_o consideration_n but_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o maxim_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o natural_a be_v not_o so_o general_a as_o those_o before_o instance_a in_o nor_o have_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o certainty_n belong_v to_o they_o but_o what_o they_o be_v how_o they_o be_v know_v and_o how_o far_o they_o partake_v of_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n i_o shall_v now_o give_v a_o short_a account_n and_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o assent_v to_o and_o approve_v these_o also_o and_o to_o condemn_v and_o deny_v the_o contrary_a of_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v it_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n to_o act_v up_o to_o these_o principle_n than_o to_o pursue_v a_o different_a course_n of_o life_n the_o high_a and_o most_o general_a moral_a duty_n common_o instance_a in_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o parent_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o all_o other_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n proportionable_o to_o be_v respect_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n and_o provide_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v any_o other_o man_n a_o injury_n but_o contribute_v all_o we_o can_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o society_n we_o be_v of_o now_o these_o and_o such_o like_a proposition_n as_o these_o be_v know_v or_o find_v out_o by_o the_o use_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o other_o truth_n be_v that_o be_v man_n be_v teach_v or_o make_v to_o have_v the_o idea_n these_o term_n belong_v to_o or_o they_o get_v they_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o then_o by_o compare_v they_o together_o they_o immediate_o acknowledge_v such_o or_o such_o a_o relation_n betwixt_o they_o without_o be_v influence_v by_o any_o other_o motive_n to_o judge_v so_o but_o what_o result_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o relation_n indeed_o of_o moral_a idea_n as_o well_o as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v common_o learn_v from_o other_o first_o before_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o find_v they_o out_o themselves_o but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o their_o assent_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o education_n and_o consequent_o a_o mere_a prejudice_n and_o no_o right_a judgement_n than_o it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o mathematical_a knowledge_n a_o man_n have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o set_a of_o false_a notion_n thrust_v upon_o his_o understanding_n by_o education_n because_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o element_n of_o this_o science_n while_o he_o be_v young_a before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o find_v they_o out_o by_o his_o own_o observation_n for_o when_o we_o afterward_o come_v to_o review_v the_o moral_a knowledge_n we_o get_v when_o we_o be_v child_n let_v we_o be_v never_o so_o jealous_a over_o ourselves_o and_o take_v all_o the_o care_n we_o can_v to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n we_o shall_v still_o adhere_v to_o and_o be_v far_o satisfy_v of_o most_o of_o those_o truth_n we_o be_v then_o teach_v as_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o several_a thus_o educate_v the_o certainty_n and_o impartiality_n of_o who_o judgement_n have_v be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o joint_a assent_n of_o several_a of_o a_o contrary_a education_n and_o for_o a_o far_a illustration_n of_o this_o point_n shall_v we_o suppose_v a_o person_n entire_o ignorant_a of_o all_o such_o matter_n but_o capable_a of_o understand_v they_o when_o propose_v and_o one_o of_o these_o moral_a rule_n or_o maxim_n shall_v be_v bare_o explain_v to_o he_o without_o any_o reason_n offer_v to_o move_v or_o incline_v his_o assent_n either_o way_n i_o believe_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v how_o he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v as_o for_o example_n suppose_v such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o be_v just_o inform_v concern_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o notion_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o he_o be_v ask_v which_o he_o shall_v rather_o do_v perform_v such_o act_n as_o will_v express_v this_o worship_n or_o neglect_v slight_a and_o omit_v they_o or_o else_o ridicule_n dishonour_n and_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v we_o call_v god_n or_o suppose_v he_o be_v tell_v what_o a_o parent_n be_v and_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v his_o parent_n and_o that_o he_o be_v himself_o sensible_a of_o a_o great_a many_o kindness_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o after_o a_o due_a explication_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o murder_v he_o defend_v he_o from_o some_o imminent_a danger_n without_o any_o hazard_n to_o himself_o or_o stand_v still_o and_o do_v neither_o who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o in_o these_o case_n fair_o propose_v and_o state_v such_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n as_o this_o will_v not_o choose_v to_o worship_v his_o god_n and_o defend_v his_o parent_n we_o have_v therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o moral_a truth_n concern_v humane_a action_n be_v knowable_a the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o other_o truth_n be_v which_o terminate_v in_o speculation_n only_o and_o that_o man_n know_v more_o or_o few_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n and_o application_n of_o those_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o these_o inquiry_n and_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o these_o it_o be_v as_o in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o proposition_n consider_v be_v near_o too_o or_o far_o from_o the_o first_o general_a axiom_n or_o rule_n of_o morality_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v deduce_v such_o as_o be_v those_o before_o mention_v of_o seek_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o not_o take_v away_o another_o man_n when_o we_o can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o own_o by_o it_o and_o such_o as_o immediate_o follow_v from_o hence_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o prefer_v a_o great_a good_a or_o pleasure_n to_o a_o less_o a_o lesser_a evil_a or_o pain_n to_o a_o great_a and_o the_o like_a the_o evidence_n of_o which_o be_v as_o great_a as_o of_o any_o metaphysical_a or_o mathematical_a axiom_n whatever_o but_o the_o other_o moral_a duty_n i_o have_v occasion_n to_o instance_n in_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n obedience_n to_o parent_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v less_o general_a have_v not_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n because_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o action_n with_o our_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o original_a foundation_n of_o all_o action_n and_o duty_n be_v not_o so_o clear_o discoverable_a that_o we_o immediate_o perceive_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v before_o as_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n be_v so_o great_a that_o when_o they_o be_v fair_o offer_v to_o the_o understanding_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o if_o this_o may_v be_v suppose_v as_o in_o several_a instance_n no_o
perfect_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o these_o effect_n we_o perceive_v can_v we_o from_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o govern_v and_o direct_v power_n in_o the_o universe_n can_v we_o from_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n prove_v that_o we_o be_v under_o no_o law_n or_o obligation_n of_o act_v or_o that_o religion_n be_v destructive_a of_o our_o happiness_n can_v we_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n without_o we_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o live_v again_o be_v conscious_a of_o all_o our_o former_a action_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a to_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o they_o however_o true_a these_o thing_n may_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v from_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o 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consider_v the_o person_n of_o this_o character_n in_o another_o place_n and_o so_o shall_v pass_v on_o 2._o to_o the_o second_o way_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n to_o justify_v their_o infidelity_n and_o that_o be_v by_o allege_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o proof_n give_v of_o it_o have_v not_o that_o degree_n of_o certainty_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n why_o say_v they_o be_v not_o such_o important_a point_n as_o those_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o far_o concern_v make_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o our_o understanding_n as_o any_o proposition_n in_o the_o mathematics_n prove_v they_o to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o the_o insufficiency_n and_o absurdity_n of_o which_o plea_n will_v manifest_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n for_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a for_o person_n to_o call_v for_o more_o and_o great_a proof_n towards_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n before_o they_o have_v confute_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v already_o advance_v and_o therefore_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v sufficient_a till_o it_o be_v overthrow_v by_o contrary_a allegation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o ask_v for_o other_o kind_a of_o proof_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o desire_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o therefore_o to_o call_v for_o mathematical_a demonstration_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v let_v religion_n be_v turn_v into_o mathematics_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v it_o the_o mean_v of_o which_o be_v only_o this_o that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o like_a mathematics_n better_o than_o they_o do_v religion_n for_o indeed_o the_o person_n that_o call_v for_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n in_o religion_n will_v allow_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o demonstration_n any_o where_o but_o in_o number_n and_o figure_n whereas_o we_o have_v as_o clear_a idea_n of_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o do_v as_o evident_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o they_o and_o make_v as_o certain_a deduction_n from_o they_o and_o that_o particular_o in_o the_o present_a subject_n where_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o knowledge_n will_n power_n duration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o original_a idea_n from_o whence_o we_o take_v our_o first_o rise_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v of_o number_n and_o figure_n we_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o something_o must_v be_v eternal_a that_o motion_n must_v begin_v from_o will_n and_o several_a other_o from_o whence_o all_o our_o argument_n for_o religion_n be_v deduce_v as_o we_o be_v of_o such_o mathematical_a axiom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v big_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n that_o when_o equal_a number_n be_v add_v to_o equal_v the_o whole_a be_v equal_a and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o deduction_n of_o other_o proposition_n from_o those_o former_a be_v in_o all_o the_o intermediate_v link_n of_o connexion_n as_o evident_o perceive_v there_o as_o here_o and_o the_o main_a conclusion_n as_o certain_a as_o any_o mathematical_a conclusion_n at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n yet_o they_o have_v all_o the_o certainty_n it_o be_v conceivable_a they_o shall_v have_v by_o way_n of_o deduction_n from_o any_o idea_n our_o mind_n be_v furnish_v with_o so_o that_o suppose_v they_o true_a they_o can_v be_v prove_v any_o otherwise_o from_o bare_a unassisted_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a to_o require_v a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o they_o when_o the_o rational_a ground_n they_o stand_v upon_o can_v be_v overthrow_v by_o contrary_a proof_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o additional_a advantage_n of_o revelation_n not_o to_o be_v disprove_v by_o any_o counter-revelation_n because_o that_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o where_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o judge_v one_o way_n as_o we_o be_v in_o all_o such_o matter_n where_o it_o concern_v our_o happiness_n to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o degree_n of_o evidence_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o appear_v on_o one_o side_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o balance_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o take_v the_o party_n of_o irreligion_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o all_o that_o strength_n and_o evidence_n of_o conviction_n which_o some_o other_o truth_n seem_v to_o have_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a defence_n some_o people_n make_v for_o their_o impiety_n and_o unbelief_n 3._o but_o other_o there_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o build_v their_o irreligion_n upon_o positive_a principle_n some_o of_o which_o have_v make_v new_a scheme_n or_o hypothesis_n wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o original_n disposition_n and_o conduct_v of_o thing_n without_o a_o god_n but_o all_o that_o they_o prove_v be_v that_o they_o who_o only_o deny_v the_o common_a doctrine_n concern_v god_n providence_n etc._n etc._n without_o advance_v any_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n for_o all_o these_o new_a notion_n of_o they_o either_o signify_v