consider_v in_o order_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o a_o enquiry_n first_o the_o internal_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o external_n mean_v by_o which_o it_o have_v be_v bring_v about_o the_o internal_a cause_n of_o it_o have_v lie_v in_o two_o thing_n first_o a_o insussiciency_n in_o our_o natural_a ability_n since_o the_o fall_n to_o ascertain_v we_o full_o about_o divine_a thing_n and_o to_o give_v a_o satisfy_a answer_n to_o all_o those_o inquiry_n we_o natural_o make_v about_o they_o second_o the_o general_a ill_a improvement_n the_o world_n have_v make_v of_o those_o ability_n it_o have_v and_o the_o universal_a declension_n and_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n from_o that_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v arrive_v at_o for_o the_o first_o though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a power_n be_v witness_v to_o by_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o a_o relation_n to_o somewhat_o above_o he_o and_o there_o be_v many_o maxim_n of_o natural_a divinty_a connate_a to_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v attain_v by_o any_o natural_a search_n first_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n what_o god_n be_v and_o second_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n how_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v neither_o a_o satisfy_v account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o be_v nor_o of_o a_o worship_n acceptable_a to_o he_o be_v to_o be_v compass_v without_o revelation_n about_o these_o two_o thing_n when_o man_n have_v have_v nothing_o tell_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o fix_v they_o their_o opinion_n have_v be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o invention_n the_o grosser_n part_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v only_o a_o intellectual_a object_n who_o they_o can_v not_o see_v general_o fall_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o by_o what_o they_o do_v see_v cicero_n himself_o confess_v that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v qualis_fw-la sit_fw-la deorum_fw-la natura_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la dificilius_fw-la quam_fw-la a_o consuctudine_fw-la oculorum_fw-la aciem_fw-la mentis_fw-la abducere_fw-la lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a and_o the_o more_o refine_a part_n lose_v themselves_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o abstract_a speculation_n about_o what_o they_o can_v never_o distinct_o comprehend_v for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n arise_v not_o only_o from_o their_o mistake_v in_o what_o they_o can_v not_o know_v but_o from_o a_o corrupt_a defection_n from_o what_o they_o may_v know_v those_o notice_n their_o own_o natural_a ability_n give_v they_o of_o god_n thwart_v their_o sensual_a inclination_n they_o delight_v not_o to_o retain_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n but_o willing_o turn_v aside_o to_o delusion_n leave_v the_o guide_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o choose_v the_o conduct_n of_o appetite_n the_o stupendous_a folly_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o 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mean_a part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o external_n mean_v by_o which_o these_o internal_a cause_n have_v operate_v and_o how_o all_o that_o rubbish_n of_o pagan_a theology_n have_v be_v visible_o induce_v to_o defile_v and_o cumber_v the_o world_n from_o five_o thing_n chief_o we_o may_v derive_v it_o first_o from_o a_o corrupt_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n first_o original_a and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o many_o passage_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n which_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n first_o convey_v down_o to_o the_o world_n in_o its_o repeople_a and_o the_o jew_n from_o moses_n afterward_o inform_v they_o off_o this_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v a_o great_a rise_n to_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a superstion_n and_o vanity_n and_o most_o especial_o among_o the_o phaenician_o much_o of_o who_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a corruption_n of_o those_o original_a truth_n and_o a_o apparent_a 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by_o which_o the_o world_n lie_v subject_v to_o all_o diabolical_a delusion_n and_o five_o from_o their_o corrupt_a legislator_n such_o as_o numa_n in_o rome_n and_o other_o who_o find_v the_o world_n sequacious_a in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o mankind_n apt_a to_o adore_v every_o fiction_n impose_v upon_o their_o belief_n whatever_o they_o think_v most_o conduce_v to_o their_o own_o politic_a ends._n nor_o have_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n be_v free_a from_o defect_n in_o its_o moral_n though_o man_n attain_v far_o therein_o and_o their_o morality_n much_o outgo_v their_o divinity_n cicero_n wrought_v with_o much_o better_a success_n de_fw-fr officiis_n than_o he_o he_o do_v the_o nat._n deorum_n yet_o the_o bible_n have_v great_o improve_v the_o world_n herein_o let_v any_o man_n extract_v the_o most_o exact_a scheme_n he_o can_v of_o morality_n out_o of_o the_o best_a philosopher_n and_o the_o acute_a moralist_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n the_o bible_n propose_v to_o we_o about_o those_o thing_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o will_v be_v visible_a amiraldus_n observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n of_o religion_n that_o scarce_o can_v there_o be_v find_v any_o commonwealth_n among_o those_o which_o have_v be_v esteem_v the_o best_a policy_v in_o which_o some_o grand_a and_o signal_n vice_n have_v not_o be_v excuse_v or_o permit_v or_o even_o sometime_o recommend_v by_o public_a law_n plato_n make_v a_o community_n of_o woman_n one_o of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o his_o republic_n socrates_n and_o cato_n i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o be_v two_o as_o famous_a moralist_n as_o ever_o be_v in_o graece_fw-la or_o in_o rome_n cato_n the_o great_a exemplar_n for_o virtue_n and_o justice_n among_o the_o roman_n and_o socrates_n the_o phoenix_n of_o graece_fw-la for_o virtue_n and_o piety_n of_o who_o xenophon_n give_v this_o admirable_a account_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr socratis_n memorabilibus_fw-la dictis_fw-la nemo_fw-la autem_fw-la unquam_fw-la socratem_n
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v 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age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v 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in_o themselves_o moral_o good_a and_o moral_o evil._n no_o man_n reason_n determine_v about_o the_o positive_a use_n of_o any_o such_o outward_a medium_n of_o worship_n nor_o can_v assure_v i_o of_o god_n distinguish_a acceptance_n in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v upon_o certain_a ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o all_o our_o worship_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o nature_n a_o clear_a and_o certain_a law_n to_o himself_o about_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v because_o there_o be_v no_o intrinsical_o religious_a good_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o such_o goodness_n result_v pure_o from_o institution_n god_n have_v not_o sanctify_v any_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o his_o service_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o any_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rational_a nature_n no_o such_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n be_v found_v in_o reason_n but_o 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and_o so_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v the_o one_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o god_n because_o of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n never_o will_v nor_o can_v do_v and_o the_o other_o it_o assure_v i_o can_v be_v do_v the_o bible_n tell_v we_o of_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o high_a supernatural_a discovery_n it_o make_v to_o we_o but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o possible_a to_o be_v nor_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o seem_v to_o our_o reason_n very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o very_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v second_o never_o any_o book_n make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o we_o of_o what_o be_v true_o natural_a and_o so_o far_o revive_v and_o restore_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o as_o this_o have_v do_v the_o natural_a law_n of_o our_o own_o being_n all_o impartial_a reason_n be_v judge_n no_o humane_a wisdom_n ever_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v have_v give_v 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oracle_n which_o yet_o make_v the_o most_o probable_a pretention_n of_o any_o thing_n among_o they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n that_o the_o response_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v give_v by_o person_n visible_a and_o see_v when_o they_o do_v it_o in_o some_o of_o they_o by_o young_a virgin_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o receive_v in_o a_o strange_a obscene_a way_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v mention_v and_o in_o other_o of_o they_o by_o a_o man_n who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o speak_v under_o the_o oracle_n out_o of_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o vapour_n of_o which_o they_o suppose_v he_o inspire_v and_o to_o become_v a_o enthusiast_n that_o those_o oracle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n utter_v thing_n doubtful_a and_o un-intelligible_a be_v evident_a and_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o truth_n as_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o thucydides_n and_o other_o author_n of_o 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we_o as_o appear_v evident_o sit_v and_o suit_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o after_o a_o admirable_a manner_n harmonise_v with_o the_o rational_a nature_n in_o which_o thing_n from_o above_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o thing_n below_o and_o every_o way_n so_o proportion_v to_o they_o as_o that_o truth_n supernatural_a which_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v appear_v justify_v to_o we_o by_o truth_n natural_a that_o we_o be_v perfect_o judge_n of_o and_o between_o both_o there_o appear_v a_o wonderful_a concord_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n write_v in_o god_n own_o name_n command_v the_o world_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n to_o bow_v before_o it_o and_o in_o a_o way_n peculiar_o proper_a to_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n and_o greatness_n with_o a_o positive_a claim_n to_o his_o immediate_a authority_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o claim_n establish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a 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age_n thaâ—_n have_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n beforâ—_n some_o of_o they_o happen_v pronounce_v with_o a_o absolute_a prophetic_a certainty_n about_o thâ—m_n and_o have_v never_o be_v find_v tâ—_n mistake_v in_o a_o tittle_n though_o it_o have_v sometimes_o descend_v so_o to_o particular_n as_o 〈◊〉_d name_n even_o the_o person_n of_o man_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v can_v once_o be_v impeach_v for_o give_v a_o wrong_a divination_n about_o the_o least_o circumstance_n relate_v either_o to_o person_n or_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v be_v signal_o preserve_v from_o the_o great_a rage_n of_o many_o powerful_a adversary_n and_o from_o the_o most_o violent_a and_o potent_a attempt_n for_o its_o total_a suppression_n and_o ruin_n of_o such_o who_o be_v in_o high_a authority_n and_o furnish_v with_o great_a advantage_n to_o effect_v it_o a_o book_n that_o have_v escape_v all_o sort_n of_o contrivance_n against_o it_o and_o safe_o descend_v through_o the_o channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n providential_o secure_v and_o unmaimed_a and_o entire_o deliver_v over_o to_o we_o if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o evident_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o right_a reason_n improve_v mankind_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n in_o all_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a attainment_n boâ—h_v moral_a and_o divine_a bring_v the_o world_n into_o the_o best_a posture_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v man_n wise_a better_a and_o happy_a than_o they_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v themselves_o find_v out_o how_o to_o be_v if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o by_o mean_n utter_o unthought_a of_o and_o far_o out_o of_o all_o humane-reach_a and_o yet_o of_o a_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a nature_n sweet_o and_o safe_o even_o to_o our_o great_a admiration_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n fill_v up_o that_o vast_a gulf_n that_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o make_v way_n for_o a_o free_a and_o perpetual_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n thereby_o a_o beatitude_n infinite_o transcend_v whatever_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v or_o invent_v which_o the_o rational_a soul_n the_o more_o it_o consider_v still_o the_o more_o it_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o in_o which_o to_o the_o utmost_a it_o be_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v in_o short_a if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n if_o we_o respect_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o we_o appertinent_a to_o it_o that_o we_o can_v rational_o expect_v shall_v accompany_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n and_o such_o a_o supernatural_a law_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n will_v enlighten_v and_o rule_v the_o world_n a_o book_n that_o every_o way_n answer_v all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n propose_v most_o suitable_a remedy_n to_o all_o our_o natural_a defect_n leave_v not_o a_o disease_n in_o humane_a nature_n uncured_a nor_o a_o breach_n that_o man_n fall_n have_v occasion_v un-made_a up_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n we_o can_v imagine_v god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a or_o future_a welfare_n about_o thing_n visible_a or_o invisible_a about_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o that_o we_o be_v not_o here_o tell_v of_o if_o we_o have_v here_o such_o discovery_n make_v of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o unseen_a as_o have_v evident_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o restless_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n of_o man_n about_o those_o matter_n and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o judge_v can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a thought_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n himself_o if_o we_o have_v find_v such_o a_o book_n if_o the_o bible_n be_v thus_o qualify_v what_o can_v be_v otherwise_o judge_v upon_o such_o premise_n but_o that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o that_o sacred_a instrument_n wherein_o god_n have_v record_v his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n this_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v so_o much_o expect_v and_o to_o which_o so_o many_o false_a pretension_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v make_v here_o be_v indeed_o contain_v that_o system_n of_o law_n supernatural_a by_o the_o publication_n whereof_o god_n have_v abound_v in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o even_o outdo_v the_o further_a conception_n the_o world_n have_v at_o any_o time_n have_v of_o his_o goodness_n how_o strange_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o derive_v such_o a_o book_n from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o imposture_n how_o heterodox_n be_v it_o to_o all_o good_a sense_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o pernicious_a delusion_n by_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ever_o abuse_v which_o we_o must_v needs_o reckon_v this_o book_n to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n shall_v have_v in_o point_n of_o time_n the_o precedency_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o ancient_a date_n than_o any_o divine_a truth_n the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o who_o that_o believe_v the_o supreme_a existence_n of_o god_n can_v imagine_v that_o the_o best_a document_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n that_o ever_o mankind_n be_v discipline_v by_o shall_v have_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n for_o their_o author_n that_o such_o shall_v contrive_v and_o publish_v a_o doctrine_n that_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o best_a method_n of_o live_v that_o such_o shall_v reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o happy_a and_o best_a condition_n and_o out_o do_v the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o that_o particular_a who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o ill_a man_n in_o promote_a the_o high_a treason_n against_o god_n counterfeit_n his_o name_n and_o authority_n and_o
political_a be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n over_o the_o whole_a and_o can_v not_o otherwise_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o world_n we_o can_v no_o other_o way_n right_o conceive_v of_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n but_o as_o magistratical_a nor_o look_v upon_o he_o in_o any_o other_o notion_n then_o as_o our_o chief_a and_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v no_o measure_n of_o his_o proceed_n from_o the_o act_n of_o private_a person_n but_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o world_n as_o the_o supreme_a dispenser_n of_o justice_n and_o place_v in_o the_o high_a seat_n of_o magistratical_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o most_o demonstrable_o it_o be_v so_o how_o contrary_a be_v epicurus_n his_o doctrine_n to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o how_o inseparable_o be_v providence_n annex_v to_o all_o true_a conception_n of_o he_o and_o what_o a_o poor_a account_n do_v epicurus_n give_v we_o of_o god_n without_o it_o what_o a_o magistrate_n do_v he_o render_v the_o most_o supreme_a magistrate_n one_o that_o neither_o relieve_v the_o oppress_a punish_v the_o guilty_a reward_v the_o well-doer_n nor_o indeed_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o what_o his_o subject_n either_o do_v or_o say_v it_o be_v in_o short_a impossible_a to_o separate_v supreme_a magistracy_n from_o god_n his_o be_v suppose_v it_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v virtual_o and_o essential_o to_o belong_v to_o he_o from_o a_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n relative_a to_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a not_o to_o suppose_v from_o his_o hand_n the_o most_o complete_a and_o perfect_a exercise_n of_o all_o magistratical_a authority_n that_o we_o be_v any_o way_n able_a to_o conceive_v of_o four_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n decline_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o empire_n and_o rule_n over_o the_o world_n be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o decline_v the_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o any_o be_v first_o the_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o own_o be_v it_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o god_n to_o rule_v as_o to_o be._n god_n existence_n we_o say_v be_v a_o necessary_a existence_n he_o can_v but_o be_v which_o imply_v a_o necessary_a superiority_n that_o which_o can_v yet_o be_v can_v but_o be_v above_o all_o for_o whatever_o have_v a_o power_n superior_a to_o it_o have_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o be_v and_o that_o which_o can_v but_o be_v above_o all_o can_v but_o rule_v over_o all_o because_o the_o very_a be_v of_o superiority_n lie_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o dominion_n and_o can_v be_v uphold_v without_o it_o to_o fancy_v the_o existence_n of_o infinite_a power_n without_o exercise_n be_v to_o frame_v a_o idol_n in_o in_o our_o own_o imagination_n and_o to_o fancy_v what_o be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a to_o be_v infinite_a power_n to_o rule_n imply_v infinite_a actual_a rule_n we_o can_v never_o separate_v between_o infinite_a power_n and_o infinite_a dominion_n the_o be_v of_o the_o one_o necessary_o imply_v the_o other_o whatever_o be_v in_o god_n be_v actual_o in_o he_o god_n have_v not_o only_o virtual_o a_o infinite_a power_n but_o a_o infinite_a power_n in_o act._n infinite_a power_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o continual_a act_n and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o it_o we_o be_v so_o to_o conceive_v of_o all_o god_n attribute_n as_o thing_n not_o only_o in_o potentia_n but_o in_o facto_fw-la esse_fw-la god_n infinite_a wisdom_n be_v not_o only_o a_o ability_n to_o be_v wise_a but_o a_o infinite_a act_n and_o exertion_n of_o wisdom_n so_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o a_o infinite_a capacity_n of_o know_v and_o ability_n to_o know_v but_o a_o infinite_a actual_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n exclude_v a_o ignorance_n of_o anything_o it_o be_v to_o annex_v imperfection_n to_o god_n attribute_n to_o say_v they_o be_v not_o in_o exercise_n power_n in_o its_o exercise_n imply_v dominion_n it_o be_v from_o defect_n where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exert_v and_o therefore_o from_o infinite_a power_n in_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o defect_n must_v needs_o arise_v infinite_a dominion_n it_o be_v a_o childish_a conceit_n of_o epicurus_n to_o think_v that_o infinite_a power_n can_v be_v set_v by_o and_o not_o be_v in_o continual_a operation_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n can_v move_v act_n or_o exist_v without_o a_o necessary_a subjection_n to_o infinite_a power_n shall_v the_o world_n rule_v itself_o and_o be_v under_o no_o subjection_n god_n power_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o it_o can_v never_o but_o be_v which_o be_v infinite_a in_o its_o supremacy_n shall_v any_o one_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o come_v under_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n supreme_a and_o sovereign_a rule_n his_o power_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v infinite_a because_o not_o actual_o above_o all_o which_o it_o can_v never_o be_v unless_o it_o actual_o rule_n over_o all_o beside_o be_v it_o a_o supposition_n capable_a of_o admission_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o possibility_n that_o infinite_a power_n can_v be_v set_v by_o and_o exist_v without_o exercise_n who_o can_v embrace_v so_o gross_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v thus_o determine_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o best_a use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o infinite_a power_n be_v to_o make_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o it_o and_o so_o have_v at_o first_o make_v the_o world_n by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n shall_v leave_v it_o perfect_o to_o its_o own_o chanceable_a revolution_n without_o any_o far_a effect_n or_o communication_n of_o either_o second_o we_o suppose_v god_n in_o decline_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n to_o decline_v the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o any_o be_v we_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o more_o excellent_a than_o rule_n and_o dominion_n to_o employ_v the_o large_a mind_n and_o dispense_v the_o compleat_a virtue_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o divest_v the_o high_a power_n of_o it_o to_o have_v power_n and_o to_o use_v it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v that_o we_o most_o applaud_v among_o man_n those_o best_a faculty_n we_o have_v by_o which_o we_o can_v only_o conceive_v of_o god_n excellent_a nature_n their_o perfection_n lie_v in_o communication_n he_o that_o rule_v well_o do_v the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n we_o can_v ascribe_v to_o god_n cicero_n in_o his_o 2_o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n speak_v full_o to_o this_o nihil_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o praeclarius_fw-la mundi_fw-la administratione_fw-la deorum_fw-la igitur_fw-la consilio_fw-la administratur_fw-la mundus_fw-la 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which_o will_v make_v up_o the_o character_n of_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n but_o to_o render_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n more_o evident_a to_o every_o impartial_a man_n let_v i_o ask_v the_o epicurean_o this_o question_n if_o god_n do_v not_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o darling_n axiom_n of_o epicurus_n be_v true_a that_o quod_fw-la eternum_fw-la beatumque_fw-la sit_fw-la nec_fw-la habere_fw-la ipsum_fw-la negotii_fw-la quidquam_fw-la nec_fw-la exhibere_fw-la alteri_fw-la how_o come_v god_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v the_o one_o and_o still_o to_o affirm_v the_o other_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o they_o be_v inseparable_a relative_n all_o law_n necessary_o relate_v to_o rule_n and_o dominion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o god_n have_v plant_v a_o natural_a law_n in_o every_o man_n be_v relate_v to_o his_o own_o superiority_n and_o man_n
the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o divine_a be_v if_o we_o look_v downward_o we_o find_v the_o sea_n and_o the_o water_n a_o stand_a monument_n of_o providence_n the_o sea_n keep_v within_o bound_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o exceed_v they_o restrain_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o its_o own_o be_v which_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v aristotle_n in_o his_o book_n of_o wonder_n own_v himself_o a_o convert_n to_o providence_n upon_o the_o single_a consideration_n that_o the_o land_n be_v not_o drown_v in_o the_o water_n and_o the_o earth_n overwhelm_v with_o the_o sea_n which_o without_o a_o divine_a power_n must_v needs_o be_v strabo_n observe_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o position_n of_o the_o water_n which_o say_v he_o if_o you_o respect_v only_o their_o quality_n and_o suppose_v they_o leave_v to_o themselves_o must_v needs_o take_v place_n between_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o air_n when_o as_o now_o we_o behold_v they_o confine_v to_o one_o proper_a channel_n and_o interfuse_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o useful_a nay_o we_o find_v the_o water_n as_o grotius_n observe_v in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a against_o its_o own_o nature_n sometime_o move_v upward_o be_v so_o compose_v as_o to_o sustain_v itself_o in_o such_o motion_n by_o a_o continue_a cohaesion_n of_o part_n wheresoever_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n the_o whole_a of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v evident_o own_v itself_o to_o the_o manage_n and_o product_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o excellent_a providence_n all_o thing_n move_v towards_o particular_a end_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a end_n issue_v themselves_o into_o one_o common_a end_n to_o move_v to_o a_o end_n be_v the_o plain_a effect_n of_o a_o intelligent_a be_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v creature_n without_o intelligence_n still_o move_v 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be_v no_o way_n a_o actor_n in_o it_o what_o will_v the_o epicurean_o say_v to_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v wrought_v and_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v beyond_o all_o product_n of_o nature_n to_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o such_o thing_n and_o to_o say_v they_o have_v not_o be_v be_v at_o once_o to_o impeach_v all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o to_o discard_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n if_o we_o admit_v they_o we_o must_v needs_o confess_v they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n supreme_a power_n and_o the_o evident_a work_n of_o his_o hand_n in_o a_o providential_a way_n and_o if_o so_o we_o shall_v soon_o dispatch_v with_o epicurus_n and_o spoil_v his_o fictitious_a retirement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o a_o open_a converse_n with_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o undeniable_o establish_v both_o his_o care_n of_o and_o his_o supreme_a rule_n over_o this_o whole_a world_n two_o thing_n there_o be_v upon_o which_o epicurus_n at_o first_o lucretius_n pliny_n and_o all_o the_o epicucureans_n since_o have_v chief_o justify_v their_o denial_n of_o providence_n and_o god_n supreme_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n first_o say_v they_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n beneath_o the_o excellent_a be_v of_o god_n for_o he_o to_o concern_v himself_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o inseriour_a world_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o little_a passage_n here_o below_o nor_o can_v he_o as_o pliny_n say_v be_v suppose_v without_o great_a disorder_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v withdraw_v from_o his_o own_o delight_n and_o content_v to_o perform_v the_o charge_n tam_fw-la multiplicis_fw-la &_o tristis_fw-la ministerij_fw-la of_o so_o multiplicious_a and_o ungrateful_a a_o function_n second_o say_v they_o the_o posture_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o good_a man_n often_o suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n prosper_v wickedness_n succeed_v and_o virtue_n miscarry_v it_o be_v so_o often_o be_v malis_fw-la &_o male_a bonis_fw-la that_o we_o can_v believe_v this_o world_n to_o be_v govern_v from_o above_o and_o that_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a attribute_n as_o those_o we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o first_o be_v soon_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o absurd_a diminution_n of_o infiniteness_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o to_o limit_v or_o distinguish_v its_o comprehension_n god_n have_v a_o infinite_a comprehension_n and_o can_v but_o know_v all_o thing_n together_o or_o else_o his_o knowledge_n be_v not_o infinite_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o comprehension_n great_a thing_n and_o small_a thing_n be_v all_o alike_o and_o upon_o even_a term_n as_o to_o his_o comprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v above_o he_o or_o below_o he_o in_o any_o such_o respect_n it_o be_v foolish_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n be_v too_o mean_a for_o god_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o because_o a_o universal_a cognizance_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v include_v and_o necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n so_o far_o the_o mistake_n be_v plain_a and_o visible_a nothing_o can_v possible_o happen_v of_o which_o we_o can_v say_v god_n take_v no_o notice_n but_o suppose_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v know_v to_o he_o yet_o say_v the_o epicurean_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o conceive_v he_o any_o way_n concern_v himself_o about_o they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v so_o far_o trouble_v or_o discompose_v himself_o as_o to_o undertake_v the_o rule_n and_o regulation_n of_o they_o which_o lazy_a slothful_a dream_n of_o epicurus_n above_o all_o his_o other_o hypothesis_n have_v expose_v he_o to_o the_o just_a contempt_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a man_n it_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o unworthy_a a_o conception_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o so_o great_a a_o indignity_n offer_v unto_o he_o and_o most_o evident_o contrary_a to_o all_o those_o notious_a that_o result_n from_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o he_o and_o that_o will_v easy_o appear_v several_a way_n first_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n god_n can_v do_v god_n can_v deny_v himself_o nor_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o own_o be_v that_o result_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v and_o be_v include_v in_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n can_v do_v that_o be_v can_v do_v as_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o be_v to_o do_v and_o so_o have_v a_o possibility_n he_o may_v do_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o bare_a imaginary_a supposition_n of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n for_o so_o we_o may_v conceive_v he_o may_v destroy_v the_o world_n in_o a_o moment_n but_o his_o power_n can_v be_v actual_o so_o exert_v that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a santasm_n unless_o it_o be_v correspondent_a to_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o other_o excellent_a attribute_n but_o to_o say_v whatever_o god_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o be_v to_o do_v and_o so_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o he_o can_v do_v without_o trouble_n to_o himself_o and_o disorder_n to_o his_o own_o excellent_a nature_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o essentiality_n of_o his_o be_v the_o inseparable_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o god_n be_v be_v perfection_n now_o if_o he_o can_v perfect_o act_v whatever_o he_o can_v act_v he_o be_v not_o essential_o perfect_a but_o have_v a_o possibility_n of_o imperfection_n annex_v to_o his_o be_v to_o say_v god_n can_v govern_v this_o world_n if_o he_o please_v it_o be_v no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o his_o
wise_a people_n laugh_v at_o those_o mystery_n never_o any_o man_n scorn_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o caesar_n himself_o do_v his_o own_o god_n and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v please_v himself_o often_o in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v his_o god_n feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n what_o a_o childish_a folly_n it_o be_v then_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o roman_a consul_n lose_v his_o whole_a army_n because_o he_o slight_v the_o feed_n of_o some_o young_a chicken_n or_o that_o marcus_n crassus_n be_v therefore_o slay_v by_o the_o parthian_n because_o he_o despise_v some_o foppery_n of_o atteius_n if_o we_o look_v off_o from_o their_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o their_o divinity_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a thought_n what_o a_o poor_a product_n be_v all_o their_o notion_n compare_v with_o the_o bible_n what_o a_o midnight_n be_v man_n in_o in_o respect_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n socrates_n who_o see_v the_o further_a of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v into_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o heathen_a theology_n and_o die_v for_o a_o pretend_a contempt_n of_o it_o for_o the_o charge_n that_o melius_n one_o of_o his_o accuser_n bring_v against_o he_o at_o athens_n as_o laertius_n say_v be_v jura_n violat_a socrates_n quos_fw-la ex_fw-la majorum_fw-la instituto_fw-la suscepit_fw-la civitas_n deos_fw-la esse_fw-la negans_fw-la alia_fw-la vero_fw-la nova_fw-la demonia_fw-la inducens_fw-la the_o first_o philosophical_a martyr_n that_o we_o read_v of_o have_v yet_o leave_v but_o little_o better_a divinity_n behind_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o perceive_v he_o have_v any_o design_n or_o ability_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n that_o way_n for_o he_o answer_v his_o charge_n by_o a_o flat_a denial_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o apology_n in_o plato_n and_o his_o whole_a carriage_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v out_o of_o choice_n and_o not_o out_o of_o fear_n that_o he_o do_v so_o sometime_o also_o before_o he_o advise_v other_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n they_o live_v in_o and_o we_o find_v likewise_o in_o plato_n how_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a he_o be_v about_o that_o great_a point_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o can_v determine_v nothing_o with_o himself_o positive_o about_o it_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o incline_v that_o way_n and_o to_o think_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a much_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o cicero_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o his_o tusculane_n question_n who_o give_v it_o but_o a_o probability_n and_o as_o plato_n do_v in_o his_o phaed_n who_o say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a about_o it_o nor_o will_v not_o be_v confident_a of_o it_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o his_o thought_n about_o those_o matter_n that_o make_v he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v better_o to_o die_v or_o to_o live_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o be_v trouble_v about_o that_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v or_o fear_v and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o to_o his_o end_n he_o express_v great_a contentment_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v with_o hercules_n and_o palamedes_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o still_o qualify_v those_o hope_n with_o this_o doubtful_a parenthesis_n in_o case_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o extinguish_v with_o the_o body_n he_o choose_v indeed_o to_o be_v rather_o a_o good_a moralist_n and_o to_o deal_v in_o those_o notion_n wherein_o he_o find_v some_o certainty_n then_o to_o attempt_v much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o divinity_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o frame_v any_o satisfactory_a notion_n to_o himself_o about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o often_o plain_o declare_v that_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o business_n of_o another_o world_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a and_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o think_v those_o thing_n utter_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n all_o notion_n about_o they_o to_o be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o vulgar_a sentiment_n rather_o than_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfy_a speculation_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o contradict_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o those_o country_n where_o they_o live_v plato_n the_o famous_a divine_a philosopher_n who_o exceed_v all_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n as_o much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o socrates_n do_v in_o the_o practic_n though_o there_o be_v more_o true_a divinity_n utter_v by_o he_o then_o by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n where_o he_o first_o have_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v yet_o attend_v with_o marvellous_a vanity_n and_o intolerable_a error_n '_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o forbear_v smile_v in_o read_v over_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o fabulous_a conceit_n he_o have_v about_o that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o will_v tire_v out_o any_o ordinary_a patience_n to_o read_v a_o great_a promoter_n he_o be_v of_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n of_o damon-worship_n for_o he_o say_v that_o when_o man_n die_v their_o soul_n become_v daemon_n and_o if_o their_o merit_n be_v good_a they_o be_v lar_n if_o evil_a lemures_n if_o different_a manes_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n give_v a_o large_a account_n de_n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 9_o ch._n 11._o though_o he_o speak_v much_o of_o one_o god_n yet_o himself_o then_o as_o all_o the_o platonist_n since_o hold_v that_o many_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o in_o his_o timaeus_n he_o call_v saturn_n ops_n juno_n and_o other_o god_n and_o say_v the_o daemon_n and_o heroe_n be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o and_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o city_n commend_v to_o they_o cicero_n observe_v likewise_o out_o of_o his_o timaeus_n that_o he_o speak_v with_o great_a obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o this_o one_o god_n sometime_o call_v he_o a_o eternal_a mind_n and_o sometime_o call_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n &_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o whatever_o the_o heathen_n worship_v go_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o principle_n per_fw-la se_fw-la sunt_fw-la falsa_fw-la &_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la repugnantia_fw-la be_v in_o themselves_o false_a and_o self_n contradictious_a aristotle_n that_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o sagacious_a wit_n who_o travel_v with_o such_o unparalleled_a success_n through_o all_o the_o theorem_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o part_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n what_o mushrom-divinity_n have_v he_o leave_v behind_o he_o with_o what_o obscurity_n uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n with_o himself_o have_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o two_o great_a fundamental_o of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n since_o have_v avow_v that_o he_o deny_v the_o latter_a if_o out_o of_o aristotle_n book_n we_o shall_v but_o extract_v a_o model_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o monument_n of_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o giant_n in_o all_o natural_a knowleage_n shall_v die_v such_o a_o child_n in_o divinity_n cicero_n who_o carry_v the_o topsail_n of_o learning_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v to_o who_o the_o elder_a pliny_n give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o only_o have_v a_o wit_n equal_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n why_o do_v not_o he_o compose_v a_o right_a systeme_n of_o divinity_n and_o leave_v a_o good_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o posterity_n behind_o he_o from_o who_o may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n have_v expect_v it_o he_o design_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n and_o divinity_n for_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o book_n he_o tell_v we_o with_o what_o unequal_a sentiment_n man_n have_v debate_v those_o matter_n some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n as_o protagoras_n some_o positive_o affirm_v there_o be_v none_o as_o diagoras_n and_o theodorus_n cyrenaicus_n â—â—â—i_fw-la vero_fw-la deos_fw-la esse_fw-la dixerunt_fw-la tanta_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o varietate_fw-la ac_fw-la dissentione_fw-la constituti_fw-la ut_fw-la corum_fw-la molestum_fw-la sit_fw-la annumerare_fw-la sententias_fw-la no_o &_o de_fw-la siguris_fw-la deorum_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr locis_fw-la atque_fw-la sedibus_fw-la &_o actione_n aquavitae_fw-la multadicuntur_fw-la deque_fw-la
method_n by_o which_o mankind_n come_v since_o to_o be_v save_v thing_n beyond_o all_o natural_a kenn_n and_o which_o only_o serve_v to_o reproach_n the_o wise_a thought_n and_o to_o tell_v man_n how_o little_a they_o can_v discover_v of_o what_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v moses_n have_v tell_v we_o more_o in_o two_o page_n then_o the_o whole_a world_n ever_o discover_v by_o the_o utmost_a of_o all_o humane_a search_n nor_o have_v the_o world_n any_o way_n improve_v itself_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o sience_n to_o this_o day_n however_o man_n by_o experience_n and_o industry_n have_v meliorate_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n in_o other_o thing_n whatever_o advance_v they_o have_v make_v in_o natural_a theory_n or_o in_o any_o mechanic_n contrivance_n whatever_o rust_n of_o error_n or_o ignorance_n that_o stick_v to_o former_a age_n may_v be_v wear_v off_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o natural_a speculation_n in_o this_o yet_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o reject_v they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o loss_n in_o point_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o ever_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o natural_a theology_n without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o revelation_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o while_o man_n have_v be_v most_o busy_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o contrive_v way_n to_o gain_v acceptance_n with_o he_o they_o have_v lose_v themselves_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n second_o such_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o evident_o appear_v the_o world_n man_n themselves_o have_v general_o find_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n and_o out_o of_o a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o impotency_n without_o it_o have_v still_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o supernatural_a to_o be_v reveal_v from_o 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they_o be_v ready_a to_o father_n it_o still_o upon_o revelation_n scarce_o be_v there_o a_o mechanic_n invention_n but_o they_o ascribe_v it_o to_o a_o discovery_n make_v by_o the_o go_n pythagoras_n when_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o excellent_a demonstration_n in_o geometry_n sacrifice_v a_o hundred_o ox_n in_o gratitude_n to_o the_o god_n who_o have_v favour_v he_o with_o such_o a_o discovery_n whatever_o be_v in_o itself_o difficult_a or_o excellent_a they_o impute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n homer_n the_o great_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n not_o only_o ascribe_v to_o the_o god_n the_o invention_n of_o all_o abstruse_a matter_n and_o all_o the_o heroical_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o refer_v our_o ordinary_a cogitation_n to_o divine_a impulse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d talis_fw-la nempe_fw-la mens_fw-la est_fw-la terram_fw-la incolentium_fw-la hominum_fw-la qualem_fw-la in_o dies_fw-la indit_fw-la pater_fw-la hominumque_fw-la deumque_fw-la and_o his_o book_n be_v fill_v throughout_o with_o enthusiastic_a advertisement_n direct_v to_o man_n from_o the_o go_n cicero_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 2._o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n be_v large_a in_o his_o expression_n this_o way_n nec_fw-la unquam_fw-la magnus_fw-la vir_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la never_o be_v there_o any_o great_a man_n say_v he_o without_o some_o inspiration_n not_o only_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o divine_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o their_o mystery_n all_o inspire_a man_n but_o not_o a_o eminent_a physician_n or_o a_o soldier_n be_v there_o among_o they_o nor_o a_o man_n any_o way_n excellent_a but_o they_o derive_v his_o ability_n from_o some_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o think_v his_o quality_n from_o above_o socrates_n that_o excellent_a person_n often_o say_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o thing_n to_o be_v learn_v 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with_o a_o supernatural_a stamp_n numa_n pompilius_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a ceremony_n declare_v he_o receive_v they_o from_o the_o goddess_n egeria_n no_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n but_o have_v make_v some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n that_o absurd_a imposter_n mahomet_n be_v wise_a enough_o to_o father_n his_o medley_n divinity_n and_o all_o the_o confuse_a trash_n of_o his_o koran_n upon_o revelation_n nothing_o else_o can_v have_v cheat_v so_o many_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o be_v first_o persuade_v it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o that_o mahomet_n have_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o revelation_n in_o religious_a affair_n that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o divine_a law_n give_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v their_o religious_a obedience_n whether_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v any_o particular_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o any_o of_o they_o i_o dispute_v not_o but_o he_o give_v his_o statute_n his_o divine_a law_n to_o israel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v so_o witâ—_n any_o nation_n beside_o and_o yet_o nothing_o more_o general_a than_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o more_o common_a than_o pretension_n to_o it_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o catholic_n maxim_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v he_o must_v be_v reveal_v from_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n seem_v to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o belief_n that_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o supernatural_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n it_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o learned_a camero_n omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la etiam_fw-la barbararum_fw-la consensu_fw-la receptum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la homini_fw-la bene_fw-la sit_fw-la praeter_fw-la eam_fw-la rationem_fw-la quam_fw-la nimis_fw-la magnifico_n &_o superbo_fw-la titulo_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ducem_fw-la vocant_fw-la requiri_fw-la coelestem_fw-la quandam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la inde_fw-la nata_fw-la est_fw-la religio_fw-la ritus_fw-la cerimoniae_fw-la quae_fw-la sola_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la se_fw-la commendant_fw-la praelect_v de_fw-fr verb._n dei_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v he_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n yea_o the_o most_o barbarous_a that_o in_o order_n to_o man_n well_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o heavenly_a wisdom_n to_o direct_v he_o beside_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v from_o this_o general_a apprehension_n that_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o by_o delude_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n and_o the_o many_o gross_a cheat_n of_o enthusiasm_n the_o great_a impostor_n still_o set_v up_o for_o enthusiast_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o enslave_v to_o their_o oracle_n
and_o do_v so_o greedy_o embrace_v whatever_o they_o think_v come_v from_o above_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n not_o besot_v with_o sensuality_n and_o brutish_o degenerate_v a_o earnest_a thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o conviction_n upon_o every_o reasonable_a man_n that_o without_o some_o further_a discovery_n from_o god_n himself_o than_o what_o this_o world_n and_o our_o own_o contemplation_n thereupon_o will_v afford_v we_o no_o satisfy_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v attain_v three_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n design_v by_o his_o own_o faculty_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o by_o natural_a obligation_n tend_v to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o and_o to_o pay_v the_o homage_n due_a from_o we_o in_o such_o away_o as_o we_o may_v be_v full_o ascertain_v be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o humane_a welfare_n that_o be_v the_o great_a concern_n we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v about_o divine_a worship_n and_o this_o seem_v no_o way_n attainable_a without_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o what_o he_o be_v and_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o exist_v the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a in_o all_o our_o approach_n to_o he_o as_o that_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o debase_v his_o excellency_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o some_o vain_a idea_n and_o phantasm_n of_o our_o own_o imagination_n i_o must_v be_v teach_v from_o above_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o what_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o therein_o i_o must_v look_v upward_o and_o expect_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a direction_n from_o thence_o mankind_n seem_v una_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o as_o a_o thing_n most_o sit_v yea_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v from_o heaven_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o method_n of_o our_o converse_n with_o he_o where_o can_v we_o find_v a_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n not_o found_v upon_o some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o admission_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o irrational_a thing_n and_o a_o great_a indignity_n offer_v to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n to_o make_v man_n their_o own_o judge_n in_o that_o case_n and_o to_o suppose_v it_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a determination_n of_o humane_a discretion_n how_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v this_o truth_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o a_o law_n and_o a_o state_v rule_n for_o the_o manner_n 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same_o term_n must_v i_o believe_v all_o thing_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a unless_o god_n give_v i_o new_a faculty_n or_o some_o way_n extraordinary_o assist_v i_o and_o make_v i_o somewhat_o more_o than_o i_o be_v nor_o do_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o himself_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o inspire_v infallible_o to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o ever_o receive_v any_o revelation_n upon_o any_o high_a term_n then_o that_o we_o call_v moral_a assurance_n and_o humane_a credibility_n for_o first_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o revelation_n upon_o motive_n external_n and_o foreign_a to_o itself_o such_o motive_n be_v all_o grant_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o humane_a and_o fallible_a nature_n if_o i_o receive_v it_o upon_o any_o motive_n internal_a any_o testimony_n result_v from_o such_o revelation_n itself_o to_o justify_v its_o own_o divinity_n to_o i_o yet_o i_o must_v of_o necessity_n without_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n judge_v of_o such_o 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