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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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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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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 all_o in_o institution_n it_o be_v true_a the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v i_o to_o that_o behaviour_n of_o myself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o i_o think_v most_o decent_a and_o reverent_a but_o for_o any_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a direction_n at_o all_o if_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o worship_n as_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o have_v be_v declare_v necessary_a that_o some_o shall_v be_v we_o must_v then_o both_o for_o the_o choice_n and_o the_o use_v of_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o guide_v and_o steer_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v every_o man_n own_o reason_n be_v impregnate_v with_o obligation_n to_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o worship_n and_o divine_a homage_n than_o reason_n itself_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o and_o direct_v we_o to_o many_o duty_n which_o we_o want_v revelation_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o perform_v which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n make_v the_o world_n so_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o and_o show_v we_o how_o rational_o we_o tend_v upward_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o how_o great_o our_o own_o nature_n prepare_v we_o to_o expect_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o above_o second_o shall_v this_o be_v admit_v that_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v confine_v simple_o to_o thought_n gesture_n and_o word_n yet_o will_v not_o our_o natural_a light_n enable_v we_o to_o acquit_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o matter_n nor_o well_o to_o perform_v such_o a_o service_n as_o that_o without_o supernatural_a help_n there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o though_o inseparable_a in_o their_o attainment_n be_v yet_o distinct_a in_o their_o application_n and_o if_o not_o attain_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n attempt_n that_o way_n will_v prove_v altogether_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a first_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o give_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a from_o we_o to_o he_o and_o second_o to_o provide_v sufficient_o for_o our_o own_o welfare_n by_o a_o acceptance_n with_o he_o for_o the_o first_o how_o can_v we_o honour_n god_n with_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o his_o be_v as_o may_v full_o inform_v and_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n about_o he_o which_o we_o never_o can_v have_v nor_o to_o this_o day_n the_o world_n never_o have_v without_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o honour_n god_n as_o we_o ought_v unless_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n we_o know_v he_o as_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o god_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o sufficient_a to_o capacitate_v i_o for_o a_o due_a address_n to_o the_o deity_n to_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o power_n above_o i_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o exist_v which_o be_v all_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o direct_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o that_o be_v wherein_o all_o those_o attribute_n do_v exist_v upon_o which_o as_o the_o object_n of_o my_o worship_n my_o mind_n may_v terminate_v and_o without_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o form_v a_o idol_n to_o myself_o in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o be_v and_o then_o apply_v those_o attribute_n to_o it._n to_o which_o fatal_a mistake_n and_o idolatrous_a delusion_n the_o world_n have_v by_o nature_n no_o certain_a account_n what_o god_n be_v not_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o deity_n do_v exist_v in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v too_o apparent_o subject_a second_o how_o can_v we_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o welfare_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v safe_o assure_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o total_a removal_n of_o natural_a guilt_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v so_o assure_v unless_o we_o know_v the_o term_n of_o god_n forgiveness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a satisfy_a account_n give_v we_o by_o any_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v find_v out_o until_o they_o be_v tell_v we_o from_o above_o man_n must_v needs_o make_v strange_a prayer_n and_o have_v very_o wild_a and_o uncertain_a meditation_n about_o god_n and_o their_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v benight_a with_o ignorance_n in_o such_o thing_n prayer_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v itself_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n will_v be_v very_o lame_o perform_v without_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v it_o the_o pagan_a devotion_n be_v a_o medley_n of_o strange_a sentiment_n found_v in_o horrible_a ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o the_o way_n of_o man_n restoration_n have_v plato_n or_o aristotle_n or_o the_o wise_a among_o they_o but_o leave_v we_o a_o liturgy_n of_o their_o own_o composition_n it_o will_v with_o great_a effect_n have_v convince_v we_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v even_o the_o best_a understanding_n in_o all_o divine_a address_n two_o thing_n about_o worship_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v teach_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n first_o that_o mankind_n have_v general_o acknowledge_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o supernatural_a direction_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o that_o intercourse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v subscribe_v to_o the_o shortness_n and_o defficiency_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n about_o it_o and_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o certain_a complete_a systeme_n of_o worship_n that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n do_v uniform_o agree_v in_o the_o one_o result_v from_o their_o constant_a recourse_n to_o supernatural_a inquiry_n and_o the_o many_o enthusiastic_a pretension_n thereupon_o the_o other_o from_o their_o great_a and_o eminent_a disagreement_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o be_v only_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o naturallight_n and_o have_v in_o truth_n no_o revelation_n at_o all_o but_o be_v still_o abuse_v with_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o fall_v by_o that_o guidance_n into_o endless_a diversity_n in_o practice_n and_o into_o a_o numberless_a variety_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v and_o approach_v the_o deity_n and_o be_v universal_o engage_v in_o multiply_v medium_n and_o method_n of_o worship_n no_o way_n prescribe_v by_o any_o natural_a law_n connate_a with_o man_n being_n or_o any_o general_a uniform_a issue_n of_o right_a reason_n nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o under_o any_o direction_n at_o all_o either_o for_o their_o choice_n or_o their_o use_n further_o than_o what_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o best_a guess_n or_o some_o enthusiastic_a impostor_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o which_o plain_o declare_v there_o be_v not_o a_o ability_n in_o nature_n sufficient_o to_o guide_v man_n in_o divine_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o their_o own_o devotion_n do_v natural_o steer_v they_o and_o we_o that_o indeed_o have_v revelation_n be_v instruct_v by_o that_o revelation_n itself_o sufficient_o to_o know_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o revelation_n for_o we_o find_v that_o god_n by_o his_o reveal_v law_n do_v not_o only_o revive_v in_o general_a the_o whole_a of_o nature_n law_n about_o worship_n and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a extent_n thereof_o which_o he_o do_v and_o much_o inlighten_v our_o natural_a knowledge_n therein_o which_o we_o find_v be_v great_o defective_a even_o about_o natural_a duty_n and_o give_v we_o a_o complete_a view_n of_o our_o natural_a obligation_n
his_o ripe_a year_n and_o as_o plutarch_n tell_v the_o athenian_n if_o themistocles_n have_v be_v punish_v as_o the_o enormity_n of_o his_o youth_n deserve_v and_o miltiades_n for_o his_o rebellion_n in_o chersonesus_n where_o have_v be_v say_v he_o those_o great_a victory_n those_o two_o afterward_o obtain_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o marathon_n on_o the_o coast_n of_o arlesia_n and_o at_o the_o river_n eurimedon_n the_o truth_n be_v in_o all_o humane_a judgement_n we_o be_v bound_v by_o particular_n individual_a action_n be_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o man_n proceed_v nor_o can_v they_o look_v forward_o to_o know_v what_o any_o will_v be_v hereafter_o but_o god_n have_v the_o whole_a of_o every_o man_n before_o he_o and_o have_v not_o only_a respect_n to_o the_o all_o of_o every_o action_n but_o to_o the_o all_o of_o every_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o of_o his_o act_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o three_o there_o be_v a_o harmony_n in_o providence_n which_o unless_o we_o know_v all_o from_o its_o beginning_n to_o its_o end_v we_o can_v never_o full_o comprehend_v it_o be_v one_o entire_a system_n a_o complete_a bottom_n wherein_o all_o end_n be_v exact_o wind_v up_o a_o rare_a contrivance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n a_o curious_a piece_n of_o divine_a workmanship_n wherein_o all_o particular_n be_v so_o interweave_v as_o to_o make_v up_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o world_n from_o first_o to_o last_o have_v in_o the_o providential_a dominion_n of_o god_n over_o they_o some_o dependency_n each_o upon_o other_o and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v full_o judge_v off_o single_o and_o a_o part_n no_o one_o action_n but_o relate_v to_o million_o of_o other_o nay_o have_v some_o reference_n to_o all_o other_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o of_o the_o world_n each_o particular_a have_v some_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a like_o the_o part_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n where_o every_o part_n refer_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o be_v not_o in_o its_o use_n to_o be_v full_o comprehend_v without_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a every_o part_n of_o providence_n have_v somewhat_o in_o it_o relative_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n though_o god_n be_v just_o in_o each_o particular_a yet_o he_o still_o execute_v his_o justice_n to_o every_o part_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o time_n and_o order_n all_o particular_n that_o the_o beautiful_a season_n of_o every_o part_n be_v when_o it_o bear_v its_o exact_a proportion_n to_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o whole_a nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o god_n who_o by_o a_o infinite_a comprehension_n have_v all_o thing_n present_a and_o before_o he_o shall_v so_o rank_v and_o dispose_v they_o that_o at_o last_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v appear_v but_o one_o complicate_v and_o orderly_o unite_a mean_n to_o bring_v about_o the_o first_o design_v ends._n this_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o incapacity_n to_o make_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o of_o many_o part_n of_o divine_a providence_n aught_o to_o prevent_v such_o rash_a censure_n as_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o make_v upon_o it_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o deny_v it_o where_o they_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o and_o to_o answer_v in_o many_o case_n the_o doubt_n man_n may_v propose_v to_o themselves_o about_o this_o matter_n but_o do_v not_o answer_v this_o objection_n full_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o particular_a case_n wherein_o god_n justice_n and_o his_o providence_n be_v visible_o not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v together_o in_o this_o world_n and_o upon_o that_o consideration_n i_o say_v it_o be_v much_o more_o reconcileable_a and_o natural_a to_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n by_o which_o all_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v full_o answer_v then_o to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o it_o thereupon_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o general_a providence_n be_v upon_o convince_a evidence_n prove_v to_o we_o we_o have_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v god_n rule_v the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o in_o that_o case_n when_o we_o find_v we_o can_v here_o in_o this_o world_n accommodate_v his_o rule_n and_o his_o justice_n together_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o oppose_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o when_o neither_o can_v be_v rational_o deny_v but_o to_o admit_v a_o state_n beyond_o this_o world_n by_o which_o they_o be_v both_o safe_o reconcile_v second_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o future_a state_n in_o itself_o any_o way_n unreasonable_a nay_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n beside_o the_o evidence_n it_o have_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o providence_n have_v also_o many_o other_o rational_a proof_n peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o it_o and_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o upon_o other_o ground_n high_o probable_a he_o that_o will_v bottom_v a_o denial_n of_o providence_n single_o upon_o this_o objection_n must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o this_o life_n or_o at_o least_o have_v it_o grant_v to_o he_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a when_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consequent_a to_o all_o that_o rational_a proof_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o providence_n in_o general_n and_o i_o can_v deny_v the_o one_o without_o reject_v the_o other_o the_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v great_o credible_a and_o have_v be_v believe_v in_o all_o age_n not_o only_o by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a but_o even_o of_o the_o rude_a and_o most_o barbarous_a 〈…〉_o which_o strong_o tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o the_o existence_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n have_v a_o necessary_a dependency_n each_o upon_o other_o and_o be_v no_o way_n separable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o state_n hereafter_o it_o must_v relate_v to_o a_o providence_n here_o the_o epicurean_o therefore_o deny_v both_o epicurus_n under_o all_o his_o pressure_n make_v his_o retreat_n to_o this_o maxim_n that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o time_n when_o we_o be_v not_o in_o be_v and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o time_n when_o we_o shall_v exist_v no_o more_o of_o how_o little_a a_o signification_n to_o the_o world_n the_o bare_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n will_v prove_v abstract_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n here_o or_o any_o state_n hereafter_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n be_v whoever_o admit_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a and_o first_o be_v will_v be_v rational_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o other_o two_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v rule_v infinite_a power_n can_v be_v set_v by_o and_o if_o he_o do_v rule_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reversion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n so_o plutarch_n observe_v the_o same_o reason_n which_o confirm_v providence_n do_v likewise_o confirm_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o the_o one_o be_v take_v away_o the_o other_o follow_v so_o that_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n will_v appear_v sufficient_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o regular_a determination_n of_o right_a reason_n upon_o these_o and_o many_o other_o invincible_a proof_n be_v god_n providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n establish_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o which_o free_v we_o from_o the_o manifold_a absurdity_n of_o epicurus_n his_o chance_n and_o chrysippus_n his_o destiny_n the_o two_o wide_a extreme_n on_o either_o hand_n the_o first_o be_v the_o poor_a account_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o such_o oeconomy_n as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o monstrous_a piece_n of_o folly_n to_o think_v chance_n shall_v be_v predominant_a whilst_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v exist_v the_o other_o such_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o abusive_a fiction_n of_o providence_n if_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o render_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o rational_a agent_n the_o one_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o make_v god_n to_o do_v nothing_o the_o other_o destroy_v man_n freedom_n and_o make_v god_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n both_o equal_o false_a it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n rule_v over_o
the_o whole_a and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o his_o rule_n no_o way_n destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n nor_o be_v the_o world_n subject_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o stoical_a fate_n from_o any_o necessary_a connection_n of_o cause_n but_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n every_o man_n own_o will_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o his_o own_o do_n thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_n and_o shame_v all_o the_o ignorant_a doubt_n and_o profane_a denial_n of_o providence_n to_o assure_v man_n there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o rule_n be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o supreme_a '_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o all_o divine_a law_n must_v necessary_o depend_v such_o who_o in_o the_o three_o place_n admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o providence_n and_o religion_n but_o reject_v the_o christian-religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n as_o not_o true_a and_o close_o with_o some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o against_o those_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o discourse_n will_v chief_o tend_v if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sufficient_o make_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n prove_v in_o truth_n to_o be_v what_o themselves_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v law_n send_v we_o from_o god_n by_o which_o he_o will_v rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n two_o thing_n will_v result_v from_o it_o first_o all_z other_z religion_n but_o the_o christian_a will_v thereby_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a and_o fictitious_a second_o such_o who_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a profession_n will_v be_v abundant_o confirm_v in_o the_o verity_n thereof_o free_v from_o all_o such_o doubt_n as_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o deal_v with_o antiscriptural_a man_n such_o as_o pay_v no_o homage_n at_o all_o to_o the_o bible_n nor_o yield_v any_o obedience_n to_o its_o authority_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o order_n to_o their_o confutation_n first_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a step_n towards_o it_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o because_o in_o every_o particular_a science_n some_o principle_n must_v be_v grant_v as_o the_o substratum_fw-la without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v uphold_v and_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o which_o the_o be_v of_o it_o be_v subvert_v this_o unwary_a demand_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o six_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o profession_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o to_o prevent_v the_o most_o important_a discourse_n of_o religion_n among_o all_o such_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v any_o religion_n 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about_o and_o subvert_v the_o whole_a by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o dispute_v about_o a_o part_n but_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n itself_o we_o can_v otherwise_o defend_v it_o then_o by_o admit_v it_o a_o matter_n debateable_a and_o endeavour_v its_o justification_n upon_o principle_n common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o carry_v in_o they_o the_o great_a aptness_n to_o convince_v such_o opponent_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o all_o rational_a inquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o all_o humane-debate_n there_o must_v be_v some_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o due_a measure_n of_o any_o discourse_n nor_o any_o standard_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v proceed_v either_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o or_o convince_v another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o come_v to_o a_o rational_a end_n of_o any_o debate_n whatever_o for_o if_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o thing_n be_v in_o controversy_n by_o another_o and_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v still_o deny_v we_o must_v prove_v in_o infinitum_fw-la he_o that_o oppose_v needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v he_o but_o a_o bare_a negative_a and_o he_o that_o be_v to_o prove_v will_v be_v lose_v in_o a_o endless_a circle_n some_o principle_n therefore_o there_o be_v which_o govern_v all_o man_n thought_n and_o discourse_n as_o thing_n grant_v by_o they_o and_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o rational_a conduct_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o obvious_o true_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o gain_v a_o universal_a assent_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o common_a vote_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o deny_v if_o he_o will_v no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o to_o be_v reasonable_a and_o do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n by_o the_o natural_a emanation_n of_o which_o we_o fix_v upon_o many_o position_n as_o undoubted_o true_a and_o beyond_o all_o question_n or_o dispute_v and_o from_o thence_o measure_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n therefore_o aristotle_n say_v that_o in_o all_o acquisition_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o proceed_n from_o premise_n know_v and_o agree_v to_o conclusion_n that_o before_o be_v not_o know_v nor_o agree_v these_o first_o principle_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o innate_a rectitude_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n these_o prove_v themselves_o by_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o prove_v because_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o proof_n and_o of_o these_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o school_n say_v a_o posteriori_fw-la possunt_fw-la manifestari_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la aliquid_fw-la prius_fw-la probari_fw-la whatever_o knowledge_n we_o find_v attain_v to_o among_o mankind_n it_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o first_o principle_n and_o be_v a_o science_n subalternate_v to_o they_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o thought_n and_o debate_n be_v steer_v to_o some_o end_n and_o guide_v to_o some_o conclusion_n these_o principle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o enumeration_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o rational_a capacity_n itself_o and_o be_v occasional_o produce_v by_o our_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o various_a object_n it_o be_v conversant_a about_o nor_o can_v any_o other_o character_n be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n as_o become_v self-evident_a maxim_n to_o the_o universal_a reason_n second_o there_o be_v acquire_v principle_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v take_v as_o grant_v truth_n and_o proceed_v upon_o as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o first_o nature_n these_o secondary_a principle_n lie_v more_o remote_a from_o the_o first_o view_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v discover_v by_o a_o chain_n of_o induction_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o industrious_a exercise_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o verity_n as_o agree_v to_o that_o idaa_n of_o truth_n we_o find_v seat_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o correspond_v to_o those_o primary_n dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o equal_o true_a with_o they_o these_o thing_n man_n accidental_o make_v principle_n to_o themselves_o and_o lay_v they_o aside_o from_o debate_n as_o thing_n grant_v and_o agree_v to_o proceed_v to_o superstruct_v other_o notion_n and_o principle_n upon_o they_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o in_o the_o pursuit_n whereof_o mankind_n do_v great_o differ_v and_o often_o mistake_v
any_o account_n of_o in_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o lose_v in_o a_o strange_a mist_n of_o ignorance_n about_o all_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v idolatry_n to_o be_v a_o early_a as_o well_o as_o a_o epidemical_a disease_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o suâ—_n beginning_n probable_o not_o long_a after_o the_o babylonian_a dispersion_n and_o the_o caldaans_n who_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o first_o people_n that_o associate_v themselves_o into_o a_o national_a government_n after_o the_o stand_v haste_v apace_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n bell_n or_o belâ—_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n the_o next_o successor_n of_o nimred_a and_o first_o king_n of_o babel_n after_o he_o be_v canonize_v for_o a_o daemon_n and_o deify_v bâ—_n they_o after_o his_o death_n it_o have_v fill_v some_o volume_n with_o tedious_a and_o nauseous_a vanity_n the_o narrative_a of_o the_o divinity_n and_o mythology_n oâ—_n those_o and_o other_o nation_n the_o name_n and_o derivation_n of_o their_o god_n the_o most_o rational_a of_o which_o be_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n witâ—_n all_o their_o wild_a and_o fabulous_a theological_a invention_n and_o fancy_n about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o they_o this_o we_o find_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v also_o a_o large_a account_n thereof_o in_o diodorus_n siculus_n the_o firsâ—_o that_o make_v a_o collection_n of_o general_a history_n and_o as_o eusebius_n say_v of_o he_o be_v Ê‹ir_a apâ—â—_n graco_n clarissimus_fw-la quip_n qui_fw-la universam_fw-la historiam_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la commodissime_fw-la corpus_fw-la collegit_fw-la nor_o be_v this_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n wherewith_o the_o world_n in_o its_o more_o barbarous_a condition_n be_v benight_a any_o way_n cure_a by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o propogation_n of_o humane_a science_n but_o idolatry_n grow_v up_o with_o philosophy_n the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n increase_v with_o their_o philosopher_n the_o more_o they_o know_v the_o more_o god_n they_o worship_v the_o more_o man_n improve_v towards_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o humane_a ability_n the_o more_o visible_a be_v their_o impotency_n about_o divine_a thing_n and_o the_o more_o do_v principle_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n expatiate_v themselves_o among_o mankind_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o be_v unable_a by_o their_o natural_a inquiry_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o a_o certainty_n in_o divine_a thing_n their_o contemplation_n do_v but_o multiply_v their_o mistake_n and_o man_n great_a ability_n prove_v but_o a_o prolisick_n nursery_n of_o error_n yea_o the_o more_o devotion_n they_o have_v from_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o general_n and_o the_o far_a discovery_n they_o make_v of_o a_o state_n of_o mankind_n after_o this_o life_n the_o more_o propense_a they_o be_v to_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n to_o all_o the_o ill_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n by_o represent_v false_a image_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o themselves_o and_o dilate_v those_o apprehension_n into_o multiply_a object_n both_o of_o fancy_n and_o sense_n have_v no_o clear_a and_o fix_a notion_n whereby_o to_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o their_o own_o fluctuation_n about_o those_o matter_n that_o we_o call_v learning_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o acquire_v knowledge_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n if_o we_o consider_v its_o rise_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o have_v their_o first_o preduction_n from_o the_o nation_n the_o grecian_n call_v barbarous_a and_o be_v begin_v among_o they_o as_o the_o position_n of_o each_o country_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o each_o people_n various_o lead_v to_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o progress_n learning_n have_v take_v it_o come_v from_o all_o other_o part_n and_o first_o concenter_v in_o graece_fw-la remove_v thence_o to_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o empire_n diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o these_o european_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o make_v the_o grecian_n the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o as_o some_o do_v and_o to_o derive_v it_o original_o from_o they_o be_v to_o abuse_v the_o world_n with_o a_o false_a and_o fictitious_a pretention_n as_o if_o all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o a_o lethargy_n but_o themselves_o and_o all_o man_n intellectual_n have_v lie_v in_o a_o trance_n and_o be_v first_o awaken_v in_o graece_fw-la it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o lie_v scatter_v in_o several_a hand_n be_v their_o first_o eminent_o unite_v and_o great_o improve_v by_o the_o singular_a ability_n and_o industry_n of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v they_o indebt_v for_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o their_o knowledge_n ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la fere_n barbaris_fw-la art_fw-la &_o utilia_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la documenta_fw-la graecos_n didicisse_fw-la say_v eusebius_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o after_o their_o astronomy_n they_o have_v from_o the_o chaldean_n their_o geometry_n from_o the_o egyptian_n without_o doubt_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n their_o letter_n from_o the_o phaenician_o and_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n from_o the_o hebrew_n clemens_n alex._n say_v vita_fw-la i_o deficiet_fw-la si_fw-la velim_fw-la sigillatim_fw-la graecorum_n furta_fw-la persequi_fw-la stromat_n pag._n 149._o two_o famous_a benefactor_n they_o have_v that_o all_o story_n make_v visible_a cadmus_n who_o first_o bring_v they_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o letter_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o phaenician_a religion_n and_o learning_n and_o orpheus_n who_o instruct_v they_o in_o all_o the_o egyptian_a knowledge_n some_o of_o themselves_o as_o democritus_n heraclitus_n pythagoras_n and_o other_o who_o travel_v much_o into_o remote_a part_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a foreign_a help_n they_o receive_v but_o especial_o plato_n of_o who_o clemens_n alex._n say_v clarum_fw-la est_fw-la autem_fw-la semper_fw-la inveniri_fw-la platonem_fw-la magni_fw-la facere_fw-la barbaros_fw-la utqui_fw-la meminisset_fw-la se_fw-la &_o pythagoram_fw-la plurima_fw-la eaque_fw-la praestantissima_fw-la &_o nobilissima_fw-la dogmata_fw-la didicisse_fw-la apud_fw-la barbaros_fw-la stromat_n lib._n 1._o lactantius_n tell_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n and_o after_o he_o plato_n be_v so_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n that_o they_o travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o persia_n and_o other_o country_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o learning_n and_o wonder_n they_o never_o go_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o if_o you_o believe_v strabo_n pythagoras_n do_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n go_v into_o jewry_n and_o dwell_v a_o long_a time_n at_o mount_n carmel_n aristotle_n plain_o 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defect_n without_o revelation_n than_o the_o record_n of_o those_o very_a time_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o mean_a confused_z and_o uncertain_a a_o account_n they_o give_v of_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o
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 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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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reason_n will_v tell_v i_o and_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o unequal_a disposition_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n here_o that_o there_o be_v some_o future_a estate_n of_o thing_n beyond_o this_o world_n without_o a_o supposition_n of_o which_o i_o must_v either_o depose_v god_n from_o his_o government_n or_o else_o admit_v he_o unjust_a both_o which_o be_v absurd_a yet_o how_o conduce_v be_v it_o to_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o necessary_a for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o supression_n of_o vice_n to_o be_v full_o inform_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v fluctuate_a about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n what_o wild_a conception_n have_v the_o heathen_a world_n about_o their_o infernal_a region_n and_o their_o elysian_a field_n nor_o be_v they_o only_a fiction_n peculiar_a to_o the_o poet_n but_o admit_v by_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o best_a philosopher_n who_o be_v able_a to_o frame_v very_o little_o better_a ideaa'_v of_o those_o thing_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n of_o many_o plutarch_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o treatise_n he_o write_v upon_o this_o motto_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v no_o better_a a_o account_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o man_n soul_n then_o that_o the_o wicked_a be_v only_o overwhelm_v in_o the_o perpetual_a oblivion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o place_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v happy_a hereafter_o in_o his_o consolation_n direct_v to_o apollonius_n he_o adhere_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o pindar_n who_o describe_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o fictious_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n that_o virgil_n do_v direct_o imitate_v pindar_n therein_o epicurus_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o some_o wise_a sentiment_n but_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o render_v all_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a condition_n fabulous_a and_o to_o allegorise_v all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o another_o world_n into_o this_o and_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o whatever_o be_v say_v of_o the_o suffering_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o infernal_a region_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o be_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n by_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o fearful_a mind_n exâ—gitated_a with_o their_o own_o exorbitant_a passion_n which_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n all_o fear_n of_o vice_n and_o all_o love_n to_o virtue_n which_o even_o by_o those_o obscure_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v much_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v but_o to_o go_v far_o how_o necessary_a must_v we_o needs_o grant_v it_o to_o have_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a condition_n after_o this_o life_n establish_v by_o revelation_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o unfixed_a some_o of_o the_o wise_a have_v be_v about_o the_o very_o be_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o such_o man_n as_o socrates_n and_o cicero_n be_v doubtful_a and_o unresolved_a in_o the_o case_n and_o come_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o incline_v to_o that_o opinion_n and_o judge_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a and_o aristotle_n discourse_v of_o it_o with_o much_o more_o obscurity_n the_o resurrection_n of_o man_n body_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o far_o hard_a belief_n stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o revelation_n to_o credit_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o easy_a task_n to_o possess_v man_n with_o a_o through_o persuasion_n about_o it_o when_o it_o be_v reveal_v saducisme_n be_v a_o weed_n very_o apt_a to_o grow_v and_o not_o soon_o eradicate_v we_o find_v st._n paul_n sufficient_o laugh_v at_o at_o athens_n for_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n it_o be_v a_o new_a notion_n to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o glimmering_n of_o it_o among_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n it_o be_v among_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sect_n he_o encounter_v i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v some_o remote_a apprehension_n among_o the_o pagan_n tend_v this_o way_n but_o neither_o the_o pagan-world_n in_o general_n nor_o any_o considerable_a part_n nor_o indeed_o any_o part_n of_o it_o at_o all_o ever_o agree_v in_o a_o positive_a distinct_a belief_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n some_o fancy_v there_o will_v come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o revolution_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o that_o all_o the_o star_n will_v be_v precise_o return_v to_o the_o very_a exact_a punctum_fw-la in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v and_o that_o then_o all_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v shall_v return_v in_o order_n time_n and_o nature_n to_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o station_n and_o be_v just_a as_o they_o have_v be_v some_o tell_v we_o the_o magi_n who_o be_v the_o caldaean_a philosopher_n have_v some_o obscure_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v one_o day_n revive_v and_o become_v immortal_a and_o some_o
of_o the_o stoic_n think_v shall_v be_v burn_v to_o ash_n and_o then_o will_v follow_v a_o immediate_a restoration_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o these_o be_v but_o wild_a and_o move_a guess_n in_o general_a no_o certain_a determination_n be_v mankind_n able_a to_o make_v about_o this_o matter_n in_o particular_a and_o yet_o of_o how_o great_a use_n be_v the_o assurance_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o how_o sovereign_a a_o remedy_n be_v it_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n which_o aristotle_n call_v the_o terrible_a of_o all_o terror_n to_o be_v assure_v upon_o safe_a ground_n our_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v again_o and_o all_o the_o friend_n we_o part_v with_o here_o shall_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n reunited_n exist_v for_o ever_o but_o wave_a the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o themselves_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o natural_a discovery_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n first_o a_o certain_a distinct_a knowledge_n how_o that_o evil_a we_o find_v in_o mankind_n come_v first_o to_o exist_v whence_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n come_v in_o short_a how_o there_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o evil_a and_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n second_o how_o sin_n and_o gild_n arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o man_n bring_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o a_o inward_a acquescency_n about_o it_o for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o evil_a and_o sin_n in_o man_n and_o gild_n result_v from_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n every_o man_n own_o reason_n determine_v the_o case_n and_o the_o whole_a transaction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v too_o sad_a a_o evidence_n of_o we_o find_v in_o the_o 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this_o point_n his_o word_n be_v these_o man_n say_v he_o be_v of_o his_o own_o motion_n incline_v to_o follow_v the_o evil_a and_o leave_v the_o good_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a strife_n breed_v in_o his_o affection_n he_o have_v a_o free_a will_n which_o he_o abuse_v bindang_v himself_o whole_o to_o encounter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o freedom_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o willingness_n to_o admit_v that_o which_o be_v not_o good_a rather_o than_o otherwise_o that_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o this_o we_o call_v evil_a and_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a as_o he_o ought_v without_o it_o be_v easy_o prove_v and_o will_v be_v sufficient_o so_o by_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o how_o can_v we_o acknowledge_v god_n justice_n in_o punish_v 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