particular_a nation_n and_o government_n but_o by_o the_o general_a verdict_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o comeliness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o humanity_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o put_v this_o supposition_n suppose_v the_o reverse_n of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n be_v solemn_o enact_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o falseness_n to_o a_o man_n word_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n i_o ask_v now_o if_o the_o case_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v thus_o alter_v will_v that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v vice_n in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n grow_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o humane_a nature_n if_o it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v there_o something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o authority_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a because_o no_o government_n can_v subsist_v upon_o these_o term_n for_o the_o very_a enjoin_v of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n do_v apparent_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v man_n in_o their_o right_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n and_o this_o end_n be_v destroy_v humane_a society_n will_v present_o fly_v in_o piece_n and_o man_n will_v necessary_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o war_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a thing_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o against_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evidence_n and_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1._o magistrate_n be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o every_o man_n future_a happiness_n but_o be_v the_o best_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o of_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o private_a and_o public_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o unpeaceable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o the_o world_n religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v uphold_v and_o the_o veneration_n of_o it_o maintain_v not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o just_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o another_o world_n but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o man_n it_o will_v requite_v all_o the_o kindness_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o by_o the_o advantage_n it_o will_v bring_v to_o civil_a government_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n it_o will_v draw_v down_o upon_o it_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o usual_o make_v this_o good_a so_o that_o the_o civil_a authority_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o reason_n of_o state_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v so_o pious_o dispose_v that_o religion_n by_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o reasonable_a force_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v its_o empire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_v always_o make_v a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v it_o with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n but_o after_o it_o be_v plant_v this_o extraordinary_a power_n cease_v and_o god_n have_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n by_o the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o law_n which_o be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n which_o be_v prodigious_o sink_v into_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o a_o humour_n of_o scoff_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a for_o some_o age_n before_o the_o reformation_n atheism_n be_v consign_v to_o italy_n and_o have_v its_o chief_a residence_n at_o rome_n all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o papist_n themselves_o give_v we_o in_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n except_v two_o or_o three_o small_a philosopher_n that_o be_v retainer_n to_o that_o court._n so_o that_o this_o atheistical_a humour_n among_o christian_n be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o gross_a superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o court_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o extreme_n in_o religion_n to_o beget_v one_o another_o like_o the_o vibration_n of_o a_o pendulum_fw-la which_o the_o more_o violent_o you_o swing_v it_o one_o way_n the_o far_o it_o will_v return_v the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n atheism_n travel_v over_o the_o alps_n and_o infect_v france_n and_o now_o of_o late_o it_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n and_o invade_v our_o nation_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o amazement_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v general_o more_o indispose_v to_o it_o and_o can_v worse_o brook_v it_o seriousness_n and_o zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v almost_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o english_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n than_o that_o in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a nation_n profaneness_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o gain_v so_o much_o ground_n and_o the_o best_a and_o the_o wise_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n for_o beside_o the_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a discourse_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o bold_a and_o senseless_a abuse_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o resort_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o i_o speak_v it_o know_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o pass_v the_o street_n without_o have_v his_o ear_n grate_v and_o pierce_v with_o such_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o curse_n as_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o other_o sin_n to_o sink_v a_o nation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o from_o the_o tribe_n that_o be_v livery_n but_o from_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o shall_v give_v better_a example_n be_v it_o not_o then_o high_a time_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o curb_v these_o bold_a and_o insolent_a defier_n of_o heaven_n who_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o be_v monster_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o heathen_n will_v never_o suffer_v their_o god_n to_o be_v revile_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o go_n and_o shall_v it_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o breath_n out_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o who_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o very_o odious_a to_o god_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o so_o pernicious_a example_n as_o open_a profaneness_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o more_o modest_a way_n of_o sin_v it_o show_v some_o reverence_n to_o religion_n and_o do_v so_o far_o own_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v counterfeit_v whereas_o profaneness_n declare_v open_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o party_n to_o drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v
the_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a humour_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o every_o body_n but_o especial_o their_o superior_n and_o governor_n have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o end_n in_o short_a it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o noise_n about_o a_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a state-engine_n and_o a_o politic_a device_n invent_v at_o first_o by_o some_o great_a prince_n or_o minister_n of_o state_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n and_o if_o so_o from_o hence_o say_v the_o atheist_n we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o from_o such_o a_o original_a it_o may_v be_v general_o propagate_v and_o become_v universal_o current_a have_v the_o stamp_n of_o public_a authority_n upon_o it_o beside_o that_o people_n have_v always_o be_v find_v easy_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v see_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o notion_n have_v continue_v so_o long_o for_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o instrument_n of_o government_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v always_o be_v cherish_v and_o keep_v up_o and_o now_o he_o triumph_v and_o think_v the_o business_n be_v very_o clear_a thus_o it_o be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o most_o probable_o towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n when_o all_o mankind_n be_v under_o one_o universal_a monarch_n some_o great_a nabuchadnezzar_n set_v up_o this_o image_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o command_v all_o people_n and_o nation_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v it_o and_o this_o be_v find_v a_o successful_a device_n to_o awe_v people_n into_o obedience_n to_o government_n it_o have_v be_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o be_v like_a to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o fine_a conjecture_n i_o have_v these_o four_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o that_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o supposition_n he_o can_v bring_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o proof_n or_o evidence_n for_o any_o one_o tittle_n of_o it_o 2._o this_o supposition_n grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o support_n of_o government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n so_o that_o the_o atheist_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n if_o there_o be_v but_o probable_a argument_n for_o it_o not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o slight_a reason_n against_o it_o and_o to_o punish_v all_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v man_n to_o atheism_n as_o the_o great_a disturber_n of_o the_o world_n and_o pest_n of_o humane_a society_n 3._o this_o supposition_n can_v have_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n in_o it_o unless_o this_o be_v true_a that_o whoever_o make_v a_o politic_a advantage_n of_o other_o man_n principle_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o contrive_v those_o principle_n into_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o common_a because_o more_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n of_o those_o principle_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o put_v into_o man_n but_o find_v there_o so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n of_o a_o god_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o probability_n of_o this_o conjecture_n which_o the_o atheist_n applaud_v himself_o most_o in_o it_o will_v be_v conclude_v in_o the_o affirmative_a it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a since_o politician_n reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o more_o ready_a submission_n to_o government_n from_o man_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o they_o find_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n prepossess_v to_o their_o hand_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o they_o plant_v it_o there_o 4._o we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o supposition_n as_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arcanum_fw-la imperii_fw-la a_o secret_a of_o government_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n among_o the_o people_n when_o the_o governor_n themselves_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n of_o which_o we_o have_v any_o record_n and_o of_o other_o age_n we_o can_v possible_o judge_v that_o prince_n have_v not_o be_v more_o secure_a from_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o another_o world_n nay_o many_o of_o they_o more_o subject_a to_o these_o than_o other_o man_n as_o i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n and_o those_o no_o mean_a one_o what_o make_v caligula_n creep_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v what_o make_v tiberius_n that_o great_a master_n of_o the_o craft_n of_o government_n complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o grievous_a sting_n and_o lash_v he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o make_v cardinal_n woolsey_n that_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n in_o our_o own_o nation_n to_o pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n have_v i_o be_v as_o diligent_a to_o please_v my_o god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o please_v my_o king_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o my_o gray_a hair_n what_o reason_n for_o such_o action_n and_o speech_n if_o these_o great_a man_n have_v know_v that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o cheat_n but_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o secret_a i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o court_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o politician_n and_o a_o juggle_v of_o state_n to_o cozen_v the_o people_n into_o obedience_n and_o now_o from_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a cause_n than_o fear_n or_o tradition_n or_o state-policy_n viz._n to_o this_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v wrought_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o so_o weave_v it_o into_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o be_v that_o like_a phidias_n his_o picture_n in_o minerva_n shield_n it_o can_v never_o total_o be_v deface_v without_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n i_o know_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o this_o discourse_n be_v liable_a to_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o real_o be_v than_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v many_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v i._n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n do_v dissent_v from_o the_o multitude_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o believe_v but_o one_o supreme_a deity_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o various_a benefit_n man_n receive_v from_o he_o have_v several_a title_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o although_o they_o do_v servile_o comply_v with_o the_o people_n in_o worship_v god_n by_o sensible_a image_n and_o representation_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o despise_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o superstitious_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o pretend_v to_o universal_a consent_n from_o their_o have_v have_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o multitude_n in_o most_o nation_n for_o several_a age_n together_o because_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a separate_v from_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o wise_a signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o cipher_n will_v do_v without_o figure_n 2._o the_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o heathen_a about_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o show_v that_o man_n sink_v into_o the_o most_o degenerate_a condition_n into_o the_o great_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n imaginable_a do_v yet_o retain_v some_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o property_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v intimate_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o stick_n close_o to_o they_o see_v man_n will_v rather_o have_v any_o god_n than_o none_o and_o rather_o than_o want_v a_o deity_n they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n 3._o that_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o false_a god_n devise_v be_v rather_o
this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v far_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o sin_n or_o vice_n in_o general_a righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n you_o see_v then_o what_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n namely_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o long_o enough_o experience_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o age_n be_v to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i._o shall_v give_v you_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n indeed_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n promiscuous_o administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o conclude_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o nation_n because_o public_a body_n and_o community_n of_o man_n as_o such_o can_v only_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o the_o next_o all_o those_o public_a society_n and_o combination_n wherein_o man_n be_v now_o link_v together_o under_o several_a government_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v god_n will_v not_o then_o reward_n or_o punish_v nation_n as_o nation_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v his_o own_o reward_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n for_o although_o god_n account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o let_v particular_a good_a man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v another_o day_n a_o come_n which_o will_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n of_o reward_n yet_o in_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o recompense_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a success_n and_o long_a prosperity_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o eminent_a justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o know_v that_o his_o justice_n will_v have_v another_o and_o better_a opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o the_o general_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v public_a judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n god_n may_v defer_v his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v a_o people_n a_o long_a space_n of_o repentance_n he_o may_v stay_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v full_a but_o soon_o or_o late_a they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v his_o vengeance_n and_o usual_o the_o long_a punishment_n be_v delay_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a when_o it_o come_v now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a because_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a season_n for_o national_a punishment_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n necessary_a for_o the_o present_a vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o overflow_a of_o wickedness_n public_a judgement_n be_v the_o bank_n and_o shore_n upon_o which_o god_n break_v the_o insolency_n of_o sinner_n and_o stay_v their_o proud_a wave_n and_o though_o among_o man_n the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n be_v many_o time_n a_o cause_n of_o impunity_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a government_n which_o be_v glad_a to_o spare_v where_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o punish_v yet_o in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o no_o combination_n of_o sinner_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a the_o offender_n be_v the_o more_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o affront_n however_o god_n may_v pass_v by_o single_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o a_o nation_n combine_v against_o he_o when_o hand_n join_v in_o hand_n the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a this_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o a_o righteous_a nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o use_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o wicked_a people_n he_o turn_v a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o good_a all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v the_o interchangeable_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n always_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v constant_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a according_a as_o piety_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v or_o decline_v among_o they_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o providence_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o deal_v thus_o also_o with_o other_o nation_n the_o roman_a empire_n whilst_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o people_n remain_v firm_a be_v strong_a as_o iron_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o manner_n the_o iron_n begin_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o miry_a clay_n and_o the_o foot_n upon_o which_o that_o empire_n stand_v to_o be_v break_v and_o though_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o precedent_n and_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o other_o nation_n shall_v in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v collect_v from_o they_o that_o as_o god_n always_o bless_v that_o people_n while_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o so_o he_o will_v also_o deal_v with_o other_o nation_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o dispensation_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o found_v in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o change_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o far_a appear_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o every_o particular_a virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o public_a interest_n religion_n wherever_o it_o be_v true_o plant_v be_v certain_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o all_o civil_a office_n and_o moral_a duty_n chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o industry_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o health_n and_o plenty_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n do_v create_v mutual_a love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o peace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n produce_v many_o public_a mischief_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v link_v together_o and_o draw_v on_o one_o another_o so_o almost_o every_o vice_n have_v some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o natural_o follow_v it_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n breed_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v propagate_v spoil_v the_o strain_n of_o a_o nation_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n bring_v forth_o poverty_n and_o want_n and_o this_o tempt_v man_n to_o injustice_n and_o that_o cause_v enmity_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o bring_v on_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o philosophical_a account_n of_o public_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n st._n james_n give_v we_o 4.1_o jam._n 4.1_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o tend_v
or_o not_o which_o a_o testimony_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o those_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n i_o mean_v miracle_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o a_o infidel_n will_v as_o well_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n to_o a_o atheist_n but_o when_o we_o dispute_v against_o those_o who_o deny_v a_o god_n no_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o must_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o and_o whatever_o argument_n prove_v that_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n humane_a testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n universal_a tradition_n and_o write_v history_n both_o these_o be_v plain_o and_o beyond_o dispute_n on_o our_o side_n first_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a tradition_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o god_n and_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o we_o have_v the_o concur_v tradition_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n the_o egyptian_n and_o phoenician_n 1._o phoenician_n vide_fw-la gâ—â—t_fw-la de_fw-fr verit_fw-la chr_n relig._n l._n 1._o and_o of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a the_o indian_n who_o as_o strabo_n 15._o strabo_n geograph_n l._n 15._o tell_v we_o do_v in_o many_o thing_n agree_v with_o the_o grecian_n particular_o in_o this_o that_o the_o world_n do_v begin_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n and_o that_o god_n the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o be_v present_a in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o and_o acosta_n tell_v we_o that_o at_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o america_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o peru_n do_v worship_v one_o chief_a god_n under_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o yet_o these_o people_n have_v not_o have_v any_o commerce_n with_o the_o other_o know_v part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n know_v how_o many_o age_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o chief_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n as_o thales_n anaxagoras_n and_o pythagoras_n do_v likewise_o consent_v to_o this_o tradition_n particular_o concern_v thales_n tully_n 1._o tully_n de_fw-fr nat._n deorum_fw-la l._n 1._o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n that_o inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n and_o he_o say_v that_o water_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o god_n be_v that_o mind_n or_o intelligent_a principle_n which_o fashion_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o water_n so_o likewise_o strabo_n 15._o strabo_n georg._n l._n 15._o inform_v we_o that_o the_o brahmin_n the_o chief_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o indian_n agree_v with_o the_o grecian_n in_o this_o that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o water_n which_o agree_v exact_o with_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n viz._n that_o the_o spirie_n of_o god_n move_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o water_n which_o st._n peter_n 3.5_o peter_n 2_o pet._n 3.5_o express_v thus_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o world_n be_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d constitute_v or_o make_v of_o water_n not_o stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o nay_o aristotle_n 3._o aristotle_n metaph._n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o himself_o who_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n give_v this_o account_n why_o the_o god_n be_v ancient_o represent_v by_o the_o heathen_n as_o swear_v by_o the_o lake_n styx_n because_o water_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n concern_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o very_o old_a writer_n of_o theology_n and_o those_o who_o live_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o his_o time_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr mundo_fw-la 6._o mundo_fw-la cap._n 6._o it_o be_v free_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a say_n and_o a_o general_a tradition_n among_o all_o man_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v by_o he_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o that_o full_a testimony_n of_o maximus_n tyrius_n 1._o tyrius_n dissertat_fw-la 1._o to_o this_o purpose_n however_o say_v he_o man_n may_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o law_n or_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n king_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o greek_n say_v this_o the_o barbarian_n this_o those_o that_o live_v upon_o the_o continent_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v by_o the_o sea_n the_o wise_a and_o the_o unwise_a second_o we_o have_v likewise_o a_o most_o ancient_a and_o credible_a history_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n with_o which_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n can_v contend_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o go_v about_o to_o strengthen_v my_o argument_n by_o plead_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n for_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v offer_v good_a evidence_n if_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o matter_n hand_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o moses_n have_v the_o ordinary_a credit_n of_o a_o historian_n give_v he_o which_o none_o in_o reason_n can_v deny_v he_o he_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o write_n never_o question_v by_o any_o of_o they_o as_o josephus_n appion_n josephus_n l._n 1._o contra_fw-la appion_n assure_v we_o now_o this_o history_n of_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o by_o god_n which_o assertion_n of_o he_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o heathen_a whether_o poet_n or_o historian_n and_o several_a of_o the_o main_a part_n of_o moses_n history_n as_o concern_v the_o flood_n and_o the_o first_o father_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o he_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n gen._n 10._o do_v very_o well_o accord_n with_o the_o most_o ancient_a account_n of_o profane_a history_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o any_o thing_n aught_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n to_o a_o humane_a belief_n than_o the_o easy_a and_o credible_a account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o first_o people_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n both_o the_o egyptian_a and_o chaldean_a account_n which_o be_v pretend_v by_o some_o to_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v near_o the_o matter_n easy_o reconcile_v with_o it_o out_o it_o vide_fw-la dr._n stillingsleet_n orig._n sac._n where_o this_o be_v full_o make_v out_o if_o we_o do_v but_o admit_v what_o diodorus_n siculus_n and_o plutarch_n very_o credible_a person_n and_o diligent_a searcher_n into_o ancient_a book_n do_v most_o express_o assure_v we_o viz._n that_o both_o those_o nation_n do_v ancient_o reckon_v month_n for_o year_n and_o the_o account_n of_o the_o chinese_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n now_o in_o so_o nice_a and_o obscure_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n be_v it_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v any_o fair_a and_o reasonable_a enquirer_n if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v any_o whit_n near_o one_o another_o so_o that_o universal_a tradition_n and_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n in_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o on_o our_o side_n and_o if_o they_o be_v one_o can_v hardly_o wish_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n for_o if_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o mankind_n have_v a_o beginning_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o universal_a tradition_n concern_v this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o memorable_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n and_o this_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v do_v if_o mankind_n spring_v from_o one_o common_a root_n and_o originals_n from_o whence_o this_o tradition_n will_v natural_o be_v universal_o diffuse_v second_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v expect_v that_o so_o remarkable_a a_o thing_n shall_v be_v record_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n now_o both_o these_o have_v according_o happen_v but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o have_v no_o beginning_n there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o tradition_n or_o history_n and_o if_o such_o a_o tradition_n
be_v at_o any_o time_n endeavour_v to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o it_o shall_v at_o first_o gain_v entertainment_n but_o much_o more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o ever_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v universal_o propagate_v for_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v always_o people_v and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o common_a head_n or_o spring_n from_o whence_o such_o a_o tradition_n will_v natural_o derive_v itself_o into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o unless_o all_o the_o world_n be_v sometime_o of_o one_o language_n and_o under_o one_o government_n which_o it_o never_o be_v that_o we_o know_v of_o since_o it_o be_v people_v no_o endeavour_n and_o industry_n can_v make_v such_o a_o tradition_n common_a if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o tradition_n begin_v after_o some_o universal_a deluge_n out_o of_o which_o possible_o but_o one_o family_n may_v escape_v and_o that_o possible_o too_o of_o barbarous_a people_n from_o who_o any_o fond_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n may_v spring_v and_o afterward_o spread_v itself_o as_o mankind_n increase_v this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o have_v show_v even_o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o aristotle_n himself_o that_o there_o be_v ancient_o such_o a_o tradition_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o very_a first_o asserter_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o 10._o he_o de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 10._o say_v express_o that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n that_o be_v before_o he_o do_v hold_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o proof_n this_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o namely_o testimony_n 2_o the_o probability_n of_o reason_n do_v all_o likewise_o favour_v the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 1._o the_o want_n of_o any_o history_n or_o tradition_n ancient_a than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n nay_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n be_v write_v long_o after_o that_o time_n this_o lucretius_n the_o famous_a epicurean_a urge_v as_o a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n si_fw-mi nulla_fw-la fuit_fw-la genitalis_fw-la origo_fw-la terrarum_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la semperque_fw-la aeterna_fw-la fuere_fw-la cur_n supra_fw-la bellum_fw-la thebanum_fw-la &_o funera_fw-la trojae_fw-la non_fw-la alius_fw-la alii_fw-la quoque_fw-la res_fw-la cecinere_fw-la poetae_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n have_v no_o beginning_n how_o be_v it_o that_o the_o greek_a poet_n the_o most_o ancient_a of_o their_o writer_n mention_n nothing_o high_o than_o the_o theban_a war_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n be_v there_o from_o all_o eternity_n no_o memorable_a action_n do_v till_o about_o that_o time_n or_o have_v mankind_n no_o way_n till_o of_o late_a to_o record_v they_o and_o propagate_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n it_o be_v much_o if_o man_n be_v from_o eternity_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v out_o the_o way_n of_o write_v all_o that_o long_a duration_n which_o have_v pass_v before_o that_o time_n sure_a he_o be_v a_o fortunate_a man_n indeed_o who_o after_o man_n have_v be_v eternal_o so_o dull_a as_o not_o to_o find_v it_o out_o have_v the_o luck_n at_o last_o to_o hit_v upon_o it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o famous_a action_n of_o former_a time_n be_v always_o record_v but_o that_o the_o memorial_n of_o they_o have_v be_v several_a time_n lose_v by_o universal_a deluge_n which_o have_v now_o and_o then_o happen_v and_o sweep_v all_o away_o except_o it_o may_v be_v two_o or_o three_o person_n that_o have_v escape_v and_o begin_v the_o world_n again_o upon_o a_o new_a score_n this_o be_v the_o only_a refuge_n that_o the_o atheist_n have_v to_o fly_v to_o when_o he_o be_v press_v with_o this_o and_o the_o like_a argument_n but_o he_o can_v possible_o escape_v this_o way_n for_o these_o universal_a inundation_n must_v either_o be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a if_o they_o be_v supernatural_a as_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v well_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o natural_a reason_n of_o they_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v then_o indeed_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o few_o of_o mankind_n and_o no_o more_o shall_v escape_v because_o this_o will_v depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o superior_a be_v which_o be_v suppose_v supernatural_o to_o order_v these_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v to_o yield_v what_o we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n contend_v for_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o if_o they_o be_v natural_a which_o the_o atheist_n must_v say_v then_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o restrain_v they_o from_o a_o total_a destruction_n not_o only_o of_o mankind_n but_o of_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o the_o atheist_n can_v deny_v not_o only_o to_o be_v very_o possible_a but_o exceed_v probable_a because_o he_o grant_v it_o to_o have_v come_v so_o near_o the_o matter_n that_o but_o very_o few_o escape_v and_o no_o doubt_n with_o great_a difficulty_n now_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o own_o supposition_n so_o likely_a to_o happen_v shall_v never_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o a_o infinite_a duration_n will_v any_o man_n have_v the_o face_n to_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v likely_a which_o do_v never_o yet_o happen_v from_o all_o eternity_n one_o will_v think_v that_o not_o only_o whatever_o be_v probable_a but_o whatever_o can_v possible_o happen_v shall_v be_v bring_v about_o in_o that_o space_n so_o that_o if_o mankind_n have_v be_v from_o eternity_n it_o have_v in_o all_o probability_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v be_v destroy_v from_o all_o eternity_n but_o i_o may_v confident_o say_v long_o since_o ruin_v 2._o another_o probability_n of_o the_o world_n beginning_n be_v the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o original_n of_o learning_n and_o the_o most_o useful_a art_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v eternal_a these_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v have_v be_v find_v out_o and_o general_o spread_v long_o ago_o and_o beyond_o the_o memory_n of_o all_o age_n there_o be_v some_o art_n indeed_o that_o be_v peculiar_o convenient_a to_o some_o particular_a nation_n and_o other_o that_o be_v only_o serviceable_a to_o the_o humour_n and_o fashion_n of_o one_o or_o more_o age_n these_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o spread_v and_o they_o may_v come_v in_o and_o go_v out_o and_o return_v again_o as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n but_o those_o which_o be_v general_o useful_a to_o mankind_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n if_o they_o be_v once_o find_v out_o and_o who_o will_v not_o think_v they_o shall_v in_o a_o eternal_a duration_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v spread_v innumerable_a age_n since_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n give_v a_o good_a reason_n how_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v lose_v but_o by_o some_o such_o accident_n as_o a_o universal_a deluge_n which_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o already_o but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o beginning_n of_o learning_n and_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a art_n in_o several_a nation_n be_v very_o well_o know_v and_o i_o add_v far_o that_o wherever_o learning_n and_o civil_a art_n have_v come_v this_o tradition_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o assert_v with_o the_o greatness_n clearness_n and_o confidence_n 3._o the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o the_o world_n consist_v be_v so_o far_o as_o by_o those_o part_n of_o it_o which_o we_o know_v we_o can_v possible_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o nature_n corruptible_a it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o in_o a_o infinite_a duration_n this_o frame_n of_o thing_n will_v long_o since_o have_v be_v dissolve_v especial_o if_o as_o the_o atheist_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o superior_a be_v no_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a principle_n to_o repair_v and_o regulate_v it_o and_o to_o prevent_v those_o innumerable_a disorder_n and_o calamitous_a accident_n which_o must_v in_o so_o long_a a_o space_n in_o all_o probability_n have_v happen_v to_o it_o this_o lucretius_n 5._o lucretius_n l._n 5._o also_o urge_v as_o a_o convince_a proof_n that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a quare_fw-la etiam_fw-la nativa_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la confiteare_fw-la haec_fw-la eadem_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la mortali_fw-la corpore_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la exit_fw-la infinito_fw-la jam_fw-la tempore_fw-la adhuc_fw-la potuissent_fw-la immensi_fw-la validas_fw-la aevi_fw-la contemnere_fw-la vires_fw-la it_o
in_o this_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o now_o see_v and_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v at_o first_o in_o its_o full_a vigour_n and_o fruitfulness_n do_v then_o bring_v forth_o man_n and_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o live_a creature_n as_o it_o do_v plant_n now_o this_o be_v in_o short_a the_o epicurean_a account_n of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n which_o as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v lucretius_n 5._o lucretius_n l._n 5._o have_v very_o elegant_o express_v in_o these_o verse_n sed_fw-la quibus_fw-la ille_fw-la modis_fw-la conjectus_fw-la materiai_fw-la fundarit_fw-la coelum_fw-la ac_fw-la terram_fw-la pontique_fw-la profunda_fw-la solisque_fw-la &_o lunae_fw-la cursus_fw-la ex_fw-la ordine_fw-la ponam_fw-la nam_fw-la certe_fw-la neque_fw-la consilio_fw-la primordia_fw-la rerum_fw-la ordine_fw-la se_fw-la quaeque_fw-la atque_fw-la sagaci_fw-la ment_fw-la locarunt_fw-la nec_fw-la quos_fw-la quaeque_fw-la darent_fw-la motus_fw-la pepigere_fw-la profecto_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la multa_fw-la modis_fw-la multis_fw-la primordia_fw-la rerum_fw-la exit_fw-la insinito_o jam_fw-la tempore_fw-la percita_fw-la plagis_fw-la ponderibusque_fw-la suis_fw-la consuerunt_fw-la concita_fw-la ferri_fw-la omnimodisque_fw-la coire_fw-la atque_fw-la omne_fw-la pertentare_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la possent_fw-la congressa_fw-la creare_fw-la propterea_fw-la fit_a uti_fw-la magnum_fw-la vulgata_fw-la per_fw-la aevum_fw-la omnigenos_fw-mi coetus_fw-la &_o motus_fw-la experiundo_fw-la tandem_fw-la ea_fw-la conveniant_fw-la quae_fw-la ut_fw-la convenere_fw-la repent_v magnarum_fw-la rerum_fw-la fiunt_fw-la exordia_fw-la saepe_fw-la terrai_fw-la maris_fw-la &_o caeli_fw-la generisque_fw-la animantum_fw-la thus_o he_o like_v a_o good_a poet_n but_o a_o very_a bad_a maker_n and_o contriver_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n whether_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o obstinate_o to_o impute_v a_o effect_n to_o chance_v which_o carry_v in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o it_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o character_n of_o a_o wise_a design_n and_o contrivance_n be_v ever_o any_o considerable_a work_n in_o which_o there_o be_v require_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o part_n and_o a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o those_o part_n do_v by_o chance_n will_v chance_v fit_a mean_n to_o end_n and_o that_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n and_o not_o fail_v in_o any_o one_o how_o often_o may_v a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v jumble_v a_o set_v of_o letter_n in_o a_o bag_n fling_v they_o out_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o a_o exact_a poem_n yea_o or_o so_o much_o as_o make_v a_o good_a discourse_n in_o prose_n and_o may_v not_o a_o little_a book_n be_v as_o easy_o make_v by_o chance_n as_o this_o great_a volume_n of_o the_o world_n how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n be_v in_o sprinkle_v colour_n upon_o canvas_n with_o a_o careless_a hand_n before_o they_o will_v happen_v to_o make_v the_o exact_a picture_n of_o a_o man_n and_o be_v a_o man_n easy_o make_v by_o chance_n than_o his_o picture_n how_o long_o may_v twenty_o thousand_o blind_a man_n which_o shall_v be_v send_v out_o from_o the_o several_a remote_a part_n of_o england_n wander_v up_o and_o down_o before_o they_o will_v all_o meet_v upon_o salisbury_n plain_n and_o fall_v into_o rank_n and_o file_v in_o the_o exact_a order_n of_o a_o army_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v than_o how_o the_o innumerable_a blind_a part_n of_o matter_n shall_v rendezvous_n themselves_o into_o a_o world_n a_o man_n that_o see_v henry_n the_o seventh_n chapel_n at_o westminster_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n maintain_v yea_o with_o much_o better_a consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o that_o little_a structure_n and_o the_o huge_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v never_o contrive_v or_o build_v by_o any_o man_n but_o that_o the_o stone_n do_v by_o chance_n grow_v into_o those_o curious_a figure_n into_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v cut_v and_o grave_v and_o that_o upon_o a_o time_n as_o tale_n usual_o begin_v the_o material_n of_o that_o building_n the_o stone_n mortar_n timber_n iron_n lead_z and_o glass_n happy_o meet_v together_o and_o very_o fortunate_o range_v themselves_o into_o that_o delicate_a order_n in_o which_o we_o see_v they_o now_o so_o close_o compact_v that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a great_a chance_n that_o part_v they_o again_o what_o will_v the_o world_n think_v of_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v advance_v such_o a_o opinion_n as_o this_o and_o write_v a_o book_n for_o it_o if_o they_o will_v do_v he_o right_o they_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o mad_a but_o yet_o with_o a_o little_a more_o reason_n than_o any_o man_n can_v have_v to_o say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n or_o that_o the_o first_o man_n grow_v up_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n as_o plant_n do_v now_o for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o ridiculous_a and_o against_o all_o reason_n than_o to_o ascribe_v the_o production_n of_o man_n to_o the_o first_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o so_o much_o as_o one_o instance_n and_o experiment_n in_o any_o age_n or_o history_n to_o countenance_n so_o monstrous_a a_o supposition_n the_o thing_n be_v at_o first-sight_n so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a that_o no_o discourse_n about_o it_o can_v make_v it_o more_o apparent_a and_o yet_o these_o shameful_a beggar_n of_o principle_n who_o give_v this_o precarious_a account_n of_o the_o original_n of_o thing_n assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o man_n of_o reason_n the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n the_o only_a cautious_a and_o wary_a person_n that_o hate_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o that_o must_v have_v convince_a evidence_n for_o every_o thing_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o nothing_o without_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n for_o it_o ii_o speculative_a atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o give_v no_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o man_n do_v general_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o have_v do_v in_o all_o age_n the_o present_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o record_n of_o former_a time_n do_v abundant_o testify_v now_o how_o come_v this_o persuasion_n to_o have_v gain_v so_o universal_a a_o possession_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o have_v find_v such_o general_a entertainment_n in_o all_o nation_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o barbarous_a if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n in_o the_o world_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o object_n do_v continual_o encounter_v our_o understanding_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o we_o be_v so_o perpetual_o haunt_v with_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o follow_v with_o it_o wherever_o we_o go_v if_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o proceed_v from_o some_o accidental_a distemper_n of_o our_o understanding_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o universal_a that_o no_o difference_n of_o age_n or_o temper_n or_o education_n can_v wear_v it_o out_o and_o set_v any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n free_a from_o it_o into_o what_o can_v we_o resolve_v this_o strong_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o error_n and_o mistake_v how_o come_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v thus_o seduce_v it_o be_v altogether_o unimaginable_a but_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o among_o all_o difference_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o constant_a but_o no_o one_o and_o constant_a reason_n of_o this_o can_v be_v give_v but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o understanding_n which_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n bear_v with_o it_o and_o stamp_v upon_o it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n that_o in_o the_o free_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o itself_o it_o will_v find_v out_o god_n and_o what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n he_o shall_v set_v this_o mark_n of_o himself_o upon_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o they_o may_v know_v to_o who_o they_o belong_v and_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o their_o being_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o credible_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o now_o what_o do_v the_o atheist_n resolve_v this_o into_o he_o be_v not_o at_o one_o with_o himself_o what_o account_n to_o give_v of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v he_o shall_v for_o he_o that_o will_v overlook_a the_o true_a reason_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o usual_o be_v but_o one_o may_v easy_o find_v many_o false_a one_o error_n be_v infinite_a but_o there_o be_v three_o which_o he_o principal_o rely_v upon_o fear_v tradition_n and_o policy_n of_o state_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v these_o first_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o this_o
apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n do_v spring_n from_o a_o infinite_a jealousy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o endless_a fear_n of_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v according_a to_o that_o divine_a say_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o he_o can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v primum_fw-la in_fw-la orle_fw-mi deos_fw-la fecit_fw-la timor_fw-la fear_v first_o make_v go_n so_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n do_v universal_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n or_o that_o this_o fear_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n imagine_v there_o be_v a_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v impress_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o all_o man_n shall_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o fear_n shall_v create_v a_o universal_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o man_n that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o whence_o shall_v this_o fear_v come_v it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o without_o from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o who_o first_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o then_o our_o fear_n believe_v it_o or_o else_o it_o must_v arise_v from_o within_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_n dreadful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n if_o from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o who_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o question_n return_v who_o tell_v they_o so_o and_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v till_o the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o report_n be_v find_v out_o so_o that_o this_o account_n of_o fear_n resolve_v itself_o into_o tradition_n which_o shall_v speak_v to_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o fear_n arise_v from_o within_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v dreadful_a thing_n this_o likewise_o be_v liable_a to_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n for_o first_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o fear_n be_v something_o that_o be_v dreadful_a that_o be_v something_o that_o threaten_v man_n with_o harm_n or_o danger_n and_o that_o in_o god_n must_v either_o be_v power_n or_o justice_n and_o such_o a_o object_n as_o this_o fear_n indeed_o may_v create_v but_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o justice_n now_o how_o shall_v fear_v put_v man_n upon_o fancy_v a_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o such_o so_o that_o the_o atheist_n must_v join_v another_o cause_n to_o fear_n viz._n hope_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o create_v this_o imagination_n of_o a_o god_n and_o what_o will_v the_o product_n of_o these_o two_o contrary_a passion_n be_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o be_v which_o we_o shall_v fear_v will_v do_v we_o as_o much_o harm_n as_o we_o can_v hope_v it_o will_v do_v we_o good_a which_o will_v be_v quid_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la and_o which_o our_o reason_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o lay_v aside_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v fancy_v it_o because_o it_o will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o but_o second_o suppose_v fear_v alone_o can_v do_v it_o how_o come_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a fear_n the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n will_v say_v it_o always_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v to_o affirm_v and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n the_o epicurean_a atheist_n if_o he_o will_v speak_v consonant_o to_o himself_o must_v say_v that_o there_o happen_v in_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o first_o man_n such_o a_o contexture_n of_o atom_n as_o do_v natural_o dispose_v man_n to_o these_o panic_n fear_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o first_o man_n when_o they_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o afterward_o break_v loose_a from_o their_o root_n find_v themselves_o weak_a and_o naked_a and_o unarmed_a and_o meet_v with_o several_a fierce_a creature_n strong_a than_o themselves_o they_o be_v put_v into_o such_o a_o fright_n as_o do_v a_o little_a distemper_n their_o understanding_n and_o let_v loose_v their_o imagination_n to_o endless_a suspicion_n and_o unbounded_a jealousy_n which_o do_v at_o last_o settle_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v infinite_o powerful_a and_o able_a to_o do_v they_o harm_n and_o be_v full_o possess_v with_o this_o apprehension_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o craze_a person_n to_o believe_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o become_v religious_a and_o afterward_o when_o mankind_n begin_v to_o be_v propagate_v in_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n than_o religion_n oblige_v they_o to_o instill_v these_o principle_n into_o their_o child_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v the_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o course_n have_v be_v continue_v ever_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n have_v be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o epicurus_n his_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o original_n of_o man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n think_v fit_a to_o say_v thus_o i_o can_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o confute_v he_o three_o whether_o man_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n such_o timorous_a and_o fancifull_a creature_n or_o happen_v to_o be_v make_v so_o in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o thing_n it_o seem_v however_o that_o this_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v a_o foundation_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a ought_v we_o not_o rather_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o these_o fear_n and_o that_o nature_n have_v not_o plant_v they_o in_o we_o to_o no_o purpose_n than_o that_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a there_o be_v no_o principle_n that_o aristotle_n the_o great_a assertor_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n do_v more_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o this_o that_o nature_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o atheist_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o every_o man_n must_v who_o attentive_o consider_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n that_o although_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n yet_o they_o have_v happen_v as_o well_o as_o if_o the_o great_a wisdom_n have_v the_o order_n and_o contrive_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o wisdom_n will_v never_o have_v plant_v such_o a_o vain_a principle_n as_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n second_o if_o fear_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o this_o universal_a consent_n the_o atheist_n think_v it_o may_v very_o probable_o be_v resolve_v into_o universal_a tradition_n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v liable_a to_o great_a exception_n for_o whence_o come_v this_o tradition_n it_o must_v begin_v some_o time_n it_o must_v have_v its_o original_n from_o some_o body_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o know_v who_o that_o man_n be_v that_o first_o raise_v this_o spirit_n which_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n can_v never_o conjure_v down_o since_o where_o do_v he_o live_v and_o when_o in_o what_o country_n and_o in_o what_o age_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v his_o name_n or_o his_o son_n name_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o this_o the_o atheist_n can_v give_v no_o punctual_a account_n of_o only_o he_o imagine_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o some_o body_n long_o ago_o not_o body_n know_v when_o beyond_o the_o memory_n of_o all_o age_n do_v start_v such_o a_o notion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o have_v pass_v for_o current_n ever_o since_o but_o if_o this_o tradition_n be_v grant_v so_o very_o ancient_a as_o to_o have_v be_v before_o all_o book_n and_o to_o be_v elder_a than_o any_o history_n it_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o body_n can_v tell_v have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o than_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o notion_n which_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o bear_v with_o he_o than_o a_o tradition_n transmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n through_o all_o generation_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o consent_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v scarce_o any_o certain_a tradition_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v among_o they_o but_o two_o or_o three_o age_n before_o three_o but_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v satisfactory_a he_o have_v one_o way_n more_o which_o although_o it_o signify_v little_a to_o man_n of_o sober_a and_o severe_a reason_n yet_o it_o very_o unhappy_o hit_v
bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n as_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n do_v their_o mechanical_a skill_n in_o the_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v of_o god_n tabernacle_n for_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o every_o thing_n to_o attain_v its_o true_a and_o propor_n end_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o glorify_v the_o giver_n here_o be_v subject_a enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o praise_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o almighty_a power_n and_o exquisite_a wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o and_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o admire_v what_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o praise_v to_o vindicate_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v upon_o a_o imperfect_a view_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o seem_a discord_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o divine_a administration_n to_o explain_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o adore_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o the_o angel_n better_a and_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o pry_v into_o god_n send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o they_o these_o will_v be_v noble_a exercise_n indeed_o for_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o best_a trial_n of_o our_o ability_n in_o this_o kind_n satyr_n and_o invective_n be_v the_o easy_a kind_n of_o wit_n almost_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o abuse_v and_o find_v fault_n for_o wit_n be_v a_o keen_a instrument_n and_o every_o one_o can_v cut_v and_o gash_n with_o it_o but_o to_o carve_v a_o beautiful_a image_n and_o to_o polish_v it_o require_v great_a art_n and_o dexterity_n to_o praise_v any_o thing_n well_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o much_o more_o wit_n than_o to_o abuse_v a_o little_a wit_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ill_a nature_n will_v furnish_v a_o man_n for_o satyr_n but_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o wit_n be_v to_o commend_v well_o and_o perhaps_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v due_o commend_v for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a judgement_n require_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v great_a and_o excellent_a it_o be_v hard_a not_o to_o sink_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o this_o i_o say_v on_o purpose_n to_o recommend_v to_o man_n a_o noble_a exercise_n for_o their_o wit_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o that_o scoff_a humour_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o ill_o nature_a and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n but_o to_o every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n the_o civil_a government_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n do_v not_o in_o a_o short_a space_n find_v the_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o humour_n but_o i_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n so_o horrid_a a_o impiety_n shall_v dare_v to_o appear_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v we_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v arise_v in_o the_o gospel-age_n and_o they_o do_v appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o which_o be_v more_o sad_a and_o strange_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v persist_v in_o this_o profaneness_n notwithstanding_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v abroad_o in_o this_o nation_n god_n have_v of_o late_a year_n manifest_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a dreadful_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o this_o insolent_a impiety_n and_o now_o that_o those_o judgement_n have_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o we_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o it_o be_v time_n for_o he_o to_o show_v himself_o when_o his_o very_a be_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o to_o come_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n when_o man_n begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o make_v it_o the_o scripture_n mention_n two_o thing_n as_o the_o forerunner_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n infidelity_n and_o profane_a scoff_v at_o religion_n 18.8_o luke_n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o st._n judas_n out_o of_o a_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o enoch_n express_o mention_n this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o convince_v ungodly_a sinner_n of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v against_o he_o for_o judas_n 15._o for_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n have_v not_o too_o much_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v the_o judge_n to_o be_v at_o the_o door_n this_o impiety_n do_v forerun_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o if_o it_o hold_v on_o among_o we_o may_v not_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o either_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n or_o that_o some_o very_a dismal_a calamity_n great_a than_o any_o our_o eye_n have_v yet_o see_v do_v hang_v over_o we_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n still_o for_o we_o and_o that_o man_n will_v pity_v themselves_o and_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o know_v in_o this_o their_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n prov_n fourteen_o 34._o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o which_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o foundation_n of_o his_o be_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v love_n or_o hate_n choose_v or_o refuse_v thing_n according_a as_o he_o apprehend_v they_o to_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n or_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v most_o present_a and_o sensible_a therefore_o humane_a nature_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v extreme_o sink_v down_o into_o sense_n be_v most_o powerful_o affect_v with_o sensible_a and_o temporal_a thing_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n raise_v against_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o have_v it_o represent_v as_o inconvenient_a and_o hurtful_a to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o religion_n have_v extreme_o suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o as_o if_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o present_a welfare_n and_o do_v rob_v man_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v do_v right_a to_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o among_o man_n can_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n than_o by_o reconcile_a it_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o enemy_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a friend_n to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o make_v every_o man_n happy_a consider_v single_o and_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o humane_a society_n how_o much_o religion_n tend_v even_o to_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o private_a person_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v because_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o other_o namely_o to_o show_v how_o advantageous_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o public_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o aphorism_n of_o solomon_n righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o restrain_v righteousness_n to_o the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n though_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o this_o say_n be_v most_o true_a but_o enlarge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o strain_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o proverb_n in_o which_o the_o word_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n be_v common_o use_v very_o comprehensive_o so_o as_o to_o signify_v all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o