of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o ii_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o plain_a account_n of_o it_o have_v be_v obscure_v by_o nothing_o more_o then_o that_o it_o have_v always_o be_v describe_v and_o discourse_v of_o in_o metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a expression_n such_o as_o engraving_n and_o inscription_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n consist_v of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o proposition_n that_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o concreated_a with_o their_o understanding_n by_o attend_v to_o and_o reflect_v upon_o which_o they_o be_v instruct_v or_o bind_v to_o govern_v their_o moral_a action_n perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o god_n may_v possible_o have_v put_v some_o secret_a notice_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n or_o demonstrate_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o such_o inward_a record_n this_o plain_o resolve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o uncertain_a and_o unaccountable_a principle_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o when_o they_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o idle_a and_o precarious_a pretence_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o whatsoever_o some_o man_n affirm_v or_o fancy_v to_o be_v write_v upon_o their_o heart_n must_v immediate_o pass_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o man_n action_n and_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v as_o wild_o plead_v in_o all_o case_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o though_o that_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o secret_a and_o undiscernible_a impression_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o warrant_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o undertake_n but_o that_o must_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o common_a and_o avow_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n always_o act_v according_a to_o their_o intendment_n and_o direction_n so_o that_o by_o they_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o its_o impulse_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v determine_v in_o any_o affair_n but_o where_o they_o will_v abet_v or_o justify_v our_o proceed_n whether_o we_o real_o be_v or_o be_v not_o act_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o thus_o too_o may_v man_n that_o be_v bold_a and_o confident_a call_v every_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n or_o fancy_n to_o without_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o its_o reasonableness_n or_o account_n of_o its_o obligation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o call_v it_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o it_o must_v right_v or_o wrong_n pass_v for_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o after_o this_o rate_n there_o will_v remain_v no_o certain_a method_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v man_n own_a fancy_n prejudices_fw-la and_o inclination_n from_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o natural_a ground_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o therefore_o these_o phrase_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o exact_a propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o expression_n and_o so_o they_o be_v intend_v by_o those_o that_o first_o use_v they_o that_o only_o allude_v to_o the_o know_a custom_n and_o solemnity_n of_o enact_v law_n that_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o be_v declare_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o subject_a by_o write_v or_o proclamation_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o they_o come_v to_o describe_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o voice_n within_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v as_o certain_o declare_v reasonable_a and_o obligatory_a by_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n or_o proclaim_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n to_o our_o conscience_n however_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o in_o their_o literal_a sense_n and_o so_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v we_o may_v yet_o we_o can_v never_o derive_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o obligation_n from_o such_o uncertain_a supposition_n at_o least_o we_o need_v not_o when_o they_o be_v so_o clear_o demonstrable_a from_o reason_n and_o experience_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n from_o the_o advantage_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o society_n this_o give_v a_o complete_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o they_o may_v come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o reflection_n without_o any_o other_o declaration_n or_o express_v discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o describe_v the_o law_n which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o mosaic_a table_n not_o by_o the_o common_a expression_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d general_a notion_n or_o instinct_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n or_o such_o evident_a result_v or_o conclusion_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o at_o least_o very_a easy_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o make_v from_o its_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v no_o other_o object_n to_o exercise_n or_o entertain_v their_o thought_n withal_o but_o what_o nature_n present_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o those_o reason_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o saint_n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v deduce_v from_o this_o principle_n and_o no_o other_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n draw_v forth_o into_o use_n and_o bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n not_o by_o any_o express_a voice_n or_o immediate_a impression_n of_o the_o legislator_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a result_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o act_v sincere_o and_o meditate_v impartial_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o some_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o obedience_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o desperate_o dull_a and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v and_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o problem_n in_o morality_n when_o as_o we_o shall_v prove_v they_o be_v so_o evident_a from_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o they_o be_v find_v so_o useful_a from_o all_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n or_o to_o look_v abroad_o without_o observe_v their_o goodness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o person_n to_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n without_o suppose_v such_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n as_o can_v scarce_o be_v suppose_v incident_a to_o a_o rational_a creature_n but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v choose_v inadvertency_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v no_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o common_a object_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o his_o outward_a sense_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o plain_a or_o so_o obvious_a that_o he_o may_v never_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o then_o this_o be_v such_o a_o brutish_a affront_n to_o his_o nature_n such_o a_o affect_a and_o wilful_a sottishness_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o crime_n the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o inexcusable_a it_o be_v indeed_o not_o impossible_a but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o wretched_o regardless_o of_o all_o thing_n as_o never_o to_o have_v make_v one_o observation_n all_o his_o life-time_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a of_o any_o thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o then_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v plead_v to_o excuse_v such_o a_o palpable_a brutishness_n and_o inadvertency_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v impute_v so_o gross_a a_o ignorance_n to_o the_o most_o shameful_a and_o unpardonable_a neglect_n of_o
may_v suffice_v at_o this_o present_a upon_o this_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_a fool_n they_o have_v never_o undertake_v it_o if_o false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v they_o can_v never_o have_v proceed_v with_o any_o success_n in_o it_o §_o vi_o but_o last_o we_o must_v either_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n to_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v unquestionable_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n be_v no_o magic_a story_n or_o any_o thing_n capable_a of_o juggle_a trick_n and_o illusion_n but_o a_o plain_a and_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n as_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v of_o one_o another_o conversation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o they_o be_v jealous_a and_o incredulous_a and_o suspect_v some_o mistake_n or_o illusion_n and_o force_v he_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o their_o sense_n and_o now_o it_o be_v likely_a when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o endure_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o impudent_a and_o a_o unprofitable_a fable_n which_o if_o they_o do_v than_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o beside_o all_o the_o forementioned_a abfurdity_n this_o supposition_n labour_v under_o one_o very_o enormous_a difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o such_o profligate_v cheat_n and_o impostor_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n as_o they_o do_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o propagation_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o true_a morality_n no_o man_n that_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v can_v question_v and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o good_a man_n that_o labour_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o promote_a of_o christianity_n but_o that_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v be_v a_o frequent_a artifice_n for_o man_n of_o the_o worst_a design_n to_o make_v the_o best_a pretence_n it_o be_v so_o but_o then_o they_o must_v have_v some_o design_n to_o carry_v on_o under_o their_o pretence_n whereas_o if_o the_o apostle_n very_a pretence_n be_v not_o their_o real_a design_n they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n proper_a to_o this_o supposition_n that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n shall_v spend_v their_o day_n and_o loose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o interest_n and_o advancement_n of_o goodness_n with_o out_o any_o design_n or_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o as_o from_o the_o former_a premise_n we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o man_n and_o from_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o man_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o master_n doctrine_n so_o in_o this_o place_n do_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n prove_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o men._n for_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v see_v the_o work_n so_o to_o have_v hear_v the_o sermon_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v not_o less_o zealous_a to_o publish_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o they_o divulge_v his_o miracle_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o doctrine_n now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o teach_v and_o they_o record_v be_v they_o not_o the_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o be_v ever_o deliver_v to_o mankind_n and_o as_o wonderful_a as_o his_o action_n be_v his_o precept_n be_v scarce_o less_o admirable_a the_o goodness_n of_o his_o law_n if_o it_o do_v not_o outdo_v yet_o it_o equal_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o their_o own_o innate_a excellency_n be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o their_o divinity_n but_o of_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o give_v a_o account_n in_o a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o apparent_a that_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v not_o omit_v any_o instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o that_o no_o law_n nor_o no_o philosophy_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o morality_n so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o useful_a and_o now_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o his_o miracle_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o the_o same_o person_n who_o report_n that_o he_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n record_v also_o that_o he_o teach_v such_o excellent_a law_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v those_o work_n of_o god_n for_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n what_o can_v be_v more_o probable_a than_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v in_o the_o same_o design_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o great_a villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o imposture_n for_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o report_v concern_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o true_a then_o be_v he_o as_o lewd_a and_o wretched_a a_o impostor_n as_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o bear_v out_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o as_o bold_a atheistical_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n know_o to_o abuse_v mankind_n with_o such_o a_o palpable_a and_o blasphemous_a cheat._n be_v it_o not_o then_o likely_a that_o man_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v after_o their_o rate_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o accurse_a imposture_n that_o be_v so_o infinite_o zealous_a for_o the_o concernment_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n how_o awkerd_o do_v these_o thing_n piece_n together_o what_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o odd_a supposition_n the_o same_o man_n die_v martyr_n to_o the_o worst_a imposture_n and_o best_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o what_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n and_o yet_o die_v to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o conceivable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a people_n shall_v conspire_v together_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o so_o lewd_a a_o forgery_n and_o then_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fable_n with_o their_o blood_n but_o how_o do_v the_o prodigy_n heighten_v that_o such_o profligate_v wretch_n shall_v so_o easy_o forego_v their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o the_o more_o man_n tumble_v and_o toss_v their_o thought_n about_o to_o raise_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o report_n the_o more_o do_v they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o argument_n no_o far_o because_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v no_o more_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_o odd_o conceit_a man_n that_o can_v but_o persuade_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o now_o if_o we_o review_v these_o circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n story_n as_o it_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v favour_v with_o all_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n of_o credibility_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o suppose_v it_o a_o imposture_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v vouch_v with_o strong_a and_o more_o enforce_v motive_n of_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n that_o mankind_n can_v reasonable_o desire_v which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n all_o scruple_n and_o exception_n be_v so_o fortunate_o prevent_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o possible_a escape_n or_o pretence_n leave_v for_o insidelity_n for_o first_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n in_o
vanity_n of_o their_o principle_n before_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o work_v they_o to_o any_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o though_o i_o think_v it_o a_o imprudent_a thing_n to_o be_v dispute_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o common_a people_n if_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v because_o it_o common_o rather_o weaken_v than_o confirm_v their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v only_o problematical_a which_o before_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v unquestionable_a yet_o when_o they_o have_v raise_v the_o dispute_n among_o themselves_o and_o have_v by_o chance_n for_o they_o never_o judge_v of_o any_o thing_n upon_o due_a enquiry_n because_o they_o never_o make_v it_o run_v away_o with_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o the_o controversy_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reduce_v by_o better_a information_n and_o that_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o these_o two_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n viz._n the_o evident_a obligation_n 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but_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o inflexible_a than_o ignorance_n steel_v and_o harden_v with_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o my_o only_a design_n be_v to_o step_v in_o between_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o live_n the_o infect_a and_o the_o sound_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o contagion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o keep_v the_o disease_n from_o descend_v to_o posterity_n for_o as_o for_o this_o unhappy_a age_n it_o be_v so_o universal_o overspread_v with_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n shall_v ever_o find_v any_o just_a entertainment_n in_o it_o but_o certain_o undebauched_a posterity_n will_v judge_v more_o impartial_o and_o such_o i_o know_v be_v the_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o if_o it_o can_v but_o gain_v audience_n it_o will_v at_o last_o prevail_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v disengage_v from_o prejudice_n and_o disdain_v not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o result_v of_o sober_a reason_n and_o that_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o whenever_o virtue_n shall_v begin_v to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o recover_v its_o right_n i_o may_v give_v some_o little_a assistance_n to_o its_o restauration_n and_o both_o as_o a_o clergyman_n do_v something_o towards_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o as_o a_o englishman_n towards_o recover_v the_o ancient_a reputation_n of_o my_o native_a country_n for_o civility_n justice_n and_o integrity_n as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o first_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v there_o have_v be_v much_o talk_n in_o the_o world_n about_o it_o but_o very_o little_o say_v the_o civilian_n canonist_n and_o schoolman_n have_v attempt_v little_o more_o than_o to_o define_v it_o and_o in_o that_o they_o have_v fail_v too_o even_o grotius_n himself_o have_v so_o far_o mistake_v it_o as_o to_o suppose_v it_o obligatory_a without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o deity_n puffendorf_n have_v indeed_o of_o late_o happen_v upon_o its_o right_a definition_n in_o general_n but_o have_v neither_o describe_v its_o particular_a branch_n nor_o demonstrate_v any_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o its_o obligation_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr principiis_fw-la justi_n &_o decori_fw-la once_o or_o twice_o start_v the_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o but_o quite_o lose_v it_o in_o the_o chase_n by_o quit_v his_o own_o scent_n to_o follow_v mr._n hobbs_n cry_n among_o the_o ancient_n both_o greek_n and_o roman_n i_o find_v as_o little_o perform_v seldom_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o mere_a definition_n and_o positive_a assertion_n and_o at_o most_o some_o witty_a and_o fancifull_a reason_n in_o the_o platonic_a writer_n what_o be_v do_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr republicâ_fw-la where_o as_o he_o inform_v we_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr legibus_fw-la it_o be_v copious_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v know_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n which_o himself_o value_v much_o above_o all_o his_o other_o write_n be_v unfortunate_o perish_v but_o by_o those_o fragment_n that_o be_v remain_v of_o it_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o loss_n have_v be_v competent_o compensated_a by_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a treatise_n of_o our_o countryman_n dr._n cumberland_n upon_o this_o argument_n who_o have_v not_o only_o hit_v upon_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o have_v in_o a_o method_n heretofore_o proper_a only_o to_o mathematics_n demonstrate_v its_o obligation_n but_o his_o discourse_n be_v every_o where_o interweave_v with_o mathematical_a logical_a metaphysical_a and_o physiological_a term_n and_o notion_n i_o meet_v with_o very_a few_o that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o master_v its_o sense_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v take_v his_o main_a notion_n alone_o strip_v of_o all_o accessional_a ornament_n of_o learning_n and_o prosecute_v the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o my_o own_o way_n in_o a_o familiar_a style_n and_o a_o easy_a method_n as_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o depend_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o author_n of_o nature_n for_o unless_o that_o be_v antecedent_o grant_v we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n because_o if_o he_o never_o contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_o in_o vain_a to_o search_v for_o his_o design_n in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o herein_o i_o have_v a_o very_a considerable_a advantage_n of_o the_o learned_a author_n that_o i_o follow_v for_o he_o begin_n at_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v force_v to_o presume_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o its_o author_n which_o without_o any_o presumption_n i_o demand_v and_o challenge_v for_o have_v first_o prove_v all_o those_o physical_a end_n and_o design_n that_o he_o have_v discover_v of_o his_o providence_n in_o all_o part_n of_o nature_n if_o after_o that_o any_o moral_a end_n and_o design_n discover_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o providence_n and_o that_o plain_o connect_v the_o proof_n of_o one_o with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o have_v run_v through_o all_o part_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o show_v that_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o all_o their_o several_a attempt_n to_o give_v any_o other_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v intolerable_o childish_a and_o beyond_o all_o thing_n ridiculous_a and_o this_o may_v be_v presume_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o modesty_n because_o nature_n itself_o be_v its_o own_o demonstration_n
and_o do_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v very_o witty_a and_o acute_a man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v presume_v so_o extravagant_o upon_o their_o own_o wit_n as_o to_o think_v themselves_o such_o almighty_a conjurer_n as_o to_o be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o raise_v all_o the_o part_n of_o dead_a matter_n into_o life_n and_o motion_n but_o so_o to_o inspire_v they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o dance_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n into_o exact_a order_n and_o symmetry_n i_o think_v the_o great_a right_n that_o their_o friend_n can_v do_v they_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o much_o learning_n have_v make_v they_o mad_a for_o it_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n can_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o so_o wild_a a_o design_n it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o person_n famous_a for_o architecture_n shall_v grow_v so_o odd_o conceit_v of_o his_o skill_n as_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o with_o the_o great_a gravity_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n how_o to_o build_v house_n and_o palace_n without_o workman_n by_o teach_v his_o art_n to_o the_o material_n themselves_o whereby_o stone_n morter_n timber_n lead_v iron_n glass_n shall_v be_v enable_v to_o work_v and_o contrive_v themselves_o into_o a_o regular_a building_n his_o friend_n certain_o can_v never_o take_v it_o unkind_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v conclude_v he_o a_o little_a beside_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o all_o our_o mechanic_n philosopher_n that_o they_o will_v be_v building_n of_o stately_a world_n without_o a_o artificer_n for_o in_o that_o alone_o lie_v all_o their_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v so_o enormous_a in_o itself_o that_o no_o man_n wit_n can_v ever_o help_v or_o mend_v it_o whereas_o if_o they_o will_v but_o take_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n into_o their_o mechanic_n and_o make_v their_o several_a way_n of_o mechanism_n the_o effect_n of_o his_o contrivance_n and_o not_o the_o result_v of_o blind_a and_o stupid_a matter_n for_o i_o they_o may_v play_v at_o mechanise_v as_o long_o and_o as_o various_o as_o they_o please_v but_o till_o then_o i_o must_v beseech_v they_o not_o to_o take_v it_o unkind_o if_o some_o splenetic_a people_n can_v hold_v and_o if_o after_o this_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o their_o complaint_n the_o next_o thing_n they_o can_v do_v will_v be_v to_o pity_v they_o and_o thus_o have_v remove_v this_o poor_a but_o plausible_a objection_n that_o i_o find_v spiteful_o throw_v in_o my_o way_n i_o may_v now_o proceed_v where_o i_o break_v off_o well_o then_o if_o the_o physical_a end_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o obvious_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o groundwork_n by_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o great_a line_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v so_o plain_o interweave_v with_o they_o must_v so_o much_o the_o more_o evident_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v draw_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n for_o thing_n moral_a be_v not_o so_o plain_a and_o visible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o thing_n physical_a or_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o easy_o observable_a as_o the_o contrivance_n of_o art_n and_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o when_o those_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o and_o connect_v with_o these_o they_o can_v but_o derive_v a_o great_a light_n from_o they_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v themselves_o thus_o for_o example_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o sun_n whatever_o other_o use_v it_o may_v have_v be_v design_v to_o give_v light_n and_o comfort_n to_o this_o low_a world_n and_o that_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o one_o or_o both_o be_v so_o artificial_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o this_o design_n insomuch_o that_o if_o any_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v it_o must_v prove_v a_o considerable_a prejudice_n to_o this_o whole_a globe_n now_o if_o the_o same_o cause_n that_o contrive_v this_o exact_a harmony_n between_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o earth_n have_v in_o any_o part_n of_o this_o contrivance_n intimate_v any_o law_n of_o life_n then_o be_v it_o as_o certain_a that_o he_o as_o much_o intend_v that_o mankind_n shall_v govern_v themselves_o by_o those_o law_n as_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v give_v light_n to_o this_o world_n this_o connexion_n between_o the_o physical_a and_o moral_a end_n of_o thing_n be_v thus_o firm_o knit_v the_o first_o observation_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o one_o great_a end_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v universal_a and_o mutual_a love_n kindness_n and_o benevolence_n between_o all_o rational_a creature_n in_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o lay_v as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o that_o make_v it_o first_o design_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o and_o then_o second_o to_o oblige_v we_o all_o to_o prosecute_v his_o own_o design_n have_v so_o order_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v every_o single_a man_n happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o their_o honest_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v that_o of_o the_o community_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o law_n or_o enact_v a_o obligation_n the_o first_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o observe_v it_o the_o second_o engage_v their_o obedience_n to_o it_o by_o the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o though_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o philosopher_n think_v requisite_a to_o be_v prove_v upon_o this_o argument_n yet_o here_o also_o as_o i_o begin_v high_a and_o found_v my_o argument_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n not_o upon_o the_o bare_a supposition_n but_o the_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n so_o have_v i_o proceed_v far_o to_o the_o certain_a inference_n of_o a_o future_a state_n for_o though_o that_o be_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o as_o far_o as_o our_o action_n be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n that_o interest_n shall_v be_v connect_v with_o honesty_n yet_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v so_o happen_v that_o by_o the_o voluntary_a wickedness_n of_o other_o man_n they_o be_v oppose_v what_o then_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n if_o interest_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o honesty_n for_o then_o be_v we_o cast_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o wickedness_n that_o be_v not_o to_o care_v what_o we_o do_v so_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a self-design_n and_o if_o that_o be_v once_o take_v up_o for_o our_o resolution_n nothing_o can_v ever_o bring_v we_o under_o any_o true_a obligation_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n if_o honesty_n must_v be_v prefer_v what_o recompense_n shall_v we_o receive_v for_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o in_o this_o case_n they_o run_v counter_a and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v some_o reserve_v for_o it_o in_o a_o life_n to_o come_v he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o duty_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reward_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o have_v oblige_v we_o without_o a_o sufficient_a obligation_n so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o have_v interweave_v in_o the_o make_v of_o it_o the_o law_n of_o mutual_a justice_n for_o the_o attaintment_n of_o our_o common_a happiness_n have_v withal_o secure_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n for_o all_o that_o upright_o comply_v with_o his_o design_n because_o without_o it_o they_o may_v when_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o duty_n be_v defeat_v of_o their_o happiness_n by_o the_o default_n of_o bad_a men._n for_o as_o all_o moral_a goodness_n be_v resolve_v into_o that_o one_o principle_n of_o seek_v the_o common_a good_a in_o the_o first_o place_n so_o be_v all_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n into_o the_o contrary_a principle_n of_o neglect_v or_o oppose_v it_o see_v then_o that_o all_o man_n have_v some_o power_n over_o their_o own_o action_n for_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o that_o all_o morality_n sink_v into_o nonsense_n and_o nothing_o and_o see_v we_o find_v by_o too_o common_a experience_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n that_o good_a man_n when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o obligation_n may_v be_v defeat_v in_o this_o life_n of_o their_o reward_n by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o bad_a man_n what_o can_v more_o evident_o follow_v than_o that_o the_o same_o providence_n that_o have_v oblige_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n shall_v secure_v their_o reward_n in_o a_o life_n to_o come_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o inseparable_o connect_v that_o
and_o solitary_a and_o infinite_o more_o unsafe_a than_o hare_n and_o fox_n and_o vermin_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o without_o a_o metaphor_n be_v worse_o than_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o always_o insecure_a and_o uneasy_a eat_v up_o with_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n troublesome_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o in_o continual_a fear_n and_o danger_n from_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n every_o man_n life_n will_v be_v short_a and_o his_o death_n violent_a all_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a at_o first_o view_n that_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o a_o late_a author_n can_v be_v so_o wild_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a in_o his_o conceit_n as_o not_o only_o to_o define_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n but_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o supposition_n as_o the_o only_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o government_n and_o morality_n for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o nature_n itself_o will_v guide_v and_o direct_v reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o law_n or_o covenant_n no_o nor_o deity_n then_o certain_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n in_o that_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o familiar_a observation_n of_o thing_n that_o mankind_n be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n if_o every_o man_n will_v be_v content_a with_o his_o own_o moderate_a and_o reasonable_a proportion_n but_o if_o not_o that_o then_o their_o life_n must_v of_o necessity_n become_v for_o ever_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a and_o that_o they_o will_v all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ever_o secure_a in_o their_o own_o enjoyment_n that_o it_o will_v be_v plain_o impossible_a for_o every_o or_o any_o single_a person_n to_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o fraud_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o visible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o observation_n of_o thing_n mankind_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o all_o perfect_o mad_a and_o void_a of_o all_o sense_n of_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n as_o natural_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o enmity_n when_o that_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o the_o most_o obvious_a direction_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o come_v into_o this_o inhuman_a condition_n of_o life_n till_o they_o become_v so_o unwise_a and_o so_o unnatural_a as_o to_o act_v against_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o providence_n nothing_o can_v ever_o betray_v man_n into_o it_o but_o the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o humane_a race_n spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n without_o dependence_n upon_o or_o obligation_n to_o any_o creator_n yet_o if_o we_o will_v be_v please_v only_o to_o suppose_v they_o endue_v with_o the_o faculty_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n they_o will_v natural_o fall_v into_o a_o condition_n of_o peace_n and_o society_n it_o be_v so_o evident_o every_o man_n interest_n to_o seek_v and_o procure_v it_o so_o that_o this_o imaginary_a state_n of_o war_n be_v just_a so_o much_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v for_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v fool_n and_o madman_n but_o if_o it_o be_v more_o natural_a for_o this_o sort_n of_o being_n that_o we_o call_v man_n to_o be_v guide_v in_o their_o action_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o love_n of_o their_o own_o self_n that_o will_v immediate_o reverse_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o design_n to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n and_o instead_o of_o every_o man_n be_v fall_v upon_o every_o man_n he_o meet_v as_o that_o hypothesis_n imagine_v he_o will_v court_v his_o friendship_n though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o it_o than_o that_o by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n he_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o every_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o seek_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v ever_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o enlarge_v his_o friendship_n and_o dependence_n in_o that_o as_o many_o as_o he_o endear_v or_o oblige_v so_o many_o he_o engage_v to_o his_o service_n and_o defence_n so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o man_n live_v according_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o discretion_n so_o far_o do_v they_o endeavour_v after_o the_o love_n and_o goodwill_n of_o mankind_n because_o their_o safety_n and_o happiness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o friend_n or_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o secure_v his_o own_o quiet_a be_v concern_v to_o secure_v the_o goodwill_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o procure_v it_o by_o be_v as_o unfeigned_o concern_v for_o their_o welfare_n as_o for_o his_o own_o for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a method_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n to_o seek_v or_o consult_v my_o interest_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o the_o strong_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v to_o court_v his_o benevolence_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v he_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o probable_a way_n to_o endear_v i_o to_o his_o cause_n and_o service_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o every_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o seek_v his_o own_o private_a good_a unless_o he_o will_v direct_o cross_v with_o his_o own_o design_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o public_a too_o i._n e._n the_o good_a of_o all_o other_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n but_o now_o if_o he_o be_v so_o plain_o direct_v to_o this_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o contrive_v on_o purpose_n by_o a_o wise_a and_o supreme_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v govern_v themselves_o and_o their_o action_n by_o its_o direction_n because_o as_o i_o premise_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o whole_a train_n of_o natural_a effect_n be_v ultimate_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o his_o providence_n that_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o the_o property_n that_o result_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n that_o have_v make_v it_o so_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v the_o conclusion_n without_o downright_a and_o wilful_a perverseness_n but_o that_o he_o intend_v that_o those_o of_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v observation_n upon_o his_o work_n shall_v take_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o author_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o man_n can_v desire_v a_o great_a evidence_n than_o he_o have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o supposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o if_o he_o have_v so_o clear_o discover_v his_o will_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o establish_v it_o into_o a_o law_n and_o declare_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o method_n that_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supreme_a cause_n be_v we_o force_v into_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o from_o all_o the_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a contrivance_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o dispose_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a be_v the_o very_a same_o appearance_n that_o discover_v he_o discover_v his_o intention_n too_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o go_v about_o to_o avoid_v the_o obligation_n
interest_n and_o by_o which_o man_n be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mutual_a justice_n and_o honesty_n so_o easy_o and_o almost_o irresistible_o be_v they_o draw_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o morality_n if_o they_o will_v but_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o acquit_v the_o divine_a providence_n from_o any_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o be_v defective_a in_o give_v any_o part_n of_o mankind_n sufficient_a rule_n and_o instruction_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o moral_a action_n and_o yet_o be_v he_o not_o content_a to_o provide_v such_o mean_n as_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a without_o extreme_a sottishness_n but_o withal_o make_v some_o accessional_a security_n to_o prevent_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o and_o to_o force_v we_o to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o ourselves_o to_o stifle_v all_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n as_o busy_a and_o thoughtful_a as_o they_o be_v unless_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o ourselves_o to_o take_v no_o care_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n unless_o we_o can_v overcome_v the_o most_o vehement_a instinct_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n all_o these_o must_v unavoidable_o carry_v we_o into_o a_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o by_o their_o own_o force_n determine_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o so_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v first_o serious_o weigh_v apart_o and_o then_o lay_v together_o they_o will_v prove_v such_o a_o mighty_a demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o if_o we_o can_v with_o any_o confidence_n conclude_v any_o discourse_n with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o may_v much_o more_o do_v it_o in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o one_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v that_o can_v equal_v it_o in_o the_o pregnancy_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o its_o proof_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v its_o sanction_n §_o xi_o and_o this_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o conveyance_n or_o publication_n with_o the_o law_n itself_o for_o as_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n declare_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o serious_o intend_v the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a community_n so_o do_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n require_v of_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n under_o the_o enforcement_n of_o natural_a reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o those_o motive_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o proper_a sanction_n to_o make_v the_o law_n obligatory_a for_o obligation_n proper_o signify_v nothing_o but_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o we_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o law_n not_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v be_v determine_v by_o outward_a force_n or_o violence_n or_o that_o any_o lawgiver_n whatsoever_o can_v compel_v it_o to_o a_o compliance_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n against_o its_o own_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o reason_n and_o persuasion_n by_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o though_o it_o do_v not_o by_o its_o own_o direct_a influence_n overpower_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o do_v it_o effectual_o enough_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o natural_a instinct_n that_o be_v implant_v in_o they_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o happiness_n for_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n to_o pursue_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v productive_a of_o it_o and_o to_o shun_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o all_o such_o consideration_n as_o inform_v or_o assure_v we_o what_o action_n be_v so_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n upon_o our_o understanding_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o seek_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o obligation_n not_o to_o bind_v any_o fetter_n and_o restraint_n upon_o our_o will_n but_o to_o propound_v such_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o they_o as_o can_v but_o determine_v their_o choice_n if_o they_o will_v either_o attend_v to_o their_o reasonableness_n or_o follow_v the_o first_o appetite_n and_o strong_a inclination_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v so_o order_v the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o such_o a_o proportion_n of_o happiness_n shall_v follow_v in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o much_o misery_n upon_o its_o neglect_n he_o have_v plain_o establish_v it_o into_o a_o bind_a law_n by_o all_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o legislation_n and_o if_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o express_a voice_n and_o declaration_n or_o any_o other_o visible_a way_n of_o intercourse_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a sanction_n and_o more_o powerful_a enforcement_n of_o his_o will._n see_v all_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o revelation_n must_v have_v be_v to_o move_v they_o to_o obedience_n by_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o by_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n so_o many_o effectual_a motive_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v first_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n by_o write_v or_o proclamation_n or_o any_o other_o solemnity_n of_o enact_v law_n so_o that_o only_o suppose_v a_o author_n of_o nature_n which_o as_o i_o have_v often_o already_o suggest_v must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_o to_o all_o inquiry_n after_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o matter_n will_v demonstrate_v it_o self_n from_o the_o most_o obvious_a effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o most_o undoubted_a design_n of_o his_o government_n for_o it_o be_v demonstrative_o certain_a by_o induction_n of_o particular_n that_o every_o virtue_n have_v some_o natural_a efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o advance_v both_o the_o public_a good_a and_o the_o private_a interest_n so_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o inseparable_o join_v together_o and_o that_o by_o a_o order_n and_o necessity_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a providence_n that_o make_v it_o what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o he_o command_v and_o require_v all_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v suitable_o to_o that_o order_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v make_v by_o that_o establishment_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o notorious_a from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o the_o most_o obvious_a appearance_n of_o daily_a experience_n that_o temperance_n love_n of_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n faithfulness_n in_o oath_n and_o promise_n a_o aptness_n to_o kind_n and_o oblige_a office_n gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n love_n and_o affection_n to_o natural_a relation_n and_o a_o gentle_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n towards_o all_o good_a man_n be_v high_o useful_a or_o rather_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o safety_n and_o contentment_n to_o health_n of_o body_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o happiness_n of_o society_n the_o preservation_n of_o government_n and_o the_o secure_n of_o all_o man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o injury_n and_o oppression_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o all_o contrary_a vice_n have_v the_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n and_o tend_v both_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o of_o every_o man_n be_v private_a tranquillity_n unpeaceableness_n injustice_n persidiousness_n and_o all_o other_o act_n of_o excessive_a and_o unreasonable_a self-love_n that_o look_v mere_o to_o its_o own_o interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o or_o concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o natural_o produce_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o same_o proportion_n that_o these_o prevail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o do_v they_o abate_v the_o peace_n
will_v be_v content_a to_o die_v at_o twenty_o year_n of_o age_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o a_o little_a circle_n be_v as_o round_o as_o a_o great_a one_o but_o last_o gassendus_fw-la have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a device_n with_o which_o the_o learned_a man_n be_v so_o much_o please_v as_o often_o to_o repeat_v it_o that_o though_o a_o man_n life_n may_v be_v short_a in_o itself_o yet_o may_v he_o make_v it_o equal_a with_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n because_o he_o may_v converse_v with_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o former_a time_n and_o be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o if_o himself_o have_v then_o actual_o live_v and_o as_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o know_v that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v but_o what_o have_v be_v understand_v all_o future_a event_n as_o if_o present_a so_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n partly_o by_o memory_n partly_o by_o foresight_n may_v extend_v his_o short_a life_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o he_o can_v unless_o he_o can_v make_v himself_o immortal_a too_o the_o objection_n will_v still_o lie_v as_o heavy_a as_o ever_o beside_o can_v any_o wise_a man_n be_v so_o very_o fancifull_a as_o serious_o by_o this_o device_n to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v himself_o that_o though_o he_o be_v not_o above_o forty_o year_n old_a he_o be_v bear_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o though_o he_o die_v to_o morrow_n he_o shall_v live_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o if_o he_o can_v he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a foolish_a man_n too_o if_o he_o can_v it_o will_v be_v no_o support_n against_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n that_o he_o have_v already_o live_v to_o the_o world_n end_n this_o be_v the_o full_a account_n of_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n according_a to_o the_o epicurean_a principle_n which_o you_o see_v without_o this_o support_n of_o a_o future_a state_n sink_v of_o itself_o into_o a_o bottomless_a want_n and_o misery_n and_o therefore_o to_o anticipate_v our_o exception_n gassendus_fw-la at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o moral_a philosophy_n have_v wary_o as_o he_o think_v distinguish_v between_o a_o twofold_a happiness_n of_o man_n the_o one_o supernatural_a which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o religion_n that_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o future_a state_n of_o bliss_n that_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n shall_v enjoy_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n the_o other_o natural_a which_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o philosophy_n whereby_o we_o be_v instruct_v to_o live_v as_o happy_o in_o this_o life_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o general_a and_o every_o man_n be_v own_o circumstance_n in_o particular_a be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v all_o the_o felicity_n that_o mankind_n can_v natural_o desire_v or_o just_o aspire_v to_o but_o this_o be_v like_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o excuse_n particular_o that_o of_o his_o account_n of_o epicurus_n his_o filial_a reverence_n to_o the_o god_n as_o oppose_v to_o the_o vulgar_a servile_a fear_n when_o by_o deny_v their_o providence_n he_o express_o destroy_v all_o manner_n of_o reverence_n to_o they_o so_o again_o when_o he_o distinguish_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o sense_n the_o one_o external_a that_o of_o the_o body_n the_o other_o internal_a that_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o when_o epicurus_n affirm_v that_o all_o sense_n be_v extinguish_v in_o death_n it_o may_v be_v interpret_v of_o all_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n when_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o he_o intend_v all_o manner_n of_o sense_n whatsoever_o so_o now_o here_o do_v he_o distinguish_v between_o supernatural_a and_o natural_a happiness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o epicurus_n to_o treat_v only_o of_o the_o latter_a as_o a_o philosopher_n when_o it_o be_v so_o notorious_a that_o as_o a_o philosopher_n he_o make_v it_o his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a be_v and_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a but_o however_o if_o this_o happiness_n which_o he_o call_v natural_a be_v all_o that_o mankind_n be_v natural_o capable_a of_o then_o be_v he_o natural_o capable_a of_o none_o at_o all_o and_o as_o for_o the_o two_o argument_n he_o subjoin_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v content_a with_o it_o they_o only_o aggravate_v and_o upbraid_v our_o want_n instead_o of_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n as_o first_o that_o otherwise_o we_o forget_v our_o mortality_n and_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v expose_v to_o innumerable_a mischief_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o description_n of_o a_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a condition_n and_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n must_v be_v happy_a i._n e._n content_n with_o his_o condition_n because_o he_o know_v his_o condition_n to_o be_v miserable_a and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v some_o comfort_n that_o when_o all_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o misery_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o degree_n of_o it_o that_o you_o be_v less_o miserable_a than_o other_o and_o that_o you_o be_v as_o little_a miserable_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o your_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o i_o endure_v most_o of_o the_o calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n yet_o must_v i_o think_v myself_o a_o happy_a man_n if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o endure_v more_o and_o though_o i_o feel_v myself_o actual_o miserable_a yet_o philosophy_n teach_v i_o to_o think_v myself_o happy_a because_o i_o feel_v as_o little_a misery_n as_o any_o of_o my_o neighbour_n if_o these_o be_v the_o great_a topic_n of_o philosophic_a consolation_n they_o have_v better_o prescribe_v but_o this_o one_o remedy_n instead_o of_o all_o viz._n to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a only_o by_o despair_v of_o ever_o be_v so_o for_o that_o be_v the_o last_o result_n of_o all_o their_o proposition_n and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o hegesias_n his_o philosophy_n who_o vehement_o persuade_v all_o man_n to_o be_v their_o own_o executioner_n be_v but_o the_o natural_a improvement_n of_o that_o of_o aristippus_n who_o scholar_n he_o be_v for_o when_o the_o master_n have_v once_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n but_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o disciple_n to_o add_v that_o then_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o death_n be_v the_o best_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v either_o pray_v for_o or_o give_v ourselves_o for_o our_o body_n be_v liable_a to_o such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o evil_n and_o our_o mind_n so_o sensible_a of_o what_o our_o body_n feel_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o eligible_a not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o than_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o so_o much_o misery_n and_o that_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o all_o opinion_n that_o take_v away_o a_o future_a immortality_n though_o it_o be_v pretty_a to_o observe_v that_o this_o same_o hegesias_n as_o warm_v and_o eloquent_a as_o he_o be_v in_o persuade_v other_o man_n to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n when_o king_n ptolemy_n threaten_v he_o himself_o with_o death_n if_o he_o will_v not_o forbear_v those_o kind_n of_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n how_o easy_o he_o be_v cure_v of_o his_o pedantry_n for_o how_o pleasant_a soever_o the_o death_n of_o other_o may_v seem_v to_o he_o yet_o when_o it_o concern_v himself_n it_o be_v quick_o too_o hard_o for_o his_o philosophy_n and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a desperate_a condition_n of_o all_o man_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o they_o neither_o care_n to_o live_v nor_o care_n to_o die_v and_o now_o upon_o these_o fantastic_a principle_n after_o what_o a_o rate_n do_v we_o rant_v and_o with_o what_o magnanimity_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n do_v we_o defy_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o pang_n of_o death_n and_o how_o do_v we_o boast_v that_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o extreme_a torment_n that_o tyranny_n itself_o can_v inflict_v upon_o we_o we_o will_v enjoy_v pleasure_n equal_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o god_n roast_v we_o in_o the_o bull_n of_o phalaris_n we_o will_v make_v it_o more_o pleasant_a than_o a_o bed_n of_o rose_n and_o instead_o of_o roar_v out_o through_o extremity_n of_o pain_n we_o will_v spoil_v the_o tyrant_n jest_n and_o only_o laugh_v and_o sing_v quam_fw-la suave_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la hoc_fw-la non_fw-la curo_fw-la but_o can_v one_o think_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o have_v place_v all_o happiness_n in_o pleasure_n and_o all_o misery_n in_o pain_n shall_v be_v so_o artificial_a as_o to_o reconcile_v his_o sovereign_a happiness_n with_o all_o the_o anguish_n and_o extremity_n of_o pain_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o think_v himself_o most_o absolute_o
deity_n have_v enact_v those_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o follow_v with_o undeniable_a demonstration_n that_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o he_o have_v withal_o provide_v some_o other_o state_n of_o thing_n beyond_o that_o of_o this_o present_a life_n because_o otherwise_o when_o he_o have_v build_v this_o world_n with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n with_o so_o much_o wisdom_n he_o have_v do_v it_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o then_o there_o be_v neither_o art_n nor_o wisdom_n so_o that_o these_o be_v antecedent_o prove_v this_o that_o be_v so_o unavoidable_o connect_v with_o they_o though_o it_o have_v no_o other_o proof_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o reason_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a not_o only_o to_o moral_v but_o to_o natural_a philosophy_n that_o without_o it_o not_o only_o all_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n vanish_v into_o nothing_o but_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n sink_v into_o utter_a chaos_n and_o confusion_n for_o that_o the_o world_n be_v build_v by_o a_o principle_n endue_v with_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v from_o those_o evident_a end_n uses_n and_o design_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o propound_v to_o himself_o in_o their_o order_n and_o contrivance_n and_o yet_o unless_o we_o suppose_v some_o other_o state_n of_o thing_n than_o what_o be_v at_o present_a visible_a after_o those_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a design_n that_o appear_v in_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v as_o demonstrative_o follow_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v make_v to_o no_o end_n at_o all_o which_o because_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v before_o so_o evident_o demonstrate_v that_o alone_o be_v as_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o that_o be_v so_o certain_o connect_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n part_n ii_o §_o i._o have_v demonstrate_v the_o general_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o those_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v enact_v and_o proclaim_v to_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n and_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n will_v guide_v i_o to_o discover_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n i_o now_o advance_v to_o a_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o both_o by_o that_o particular_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v both_o of_o they_o and_o himself_o in_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o here_o the_o advantage_n both_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o exceed_o great_a as_o almost_o utter_o to_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o first_o we_o be_v there_o force_v to_o make_v out_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o ourselves_o by_o various_a observation_n of_o nature_n and_o train_n of_o reason_v but_o here_o we_o find_v they_o all_o distinct_o and_o exact_o draw_v forth_o for_o our_o present_a use_n into_o particular_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o make_v easy_a to_o our_o practice_n by_o familiar_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o life_n so_o that_o now_o without_o any_o laborious_a work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o without_o any_o skill_n in_o philosophy_n our_o whole_a duty_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o system_fw-la of_o plain_a and_o easy_a proposition_n and_o then_o second_o when_o we_o have_v wrought_v out_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o ourselves_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n after_o that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o work_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n out_o of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o connexion_n when_o it_o be_v discover_v be_v very_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a yet_o it_o require_v some_o careful_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o competent_a skill_n in_o the_o art_n of_o reason_v to_o discover_v it_o whereas_o now_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o we_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o exception_n both_o by_o certain_a revelation_n and_o experimental_a proof_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o such_o undoubted_a record_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o testimony_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v give_v we_o so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o we_o have_v not_o much_o more_o of_o the_o present_a at_o least_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o convince_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o not_o only_o to_o persuade_v but_o even_o to_o enforce_v our_o belief_n so_o that_o no_o ingenuous_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n can_v withstand_v their_o evidence_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o malice_n and_o peevishness_n may_v defeat_v their_o efficacy_n and_o so_o it_o may_v too_o if_o it_o please_v over_o rule_v the_o power_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v honest_a and_o impartial_a in_o the_o enquiry_n and_o not_o do_v manifest_a violence_n to_o their_o own_o conviction_n it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o doubt_v of_o or_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o problem_n about_o line_n or_o number_n as_o to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n not_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o because_o its_o proof_n be_v so_o forcible_a in_o their_o own_o kind_n that_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v distrust_v or_o demur_v upon_o their_o credibility_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o universal_a unsettledness_n and_o irresolution_n of_o mind_n for_o when_o we_o have_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o whole_a account_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o rank_a scepticism_n to_o be_v very_o little_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o infidelity_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o faith_n be_v only_o historical_a yet_o some_o historical_a evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o convictive_a as_o in_o the_o last_o result_n of_o thing_n to_o equal_v mathematical_a demonstration_n i_o know_v indeed_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v demonstrative_a argument_n when_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o than_o moral_a certainty_n but_o here_o i_o will_v first_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o moral_a certainty_n and_o to_o this_o their_o answer_n be_v ready_a that_o it_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o if_o that_o be_v the_o definition_n of_o moral_a certainty_n then_o be_v all_o certainty_n moral_a for_o every_o truth_n be_v capable_a of_o its_o own_o kind_n of_o certainty_n but_o then_o second_o there_o be_v very_o many_o thing_n from_o which_o i_o be_o in_o reason_n oblige_v to_o suspend_v my_o assent_n because_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o warrant_v its_o wisdom_n and_o though_o i_o can_v rational_o expect_v more_o certain_a ground_n concern_v they_o yet_o i_o can_v rational_o give_v up_o my_o assent_n to_o they_o because_o their_o evidence_n though_o the_o clear_a that_o in_o that_o case_n i_o can_v expect_v be_v too_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o found_v any_o confident_a assent_n upon_o thus_o have_v i_o a_o moral_a certainty_n that_o romulus_n be_v the_o founder_n of_o rome_n i._n e._n i_o have_v all_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o yet_o have_v i_o not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o venture_v any_o thing_n that_o near_o concern_v i_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a story_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n very_o fabulous_a and_o in_o all_o very_o far_o from_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a and_o therefore_o three_o if_o by_o moral_a certainty_n they_o mean_v any_o less_o degree_n of_o evidence_n as_o they_o plain_o do_v when_o they_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o proof_n than_o the_o scruple_n that_o remain_v after_o this_o their_o determination_n be_v this_o that_o the_o very_a thing_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v make_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n than_o only_o moral_a certainty_n in_o that_o it_o seem_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a