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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nature_n contain_v law_n moral_a 2,485 5 9.8922 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66053 Of the principles and duties of natural religion two books / by the Right Reverend Father in God, John, late Lord Bishop of Chester ; to which is added, A sermon preached at his funerals, by William Lloyd ... Wilkins, John, 1614-1672.; Lloyd, William, 1627-1717. Sermon preached at the funeral of John, late Lord Bishop of Chester.; Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1675 (1675) Wing W2204; Wing L2705_PARTIAL; ESTC R20334 178,528 530

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of_o the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n two_o book_n by_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n late_a lord_n bishop_n of_o chester_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o his_o funeral_n by_o william_n lloyd_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o bangor_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o a._n maxwell_n for_o t._n basset_n h._n brome_n r._n chiswell_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n the_o gun_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1675._o the_o preface_n the_o ensue_a treatise_n be_v sufficient_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n and_o needs_o nothing_o else_o to_o make_v way_n for_o its_o entertainment_n i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o these_o remain_v of_o that_o learned_a and_o excellent_a person_n and_o of_o the_o particular_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o 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our_o duty_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o very_o useful_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v the_o primary_n and_o natural_a obligation_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n in_o his_o word_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o in_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n from_o he_o can_v be_v interpret_v to_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n plain_o require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v but_o well_o consider_v it_o will_v be_v a_o effectual_a antidote_n against_o the_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o antinomian_o and_o of_o all_o other_o libertine-enthusiasts_a whatsoever_o nothing_o be_v more_o incredible_a than_o that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v contradict_v the_o clear_a &_o unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n nor_o any_o thing_n more_o vain_a than_o to_o fancy_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v release_v man_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o and_o wise_o see_v of_o what_o consequence_n it_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n upon_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a foundation_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o divine_a revelation_n that_o it_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o it_o and_o give_v it_o great_a advantage_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n three_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n by_o show_v how_o natural_a and_o direct_v a_o influence_n they_o have_v not_o only_o upon_o our_o future_a blessedness_n in_o another_o world_n but_o even_o upon_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o sure_o nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n to_o become_v religious_a than_o to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o religion_n and_o happiness_n our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n be_v real_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n consider_v under_o several_a notion_n j._n tillotson_n the_o content_n first_o book_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n chap._n i._n concern_v the_o several_a kind_n of_o evidence_n and_o assent_n pag._n 1._o chap._n ii_o two_o scheme_n of_o principle_n relate_v to_o practical_a thing_n whether_o natural_a or_o moral_a propose_v in_o the_o method_n use_v by_o mathematician_n of_o postulata_fw-la definition_n and_o axiom_n p._n 12._o chap._n iii_o some_o proposition_n necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o remove_n of_o several_a prejudices_fw-la in_o debate_n about_o religion_n p._n 22._o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o 1._o arg._n from_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v p._n 36._o chap._n v._n 2._o arg._n from_o the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n p._n 62._o chap._n vi_o 3._o arg._n from_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o natural_a thing_n p._n 78._o chap._n vii_o 4._o arg._n from_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 85._o chap._n viii_o concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o first_o of_o those_o which_o be_v common_o call_v incommunicable_a namely_o simplicity_n unity_n immutability_n infiniteness_n immensity_n  _fw-fr eternity_n p._n 100_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o communicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o first_o of_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n viz._n knowledge_n wisdom_n particular_a providence_n p._n 124._o chap._n x._o of_o the_o perfection_n relate_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n
according_a as_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n such_o a_o one_o must_v needs_o have_v his_o heart_n affect_v with_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o dread_n towards_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o very_a heathen_n be_v wont_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o paint_v their_o jupiter_n with_o a_o thunderbolt_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o strike_v a_o awe_n into_o man_n from_o dare_v to_o offend_v he_o who_o stand_v always_o ready_o arm_v with_o vengeance_n against_o such_o as_o provoke_v he_o chap._n xvi_o of_o obedience_n and_o first_o of_o active_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v dispatch_v the_o duty_n we_o be_v more_o especial_o oblige_v to_o with_o regard_n to_o god_n wisdom_n goodness_n power_n i_o shall_v now_o treat_v concern_v such_o other_o duty_n as_o refer_v more_o particular_o to_o his_o dominion_n and_o superiority_n over_o we_o his_o right_a to_o command_v and_o govern_v we_o which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o obedience_n the_o habit_n of_o which_o may_v be_v describe_v to_o consist_v in_o such_o a_o submissive_a frame_n of_o spirit_n whereby_o a_o man_n do_v always_o devote_v and_o resign_v up_o himself_o unto_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o maker_n be_v ready_a in_o every_o condition_n to_o do_v or_o suffer_v that_o which_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o acceptable_a and_o whereby_o he_o may_v best_o express_v his_o love_n and_o subjection_n by_o which_o description_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o this_o obedience_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n active_a  _fw-fr passive_a 1._o active_a which_o consist_v in_o a_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v what_o god_n shall_v enjoin_v 2._o passive_n in_o a_o acquiescence_n of_o mind_n under_o what_o he_o shall_v inflict_v both_o which_o do_v necessary_o flow_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n dominion_n over_o we_o his_o right_a to_o govern_v and_o dispose_v of_o we_o as_o he_o please_v obedience_n in_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o superior_a relation_n who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o every_o relation_n of_o superiority_n and_o dominion_n be_v a_o distinct_a engagement_n to_o subjection_n whether_o oeconomical_a as_o that_o betwixt_o parent_n and_o child_n political_n as_o betwixt_o magistrate_n and_o subject_a moral_a as_o betwixt_o benefactor_n and_o beneficiary_n or_o last_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n give_v the_o high_a title_n to_o dominion_n as_o that_o betwixt_o the_o maker_n and_o his_o work_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o he_o bestow_v be_v upon_o and_o god_n by_o all_o these_o title_n and_o many_o more_o may_v just_o challenge_v dominion_n over_o we_o under_o this_o first_o kind_n of_o obedience_n style_v active_a be_v comprehend_v these_o three_o particular_n 1._o a_o knowledge_n of_o and_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o those_o law_n which_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v 2._o a_o 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there_o must_v be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o man_n who_o have_v but_o the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o know_v these_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o inexcusable_a sin_n ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la can_v be_v no_o plea_n in_o this_o case_n because_o the_o law_n be_v write_v in_o every_o man_n heart_n by_o nature_n and_o the_o ignorance_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o any_o part_n of_o it_o have_v be_v wilful_o contract_v the_o duty_n concern_v natural_a worship_n our_o adoration_n of_o the_o deity_n by_o affiance_n love_n reverence_n pray_v to_o he_o expect_v mercy_n from_o he_o return_v to_o he_o our_o thanks_o and_o acknowledgement_n be_v reverend_a and_o solemn_a in_o all_o our_o address_n towards_o he_o our_o thought_n and_o speech_n of_o he_o and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o refer_v to_o his_o service_n may_v be_v evident_o infer_v from_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o our_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o the_o duty_n which_o concern_v the_o promote_a of_o our_o own_o and_o our_o neighbour_n welfare_n that_o mutual_a justice_n charity_n helpfulness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o exercise_v towards_o one_o another_o these_o may_v each_o of_o they_o be_v deduce_v from_o that_o common_a principle_n of_o self-love_n whereby_o every_o one_o do_v natural_o seek_v his_o own_o welfare_n and_o preservation_n we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o desirous_a that_o other_o shall_v be_v just_a to_o we_o ready_a to_o help_v we_o and_o do_v good_a to_o we_o and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o high_a equity_n and_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o desire_v and_o think_v they_o oblige_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o this_o must_v therefore_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o same_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o helpfulness_n towards_o they_o now_o the_o draw_v out_o of_o these_o general_a rule_n and_o fit_v they_o to_o particular_a case_n a_o studious_a and_o inquisitive_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o what_o our_o master_n will_v be_v in_o several_a relation_n and_o circumstance_n this_o i_o call_v the_o duty_n of_o know_v the_o commandment_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o distinct_o know_v before_o a_o man_n can_v keep_v they_o 2._o a_o consent_n to_o they_o or_o approbation_n of_o they_o as_o be_v haly_a just_a and_o good_a 12_o which_o will_v necessary_o follow_v from_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o and_o must_v necessary_o precede_v a_o genuine_a obedience_n and_o conformity_n to_o they_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o fetter_n and_o bond_n do_v rather_o endure_v they_o out_o of_o necessity_n than_o obey_v they_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o love_n i_o consent_v to_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v good_a say_v 16_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v i_o do_v in_o my_o judgement_n own_o the_o fitness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o enjoin_v as_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o advance_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 7_o perfect_a say_v the_o psalmist_n not_o only_a formaliter_fw-la in_o itself_o but_o also_o effectiuè_a as_o to_o we_o it_o make_v we_o to_o be_v so_o and_o in_o another_o place_n thy_o law_n be_v the_o truth_n namely_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o be_v a_o congruity_n 142._o betwixt_o our_o well-being_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n enjoin_v and_o it_o be_v this_o conviction_n alone_o that_o must_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o love_n of_o it_o and_o a_o delight_n to_o practice_v it_o he_o that_o harbour_v any_o prejudice_n in_o his_o mind_n against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a or_o unequal_a can_v never_o submit_v to_o they_o willing_o but_o out_o of_o a_o constraint_n he_o may_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o his_o task_n and_o burden_n but_o not_o as_o his_o joy_n and_o delight_n our_o external_a 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be_v elapse_v that_o which_o be_v now_o future_a will_v become_v present_a which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o man_n deal_v for_o reversion_n and_o thus_o likewise_o be_v it_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v probable_o come_v to_o pass_v though_o this_o probability_n shall_v be_v somewhat_o remote_a it_o be_v count_v a_o valuable_a thing_n and_o may_v be_v estimate_v at_o a_o certain_a rate_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v one_o among_o four_o or_o five_o equal_a competitor_n for_o a_o place_n to_o be_v the_o four_o or_o five_o expectant_a of_o a_o inheritance_n though_o in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v the_o odds_o of_o three_o or_o four_o to_o one_o yet_o the_o price_n that_o be_v set_v upon_o this_o may_v be_v so_o proportion_v as_o either_o to_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o equality_n or_o make_v it_o a_o very_a advantageous_a bargain_n a_o present_a good_a may_v reasonable_o be_v part_v with_o upon_o a_o probable_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a good_a which_o be_v more_o excellent_a which_o 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the_o world_n and_o several_a degree_n of_o dignity_n among_o they_o some_o being_n more_o excellent_a than_o other_o animate_v more_o than_o inanimate_a sensitive_n more_o than_o vegetative_n and_o man_n more_o than_o brute_n it_o be_v a_o great_a pre-eminence_n to_o have_v life_n than_o to_o be_v without_o it_o to_o have_v life_n and_o sense_n than_o to_o have_v life_n only_o to_o have_v life_n sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o have_v only_a life_n and_o sense_n that_o which_o do_v constitute_v any_o thing_n 1._o in_o its_o be_v and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v call_v the_o form_n or_o essence_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n that_o state_n or_o condition_n by_o which_o the_o 2._o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o which_o it_o be_v capable_a according_a to_o its_o rank_n and_o kind_a be_v call_v the_o chief_a end_n or_o happiness_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n the_o nature_n of_o plant_n do_v consist_v in_o have_v a_o 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apprehend_v a_o deity_n and_o of_o expect_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v capacity_n common_a to_o all_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o the_o suppress_n of_o they_o and_o which_o no_o other_o creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n except_o man_n do_v partake_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o faculty_n that_o be_v in_o such_o a_o state_n or_o condition_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o may_v entitle_v he_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o afford_v he_o the_o best_a assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a estate_n after_o this_o life_n that_o which_o every_o man_n do_v and_o must_v propose_v unto_o himself_o be_v the_o be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o as_o be_v reasonable_a for_o he_o to_o expect_v and_o the_o desire_n of_o this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o moral_a virtue_n about_o which_o man_n have_v a_o liberty_n of_o act_v but_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a principle_n like_o the_o descent_n of_o heavy_a body_n it_o flow_v necessary_o from_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n man_n must_v do_v so_o nor_o can_v they_o do_v otherwise_o the_o customary_a action_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o voluntary_a and_o as_o capable_a of_o 3._o reward_n or_o punishment_n be_v style_v moral_a as_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fitness_n to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n consider_v 4._o as_o a_o sensitive_a be_v be_v style_v natural_a good_a so_o that_o which_o have_v a_o fitness_n to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o man_n as_o a_o rational_a voluntary_a and_o free_a agent_n be_v style_v moral_a good_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o it_o moral_a evil._n that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a be_v to_o be_v 1_o desire_v and_o prosecute_v that_o
which_o be_v evil_a be_v to_o be_v avoid_v the_o great_a congruity_n or_o incongruity_n 2._o there_o be_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o great_a tendency_n it_o have_v to_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n nature_n so_o much_o great_a degree_n have_v it_o of_o moral_a good_a or_o evil._n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o proportion_v our_o inclination_n or_o aversion_n there_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n such_o a_o natural_a decency_n and_o fitness_n as_o do_v render_v they_o most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o practice_n abstract_v from_o all_o consideration_n of_o reward_n as_o in_o love_v those_o who_o be_v kind_a to_o we_o and_o from_o who_o we_o receive_v benefit_n in_o compensate_v good_a with_o good_a and_o not_o with_o evil._n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a both_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v submit_v 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chap._n iii_o some_o proposition_n necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v for_o the_o remove_n of_o several_a prejudices_fw-la in_o debate_n about_o religion_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o suggest_v concern_v the_o first_o foundation_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o order_n to_o a_o discourse_n about_o natural_a religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n offer_v to_o consideration_n these_o seven_o follow_a proposition_n as_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o prevent_v or_o obviate_v the_o cavil_n of_o sceptical_a captious_a man_n 1._o such_o thing_n as_o in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o true_a and_o certain_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o degree_n of_o evidence_n as_o to_o we_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o america_n or_o china_n i_o say_v these_o thing_n may_v in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o true_a and_o certain_a with_o those_o other_o matter_n that_o we_o now_o see_v and_o be_v awake_a that_o the_o three_o angle_n in_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o though_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o have_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o and_o humane_a tradition_n whereas_o for_o the_o other_o we_o have_v sensitive_a proof_n and_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o all_o truth_n be_v in_o themselves_o equal_a according_a to_o that_o ordinary_a maxim_n veritas_fw-la non_fw-la recipit_fw-la magis_fw-la &_o minus_fw-la and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o irrational_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n because_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o proof_n of_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o light_n or_o colour_n because_o he_o can_v hear_v it_o or_o sound_v because_o he_o can_v see_v it_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o other_o thing_n because_o they_o can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o sensitive_a or_o demonstrative_a proof_n the_o kind_n of_o probation_n for_o several_a thing_n be_v as_o much_o disproportion_v as_o the_o object_n of_o the_o several_a sense_n be_v to_o one_o another_o 2._o thing_n of_o several_a kind_n may_v admit_v 2._o and_o require_v several_a sort_n of_o proof_n all_o which_o ult_n may_v be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n the_o philosopher_n have_v long_o ago_o tell_v we_o that_o according_a to_o the_o divers_a nature_n of_o thing_n so_o must_v the_o evidence_n for_o they_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o undisciplined_a wit_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v this_o he_o that_o be_v rational_a and_o judicious_a will_v expect_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o argument_n in_o any_o case_n than_o the_o subject-matter_n will_v bear_v h●w_o incongruous_a will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o mathematician_n to_o persuade_v with_o eloquence_n to_o 〈◊〉_d all_o imaginable_a insinuation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o may_v prevail_v with_o his_o hearer_n to_o believe_v that_o three_o and_o three_o make_v six_o it_o will_v be_v altogether_o as_o vain_a and_o improper_a in_o matter_n belong_v to_o a_o orator_n to_o pretend_v to_o strict_a demonstration_n all_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n though_o the_o conclusion_n in_o mathematics_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstract_a nature_n of_o those_o science_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o probation_n to_o our_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a to_o expect_v the_o like_a proof_n in_o such_o other_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n this_o he_o himself_o apply_v to_o moral_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o simple_a abstract_a naturès_fw-fr but_o depend_v upon_o mix_a circumstance_n be_v not_o therefore_o capable_a of_o such_o kind_n of_o demonstrative_a proof_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o jamblicus_n that_o demonstration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v 25._o in_o matter_n concern_v god_n and_o divine_a thing_n nor_o be_v this_o any_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o thus_o likewise_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n with_o many_o particular_a conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o as_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v time_n place_n person_n action_n which_o depend_v upon_o story_n and_o the_o relation_n of_o other_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o scientifical_a principle_n as_o the_o other_o be_v now_o no_o sober_a man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o several_a thing_n in_o moral_a and_o in_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v in_o themselves_o as_o absolute_o and_o as_o certain_o true_a and_o as_o firm_o believe_v by_o we_o as_o any_o mathematical_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n can_v be_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v out_o by_o such_o kind_n of_o proof_n of_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a provide_v it_o be_v capable_a of_o satisfactory_a proof_n of_o another_o kind_n 3._o when_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o good_a proof_n in_o any_o kind_n man_n ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o 3._o the_o best_a evidence_n for_o it_o which_o that_o kind_n of_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o beyond_o which_o better_a can_v not_o be_v expect_v suppose_v it_o be_v true_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v either_o sensible_a proof_n or_o demonstration_n for_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a because_o otherwise_o nothing_o must_v be_v assent_v to_o and_o believe_v but_o that_o which_o have_v the_o high_a evidence_n all_o other_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a and_o whole_o exclude_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v know_v and_o at_o this_o rate_n man_n must_v believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o story_n because_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n may_v have_v combine_v together_o to_o impose_v upon_o they_o by_o these_o relation_n and_o how_o abhorrent_n such_o sceptical_a principle_n must_v needs_o be_v to_o common_a reason_n i_o need_v not_o say_v those_o who_o will_v pretend_v such_o kind_n of_o ground_n for_o their_o disbelief_n of_o any_o thing_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v other_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o give_v their_o assent_n be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o it_o nolle_n in_o causa_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la praetenditur_fw-la and_o on_o the_o
other_o side_n when_o we_o have_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n some_o of_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o suggestion_n of_o a_o mere_a possibility_n that_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o doubt_v to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o we_o may_v be_v unquestionable_o sure_a of_o many_o thing_n as_o to_o their_o existence_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v make_v any_o doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o motion_n and_o sensation_n and_o continuity_n of_o body_n and_o yet_o these_o thing_n be_v common_o esteem_v inexplicable_a so_o that_o our_o not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v 4._o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v and_o must_v give_v 4._o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o some_o thing_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o hesitation_n or_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_a where_o yet_o the_o evidence_n for_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o infallible_a but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o i._n e._n there_o may_v be_v a_o indubitable_a certainty_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n and_o that_o kind_a of_o certainty_n which_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o doubt_n may_v serve_v we_o as_o well_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a a_o man_n may_v make_v no_o doubt_n whether_o he_o himself_o be_v baptize_v whether_o such_o person_n be_v his_o parent_n of_o which_o yet_o he_o can_v have_v no_o other_o evidence_n than_o tradition_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o who_o be_v there_o so_o wild_o sceptical_a as_o to_o question_v whether_o the_o sun_n shall_v rise_v in_o the_o east_n and_o not_o in_o the_o north_n or_o west_n or_o whether_o it_o shall_v rise_v at_o all_o because_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o do_v not_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n suppose_v that_o in_o dig_v of_o the_o earth_n among_o some_o ancient_a ruin_n a_o man_n shall_v find_v a_o round_a flat_a piece_n of_o metal_n in_o the_o exact_a shape_n of_o a_o old_a medal_n with_o the_o image_n and_o inscription_n of_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n or_o suppose_v he_o shall_v dig_v up_o a_o large_a stone_n of_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o ancient_a tombstone_n with_o a_o distinct_a inscription_n upon_o it_o of_o the_o name_n and_o quality_n of_o some_o person_n say_v to_o be_v bury_v under_o it_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n doubt_n whether_o one_o of_o these_o be_v not_o a_o piece_n of_o coin_n and_o the_o other_o a_o grave-stone_n or_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o suspend_v his_o assent_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o bare_o upon_o this_o ground_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o these_o may_v have_v be_v the_o natural_a shape_n of_o that_o particular_a metal_n and_o stone_n and_o that_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v letter_n or_o figure_n engrave_v or_o emboss_v upon_o it_o may_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o casual_a dent_n or_o cavity_n which_o by_o the_o various_a motion_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o matter_n do_v happen_v to_o they_o among_o those_o many_o million_o of_o other_o figure_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o who_o will_v not_o think_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v strange_o wild_a and_o irrational_a who_o can_v frame_v to_o himself_o any_o real_a scruple_n from_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o why_o it_o be_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o absurd_a dotage_n that_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o suspend_v their_o assent_n mere_o upon_o this_o ground_n because_o some_o argument_n for_o it_o do_v not_o so_o infallible_o conclude_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o he_o that_o will_v raise_v to_o himself_o and_o cherish_v in_o his_o mind_n any_o real_a doubt_n according_a to_o the_o mere_a possibility_n of_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v himself_o to_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o must_v not_o stay_v within_o door_n for_o fear_v the_o house_n shall_v fall_v upon_o he_o for_o that_o be_v possible_a nor_o must_v he_o go_v out_o lest_o the_o next_o man_n that_o meet_v he_o shall_v kill_v he_o for_o that_o also_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o must_v it_o be_v for_o his_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o other_o action_n nay_o i_o add_v further_o that_o man_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o very_a many_o thing_n who_o will_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n where_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v be_v deceive_v i_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n whether_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o so_o frame_v as_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o such_o a_o moral_a certainty_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o whether_o that_o reason_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o will_v not_o prove_v a_o burden_n and_o a_o torment_n to_o we_o rather_o than_o a_o privilege_n by_o keep_v we_o in_o a_o continual_a suspense_n and_o thereby_o render_v our_o condition_n perpetual_o restless_a and_o unquiet_a will_v not_o such_o man_n be_v general_o account_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n who_o can_v please_v themselves_o by_o entertain_v actual_a hope_n of_o any_o thing_n mere_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o it_o or_o torment_v themselves_o with_o actual_a fear_n of_o all_o such_o evil_n as_o be_v possible_a be_v there_o any_o thing_n imaginable_a more_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a among_o those_o in_o bedlam_n than_o this_o will_v be_v why_o doubt_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o fear_n and_o be_v common_o style_v formido_fw-la oppositi_fw-la and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o hope_v for_o or_o fear_v it_o upon_o a_o mere_a possibility_n 5._o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o matter_n of_o faith_n 5._o and_o religion_n be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o to_o render_v they_o high_o credible_a so_o as_o a_o honest_a and_o teachable_a man_n may_v willing_o and_o safe_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n be_v justify_v in_o so_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o either_o necessary_a or_o convenient_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v establish_v by_o such_o cogent_a evidence_n as_o to_o necessitate_v assent_v because_o this_o will_v not_o leave_v any_o place_n for_o the_o virtue_n of_o believe_v or_o the_o freedom_n of_o our_o obedience_n nor_o any_o ground_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n it_o will_v not_o be_v thankworthy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v believe_v and_o can_v otherwise_o choose_v reward_n and_o punishment_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o free_a action_n such_o as_o be_v under_o a_o man_n power_n either_o to_o do_v or_o forbear_v not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o reward_v a_o man_n for_o believe_v that_o four_o be_v more_o than_o three_o than_o for_o be_v hungry_a or_o sleepy_a because_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o choice_n but_o from_o natural_a necessity_n a_o man_n must_v do_v so_o nor_o can_v he_o do_v otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v mere_o probable_a i_o have_v before_o assert_v they_o to_o be_v moral_o certain_a and_o that_o to_o a_o man_n who_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v his_o mind_n free_a from_o prejudice_n and_o to_o consider_v they_o will_v appear_v unquestionable_a and_o the_o deduction_n from_o they_o demonstrable_a but_o now_o because_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o beget_v this_o certainty_n in_o the_o mind_n namely_o impartial_a consideration_n be_v in_o a_o man_n power_n therefore_o the_o belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o proper_a subject_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n there_o will_v be_v little_a reason_n for_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o to_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v so_o great_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n if_o every_o one_o be_v necessitate_v to_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v please_v to_o propose_v these_o matter_n of_o belief_n to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o that_o we_o may_v give_v some_o testimony_n of_o our_o teachable_a disposition_n and_o of_o our_o obedience_n by_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o ut_fw-la sermo_fw-la evangelii_n 2._o tanquam_fw-la lapis_fw-la esset_fw-la lydius_n ad_fw-la quem_fw-la ingenia_fw-la sanabilia_fw-la explorarentur_fw-la as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n speak_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n
god_n the_o king_n and_o father_n of_o all_o under_o who_o there_o be_v subordinate_a deity_n his_o offspring_n who_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o share_n of_o government_n with_o he_o in_o this_o the_o grecian_a consent_n with_o the_o barbarian_a the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o continent_n with_o the_o islander_n the_o wise_a with_o the_o unwise_a 2._o but_o beside_o the_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v likewise_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o reason_n that_o a_o plurality_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o unnecessary_a and_o therefore_o improbable_a but_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o supposition_n as_o do_v imply_v in_o it_o many_o inconsistency_n and_o therefore_o be_v impossible_a 1._o it_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o therefore_o high_o improbable_a those_o have_v be_v always_o esteem_v good_a rule_n frustra_fw-la fit_a per_fw-la plura_fw-la etc._n etc._n entia_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la multiplicanda_fw-la sine_fw-la necessitate_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o common_a analogy_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o natural_a thing_n even_o in_o lesser_a matter_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o among_o they_o superfluous_a or_o redundant_fw-la and_o therefore_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o great_a and_o high_a matter_n of_o all_o now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o one_o infinite_a be_v may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o all_o purpose_n whatsoever_o for_o if_o it_o have_v any_o limit_n it_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v more_o god_n than_o be_v necessary_a 2._o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v two_o such_o infinite_a being_n because_o either_o they_o must_v have_v several_a perfection_n or_o the_o same_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o most_o obvious_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o suppose_v two_o god_n with_o several_a perfection_n some_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o some_o to_o another_o will_v plain_o prove_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v god_n because_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o suppose_v two_o god_n of_o the_o same_o and_o equal_a perfection_n will_v likewise_o prove_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v god_n i._n e._n not_o absolute_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o privilege_n to_o have_v the_o same_o equal_a perfection_n with_o another_o and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o partnership_n as_o to_o be_v alone_o and_o superior_a above_o all_o other_o and_o to_o suppose_v one_o of_o they_o whether_o of_o several_a or_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o perfection_n with_o the_o other_o but_o only_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n may_v sufficient_o evince_v that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o god_n because_o not_o supreme_a 3._o the_o three_o attribute_n to_o be_v discuss_v be_v the_o divine_a immutability_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o freedom_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o change_n or_o inconstancy_n both_o as_o to_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o purpose_n and_o that_o this_o attribute_n be_v likewise_o very_o suitable_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n may_v appear_v 1._o by_o testimony_n plato_n have_v propose_v phaed._n the_o question_n whether_o god_n be_v mutable_a and_o inconstant_a answer_v express_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o alike_o his_o word_n be_v most_o emphatical_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o be_v never_o in_o any_o wise_a capable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o change_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o mention_n these_o 2._o two_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o grand_a principle_n of_o religion_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o in_o no_o wise_a of_o any_o evil_n 2._o that_o he_o be_v constant_a and_o immutable_a and_o can_v deceive_v by_o make_v various_a representation_n of_o himself_o so_o seneca_n speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o ascribe_v this_o attribute_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o to_o his_o purpose_n or_o counsel_n have_v this_o passage_n statuerunt_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la mutarunt_fw-la nec_fw-la unquam_fw-la primi_fw-la consilii_fw-la deos_fw-la paenitet_fw-la 6._o god_n be_v always_o constant_a to_o his_o own_o decree_n and_o do_v never_o repent_v of_o his_o purpose_n and_o in_o another_o place_n necesse_fw-la praef._n est_fw-la ei_fw-la eadem_fw-la placere_fw-la evi_fw-fr nisi_fw-la optima_fw-la placere_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la nec_fw-la ob_fw-la hoc_fw-la minus_fw-la libre_fw-la ac_fw-la potens_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la enim_fw-la est_fw-la necessitas_fw-la sua_fw-la it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v always_o please_v with_o the_o same_o thing_n who_o can_v be_v please_v with_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v best_a nor_o can_v this_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o liberty_n or_o his_o power_n since_o he_o be_v his_o own_o necessity_n i._n e._n nothing_o from_o without_o but_o his_o own_o natutural_a perfection_n lay_v this_o necessity_n upon_o he_o 2._o by_o reason_n there_o be_v a_o excellent_a argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o that_o place_n before-cited_n out_o of_o plato_n which_o according_a to_o his_o manner_n he_o deliver_v in_o a_o more_o copious_a way_n of_o expression_n but_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v this_o all_o change_n must_v be_v either_o involuntary_a and_o upon_o necessity_n or_o voluntary_a and_o upon_o choice_n now_o god_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a be_v can_v by_o any_o thing_n be_v necessitate_v to_o a_o involuntary_a change_n and_o for_o any_o voluntary_a change_n whereas_o it_o must_v be_v either_o for_o the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o any_o wise_a be_v shall_v be_v willing_a to_o change_v for_o the_o worse_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o perfect_a be_v shall_v change_v for_o the_o better_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v immutable_a we_o esteem_v changeableness_n in_o man_n either_o a_o imperfection_n or_o a_o fault_n their_o natural_a change_n as_o to_o their_o person_n be_v from_o weakness_n and_o vanity_n their_o moral_a change_n as_o to_o their_o inclination_n and_o purpose_n be_v from_o ignorance_n or_o inconstancy_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v remove_v this_o from_o god_n as_o be_v that_o which_o will_v darken_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n the_o great_a the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v the_o great_a imperfection_n will_v mutability_n be_v beside_o that_o it_o will_v take_v away_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n love_n and_o fear_v and_o affiance_n and_o worship_n in_o which_o man_n will_v be_v very_o much_o discourage_v if_o they_o can_v not_o certain_o rely_v upon_o god_n but_o be_v in_o doubt_n that_o his_o nature_n may_v alter_v and_o that_o hereafter_o he_o may_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o from_o what_o we_o now_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v 4._o infiniteness_n be_v another_o attribute_n most_o natural_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v his_o not_o be_v bound_v by_o place_n or_o space_n or_o by_o duration_n but_o be_v immense_a and_o eternal_a 1._o this_o attribute_n of_o god_n immensity_n do_v signify_v his_o not_o be_v so_o confine_v by_o any_o bound_n of_o space_n but_o that_o he_o do_v spread_v himself_o to_o all_o place_n that_o we_o can_v see_v or_o can_v imagine_v and_o infinite_o beyond_o so_o as_o we_o can_v say_v he_o be_v here_o and_o not_o there_o thus_o far_o he_o reach_v and_o not_o far_o some_o have_v think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o believe_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipresence_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n as_o to_o be_v actual_o present_a in_o every_o place_n but_o this_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v everywhere_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n whereby_o he_o do_v influence_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o conceive_v without_o his_o actual_a presence_n in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o knowledge_n whereby_o he_o do_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o secret_a and_o that_o he_o can_v pierce_v through_o all_o these_o create_a thing_n with_o great_a facility_n than_o the_o light_n do_v through_o the_o air._n and_o that_o this_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n may_v appear_v 1._o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o heathen_a testify_v by_o their_o pray_v to_o he_o at_o any_o place_n or_o time_n which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v always_o and_o everywhere_o present_n at_o least_o by_o his_o knowledge_n and_o his_o power_n tully_n cite_v pythagoras_n affirm_v deum_fw-la esse_fw-la animum_fw-la per_fw-la naturam_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la intentum_fw-la &_o commeantem_fw-la deor._n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n or_o mind_n which_o do_v pass_v
and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o we_o have_v oblige_v by_o all_o imaginable_a kindness_n they_o may_v deal_v deceitful_o with_o we_o and_o prove_v like_o winter_n brook_n which_o in_o wet_a season_n 15._o when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o they_o will_v run_v with_o a_o torrent_n but_o be_v quite_o vanish_v in_o a_o time_n of_o drought_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o a_o prosperous_a condition_n they_o will_v be_v forward_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o we_o with_o great_a profession_n of_o kindness_n and_o zeal_n but_o if_o our_o condition_n prove_v any_o way_n decline_v they_o present_o fall_v off_o and_o become_v stranger_n forget_v and_o renounce_v all_o obligation_n of_o friendship_n and_o gratitude_n rather_o than_o run_v the_o least_o hazard_n or_o trouble_v to_o do_v we_o a_o kindness_n that_o man_n have_v have_v but_o little_a experience_n in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o this_o be_v not_o very_o evident_a but_o now_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o 5._o more_o especial_o extend_v to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n the_o fatherless_a and_o 14._o widow_n the_o prisoner_n the_o poor_a and_o the_o stranger_n he_o be_v the_o helper_n of_o the_o friendless_a 14._o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v usual_o the_o chief_a occasion_n to_o take_v off_o their_o affection_n and_o kindness_n namely_o misery_n and_o affliction_n be_v a_o principal_a argument_n to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o good_a man_n in_o h._n scripture_n to_o that_o purpose_n o_o go_v not_o far_o from_o i_o for_o trouble_n be_v nigh_o at_o hand_n 11._o and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v i_o i_o be_o in_o misery_n o_o hear_v i_o speedy_o 3._o he_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n for_o our_o relief_n and_o supply_n in_o every_o condition_n be_v able_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o please_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o 6._o in_o all_o deep_a place_n he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o every_o thing_n both_o as_o to_o its_o be_v and_o operation_n we_o depend_v whole_o upon_o his_o power_n not_o only_o for_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n but_o likewise_o for_o the_o mean_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n make_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o riches_n or_o in_o any_o worldly_a thing_n because_o power_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o urge_v for_o a_o 11._o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v trust_v in_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o because_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n 4._o abraham_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hope_v 21._o against_o hope_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v 4._o he_o be_v everlasting_a whereas_o all_o other_o help_v and_o comfort_n which_o we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o be_v transient_a and_o fade_a as_o for_o our_o father_n where_o be_v they_o and_o 5._o do_v the_o prophet_n or_o prince_n live_v for_o ever_o their_o day_n upon_o earth_n be_v a_o shadow_n that_o fleet_v away_o their_o breath_n go_v forth_o and_o they_o return_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o then_o all_o their_o thought_n perish_v whereas_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o righteousness_n extend_v to_o child_n child_n even_o to_o all_o generation_n we_o see_v by_o daily_a experience_n person_n of_o great_a hope_n and_o expectation_n when_o their_o patron_n die_v upon_o who_o they_o have_v their_o dependence_n to_o what_o a_o forlorn_a and_o helpless_a condition_n they_o be_v reduce_v but_o now_o this_o can_v never_o befall_v the_o man_n who_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o hope_n the_o lord_n be_v and_o it_o be_v one_o 7._o of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o do_v furnish_v a_o man_n with_o such_o a_o sure_a refuge_n and_o support_v against_o all_o kind_n of_o exigence_n whereby_o he_o may_v bear_v up_o his_o spirit_n under_o those_o difficulty_n wherewith_o other_o be_v overwhelm_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o god_n do_v expect_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n do_v require_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v suitable_o affect_v with_o joy_n or_o sorrow_n according_a as_o their_o condition_n be_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o deep_o affect_v with_o these_o thing_n as_o other_o man_n they_o shall_v weep_v as_o not_o weep_v and_o rejoice_v as_o not_o rejoice_v they_o shall_v not_o upon_o any_o occasion_n fear_n or_o sorrow_n as_o man_n without_o hope_n but_o shall_v demean_v themselves_o as_o person_n that_o have_v a_o high_a principle_n to_o be_v act_v by_o and_o to_o live_v upon_o than_o any_o of_o these_o sensible_a thing_n i_o can_v omit_v to_o suggest_v one_o observation_n concern_v this_o duty_n of_o affiance_n which_o i_o have_v now_o be_v insist_v upon_o that_o though_o this_o particular_a virtue_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a affinity_n be_v evident_o moral_a duty_n our_o obligation_n to_o they_o be_v clear_o deducible_a from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o consequent_o must_v be_v own_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n yet_o they_o do_v in_o their_o write_n speak_v but_o spare_o concern_v those_o kind_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o elevate_n and_o refine_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o scripture_n do_v most_o of_o all_o insist_v upon_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o moral_a write_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o in_o speak_v of_o these_o grace_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v more_o frequent_o allude_v to_o scripture_n expression_n chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n second_o as_o for_o those_o perfection_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n namely_o his_o goodness_n his_o justice_n his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o due_a apprehension_n of_o these_o shall_v excite_v in_o we_o the_o virtue_n of_o love_n with_o all_o the_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o it_o by_o love_n i_o mean_v a_o esteem_v of_o he_o and_o a_o seek_n after_o he_o as_o our_o only_a happiness_n so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o ingredient_n of_o this_o virtue_n of_o love_n estimation_n and_o choice_n 1._o a_o estimation_n of_o the_o judgement_n a_o due_a valuation_n of_o those_o excellency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereby_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a be_v in_o genere_fw-la boni_fw-la from_o who_o all_o create_a goodness_n be_v derive_v and_o by_o conformity_n to_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v and_o this_o notion_n be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o the_o word_n charity_n whereby_o we_o account_v a_o thing_n dear_a or_o precious_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n do_v our_o saviour_n oppose_v despise_v to_o love_a either_o he_o must_v hate_v the_o one_o and_o love_v the_o other_o 34._o or_o he_o must_v hold_v to_o the_o one_o and_o despise_v the_o other_o now_o these_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o absolute_o or_o relative_o 1._o absolute_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o abstract_v from_o any_o benefit_n that_o we_o ourselves_o may_v have_v by_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o can_v only_o produce_v in_o we_o a_o esteem_n of_o our_o judgement_n without_o any_o desire_n or_o zeal_n in_o our_o will_n or_o affection_n the_o devil_n do_v understand_v these_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o most_o wise_a most_o just_a and_o powerful_a and_o he_o know_v withal_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v good_a deserve_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o love_n god_n for_o these_o perfection_n because_o he_o himself_o be_v evil_a and_o be_v not_o like_a to_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o they_o 2._o relative_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o advantage_n which_o may_v arrive_v to_o we_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n when_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o infinite_a need_n of_o he_o and_o their_o misery_n without_o he_o and_o that_o their_o utmost_a felicity_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o proper_o provoke_v affection_n and_o desire_n namely_o his_o relative_a goodness_n as_o to_o we_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o under_o such_o transport_v of_o love_n as_o to_o believe_v the_o person_n who_o he_o love_v to_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o most_o virtuous_a wise_a beautiful_a wealthy_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o
repentance_n to_o forgive_v we_o all_o that_o we_o offend_v and_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v or_o forgive_v they_o shall_v love_v much_o to_o love_v they_o that_o love_v we_o be_v a_o duty_n but_o of_o a_o low_a attainment_n the_o publican_n and_o sinner_n do_v the_o same_o nay_o the_o very_a beast_n will_v do_v it_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n that_o person_n must_v be_v void_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n who_o will_v not_o admire_v and_o love_n god_n for_o his_o excellency_n but_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v he_o for_o his_o kindness_n must_v be_v more_o stupid_a and_o senseless_a than_o the_o brute_n creature_n 3._o we_o be_v utter_o undo_v without_o a_o interest_n in_o his_o favour_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o absolute_a goodness_n can_v work_v upon_o our_o reason_n nor_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o relative_a goodness_n or_o kindness_n upon_o our_o ingenuity_n and_o gratitude_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o undo_a estate_n without_o he_o aught_o to_o prevail_v with_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o forfeit_v the_o first_o and_o most_o universal_a principle_n of_o self-preservation_n the_o not_o have_v he_o for_o our_o friend_n and_o much_o more_o the_o have_v he_o for_o our_o enemy_n put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o absolute_a incapacity_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o happiness_n it_o be_v a_o question_n propose_v by_o st._n austin_n why_o we_o be_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n enjoin_v to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n but_o have_v nowhere_o any_o precept_n command_v we_o to_o love_v ourselves_o to_o which_o he_o give_v this_o answer_n fingi_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la major_a dilectio_fw-la svi_fw-la quam_fw-la dilectio_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o high_a and_o true_a self-love_n be_v to_o love_v that_o which_o can_v alone_o make_v we_o happy_a man_n do_v not_o need_v any_o motive_n or_o argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o love_v themselves_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a principle_n rather_o than_o a_o moral_a duty_n they_o must_v do_v so_o nor_o can_v they_o do_v otherwise_o only_o this_o be_v that_o wherein_o they_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o direction_n how_o to_o set_v this_o natural_a principle_n on_o work_n upon_o its_o due_a object_n felicity_n must_v be_v every_o man_n chief_a end_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o convince_v man_n wherein_o this_o happiness_n do_v consist_v and_o there_o be_v no_o rational_a consider_v man_n but_o must_v needs_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o first_o and_o supreme_a good_a so_o that_o to_o love_n god_n as_o our_o happiness_n be_v to_o love_v ourselves_o beyond_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v or_o fancy_v by_o way_n of_o motive_n or_o persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n this_o upon_o all_o account_n so_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a that_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o doubt_n or_o dispute_v about_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o by_o way_n of_o proof_n or_o confirmation_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v only_o offer_v two_o consideration_n which_o shall_v engage_v man_n utmost_a diligence_n and_o caution_n in_o this_o matter_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o know_v whether_o we_o true_o love_v god_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o we_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o mistake_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o unspeakable_a concernment_n to_o understand_v whether_o we_o love_v god_n or_o not_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o we_o of_o true_a religion_n or_o not_o it_o be_v not_o a_o question_n about_o the_o fruit_n or_o the_o branch_n but_o about_o the_o root_n not_o about_o the_o degree_n but_o about_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n there_o be_v no_o medium_n betwixt_o love_a god_n and_o hate_v of_o he_o he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o be_v against_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n luke_n 11._o 23._o 2._o and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o mistake_v there_o be_v natural_o in_o all_o nation_n of_o man_n who_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o kind_n of_o confuse_a inclination_n towards_o god_n whereby_o they_o seek_v the_o lord_n if_o haply_o they_o may_v feel_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 27._o and_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v this_o natural_a propension_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o love_n whereas_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o inclination_n than_o a_o firm_a choice_n and_o resolution_n rather_o a_o natural_a disposition_n than_o a_o acquire_v or_o infuse_v habit_n none_o can_v have_v more_o confident_a persuasion_n of_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o their_o zeal_n for_o he_o than_o the_o jew_n have_v and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o but_o i_o know_v 42._o you_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o you_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a profession_n though_o accompany_v with_o zeal_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o our_o love_n though_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o both_o live_v and_o die_v under_o this_o delusion_n mat._n 7._o 22._o many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n it_o be_v not_o the_o be_v gift_v and_o call_v for_o these_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o prophesy_v and_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o a_o ability_n to_o undergo_v the_o flame_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v neither_o gift_n nor_o privilege_n nor_o some_o particular_a act_n of_o duty_n though_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a kind_n and_o great_a difficulty_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o this_o love_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o man_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o mistake_v and_o where_o a_o mistake_n will_v prove_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n and_o therefore_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o considerate_a and_o cautious_a in_o our_o enquiry_n about_o it_o there_o be_v one_o kind_a of_o affection_n seat_v in_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o another_o in_o the_o sensitive_a the_o fancy_n and_o appetite_n the_o one_o consist_v in_o a_o full_a conviction_n deliberate_a choice_n and_o firm_a resolution_n the_o other_o consist_v more_o in_o some_o sudden_a impetus_fw-la and_o transport_v of_o desire_n after_o a_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o these_o may_v be_v style_v the_o virtue_n the_o other_o the_o passion_n of_o love_n now_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v in_o some_o fit_n of_o devotion_n love_n god_n with_o as_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o fervour_n as_o to_o passionate_a sensitive_a love_n as_o some_o martyr_n have_v do_v yet_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o in_o his_o judgement_n to_o esteem_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o equal_o or_o never_o so_o little_o more_o than_o god_n such_o a_o kind_n of_o affection_n though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o other_o a_o martyr_n yet_o can_v not_o preserve_v he_o from_o be_v a_o apostate_n and_o renouncer_n or_o blasphemer_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o learned_a author_n have_v prove_v more_o at_o large_a pink_v nay_o i_o add_v further_o from_o the_o same_o author_n though_o a_o man_n shall_v love_v god_n with_o a_o equal_a degree_n of_o affection_n yet_o because_o the_o object_n be_v so_o infinite_o disproportionable_a and_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v measure_v from_o those_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v induce_v to_o they_o therefore_o of_o such_o a_o one_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v that_o he_o do_v not_o love_n god_n he_o that_o make_v he_o but_o equal_a to_o any_o worldly_a thing_n may_v be_v say_v infinite_o to_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v he_o for_o the_o further_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v suggest_v to_o you_o a_o distinction_n not_o common_o if_o at_o all_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o betwixt_o natural_a principle_n and_o moral_a duty_n the_o misunderstanding_n of_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o difficulty_n and_o confusion_n about_o this_o and_o some_o other_o point_n 1._o by_o natural_a principle_n i_o mean_v such_o kind_n of_o impression_n as_o be_v original_o stamp_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n whereby_o they_o be_v fit_v for_o those_o service_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v in_o their_o creation_n the_o act_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a and_o under_o no_o kind_n of_o
submission_n under_o the_o afflict_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a of_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o most_o repugnant_a to_o humane_a nature_n yet_o be_v there_o no_o subject_n more_o excellent_o discuss_v by_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n and_o wherein_o they_o seem_v more_o to_o exceed_v themselves_o than_o this_o i_o shall_v mention_v out_o of_o they_o some_o of_o those_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o apposite_a and_o material_a to_o this_o purpose_n under_o these_o four_o head_n which_o contain_v the_o several_a argument_n to_o this_o duty_n viz._n 1._o such_o as_o refer_v to_o god_n by_o who_o providence_n all_o our_o suffering_n be_v procure_v or_o permit_v 2._o such_o as_o concern_v ourselves_o 3._o such_o as_o may_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o affliction_n 4._o and_o last_o such_o as_o refer_v to_o this_o grace_n of_o patience_n 1._o there_o be_v many_o argument_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o duty_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n who_o either_o send_v affliction_n or_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v upon_o we_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 2._o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o 3._o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o do_v concern_v himself_o about_o every_o particular_a event_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o thing_n beautiful_a and_o in_o their_o time_n dispose_v of_o all_o to_o the_o best_a which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o divers_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v very_o large_o insist_v upon_o particular_o antoninus_n who_o 39_o have_v this_o passage_n if_o god_n say_v he_o do_v not_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o and_o care_n for_o i_o and_o my_o affair_n why_o do_v i_o at_o any_o time_n pray_v to_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v exercise_v a_o special_a providence_n towards_o all_o event_n no_o doubt_n but_o he_o do_v consult_v well_o and_o wise_o about_o they_o nor_o will_v he_o suffer_v any_o hurt_n or_o prejudice_n to_o befall_v i_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a good_a upon_o some_o other_o account_n and_o in_o this_o i_o ought_v to_o acquiesce_v and_o in_o another_o place_n say_v the_o same_o author_n i_o 23._o refer_v every_o thing_n that_o befall_v i_o to_o god_n as_o the_o contriver_n of_o it_o by_o who_o all_o event_n be_v dispose_v in_o a_o wise_a order_n there_o be_v also_o many_o great_a and_o excellent_a say_n in_o epictetus_n to_o this_o purpose_n 7._o that_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o more_o desirable_a which_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o that_o which_o i_o choose_v a_o reluctancy_n against_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n in_o the_o world_n why_o may_v not_o a_o man_n refuse_v 23._o to_o obey_v god_n in_o what_o he_o command_v as_o well_o as_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o what_o he_o inflict_v and_o then_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o any_o pretence_n to_o religion_n we_o shall_v all_o say_v he_o conform_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o will_n of_o providence_n and_o most_o willing_o follow_v whither_o ever_o he_o shall_v lead_v we_o as_o know_v it_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a contrivance_n i_o do_v enchyrid_a in_o my_o judgement_n more_o consent_n to_o that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v than_o to_o that_o which_o my_o own_o inclination_n lead_v unto_o i_o will_v desire_v and_o will_v just_o so_o and_o 26._o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o he_o do_v and_o in_o another_o place_n use_v i_o as_o thou_o please_v i_o do_v full_o consent_v and_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o shall_v refuse_v nothing_o which_o shall_v seem_v good_a unto_o thou_o lead_v i_o whither_o ever_o thou_o will_v put_v i_o into_o what_o condition_n thou_o please_v must_v i_o be_v in_o a_o private_a not_o in_o a_o public_a station_n in_o poverty_n not_o in_o wealth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v not_o only_o consent_v to_o it_o but_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o apologise_v for_o it_o to_o justify_v and_o maintain_v before_o all_o man_n such_o thy_o deal_n with_o i_o to_o be_v most_o fit_v and_o prudent_a most_o suitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o my_o condition_n and_o beside_o the_o reason_n to_o this_o purpose_n from_o natural_a light_n which_o be_v so_o excellent_o improve_v and_o urge_v by_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n there_o be_v likewise_o several_a attestation_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o afflict_v out_o of_o faithfulness_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a 75._o in_o work_v signify_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o be_v most_o excellent_a because_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o though_o some_o particular_a dispensation_n may_v seem_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v difficult_a and_o obscure_a his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o yet_o we_o may_v be_v most_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a contrivance_n in_o all_o of_o they_o though_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v round_o about_o he_o yet_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o throne_n and_o beside_o the_o more_o general_a assertion_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v frequent_o mention_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o do_v likewise_o more_o particular_o insist_v upon_o those_o special_a reason_n and_o end_n whereby_o the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v justify_v as_o namely_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o god_n 11._o holiness_n to_o work_v in_o we_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o save_v we_o from_o be_v condemn_v with_o the_o world_n to_o preserve_v 32._o in_o we_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o reverence_n they_o have_v no_o change_n therefore_o they_o fear_v not_o god_n psal._n 55._o 19_o to_o quicken_v our_o relish_n of_o those_o mercy_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o our_o thankfulness_n for_o they_o to_o wean_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o prevent_v the_o surfeit_n of_o prosperity_n to_o enlarge_v our_o experience_n to_o contract_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o hardiness_n and_o courage_n as_o may_v become_v a_o militant_a state_n to_o keep_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n a_o continual_a sense_n of_o our_o dependent_a condition_n which_o be_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a thing_n wherein_o our_o happiness_n do_v consist_v to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v likewise_o contain_v several_a express_a promise_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o cross_n that_o befall_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o issue_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a rom._n 8._o 28._o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o trouble_n or_o affliction_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o which_o we_o can_v be_v without_o but_o it_o have_v its_o necessary_a place_n and_o work_v in_o that_o frame_n and_o design_n of_o event_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v ordain_v for_o the_o bring_n of_o we_o to_o happiness_n and_o though_o all_o of_o they_o may_v for_o the_o present_n seem_v grievous_a and_o some_o of_o they_o perhaps_o not_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o promise_n yet_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v most_o assure_v that_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v 10._o mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o his_o testimony_n and_o there_o be_v few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v observant_a of_o god_n deal_n towards_o they_o but_o be_v able_a to_o say_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o they_o have_v be_v afflict_v 2._o a_o second_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o i_o have_v show_v before_o from_o several_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a what_o apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o sinner_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o our_o patient_a submission_n under_o his_o afflict_a hand_n he_o be_v merciful_a and_o 6._o gracious_a long-suffer_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o 4._o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_n he_o do_v indulge_v we_o in_o our_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n with_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o tenderness_n as_o nurse_n use_v to_o their_o young_a child_n now_o there_o be_v all_o imaginable_a equity_n in_o this_o consequence_n that_o if_o he_o bear_v with_o we_o in_o what_o we_o can_v lawful_o do_v that_o we_o shall_v
to_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o all_o good_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v abound_v in_o precept_n to_o this_o purpose_n rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v be_v carful_a for_o nothing_o cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o he_o as_o know_v that_o he_o take_v care_n for_o thou_o these_o kind_n of_o duty_n do_v formal_o and_o in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o nature_n of_o happiness_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o opposite_a vice_n do_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o punishment_n and_o render_v man_n formal_o miserable_a such_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v unhappy_a who_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o continual_a anxiety_n sorrow_n fear_n diffidence_n selfwill_n malice_n envy_n etc._n etc._n of_o several_a of_o which_o that_o may_v be_v say_v which_o the_o poet_n speak_v concern_v one_o of_o they_o invidiâ_fw-la siculi_n non_fw-la invenêre_fw-la tyranni_fw-la tormentum_fw-la majus_fw-la the_o sicilian_a tyrant_n who_o be_v of_o old_a famous_a for_o invent_v engine_n of_o torture_n as_o that_o of_o phalaris_n his_o bull_n be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o any_o kind_n of_o torment_n for_o the_o body_n equal_a to_o that_o which_o some_o of_o these_o vice_n do_v occasion_n to_o the_o mind_n 2._o and_o as_o religion_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o so_o likewise_o do_v it_o enable_v we_o for_o this_o kind_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o from_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n consider_v in_o itself_o 2._o from_o the_o most_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o religion_n consider_v in_o itself_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n contain_v in_o their_o very_a essence_n these_o kind_n of_o inward_a felicity_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n themselves_o that_o natural_a appetite_n whereby_o man_n be_v carry_v out_o after_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n be_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o so_o universal_a and_o radical_a so_o close_o fix_v to_o our_o first_o principle_n and_o for_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o so_o ardent_a and_o impetuous_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v disappoint_v in_o it_o without_o a_o very_a quick_a sensation_n and_o some_o proportionable_a trouble_n for_o it_o the_o more_o eager_a man_n be_v in_o their_o desire_n the_o more_o sensible_a must_v they_o be_v of_o gain_n or_o loss_n now_o all_o such_o course_n as_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o this_o appetite_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n part_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o which_o be_v cross_v to_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v we_o miserable_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o our_o happiness_n must_v consist_v in_o such_o a_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n to_o the_o supreme_a good_a as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o must_v hence_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v formal_o happiness_n he_o that_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o godlike_a disposition_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o do_v according_o exercise_v they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n may_v be_v say_v eo_fw-la nomine_fw-la to_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n be_v but_o two_o distinct_a name_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o show_v before_o that_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o pleasure_n be_v found_v in_o a_o suitableness_n betwixt_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o reasonable_a action_n have_v in_o they_o a_o suitableness_n to_o reasonable_a mind_n and_o the_o more_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o delight_n must_v such_o a_o man_n take_v in_o such_o kind_n of_o action_n that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o impotent_a dependent_a condition_n and_o how_o much_o it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o all_o humane_a affair_n that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a governor_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a and_o gracious_a and_o how_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o man_n shall_v demean_v themselves_o towards_o he_o suitable_o to_o this_o belief_n he_o that_o be_v convince_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o the_o promote_a his_o own_o private_a as_o well_o as_o the_o public_a welfare_n that_o man_n be_v forward_o to_o do_v all_o good_a office_n of_o justice_n and_o friendship_n towards_o one_o another_o i_o say_v he_o that_o be_v under_o this_o conviction_n must_v needs_o find_v much_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o action_n as_o for_o first_o table_n duty_n which_o consist_v in_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n communion_n with_o he_o in_o meditate_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n power_n in_o affiance_n love_n reverence_n if_o these_o be_v not_o act_n of_o the_o high_a pleasure_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v appoint_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o future_a state_n in_o heaven_n and_o as_o for_o second_o table_n duty_n what_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n can_v there_o be_v to_o a_o generous_a mind_n than_o to_o do_v worthy_a thing_n to_o be_v employ_v about_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n to_o promote_v public_a peace_n and_o goodwill_n among_o man_n eat_v and_o drink_v be_v not_o a_o more_o proper_a satisfaction_n to_o those_o natural_a appetite_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n than_o the_o do_n of_o good_a be_v to_o the_o rational_a inclination_n of_o a_o good_a man_n as_o all_o light_n and_o love_n and_o joy_n be_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n so_o all_o darkness_n sorrow_n fear_n disquiet_v must_v be_v from_o below_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n wicked_a man_n be_v well_o compare_v to_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o 57_o by_o contrary_a wind_n be_v still_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n he_o that_o live_v under_o the_o servitude_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n must_v always_o be_v in_o a_o unquiet_a restless_a condition_n because_o such_o master_n can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v in_o any_o one_o service_n they_o employ_v we_o about_o beside_o the_o interfering_n and_o contrariety_n of_o those_o employment_n which_o they_o will_v exact_v from_o we_o vice_n be_v multiform_a scelera_fw-la dissident_n and_o therefore_o must_v they_o needs_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o rest_n and_o quiet_a one_o principal_n requisite_a to_o a_o state_n of_o serenity_n of_o mind_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o uniform_a agreement_n about_o that_o chief_a end_n which_o we_o be_v to_o pursue_v together_o with_o the_o mean_n conduce_v to_o it_o whereas_o they_o that_o have_v many_o and_o contrary_a thing_n in_o design_n must_v needs_o be_v distract_v about_o they_o the_o soul_n that_o can_v fix_v itself_o upon_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a all-sufficient_a good_a and_o consequent_o the_o only_a centre_n of_o rest_n must_v be_v like_o those_o disconsolate_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o who_o be_v 12._o cast_v out_o of_o their_o habitation_n be_v put_v to_o wander_v up_o and_o down_o through_o desert_a place_n seek_v rest_n but_o find_v none_o 2._o from_o the_o most_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o religion_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o inward_a confidence_n peace_n joy_n which_o must_v follow_v the_o conscience_n of_o well-doing_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o tree_n which_o do_v more_o natural_o produce_v its_o proper_a fruit_n than_o the_o habit_n of_o virtue_n do_v bring_v forth_o joy_n and_o serenity_n in_o the_o mind_n when_o a_o man_n shall_v sit_v down_o and_o take_v a_o serious_a review_n of_o what_o he_o hathdone_v and_o find_v it_o to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o his_o duty_n and_o interest_n from_o hence_o there_o must_v needs_o arise_v a_o inward_a satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o fountain_n do_v not_o more_o natural_o send_v out_o water_n than_o vice_n do_v punishment_n and_o misery_n nor_o be_v this_o any_o mere_a notion_n or_o fancy_n which_o some_o severe_a melancholy_a divine_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o natural_a sentiment_n which_o the_o very_a heathen_a have_v have_v and_o do_v frequent_o mention_v seneca_n in_o particular_a res_fw-la severa_fw-la est_fw-la verum_fw-la gaudium_fw-la unde_fw-la sit_fw-la interrogas_fw-la dicam_fw-la ex_fw-la bona_fw-la conscientia_fw-la ex_fw-la honestis_fw-la conciliis_fw-la ex_fw-la rectis_fw-la actionibus_fw-la all_o solid_a comfort_n must_v arise_v from_o a_o
judgement_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o sit_v for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o only_o of_o this_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v save_v be_v save_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n have_v express_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o man_n who_o live_v under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v escape_v if_o he_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o that_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o christ_n immediate_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n do_v commissionate_a his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v mark_v 16._o 16._o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o joh_n 3._o 18._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o and_o present_o it_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o joh._n 7._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ._n now_o that_o to_o we_o to_o who_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v and_o propose_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n wherein_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v accept_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o by_o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n 2._o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o two_o chief_a ground_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o 1._o from_o that_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o doctrine_n above_o any_o other_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o all_o nation_n have_v consent_v that_o god_n himself_o shall_v prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n all_o kind_n of_o invention_n whatsoever_o that_o have_v be_v any_o way_n useful_a to_o humane_a life_n especial_o such_o kind_n of_o law_n as_o concern_v civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a association_n of_o man_n have_v upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o they_o be_v still_o ascribe_v to_o the_o deity_n as_o if_o the_o author_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v first_o illuminate_v with_o some_o ray_n of_o divinity_n nor_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o ever_o any_o nation_n shall_v with_o any_o degree_n of_o zeal_n embrace_v the_o respective_a ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o esteem_v they_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o divine_a revelation_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v it_o that_o lycurgus_n and_o numa_n pompilius_n and_o mahomet_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o kind_n of_o founder_n of_o nation_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o will_v obtain_v a_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o establish_v they_o be_v fain_o to_o pretend_v at_o least_o to_o divine_a revelation_n which_o proceed_v of_o they_o though_o it_o do_v real_o abuse_v the_o people_n with_o gross_a delusion_n yet_o be_v it_o found_v upon_o this_o common_a principle_n that_o none_o can_v think_v aright_o of_o god_n much_o less_o serve_v he_o in_o a_o acceptable_a manner_n unless_o they_o be_v first_o instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o true_a way_n of_o do_v it_o now_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v thus_o derive_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a institution_n we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o convince_a evidence_n as_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o have_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o learned_a man_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o pure_a antiquity_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v equal_a to_o it_o or_o which_o may_v pretend_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o all_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n come_v short_a of_o it_o by_o many_o age_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a language_n from_o which_o the_o very_a alphabet_n and_o letter_n of_o all_o other_o language_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a heathen_a plutarch_n pliny_n tacitus_n lucan_n etc._n etc._n be_v derive_v the_o very_a number_n and_o order_n of_o letter_n most_o general_o use_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o alphabet_n be_v very_o improper_a and_o unnatural_a which_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a man_n of_o several_a nation_n will_v have_v all_o agree_v upon_o be_v it_o not_o bare_o upon_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v take_v up_o by_o imitation_n and_o so_o do_v retain_v the_o error_n and_o imperfection_n of_o that_o first_o original_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v derive_v this_o book_n contain_v as_o the_o most_o ancient_a so_o the_o most_o exact_a story_n of_o the_o world_n the_o propagation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o disperse_v of_o family_n into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o i_o show_v before_o and_o though_o this_o book_n be_v write_v in_o several_a age_n and_o place_n by_o several_a person_n yet_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o accord_v together_o with_o a_o most_o excellent_a harmony_n without_o any_o dissonance_n or_o inconsistency_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v so_o solemn_a reverend_a and_o majestic_a so_o exact_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o may_v just_o provoke_v our_o wonder_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o divine_a original_n insomuch_o that_o longinus_n a_o great_a master_n of_o eloquence_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v observe_v the_o decorum_n and_o majesty_n which_o moses_n use_v in_o describe_v the_o creation_n in_o those_o word_n god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_n and_o as_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o various_a correspondency_n which_o it_o bear_v to_o the_o chief_a thing_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v sufficient_o evidence_n that_o mutual_a relation_n dependence_n and_o affinity_n which_o there_o be_v betwixt_o they_o that_o in_o such_o a_o age_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o christ_n who_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n suffer_v a_o ignominious_a death_n and_o be_v afterward_o worship_v as_o god_n have_v abundance_n of_o disciple_n and_o follower_n at_o first_o chief_o among_o the_o vulgar_a but_o a_o while_n after_o among_o several_a of_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n who_o in_o a_o short_a space_n of_o time_n do_v propagate_v their_o belief_n and_o doctrine_n into_o the_o most_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v or_o call_v into_o question_n by_o julian_n or_o celsus_n or_o the_o jew_n themselves_o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o most_o avow_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n but_o we_o have_v it_o by_o as_o good_a certainty_n as_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v wish_v or_o hope_n for_o that_o be_v by_o universal_a testimony_n as_o well_o of_o enemy_n as_o friend_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o common_a principle_n of_o nature_n will_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n his_o truth_n wisdom_n or_o justice_n to_o work_v such_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n or_o imposture_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v reasonable_o object_v that_o these_o miracle_n be_v now_o cease_v and_o we_o have_v not_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a way_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o when_o man_n be_v to_o be_v institute_v and_o confirm_v in_o that_o new_a doctrine_n and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o forbear_v they_o now_o as_o in_o work_v they_o then_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v regular_o guide_v in_o their_o natural_a course_n shall_v frequent_o or_o upon_o every_o little_a occasion_n be_v violate_v or_o disorder_v to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o wonderful_a way_n whereby_o this_o religion_n have_v be_v propagate_v in_o the_o world_n
versatione_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la quicquid_fw-la fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la pro_fw-la futuro_fw-la habes_fw-la das_fw-ge in_o te_fw-la vires_fw-la rebus_fw-la adversis_fw-la quas_fw-la infregit_fw-la quisquis_fw-la prio_fw-la vidit_fw-la in_o that_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o event_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o possible_a danger_n and_o trouble_n as_o future_a we_o do_v thereby_o strengthen_v our_o adversary_n and_o disarm_v ourselves_o when_o we_o see_v at_o any_o time_n the_o loss_n and_o imprisonment_n or_o poverty_n or_o funeral_n of_o other_o we_o ought_v present_o to_o reflect_v this_o may_v be_v our_o case_n cuivis_fw-la potest_fw-la accidere_fw-la quod_fw-la cviquam_fw-la potest_fw-la one_o lose_v husband_n wife_n child_n estate_n we_o ought_v from_o all_o such_o spectacle_n to_o infer_v that_o though_o this_o be_v not_o at_o present_a yet_o it_o may_v short_o be_v our_o condition_n and_o according_o by_o expectation_n to_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o it_o hic_fw-la nos_fw-la error_n decipit_fw-la hic_fw-la 9_o effoeminat_fw-la dum_fw-la patimur_fw-la quae_fw-la nunquam_fw-la pati_fw-la nos_fw-la posse_fw-la praevidimus_fw-la aufert_fw-la vim_o praesentibus_fw-la malis_fw-la qui_fw-la futura_fw-la prospexit_fw-la this_o be_v the_o error_n which_o do_v deceive_v and_o effeminate_a man_n whilst_o they_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v not_o expect_v and_o be_v not_o prepare_v for_o it_o break_v the_o force_n of_o evil_n when_o they_o come_v to_o foresee_v they_o will_v come_v 5._o often_o reflect_v upon_o your_o former_a experience_n that_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o prevent_v all_o despondency_n to_o work_v in_o we_o hope_n and_o confidence_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a if_o he_o will_v but_o take_v a_o impartial_a view_n of_o what_o he_o have_v former_o see_v and_o observe_v concern_v god_n deal_v with_o himself_o and_o other_o but_o may_v upon_o this_o account_n find_v reason_n enough_o to_o allay_v all_o murmur_a discontent_a thought_n we_o have_v frequent_a example_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o scripture_n jacob_n david_n jehosaphat_n 10._o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n in_o several_a place_n who_o all_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o this_o remedy_n when_o they_o will_v strengthen_v themselves_o against_o discontent_n and_o despondency_n and_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o serious_a man_n of_o so_o little_a experience_n but_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o can_v remember_v how_o some_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n have_v in_o the_o issue_n prove_v mercy_n and_o benefit_n to_o he_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o former_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v so_o again_o 6._o and_o last_o labour_v after_o those_o particular_a virtue_n which_o be_v of_o near_a affinity_n to_o this_o of_o patience_n whereby_o it_o will_v be_v very_o much_o strengthen_v and_o promote_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a chain_n of_o they_o mention_v gal._n 5._o 22_o and_o style_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o belong_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n the_o first_o be_v love_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o bear_v all_o thing_n and_o endure_v all_o thing_n the_o next_o be_v joy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o cheerful_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o opposition_n to_o moroseness_n and_o frowardness_n then_o peace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o composedness_n and_o sedateness_n of_o spirit_n free_a from_o all_o inordinate_a perturbation_n and_o without_o any_o kind_n of_o itch_n of_o quarrel_v with_o other_o and_o next_o long-suffering_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v or_o tire_v but_o be_v easy_o appease_v then_o gentleness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d generosity_n benignity_n which_o signify_v '_o a_o mind_n most_o ready_a to_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n towards_o the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o other_o in_o their_o necessity_n then_o goodness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n such_o a_o equal_a and_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n of_o manner_n whereby_o man_n be_v render_v easy_o tractable_a and_o placable_a and_o most_o amiable_a in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o conversation_n then_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o our_o support_n and_o deliverance_n then_o meekness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o we_o put_v a_o restraint_n upon_o our_o anger_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v provoke_v for_o any_o lesser_a cause_n or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n or_o for_o a_o long_a time_n than_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o occasion_n always_o preserve_v our_o mind_n free_a from_o any_o sudden_a gust_n of_o passion_n and_o last_o temperance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continence_n whereby_o we_o contain_v all_o our_o passion_n with_o their_o just_a bound_n either_o of_o joy_n in_o the_o affluence_n of_o thing_n or_o of_o grief_n in_o the_o loss_n or_o of_o desire_n in_o the_o want_n of_o they_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v model_v and_o prepare_v with_o these_o kind_n of_o virtue_n will_v thereby_o be_v render_v generous_a and_o courageous_a fit_a for_o the_o undergo_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o trouble_n or_o suffering_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o call_v a_o man_n unto_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o namely_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o credibility_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v to_o clear_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o deduce_v the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n from_o the_o belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n the_o second_o book_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n chap._n i._n show_v in_o general_a how_o religion_n conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n how_o much_o it_o be_v upon_o all_o account_n their_o chief_a happiness_n and_o interest_n to_o lead_v a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n solomon_n who_o be_v so_o much_o celebrate_v in_o scripture_n for_o his_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n have_v purposely_o write_v a_o book_n the_o main_a argument_n whereof_o be_v to_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v and_o have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o he_o come_v in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o fix_v it_o upon_o its_o true_a basis_n assert_v every_o man_n great_a interest_n and_o happiness_n to_o consist_v in_o be_v religious_a let_v we_o hear_v the_o cnclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a 13._o matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o which_o every_o considerate_a man_n after_o all_o his_o other_o disquisition_n will_v find_v to_o be_v his_o chief_a interest_n and_o that_o which_o do_v deserve_v his_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o because_o these_o word_n of_o solomon_n do_v so_o full_o express_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n or_o introduction_n to_o it_o more_o particular_o consider_v the_o commendation_n which_o he_o here_o give_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o full_a and_o significant_a expression_n this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n which_o word_n be_v by_o the_o septuagint_n and_o vulgar_a thus_o render_v this_o be_v all_o or_o every_o man_n the_o word_n duty_n which_o be_v supply_v by_o our_o english_a be_v not_o in_o the_o original_n or_o in_o other_o translation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o course_n of_o all_o mankind_n so_o the_o targum_fw-la this_o be_v the_o course_n to_o which_o every_o man_n be_v design_v so_o the_o syriack_n this_o will_v be_v most_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o man_n so_o the_o arabic_a hoc_fw-la est_fw-la totum_fw-la hominis_fw-la this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n so_o some_o of_o our_o late_a interpreter_n mosg_v proper_o to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a enallage_n in_o the_o hebrew_n totius_fw-la universalis_fw-la pro_fw-la toto_fw-la integrante_fw-la all_o for_o whole_a so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o various_a interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n they_o may_v contain_v in_o they_o a_o threefold_a reference_n to_o the_o essence_n the_o happiness_n the_o business_n of_o man_n according_a to_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o must_v be_v that_o religion_n or_o the_o fear_v of_o god_n and_o keep_v his_o
commandment_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n to_o humane_a nature_n that_o 1._o the_o essence_n or_o be_v of_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o it_o 2._o the_o great_a business_n or_o duty_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v conversant_a about_o it_o and_o to_o labour_v after_o it_o 3._o the_o happiness_n or_o well-being_n of_o man_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o these_o particular_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o by_o such_o clear_a principle_n of_o reason_n attest_v to_o by_o several_a of_o the_o wise_a heathen_a writer_n as_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o serious_a man_n who_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v but_o attend_v and_o consider_v first_o religion_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n that_o the_o essence_n of_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o it_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o a_o twofold_a notion_n 1._o in_o his_o single_a capacity_n according_a to_o that_o principle_n whereby_o he_o be_v constitute_v in_o such_o a_o rank_n of_o creature_n 2._o in_o society_n for_o which_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v natural_o design_v and_o without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o well_o subsist_v now_o religion_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o he_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n 1._o as_o consider_v in_o his_o single_a capacity_n according_a to_o those_o principle_n by_o which_o he_o be_v frame_v that_o which_o do_v constitute_v any_o thing_n in_o its_o be_v and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o form_n or_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n now_o the_o thing_n which_o distinguish_v humane_a nature_n from_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v the_o chief_a principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n namely_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n which_o no_o other_o creature_n below_o man_n do_v partake_v of_o and_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o the_o suppress_n of_o they_o as_o for_o what_o be_v common_o allege_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o action_n of_o many_o brate_v creature_n there_o be_v discernible_a some_o footstep_n some_o imperfect_a stricture_n and_o degree_n of_o ratiocination_n such_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n as_o at_o least_o bear_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o reason_n from_o whence_o it_o may_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n in_o the_o general_n which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v determine_v to_o action_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v the_o least_o sign_n or_o degree_n in_o brute_n man_n be_v the_o only_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n that_o be_v form_v with_o a_o capacity_n of_o worship_v and_o enjoy_v his_o maker_n nor_o be_v this_o any_o new_a opinion_n but_o what_o several_a of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n philosopher_n orator_n poet_n have_v attest_v to_o who_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o adoration_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a difference_n betwixt_o man_n and_o beast_n so_o tully_n exit_fw-la tot_fw-la generibus_fw-la nullum_fw-la est_fw-la 1._o animal_n praeter_fw-la hominem_fw-la quod_fw-la habeat_fw-la notitiam_fw-la aliquam_fw-la dei_fw-la ipsisque_fw-la in_o hominibus_fw-la nulla_fw-la gens_fw-la est_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la immansueta_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la fera_fw-fr quae_fw-la non_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la ignoret_fw-la qualem_fw-la habere_fw-la deum_fw-la deceat_fw-la tamen_fw-la habendum_fw-la sciat_fw-la among_o all_o the_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v none_o but_o man_n that_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o among_o mankind_n there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o wild_a and_o barbarous_a but_o pretend_v to_o some_o religion_n whence_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a difference_n betwixt_o man_n and_o beast_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o character_n of_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v vinculum_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o hominis_fw-la which_o import_v both_o name_n and_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v that_o of_o the_o satirist_n who_o speak_v of_o religion_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o divine_a thing_n say_v this_o of_o it_o separate_a hoc_fw-la nos_fw-la a_fw-la grege_fw-la mutorum_fw-la atque_fw-la ideo_fw-la venerabile_fw-la soli_fw-la 15._o sortiti_fw-la ingenium_fw-la divinorumque_fw-la capaces_fw-la it_o be_v this_o say_v he_o which_o do_v distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n creature_n that_o we_o have_v soul_n capable_a of_o divine_a impression_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o expression_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o several_a other_o of_o the_o heathen_a writer_n that_o in_o plutarch_n where_o superstistitione_fw-la he_o style_v irreligion_n a_o kind_n of_o stupor_n whereby_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o sense_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o exceed_o improper_a thing_n to_o ascribe_v true_a reason_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v the_o deity_n so_o again_o tully_n esse_fw-la deos_fw-la qui_fw-la negat_fw-la 2._o vix_fw-la eum_fw-la sanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la existimem_fw-la i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o man_n to_o be_v in_o his_o right_a mind_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n and_o in_o another_o place_n of_o the_o same_o book_n quis_fw-la hunc_fw-la hominem_fw-la dixerit_fw-la etc._n etc._n why_o shall_v any_o one_o style_n such_o a_o one_o a_o man_n who_o by_o what_o he_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v be_v not_o convince_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o that_o adoration_n he_o owe_v to_o the_o deity_n non_fw-la modo_fw-la non_fw-la philosophos_fw-la lactant._n sed_fw-la nec_fw-la homines_fw-la quidem_fw-la fuisse_fw-la dixerim_fw-la say_v another_o man_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v learned_a philosopher_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o much_o as_o reasonable_a man_n it_o be_v true_a nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o such_o person_n as_o be_v sceptical_a in_o these_o first_o principle_n to_o entertain_v great_a thought_n of_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v consider_v thing_n more_o deep_o and_o be_v arrive_v unto_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o reason_n and_o wit_n than_o other_o but_o yet_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v they_o who_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o this_o conviction_n of_o place_v their_o chief_a interest_n in_o be_v religious_a they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o exceed_v other_o in_o degree_n that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o man_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o those_o first_o notion_n concern_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v do_v consist_v beside_o their_o palpable_a deficiency_n in_o such_o plain_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n of_o reason_n as_o will_v become_v those_o who_o in_o any_o measure_n pretend_v to_o that_o principle_n so_o that_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n may_v be_v render_v as_o well_o by_o the_o difference_n of_o religiosum_fw-la as_o rationale_n as_o for_o that_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o may_v object_v that_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a person_n will_v hereby_o be_v exclude_v why_o so_o they_o be_v by_o the_o other_o difference_n likewise_o such_o person_n have_v no_o just_a pretence_n to_o reason_n who_o renounce_v religion_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v reckon_v among_o beast_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o psalmist_n where_o he_o style_v they_o brutish_a but_o drive_v out_o among_o they_o likewise_o and_o banish_v from_o all_o humane_a society_n as_o be_v public_a pest_n and_o mischief_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o will_v debase_v the_o nobility_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o brute_n creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v fit_a only_o to_o live_v among_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2d_o consideration_n of_o man_n as_o a_o sociable_a creature_n religion_n be_v essential_a to_o he_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o as_o be_v the_o sure_a bond_n to_o tie_v man_n up_o to_o those_o respective_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o without_o which_o government_n and_o society_n can_v not_o subsist_v there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o plutarch_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o he_o style_v religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o cement_n of_o all_o community_n and_o the_o colotes_n chief_a basis_n of_o all_o legislative_a power_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o build_v a_o city_n in_o the_o open_a air_n without_o any_o ground_n to_o found_v it_o upon_o than_o to_o establish_v government_n without_o religion_n a_o city_n say_v he_o may_v make_v