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nature_n world_n worship_n write_v 45 3 5.4658 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49394 An enquiry after happiness. Vol. 1 by the author of The practical Christianity. Lucas, Richard, 1648-1715. 1685 (1685) Wing L3402; ESTC R3025 133,570 376

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and_o cringe_n
design_n the_o discourse_n particular_o to_o i_o he_o have_v ever_o and_o anon_o in_o his_o mouth_n this_o excellent_a principle_n that_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v by_o its_o usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n in_o the_o world_n a_o sober_a reflection_n upon_o this_o wrought_v i_o up_o to_o a_o resolution_n strong_a enough_o to_o contemn_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o loss_n of_o my_o sight_n can_v represent_v to_o i_o in_o a_o enterprise_n of_o this_o nature_n thus_o you_o see_v on_o what_o principle_n i_o become_v engage_v in_o this_o work_n i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o set_v myself_o some_o task_n which_o may_v serve_v at_o once_o to_o divert_v my_o thought_n from_o a_o melancholy_a application_n on_o my_o misfortune_n and_o entertain_v my_o mind_n with_o such_o a_o rational_a employment_n as_o may_v render_v i_o most_o easy_a to_o myself_o and_o most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n be_v now_o abundant_o convince_v that_o i_o be_o not_o 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man_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o some_o sort_n of_o justification_n of_o myself_o i_o have_v have_v so_o much_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o several_a pleasure_n that_o prosperity_n can_v afford_v man_n in_o this_o life_n that_o i_o be_o sufficient_o capable_a of_o set_v a_o true_a rate_n and_o value_v upon_o they_o and_o of_o judge_v their_o subserviency_n to_o true_a happiness_n and_o i_o be_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n that_o i_o be_o sufficient_o sensible_a as_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a state_n so_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o power_n of_o virtue_n in_o relieve_v and_o support_v man_n under_o both_o and_o after_o all_o my_o mind_n live_v now_o in_o the_o body_n like_o a_o soul_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n retire_v as_o from_o the_o pleasure_n so_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o more_o able_a to_o pass_v a_o free_a and_o more_o dispassionate_a judgement_n upon_o both_o it_o may_v probable_o be_v fear_v that_o the_o same_o shall_v befall_v i_o which_o have_v many_o monkish_a writer_n who_o be_v much_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n have_v much_o leisure_n and_o few_o book_n do_v spin_v out_o every_o subject_a into_o wander_a maze_n and_o airy_a speculation_n like_o plant_n which_o destitute_a of_o a_o well_o manure_v and_o fat_a soil_n run_v all_o into_o the_o exuberancy_n of_o leave_n and_o fruitless_a sprig_n but_o the_o commerce_n i_o still_o maintain_v with_o the_o world_n may_v in_o part_n prevent_v this_o error_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a so_o fruitful_a of_o many_o necessary_a inquiry_n will_v of_o itself_o lead_v i_o on_o to_o useful_a and_o profitable_a thought_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v by_o some_o object_v against_o my_o manner_n of_o treat_v this_o subject_a the_o freedom_n i_o use_v in_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o common_a to_o my_o profession_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v that_o i_o have_v abuse_v the_o liberty_n i_o have_v take_v to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o the_o least_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o to_o the_o least_o discouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o can_v just_o reflect_v any_o disadvantage_n upon_o my_o call_v beside_o i_o have_v in_o a_o former_a treatise_n wherein_o i_o design_v the_o same_o end_n the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n treat_v this_o subject_a in_o a_o manner_n suit_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o reader_n but_o this_o discourse_n i_o design_n for_o such_o who_o be_v not_o content_a to_o submit_v to_o inference_n deduce_v from_o receive_v principle_n unless_o they_o can_v be_v fair_o convine_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o principle_n themselves_o nor_o shall_v i_o think_v it_o any_o crime_n be_v i_o master_n of_o such_o talent_n if_o i_o do_v mingle_v with_o necessary_a truth_n all_o that_o variety_n of_o thought_n all_o that_o fineness_n and_o briskness_n of_o fancy_n which_o may_v render_v they_o as_o delightful_a as_o useful_a the_o example_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o creation_n will_v justify_v this_o liberty_n who_o have_v create_v as_o well_o leave_v and_o flower_n as_o herb_n and_o fruit_n and_o in_o the_o variety_n and_o beauty_n in_o the_o colour_n and_o figure_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v produce_v he_o appear_v plain_o to_o have_v make_v provision_n not_o only_o to_o feed_v the_o appetite_n but_o even_o the_o fancy_n of_o his_o creature_n there_o be_v after_o all_o i_o confess_v one_o thing_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o excuse_n which_o be_v the_o publish_n what_o shall_v come_v forth_o a_o just_a treatise_n by_o small_a part_n to_o this_o i_o may_v true_o say_v have_v lay_v together_o all_o the_o material_n i_o see_v necessary_a to_o complete_a this_o discourse_n i_o find_v it_o grow_v unavoidable_o to_o that_o voluminous_a bulk_n that_o i_o take_v this_o method_n partly_o out_o of_o compliance_n to_o the_o ease_n of_o my_o reader_n but_o especial_o in_o compliance_n to_o my_o own_o for_o in_o my_o present_a circumstance_n i_o see_v no_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v that_o confusion_n which_o will_v inevitable_o have_v disorder_v the_o contexture_n of_o a_o long_a discourse_n if_o i_o shall_v have_v charge_v my_o memory_n with_o the_o contrivance_n and_o connexion_n of_o so_o many_o and_o various_a part_n at_o once_o and_o i_o foresee_v that_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o mind_n which_o shall_v be_v collect_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o treat_v every_o single_a argument_n will_v be_v unprofitable_o spend_v in_o distract_a divide_a and_o imperfect_a effort_n the_o introduction_n or_o a_o brief_a scheme_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n to_o inform_v man_n what_o be_v his_o true_a and_o proper_a happiness_n and_o to_o mark_v out_o before_o he_o the_o right_a way_n to_o it_o have_v be_v and_o ever_o must_v be_v the_o aim_n of_o all_o philosophy_n and_o all_o religion_n and_o yet_o so_o numerous_a have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o dispute_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o so_o seem_o insuperable_a the_o difficulty_n which_o encounter_v we_o in_o every_o way_n that_o the_o despair_n of_o attain_v happiness_n at_o least_o in_o this_o world_n seem_v almost_o as_o universal_a as_o the_o desire_n of_o it_o and_o as_o nature_n will_v never_o give_v o●●e_v the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o so_o will_v man_n never_o forbear_v the_o tragical_a complaint_n of_o his_o disappointment_n and_o the_o rave_a exaggeration_n of_o humane_a misery_n that_o therefore_o i_o may_v attempt_v at_o least_o to_o treat_v this_o subject_a satisfactory_o i_o will_v endeavour_v §_o 1._o to_o show_v you_o that_o happiness_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a airy_a and_o imaginary_a notion_n but_o be_v a_o real_a state_n and_o real_o attainable_a and_o that_o our_o disappointment_n and_o unsuccessfulness_n must_v be_v impute_v to_o ourselves_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o this_o present_a volume_n §_o 2._o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o happiness_n to_o examine_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o highway_n to_o it_o in_o which_o to_o proceed_v successful_o i_o think_v the_o plain_a method_n i_o can_v take_v will_v be_v this_o to_o fix_v and_o define_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o complete_a happiness_n that_o so_o we_o may_v discern_v what_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o how_o near_o we_o can_v approach_v the_o perfection_n of_o happiness_n now_o the_o most_o perfect_a idea_n of_o happiness_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v frame_v be_v this_o happiness_n be_v the_o state_n of_o a_o perfect_a be_v in_o the_o unmixed_a uninterrupted_a and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a pleasure_n such_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o
innocent_a nay_o if_o we_o will_v extend_v principle_n to_o their_o just_a consequence_n as_o commendable_a and_o worthy_a of_o praise_n as_o the_o industrious_a and_o temperate_a the_o meek_a and_o gentle_a the_o just_a and_o charitable_a for_o this_o must_v inevitable_o follow_v if_o neither_o man_n virtue_n nor_o vice_n be_v in_o any_o degree_n to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o themselves_o wretched_a and_o desperate_a be_v that_o shift_n that_o equal_v the_o just_a and_o unjust_a the_o industrious_a and_o the_o sluggard_n the_o great_a mind_n that_o stand_v upright_o under_o and_o outbraves_a misfortune_n and_o the_o degenerous_a one_o which_o effeminate_o shrink_v and_o break_v under_o it_o wretched_a the_o shift_n that_o equal_v the_o tyrant_n and_o most_o gracious_a prince_n the_o loyall_a subject_n and_o the_o traitor_n the_o faithful_a friend_n and_o the_o perfidious_a flatterer_n and_o all_o this_o we_o must_v be_v drive_v to_o or_o else_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o some_o be_v happy_a than_o other_o so_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o one_o or_o misery_n of_o the_o other_o be_v owe_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o to_o their_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o these_o to_o themselves_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v evident_a we_o may_v be_v happy_a if_o we_o will_v and_o tho'_o we_o may_v not_o equal_v the_o most_o happy_a for_o i_o will_v not_o exclude_v temper_n education_n fortune_n from_o all_o share_n in_o man_n misery_n or_o happiness_n yet_o since_o every_o degree_n of_o happiness_n be_v true_o valuable_a let_v we_o with_o all_o our_o might_n endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o we_o can_v horat._n horat._n nec_fw-la quia_fw-la desperes_fw-la invicti_fw-la membri_fw-la glyconis_fw-la nodosa_fw-la corpus_fw-la noli_fw-la prohibere_fw-la chyragra_fw-la est_fw-la quiddam_fw-la prodire_fw-la tenus_fw-la the_o mighty_a glyco_n strength_n you_o can_v attain_v do_v therefore_o scorn_n to_o free_v your_o limb_n from_o pain_n of_o knotty_a gout_n ease_n tho'_o not_o strength_n to_o gain_v be_v no_o small_a happiness_n but_o to_o pursue_v our_o proof_n 2._o world_n because_o there_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o great_a absurdity_n to_o confound_v or_o equal_a virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a they_o commit_v who_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v happiness_n for_o he_o that_o banish_v happiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n banish_v good_a and_o evil_a out_o of_o it_o too_o for_o good_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o subserviency_n of_o some_o thing_n to_o our_o true_a interest_n and_o pleasure_n and_o evil_a the_o tendency_n of_o other_o to_o our_o trouble_n and_o injury_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v if_o there_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o who_o have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o good_a than_o evil_n be_v a_o happy_a man_n and_o he_o that_o deni_v good_a and_o evil_a may_v with_o as_o plausible_a a_o confidence_n deny_v all_o humane_a passion_n and_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o love_n nor_o hatred_n neither_o joy_n nor_o grief_n nor_o hope_n nor_o fear_v nor_o pity_n nor_o envy_n for_o good_a or_o evil_n be_v the_o object_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o i_o may_v then_o i_o think_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n will_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o good_a or_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o all_o man_n must_v be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o state_n as_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n too_o unless_o they_o will_v affirm_v one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n either_o first_o that_o evil_n grow_v up_o every_o where_n in_o thick_a crop_n good_a thin_a scatter_a and_o rare_o to_o be_v find_v epecial_o grow_v up_o to_o its_o maturity_n that_o consequent_o there_o be_v none_o who_o share_n of_o evil_n do_v not_o infinite_o outweigh_v that_o of_o good_n or_o second_o that_o evil_n have_v so_o much_o of_o venom_n and_o malignity_n in_o it_o that_o a_o little_a evil_n contribute_v more_o to_o our_o misery_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a can_v to_o our_o happiness_n so_o ripe_a and_o full_a grow_v be_v evil_a so_o lank_a under-grown_a and_o every_o way_n imperfect_a be_v good_a in_o this_o world_n or_o three_o that_o we_o ourselves_o can_v contribute_v nothing_o to_o that_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o be_v our_o portion_n it_o be_v the_o product_n not_o of_o reason_n or_o industry_n but_o of_o time_n and_o chance_n or_o of_o some_o other_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n all_o these_o deserve_v to_o be_v weigh_v not_o only_o because_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o will_v tend_v to_o cheer_v and_o encourage_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o render_v the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n more_o dear_a and_o venerable_a to_o we_o but_o also_o because_o it_o will_v be_v of_o some_o use_n and_o service_n to_o the_o whole_a inquiry_n first_o world_n 1._o evil_n not_o more_o than_o good_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o that_o fancy_n which_o suppose_v the_o weight_n and_o number_n of_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n infinite_o to_o exceed_v that_o of_o good_a thing_n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o sour_a and_o murmur_a of_o proud_a and_o ambitious_a wretch_n who_o deal_v with_o their_o god_n as_o with_o their_o prince_n or_o patron_n and_o estimate_v favour_n and_o benefit_n not_o according_a to_o their_o merit_n but_o expectation_n greedy_a and_o haughty_a expectation_n which_o even_o prodigal_a bounty_n can_v satisfy_v it_o be_v the_o strange_a temper_n of_o some_o man_n that_o they_o wither_v and_o grow_v lean_a with_o discontent_n and_o envy_n even_o while_o their_o study_a meal_n distract_v the_o wanton_a appetite_n and_o their_o very_a attendance_n be_v sleek_a and_o full_a and_o fat_a with_o the_o remain_v of_o their_o feast_n and_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o relation_n thrive_v into_o pride_n and_o insolence_n by_o the_o mere_a sprinkling_n of_o their_o plenty_n i_o know_v it_o be_v natural_a to_o some_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n and_o the_o king_n to_o quarrel_v with_o and_o reproach_v providence_n and_o the_o government_n while_o load_v with_o good_a thing_n they_o stretch_v themselves_o on_o silken_a couch_n under_o roof_n of_o cedar_n or_o loll_n at_o ease_n in_o their_o gild_a coach_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o honest_a countryman_n who_o with_o security_n tho'_o much_o drudgery_n plough_n and_o sow_n and_o reap_v a_o few_o acre_n eat_v his_o plain_a meal_n with_o cheerfulness_n sleep_v without_o disturbance_n bless_v god_n and_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o prince_n the_o contentment_n of_o the_o one_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n who_o provision_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o creature_n the_o discontent_n of_o the_o other_a can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o creator_n who_o have_v deal_v extreme_o liberal_o with_o they_o tho'_o they_o enjoy_v not_o what_o they_o possess_v we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o clamour_n and_o invective_n of_o such_o as_o be_v always_o mutinous_a and_o dissatisfy_v but_o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o those_o humble_a modest_a and_o grateful_a soul_n who_o know_v how_o to_o value_v the_o favour_n of_o heaven_n and_o themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v who_o do_v not_o mar_v and_o corrupt_v every_o blessing_n by_o peevishness_n or_o envy_n or_o pride_n or_o wantonness_n but_o can_v weigh_v their_o enjoyment_n their_o hope_n and_o their_o merit_n in_o just_a and_o equal_a balance_n and_o discern_v how_o much_o the_o one_o do_v exceed_v the_o other_o cheerful_o adore_v and_o praise_v the_o world_n author_n and_o governor_n if_o this_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o such_o we_o shall_v find_v these_o even_n under_o uneasy_a and_o tyrannical_a government_n and_o in_o the_o more_o barren_a and_o niggardly_a country_n confute_v this_o objection_n by_o their_o cheerfulness_n and_o contentment_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v if_o providence_n have_v plant_v they_o there_o where_o a_o fertile_a soil_n and_o thrive_a trade_n have_v unlade_v the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n of_o the_o world_n into_o their_o arm_n and_o a_o mild_a and_o gentle_a government_n have_v secure_v and_o guard_v their_o enjoyment_n but_o let_v we_o decide_v the_o controversy_n not_o by_o vote_n but_o reason_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o world_n be_v there_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o who_o be_v leave_v utter_o unfurnish_v of_o all_o mean_n of_o wise_a and_o wholesome_a instruction_n which_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o be_v there_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o maim_v and_o
defective_a in_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o sense_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v there_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o bear_v under_o so_o unlucky_a and_o envious_a planet_n that_o he_o can_v by_o any_o industry_n or_o virtue_n provide_v himself_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n view_n and_o survey_v the_o world_n examine_v and_o consider_v man_n and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o room_n for_o those_o reproach_n and_o spiteful_a reflection_n by_o which_o some_o man_n have_v so_o outrage_v nature_n and_o providence_n phylo_n judaeus_n tell_v we_o a_o rabbinical_a story_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o when_o god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n he_o demand_v of_o a_o prophet_n whether_o he_o see_v any_o thing_n want_v to_o consummate_v and_o complete_a the_o glorious_a work_n who_o tell_v he_o noae_n phylo-jud_a de_fw-fr plantatione_n noae_n nothing_o but_o a_o intelligent_a be_v to_o praise_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a architect_n god_n approve_v the_o advice_n etc._n etc._n the_o hebrew_n philosopher_n it_o seem_v think_v the_o world_n exact_o perfect_a such_o a_o work_n as_o may_v bespeak_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o moses_n who_o bring_v in_o god_n reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o creation_n thus_o and_o god_n see_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v 1._o gen._n 1._o and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a how_o unlike_a be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n who_o great_a patron_n lucretius_n endeavour_v to_o infer_v from_o the_o ill-contrivance_n the_o manifold_a defect_n the_o innumerable_a evil_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o it_o that_o ever_o that_o work_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o exalt_v his_o glory_n shall_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o dishonour_v and_o reproach_v they_o that_o ever_o that_o work_n which_o deserve_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v at_o last_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o apology_n and_o defence_n if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o those_o body_n so_o uniform_a and_o regular_a their_o motion_n so_o exact_o be_v they_o dispose_v both_o for_o ornament_n and_o service_n that_o the_o speculation_n natural_o exalt_v the_o mind_n and_o insensible_o raise_v it_o above_o the_o body_n nay_o it_o have_v tempt_v some_o to_o think_v every_o star_n move_v and_o act_v by_o some_o understand_a spirit_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o earth_n so_o wonderful_a be_v the_o variety_n so_o inconceivable_a the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a for_o the_o need_v and_o desire_v of_o the_o sober_a and_o temperate_a but_o even_o for_o the_o luxury_n and_o wantonness_n of_o the_o fanciful_a and_o intemperate_a every_o place_n almost_o be_v a_o paradise_n there_o be_v no_o country_n almost_o which_o can_v afford_v we_o tempe_n or_o campania_n opus_fw-la gaudentis_fw-la naturae_fw-la a_o work_n which_o nature_n seem_v to_o have_v create_v when_o in_o the_o gay_a and_o the_o kind_a humour_n if_o there_o be_v room_n for_o fancy_n in_o sacred_a thing_n one_o will_v almost_o think_v that_o moses_n out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o other_o country_n or_o love_n of_o his_o own_o have_v confine_v eden_n within_o those_o narrow_a bound_n he_o set_v it_o and_o that_o it_o have_v only_o be_v lose_v there_o because_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o world_n have_v now_o find_v it_o almost_o every_o where_n this_o be_v the_o world_n we_o complain_v of_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v man_n 139._o psal_n 139._o and_o we_o shall_v find_v with_o the_o psalmist_n that_o he_o be_v wonderful_o make_v he_o be_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v put_v under_o his_o foot_n 8._o psal_n 8._o all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n etc._n etc._n how_o infinite_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o kind_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o his_o contrivance_n so_o modest_a his_o appetite_n that_o a_o small_a portion_n of_o nature_n good_a be_v a_o full_a meal_n or_o feast_n and_o yet_o so_o various_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o provision_n in_o all_o the_o joy_n and_o luxury_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o taste_v and_o enjoy_v if_o we_o regard_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o most_o surprise_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o hide_a power_n the_o secret_a law_n and_o operation_n of_o nature_n nay_o it_o rise_v high_a it_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o mechanic_n nature_n it_o entertain_v itself_o with_o moral_a perfection_n and_o the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o a_o invisible_a world_n and_o gaze_v on_o those_o charm_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n vultus_fw-la nimis_fw-la lubricos_fw-la aspici_fw-la such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o it_o please_v it_o can_v retire_v within_o itself_o withdraw_v from_o sense_n and_o be_v secure_a and_o happy_a in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o wealth_n ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la and_o when_o it_o please_v it_o can_v walk_v forth_o like_o dinah_n to_o see_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o land_n those_o beauty_n that_o sense_n present_v it_o with_o and_o that_o too_o if_o guard_v by_o awful_a virtue_n without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o rape_n to_o say_v all_o of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o share_n in_o all_o the_o good_a and_o not_o necessary_o subject_a to_o any_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o world_n fatis_fw-la avolsa_fw-la voluntas_fw-la there_o be_v no_o fate_n that_o can_v control_v the_o sovereign_a freedom_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o man_n and_o the_o state_n of_o that_o world_n which_o he_o inhabit_v if_o the_o one_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o those_o capacity_n and_o appetite_n that_o fit_v he_o to_o enjoy_v they_o nay_o if_o his_o soul_n can_v raise_v itself_o above_o the_o pleasure_n and_o exempt_v itself_o from_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o that_o the_o evil_a in_o life_n can_v be_v great_a than_o the_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o leave_v this_o matter_n beyond_o dispute_n no_o man_n pretend_v to_o receive_v revelation_n shall_v admit_v of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o no_o text_n of_o divine_a writ_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o those_o which_o proclaim_v to_o we_o god_n love_n of_o mankind_n that_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v or_o grieve_v willing_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o the_o book_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n be_v write_v all_o over_o with_o the_o legible_a character_n of_o love_n so_o legible_a that_o it_o render_v the_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o gentile_n inexcusable_a and_o final_o that_o he_o give_v we_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v 6._o 1_o tim._n 6._o where_o the_o apostle_n excellent_o express_v at_o once_o the_o bounty_n and_o design_n of_o god_n his_o bounty_n in_o that_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o his_o design_n not_o to_o enkindle_v and_o then_o delude_v our_o desire_n by_o be_v like_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n or_o knowledge_n forbid_v we_o but_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o we_o so_o than_o the_o christian_a can_v without_o contradict_a revelation_n embrace_v this_o opinion_n nor_o the_o atheist_n or_o epicurean_a without_o contradict_v himself_o if_o nature_n have_v contrive_v the_o world_n so_o ill_o if_o it_o have_v scatter_v good_a thing_n with_o such_o a_o spare_v and_o envious_a hand_n whence_o be_v all_o those_o transport_v and_o ecstasy_n we_o meet_v with_o among_o these_o man_n what_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o ●'em_n whence_o so_o rich_a a_o crop_n of_o worldly_a sensual_a pleasure_n whence_o so_o much_o dotage_n on_o and_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n we_o so_o complain_v of_o whence_o be_v the_o charm_n and_o irresistible_a temptation_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n i●_n vanquish_v by_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o man_n be_v so_o willing_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n canaan_n whence_o that_o dread_a and_o aversion_n of_o death_n as_o the_o most_o formidable_a evil_n if_o nature_n have_v be_v such_o a_o stepmother_n to_o man_n if_o it_o have_v froward_o and_o peevish_o design_v he_o little_a else_o but_o mischief_n whence_o that_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n of_o mind_n search_v with_o delight_n into_o all_o the_o retirement_n of_o nature_n whence_o that_o comprehensive_a and_o almost_o immense_a capacity_n of_o pleasure_n whence_o that_o strength_n and_o greatness_n of_o soul_n
enable_v no●_n only_o to_o confront_v but_o to_o despise_v evil_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o despite_n of_o they_o these_o be_v advantage_n so_o incomparabl●_n great_a and_o good_a that_o no_o evil_n can_v be_v balance_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v eviden●●_n that_o no_o write_n no_o not_o of_o the_o stoic_n themselves_o be_v ever_o more_o stuff_v with_o boast_v and_o dare_v account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o those_o of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o thus_o from_o all_o put_v together_o whether_o we_o consult_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n testimony_n of_o revelation_n or_o reason_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o good_a humour_a and_o grateful_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o voluptuous_a and_o atheistical_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o good_a do_v outweigh_v evil_a in_o the_o design_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o have_v i_o not_o myself_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o evil_n yes_o but_o not_o of_o god_n creation_n but_o our_o own_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o thing_n themselves_o but_o the_o shade_n and_o phantasm_n wanton_a superstitious_a effeminate_a or_o froward_a mind_n do_v raise_v about_o they_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o man._n so_o then_o if_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o multiply_v the_o number_n of_o our_o evil_n our_o share_n of_o good_a in_o life_n may_v be_v much_o great_a than_o our_o share_n of_o evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o accessary_a to_o our_o own_o misery_n we_o may_v be_v happy_a unless_o second_o good_n 2._o the_o efficacy_n of_o evil_a not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o good_n evil_a have_v so_o much_o of_o venom_n and_o malignity_n in_o it_o that_o a_o little_a evil_n contribute_v more_o to_o our_o misery_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a can_v to_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v here_o judge_v of_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a either_o by_o that_o influence_n they_o general_o have_v or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o impression_n they_o ought_v to_o make_v upon_o man_n the_o question_n will_v come_v to_o a_o speedy_a and_o a_o happy_a issue_n for_o than_o we_o must_v either_o reckon_v nothing_o a_o evil_a but_o a_o moral_a one_o that_o be_v sin_n and_o vice_n or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o venom_n and_o malignity_n of_o other_o evil_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o that_o of_o moral_a one_o this_o latter_a opinion_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n for_o who_o wil●_n not_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o a_o misfortune_n and_o a_o crime_n between_o a_o affliction_n and_o a_o punishment_n between_o those_o inconvenience_n trouble_v and_o pain_n which_o we_o suffer_v as_o guilty_a criminal_n and_o those_o we_o suffer_v as_o unfortunate_a innocent_n or_o afflict_a hero_n or_o saint_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o evil_n or_o pain_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o same_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o suffer_a the_o one_o make_v man_n much_o more_o miserable_a than_o the_o other_o for_o our_o misfortune_n shall_v only_o reach_v the_o body_n not_o the_o mind_n but_o when_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o crime_n the_o whole_a man_n suffer_v the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n misfortune_n when_o the_o storm_n be_v overpast_v leave_v no_o deform_a ruin_n no_o wound_n nor_o scar_n behind_o they_o but_o our_o crime_n leave_v stain_n and_o guilt_n behind_o which_o haunt_v the_o mind_n with_o perpetual_a horror_n from_o this_o distinction_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o evil_n we_o may_v infer_v this_o comfortable_a conclusion_n that_o nothing_o can_v make_v man_n whole_o true_o miserable_a but_o himself_o nothing_o can_v oppress_v he_o by_o the_o weight_n of_o moral_a evil_n but_o his_o own_o choice_n for_o nothing_o can_v compel_v or_o necessitate_v he_o to_o be_v wicked_a the_o stroke_n the_o wound_n of_o natural_a evil_n so_o i_o will_v call_v all_o the_o rest_n distinct_a from_o moral_n and_o owe_v their_o be_v to_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n and_o chance_n and_o nature_n etc._n etc._n be_v faint_a and_o slight_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v too_o deep_o and_o sensible_o affect_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n to_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o the_o impression_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o true_o that_o mind_n that_o be_v furnish_v with_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n with_o a_o rational_a and_o solid_a faith_n with_o steady_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_n may_v bear_v the_o impetuous_a shock_n of_o all_o these_o wave_n and_o storm_n calm_a and_o unmoved_a nay_o i_o may_v bold_o affirm_v not_o only_o that_o virtue_n check_v and_o control_v these_o evil_n blunt_v their_o edge_n and_o abate_v their_o force_n but_o what_o be_v more_o that_o their_o natural_a strength_n their_o own_o proper_a force_n be_v weak_a and_o contemptible_a unless_o our_o own_o vice_n be_v combine_v and_o confederate_v with_o they_o against_o we_o our_o pride_n must_v aid_v our_o enemy_n to_o render_v his_o affront_n provoke_v our_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n must_v assist_v fortune_n to_o render_v its_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n of_o we_o destructive_a to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o state_n falsehood_n under_o a_o disguise_n of_o friendship_n can_v never_o have_v abuse_v our_o confidence_n by_o betray_v our_o infirmity_n or_o forsake_v we_o in_o affliction_n have_v not_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o self-conceit_n first_o betray_v we_o expose_v we_o a_o naked_a prey_n to_o flattery_n and_o treachery_n the_o coldness_n or_o neglect_v of_o great_a man_n can_v never_o wound_v we_o the_o hollow_a deceitful_a profession_n of_o those_o above_o we_o can_v never_o fool_n or_o fret_v we_o do_v not_o the_o fondness_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n betray_v we_o first_o into_o vain_a presumption_n and_o a_o flatter_a credulity_n the_o storm_n that_o snatch_v away_o a_o relation_n or_o a_o friend_n can_v never_o overthrow_v i_o if_o i_o stand_v upon_o my_o own_o bottom_n if_o i_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a weakness_n of_o place_v my_o happiness_n in_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o my_o own_o power_n and_o so_o make_v myself_o dependent_a upon_o another_o man_n fancy_n or_o fortune_n final_o death_n itself_o must_v derive_v its_o terror_n from_o the_o mournful_a solemnity_n we_o dress_v it_o in_o from_o the_o darkness_n and_o horror_n of_o our_o delude_a imagination_n or_o else_o it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o contemptible_a bugbear_n a_o very_a inconsiderable_a evil_n or_o none_o at_o all._n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o we_o distinguish_v evil_n into_o natural_a and_o moral_a we_o shall_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o think_v the_o influence_n of_o evil_a so_o malignant_a and_o deadly_a since_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o avoid_v moral_a evil_n and_o natural_a one_o strike_v but_o half_a way_n they_o wound_v not_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v arm_v and_o guard_v with_o reason_n and_o religion_n but_o now_o if_o with_o the_o stoic_n we_o shall_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sort_n of_o evil_a but_o what_o be_v moral_a if_o we_o shall_v allow_v the_o name_n of_o good_a to_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n or_o of_o evil_a to_o nothing_o but_o vice_n than_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o temporal_a and_o external_n misfortune_n as_o inconvenience_n and_o disadvantage_n only_o they_o may_v make_v we_o less_o happy_a but_o they_o can_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o true_o if_o we_o shall_v here_o suppose_v or_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n or_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n triumph_v over_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n be_v considerable_o great_a this_o opinion_n can_v imply_v so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o it_o or_o be_v a_o mere_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o idle_a contention_n of_o word_n since_o i_o can_v tell_v with_o what_o consonancy_n to_o truth_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n we_o can_v call_v those_o trouble_n or_o hardship_n evil_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o procure_v for_o we_o a_o infinite_a good_a a_o pleasure_n which_o do_v abundant_o outweigh_v our_o suffering_n i_o '_o think_v it_o be_v now_o sufficient_o evident_a that_o natural_a evil_n be_v not_o of_o that_o mighty_a efficacy_n &_o deadly_a venomous_a quality_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v that_o a_o little_a evil_n do_v more_o effectual_o contribute_v to_o our_o misery_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a can_v to_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v apparent_a how_o slight_a the_o impression_n be_v which_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v upon_o we_o it_o will_v now_o be_v time_n to_o
that_o of_o plutarch_n so_o general_o praise_v by_o all_o writer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v rather_o man_n shall_v say_v of_o i_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o plutarch_n than_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o fickle_a unconstant_a froward_a revengeful_a and_o implacable_a temper_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o entertain_v such_o a_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o humane_a nature_n will_v recoil_v from_o and_o start_v back_o pale_a and_o scare_v at_o the_o sight_n let_v we_o not_o fasten_v those_o character_n upon_o god_n which_o a_o good-tempered_a man_n if_o charge_v with_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o foul_a reproach_n and_o most_o injurious_a accusation_n especial_o since_o a_o defect_n be_v not_o only_o more_o conspicuous_a but_o more_o reproachful_a where_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o perfection_n and_o peevishness_n and_o cruelty_n be_v infinite_o more_o mischievous_a in_o a_o almighty_a than_o impotent_a be_v i_o may_v shun_v polycrates_n dionysius_n periander_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o shall_v i_o shun_v god_n i_o may_v leave_v samos_n sicily_n or_o corinth_n and_o where_o clemency_n and_o justice_n make_v their_o abide_v i_o may_v make_v i_o but_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v what_o place_n shall_v be_v my_o refuge_n if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o almighty_a tyrant_n thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a such_o kind_n of_o representation_n of_o god_n tend_v not_o to_o enamour_v man_n of_o god_n but_o to_o alienate_v and_o estrange_v he_o they_o tend_v not_o to_o advance_v religion_n but_o superstition_n they_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n dread_a god_n but_o not_o love_v he_o they_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o god_n be_v to_o be_v represent_v such_o as_o our_o dear_a lord_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n have_v reveal_v he_o a_o god_n of_o hope_n a_o god_n of_o love_n a_o god_n who_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n god_n be_v love_n let_v it_o not_o be_v think_v a_o absurd_a or_o barren_a tautology_n tho'_o i_o shall_v recite_v this_o one_o text_n a_o thousand_o time_n oftener_o than_o i_o do_v for_o no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o divine_a nature_n so_o much_o to_o the_o life_n as_o his_o who_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o love_n nor_o let_v god_n deal_n with_o the_o gentil_n world_n before_o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o mankind_n 17._o act._n 14._o and_o 17._o it_o be_v true_a god_n in_o time_n past_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n he_o wink_v at_o he_o publish_v not_o reveal_v law_n to_o the_o gentile_n from_o heaven_n he_o depute_v no_o prophet_n to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n with_o a_o commission_n to_o restore_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n that_o natural_a religion_n conformable_o to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n which_o be_v the_o import_n of_o those_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v strange_o efface_v and_o obliterated_a among_o the_o gentile_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v too_o 1._o that_o god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o a_o witness_n in_o any_o age_n of_o gentilism_n the_o heathen_a be_v never_o destitute_a of_o so_o much_o light_n as_o may_v have_v conduct_v they_o to_o god_n and_o that_o happiness_n he_o design_v they_o for_o beside_o the_o tradition_n transmit_v from_o noah_n to_o posterity_n the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n be_v ever_o open_a to_o they_o and_o this_o do_v in_o most_o legible_a character_n assert_v the_o be_v of_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o st._n paul_n 14._o act_n 14._o nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n nor_o be_v this_o testimony_n so_o unsuccessful_a deorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la autem_fw-la alii_fw-la philosophi_fw-la &_o high_a quidem_fw-la magni_fw-la atque_fw-la nobiles_fw-la qui_fw-la deorum_fw-la ment_fw-la atque_fw-la ratione_fw-la omnem_fw-la mundum_fw-la administrari_fw-la &_o regi_fw-la censeant_fw-la neque_fw-la verò_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la ab_fw-la iisdem_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la hominum_fw-la consuli_fw-la &_o provideri_fw-la nam_fw-la &_o fruges_fw-la &_o reliqua_fw-la quae_fw-la terra_fw-la pariat_fw-la &_o tempestates_fw-la ac_fw-la tem_fw-la porum_fw-la varietates_fw-la coelique_fw-la mutationes_fw-la quibus_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la terra_fw-la gignat_fw-la maturata_fw-la pubescant_fw-la à_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la tribui_fw-la generi_fw-la humano_fw-la putant_fw-la cic._n l._n 1._o de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la but_o that_o in_o all_o age_n there_o be_v some_o excellent_a man_n who_o do_v ascribe_v the_o original_a &_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o god_n and_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v found_v a_o rational_a and_o excellent_a worship_n upon_o these_o be_v so_o many_o light_n shine_v in_o dark_a place_n as_o so_o many_o justification_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o reproach_n of_o man_n wilful_a stupidity_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o consequent_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o happiness_n be_v proportion_v and_o conform_v to_o those_o manifestation_n which_o god_n make_v they_o to_o those_o obligation_n which_o he_o lay_v before_o they_o and_o to_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o for_o god_n be_v not_o a_o hard_a master_n he_o will_v not_o make_v good_a the_o accusation_n of_o the_o wicked_a servant_n he_o will_v not_o take_v up_o what_o he_o lay_v not_o down_o 19_o luk._n 19_o nor_o reap_v what_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n deal_v with_o man_n according_a to_o those_o several_a oeconomy_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o they_o be_v under_o and_o if_o he_o have_v afford_v all_o nation_n mean_v proportionable_a to_o those_o duty_n he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o to_o those_o degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o design_v they_o than_o he_o be_v always_o the_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o once_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o now_o of_o the_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o providence_n which_o can_v give_v we_o any_o colour_n to_o call_v into_o question_n the_o care_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o remove_v this_o objection_n as_o it_o lay_v in_o my_o way_n if_o my_o design_n do_v not_o hasten_v i_o on_o and_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v this_o satisfactory_a i_o can_v easy_o make_v appear_v god_n goodness_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n platonic_n and_o stoic_n by_o examine_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a part_n of_o the_o gentil_n world_n and_o that_o of_o the_o sottish_a and_o vicious_a part_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v the_o assistance_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v they_o and_o give_v a_o account_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a god_n by_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o far_o stifle_v and_o oppress_v in_o the_o gentil_n world_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o gentile_n and_o infidel_n do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v my_o present_a enquiry_n as_o to_o deserve_v so_o exact_a a_o discussion_n the_o barrenness_n of_o some_o country_n the_o servitude_n and_o poverty_n of_o some_o people_n be_v a_o much_o slight_a objection_n for_o till_o it_o can_v appear_v that_o poverty_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o virtue_n or_o that_o wealth_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o luxury_n and_o the_o nurse_n of_o sloth_n and_o wantonness_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o man_n happiness_n it_o will_v weigh_v but_o very_o little_a against_o so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o divine_a love_n that_o he_o have_v not_o heap_v upon_o all_o nation_n so_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o may_v put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v lazy_a wanton_a and_o insolent_a now_o
give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o like_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o have_v gain_v a_o ascent_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o way_n i_o have_v go_v and_o see_v how_o much_o of_o my_o journey_n i_o have_v dispatch_v my_o undertake_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v advance_v towards_o this_o with_o undeniable_a evidence_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o peevishness_n malignity_n and_o cruelty_n can_v belong_v to_o god_n because_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o state_n nor_o can_v it_o rational_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o same_o property_n shall_v belong_v to_o those_o evil_a spirit_n which_o for_o a_o long_a time_n delude_v the_o world_n and_o that_o god_n who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o destroy_v that_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o rescue_v man_n to_o restore_v he_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v do_v so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o have_v in_o the_o contexture_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o state_n to_o make_v we_o in_o love_n with_o goodness_n and_o irreconcilable_o enemy_n to_o tyranny_n cruelty_n arbitrary_a revenge_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o himself_o be_v passionate_a furious_a and_o arbitrary_a in_o his_o cruelty_n nay_o i_o have_v advance_v further_o and_o have_v prove_v second_o that_o boundless_a love_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o unquestionable_a attribute_n of_o god_n for_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n which_o exclude_v all_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n and_o evil_n from_o the_o deity_n do_v necessary_o assert_v to_o it_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n and_o good_a nor_o do_v the_o unconceivable_a majesty_n and_o eminence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n only_o but_o also_o the_o indigence_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n require_v this_o since_o without_o it_o he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o dependence_n nor_o consequent_o our_o worship_n have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o prove_v that_o tyranny_n or_o cruelty_n be_v utter_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o boundless_a love_n and_o goodness_n the_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o emanation_n o●_n this_o his_o goodness_n do_v extend_v even_o to_o man_n for_o tho'_o the_o epicurean_o acknowledge_v god_n perfect_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n allow_v he_o no_o other_o employment_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o tho'_o aristotle_n confine_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o irradiation_n of_o his_o goodness_n within_o heaven_n and_o tho'_o last_o before_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o conceive_v any_o subject_n about_o which_o divine_a love_n can_v exercise_v itself_o and_o consequent_o can_v conceive_v of_o it_o no_o otherwise_o than_o confine_v within_o himself_o all_o which_o seem_v to_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v infinite_o good_a and_o yet_o this_o goodness_n not_o extend_v itself_o to_o man_n all_o this_o concern_v not_o our_o present_a question_n for_o tho'_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o free_a man_n from_o unreasonable_a and_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o he_o and_o to_o acquit_v god_n from_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o humane_a misery_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a i_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v good_a in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n beside_o they_o who_o accuse_v god_n of_o their_o misery_n do_v not_o suppose_v he_o unconcern_v about_o all_o thing_n but_o himself_o as_o epicurus_n nor_o bind_v and_o limit_v his_o providence_n within_o the_o enclosure_n of_o heaven_n but_o do_v plain_o suppose_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o contrivance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n or_o upon_o the_o overrule_v influence_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o his_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o quit_v one_o inch_n of_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v get_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o world_n be_v now_o create_v and_o mankind_n form_v after_o god_n image_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v his_o offspring_n say_v st._n paul_n out_o of_o the_o poet_n unactive_a and_o unconcern_v love_n seem_v to_o i_o a_o contradiction_n and_o infinite_a boundless_a goodness_n confine_v within_o heaven_n can_v but_o seem_v as_o gross_a a_o one_o let_v it_o therefore_o remain_v a_o unshaken_a truth_n the_o god_n be_v good_a and_o that_o this_o goodness_n do_v exert_a and_o express_v itself_o towards_o mankind_n and_o we_o shall_v from_o hence_o gain_v these_o two_o point_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n o●_n man_n misery_n and_o what_o be_v more_o yet_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o further_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o all_o his_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v apparent_a for_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a than_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n must_v in_o the_o state_n of_o its_o creation_n have_v be_v exceed_o good_a the_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n must_v have_v be_v something_o extreme_o kind_a and_o gracious_a and_o the_o law_n he_o prescribe_v his_o creature_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o end_n must_v be_v as_o good_a as_o wise_a this_o must_v have_v be_v the_o glorious_a state_n of_o thing_n when_o god_n contrive_v this_o wonderful_a frame_n of_o nature_n when_o he_o erect_v this_o vast_a work_n the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o the_o continue_a progress_n of_o divine_a providence_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o other_o act_n of_o government_n than_o what_o may_v become_v the_o most_o gracious_a prince_n the_o most_o tender_a father_n for_o the_o same_o immense_a goodness_n that_o once_o create_v do_v ever_o continue_v to_o rule_v the_o world_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o accuse_v god_n but_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v not_o happy_a blessing_n indeed_o and_o mercy_n like_o warm_a sun_n and_o fruitful_a season_n descend_v upon_o we_o without_o our_o importunity_n or_o merit_n but_o evil_n and_o mischief_n come_v not_o till_o our_o sin_n and_o provocation_n have_v pull_v they_o down_o upon_o we_o solon_n indeed_o in_o herodotus_n tell_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o deity_n be_v envious_a and_o froward_a and_o delight_v to_o magnify_v itself_o in_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o settle_a happiness_n and_o calm_a of_o poor_a man_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v our_o fondness_n or_o our_o pride_n our_o peevishness_n or_o our_o wantonness_n which_o raise_v in_o we_o these_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n he_o may_v indeed_o like_o a_o kind_a parent_n train_n up_o a_o son_n through_o a_o strict_a discipline_n to_o virtue_n and_o glory_n he_o may_v throw_v difficulty_n into_o our_o way_n on_o purpose_n to_o reward_v our_o conquest_n he_o may_v like_v a_o wise_a physician_n restore_v we_o to_o our_o health_n by_o bitter_a potion_n and_o will_v like_v a_o excellent_a governor_n vindicate_v if_o need_v be_v our_o wanton_a contempt_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n by_o severity_n and_o chastisement_n but_o he_o will_v never_o like_o a_o savage_a tyrant_n delight_n in_o the_o suffering_n or_o ruin_n of_o innocent_a or_o humble_a subject_n he_o will_v never_o prescribe_v impossible_a law_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o bloody_a execution_n he_o will_v never_o make_v the_o groan_n of_o wretched_a people_n his_o music_n nor_o think_v misery_n and_o death_n the_o best_a mark_n of_o his_o absolute_a power_n or_o fair_a ornament_n of_o his_o throne_n no_o we_o shall_v never_o need_v any_o other_o proof_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a majesty_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n than_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o we_o alone_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o ruin_n and_o that_o god_n be_v utter_o free_a from_o it_o our_o excessive_a enjoyment_n create_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n and_o our_o excessive_a passion_n the_o pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o most_o of_o the_o change_n in_o our_o fortune_n derive_v themselves_o from_o both_o a_o languish_a body_n and_o a_o languish_a reputation_n a_o break_a estate_n and_o a_o deject_a mind_n be_v the_o common_a effect_n of_o a_o disorderly_a and_o debauched_a life_n and_o such_o a_o life_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o mind_n enslave_v to_o the_o body_n and_o estrange_v from_o god_n not_o only_o by_o a_o neglect_n but_o by_o a_o contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n by_o
hand_n that_o life_n or_o death_n plenty_n or_o poverty_n every_o thing_n depend_v upon_o his_o will_n for_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n earth_n and_o air_n fire_n hail_n and_o vapour_n obey_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o often_o as_o he_o please_v the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o will_n he_o that_o still_v the_o raging_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o becalm_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o mighty_a he_o at_o who_o command_n new_a creature_n enter_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o old_a leave_n it_o what_o be_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v nay_o what_o be_v it_o this_o almighty_a governor_n can_v do_v without_o move_v one_o step_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o his_o providence_n without_o employ_v any_o extraordinary_a instrument_n or_o exert_v any_o act_n of_o extraordinary_a power_n for_o what_o secular_a interest_n can_v there_o be_v imagine_v who_o success_n or_o disappointment_n depend_v not_o upon_o some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v further_a three_o that_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o prefix_v or_o set_v himself_o such_o immutable_a inalterable_a law_n but_o that_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o prerogative_n of_o suspending_a or_o overrule_a they_o when_o he_o please_v i_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a body_n or_o revolution_n of_o secular_a affair_n and_o if_o such_o a_o interposal_n of_o divine_a power_n can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v other_o than_o a_o miracle_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o one_o age_n only_o but_o every_o age_n a_o age_n of_o miracle_n nay_o i_o believe_v such_o as_o these_o wrought_v every_o day_n for_o the_o protection_n or_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o depend_v upon_o this_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n i_o shall_v like_o jonah_n or_o his_o mariner_n call_v upon_o god_n in_o a_o storm_n if_o it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v lay_v till_o it_o have_v natural_o spend_v its_o force_n and_o fury_n i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n i_o shall_v implore_v the_o almighty_n direction_n upon_o all_o my_o deliberation_n in_o perplex_a and_o entangle_v affair_n if_o i_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o light_n than_o what_o my_o labour_a mind_n can_v give_v itself_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o to_o god_n in_o the_o pain_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o insupportable_a disease_n if_o the_o medicine_n will_v be_v the_o same_o and_o their_o virtue_n the_o same_o if_o the_o fever_n will_v abate_v and_o its_o flame_n be_v extinguish_v or_o extinguish_v life_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o manner_n if_o i_o pray_v or_o if_o i_o do_v not_o all_o these_o way_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o may_v without_o any_o absurdity_n ascribe_v to_o god_n such_o a_o super-intendency_a and_o direction_n over_o humane_a affair_n as_o may_v render_v the_o issue_n of_o they_o most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o that_o worship_n he_o as_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o consist_v in_o aid_v we_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v as_o far_o as_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o influx_n of_o divine_a light_n or_o heavenly_a vigour_n i_o do_v no_o more_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o manner_n of_o sanctification_n than_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o i_o know_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o rational_a work_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o man_n tho'_o assist_v by_o god_n it_o be_v a_o rational_a work_n which_o imply_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o therefore_o this_o i_o know_v that_o this_o aid_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o improvement_n of_o my_o rational_a faculty_n in_o some_o accession_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o understanding_n and_o to_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o my_o will_n now_o tho'_o i_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n do_v this_o yet_o how_o easy_o can_v i_o believe_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o since_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o create_v my_o understanding_n can_v improve_v it_o and_o he_o who_o invest_v i_o with_o a_o rational_a liberty_n can_v confirm_v or_o enlarge_v it_o or_o if_o you_o please_v rescue_v it_o from_o that_o disease_a and_o servile_a condition_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v degenerate_v and_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o health_n and_o soundness_n of_o its_o first_o state_n the_o three_o act_n of_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o new_a manner_n but_o a_o new_a degree_n of_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o contain_v in_o it_o no_o further_a difficulty_n this_o time_n which_o i_o have_v spend_v upon_o the_o illustration_n of_o divine_a goodness_n towards_o man_n will_v not_o i_o hope_v be_v judge_v misemployed_a or_o lose_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o such_o be_v the_o wantonness_n of_o some_o man_n that_o they_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o carry_v in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v any_o seem_a contradiction_n but_o any_o seem_a difficulty_n but_o it_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v tedious_a than_o defective_a in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o will_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n whatever_o force_n and_o strength_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a government_n which_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o its_o perfection_n visible_a in_o its_o effect_n the_o gospel_n contain_v this_o doctrine_n in_o almost_o every_o page_n and_o the_o life_n of_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n be_v so_o many_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a faithfulness_n and_o love_n perform_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o by_o his_o son_n the_o jewish_a polity_n be_v a_o theocracy_n god_n do_v for_o a_o great_a while_n preside_v over_o they_o immediate_o and_o govern_v they_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v without_o a_o substitute_n or_o viceroy_n repeat_v miracle_n repeat_v prophecy_n extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v the_o illustrious_a proof_n of_o god_n affection_n and_o care_n for_o that_o people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o insult_v over_o my_o reader_n be_v patience_n or_o to_o reproach_v his_o stupidity_n if_o i_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_o necessary_a to_o examine_v what_o the_o heathen_a thought_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o divine_a assistance_n and_o what_o instance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v find_v among_o they_o whether_o the_o gentile_n have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o fall_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v not_o here_o necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o that_o opposition_n which_o virtue_n meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n they_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a that_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o affluence_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o other_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v they_o in_o vice_n and_o therefore_o tho'_o they_o do_v sometime_o magnify_v humane_a nature_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o forgetful_a of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n or_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o render_v they_o virtuous_a and_o happy_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o plato_n be_v eminent_a in_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n 30._o max._n t●t_n disser_fw-fr 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o life_n of_o socrates_n be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v general_o ascribe_v their_o law_n to_o those_o god_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o oracle_n the_o cretanes_n roman_n etc._n etc._n not_o more_o confident_o believe_v that_o they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o minos_n numa_n pompilius_n etc._n etc._n than_o that_o these_o receive_v they_o from_o jove_n aegeria_n and_o other_o god_n and_o i_o wonder_v not_o that_o cicero_n shall_v somewhere_o say_v nunquam_fw-la vir_fw-la magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la divino_fw-la afflatu_fw-la that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a man_n who_o enjoy_v not_o some_o divine_a impulse_n since_o
it_o do_v so_o general_o obtain_v through_o the_o pagan_a world_n to_o attribute_v all_o the_o surprise_v excellency_n or_o extraordinary_a exploit_n of_o their_o hero_n and_o eminent_a man_n to_o the_o immediate_a favour_n and_o patronage_n of_o their_o go_n rom._n hist_o rom._n must_v vespasian_n restore_v life_n to_o the_o expire_a state_n of_o rome_n prodigy_n and_o miracle_n shall_v prepare_v his_o way_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o some_o divine_a assistance_n shall_v consecrate_v and_o destine_v he_o to_o this_o great_a work_n must_v alexander_n conquer_v the_o eastern_a world_n miracle_n shall_v attend_v his_o march_n as_o it_o do_v that_o of_o moses_n josephus_n josephus_n &_o the_o pamphylian_a sea_n retreat_n before_o the_o one_o as_o the_o red_a sea_n do_v before_o the_o other_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v usual_a only_o among_o the_o barbarous_a people_n athens_n itself_o athens_n the_o very_a abode_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n do_v attribute_v the_o perfection_n of_o eleusinian_n melesagoras_n and_o cretan_a epimenides_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o some_o divine_a be_v and_o those_o of_o socrates_n to_o his_o guardian_n angel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scythian_n those_o of_o their_o zamolxis_n or_o they_o of_o proconesus_n those_o of_o aristeas_n to_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o god_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o work_n of_o hesiod_n homer_n or_o other_o poet_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n since_o those_o of_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n be_v by_o moses_n himself_o ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o poem_n of_o the_o former_a can_v not_o but_o seem_v to_o the_o heathen_n as_o rich_a a_o piece_n of_o fancy_n as_o the_o embroidery_n of_o the_o latter_a do_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o excellent_a argument_n maximus_n tyrius_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v virtue_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o assistance_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n if_o art_n say_v he_o less_o excellent_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o less_o useful_a in_o their_o end_n be_v owe_v to_o god_n how_o much_o more_o virtue_n the_o divine_a guide_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o good_a that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o 22._o max._n tyr._n dissert_n 22._o much_o less_o sure_o the_o chief_a and_o sovereign_n good_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o far_o i_o have_v proceed_v to_o show_v you_o what_o the_o heathen_n think_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a assistance_n particular_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n for_o as_o to_o secular_a matter_n and_o temporal_a event_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o overrule_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v into_o question_n the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o it_o seem_v so_o inseparable_a that_o the_o epicurean_a who_o deny_v the_o latter_a can_v never_o find_v belief_n when_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o own_o the_o former_a nay_o even_o those_o very_a man_n who_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o a_o providence_n by_o the_o bounty_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n in_o his_o chastisement_n of_o sin_n hence_o that_o bold_a and_o brisk_a tho'_o not_o very_o religious_a reflection_n of_o tacitus_n upon_o the_o misery_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n suffer_v under_o galba_n otho_n and_o vitellius_n nec_fw-la enim_fw-la unquam_fw-la atrocioribus_fw-la populi_fw-la romani_fw-la cladibus_fw-la hist_o tacit._n l._n 1._o hist_o magisuè_fw-la justis_fw-la judiciis_fw-la approbatum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la curae_fw-la diis_fw-la securitatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la esse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la the_o justice_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o plague_n abundant_o evince_v the_o god_n concern_v tho'_o not_o for_o our_o prosperity_n yet_o 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than_o as_o something_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a ever_o digest_v the_o gross_a confidence_n of_o a_o poet_n bring_v in_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o stage_n at_o every_o turn_n i_o do_v not_o therefore_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o gentile_a world_n receive_v very_o many_o good_a office_n and_o advantage_n from_o good_a angel_n as_o well_o as_o suffer_v many_o mischief_n from_o evil_a one_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o good_a probability_n believe_v that_o every_o good_a heathen_a as_o well_o as_o socrates_n have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o good_a spirit_n very_o frequent_o nor_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n the_o only_a assistance_n that_o god_n afford_v the_o gentil_n world_n but_o in_o every_o age_n he_o raise_v up_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o be_v his_o prophet_n or_o interpreter_n of_o nature_n law_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o know_v st._n austin_n do_v in_o two_o place_n at_o least_o of_o his_o retractation_n censure_v and_o condemn_v that_o charity_n which_o he_o
power_n i_o attribute_v to_o man_n i_o acknowledge_v derive_v from_o god_n i_o will_v therefore_o with_o good_a assurance_n proceed_v and_o try_v whether_o i_o can_v take_v in_o and_o demolish_v this_o fort_n which_o stop_v our_o way_n to_o happiness_n they_o who_o affirm_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n incapable_a of_o virtue_n forget_v that_o they_o dishonour_n god_n whilst_o they_o reproach_v their_o nature_n for_o be_v it_o so_o to_o what_o end_n can_v we_o imagine_v such_o man_n endow_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n not_o to_o worship_v but_o defy_v their_o maker_n and_o be_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o be_v make_v immortal_a too_o have_v god_n make_v man_n only_o to_o take_v his_o pastime_n in_o the_o world_n like_o the_o leviathan_n in_o the_o wave_n such_o a_o soul_n as_o that_o which_o move_v the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o sensitive_a soul_n have_v be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o end_n then_o may_v he_o have_v 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can_v be_v restrain_v and_o stifle_v than_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o divine_a truth_n religious_a discipline_n together_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v effect_v this_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a if_o the_o press_a necessity_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o state_n can_v change_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o otho_n into_o military_a hardship_n and_o courage_n i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o rational_a sense_n of_o the_o true_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o innumerable_a other_o consideration_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v before_o we_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o same_o wonder_n if_o the_o reverence_n of_o seneca_n or_o the_o senate_n or_o any_o other_o motive_n can_v produce_v a_o quinquennium_fw-la neronis_n can_v restrain_v the_o violent_a inclination_n of_o that_o wretched_a man_n so_o that_o his_o government_n for_o so_o many_o year_n shall_v be_v as_o gentle_a and_o just_a as_o that_o of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o virtuous_a prince_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o eternity_n be_v able_a to_o awe_v and_o curb_v the_o most_o vicious_a nature_n this_o methinks_v aught_o well_o to_o be_v weigh_v by_o all_o who_o assert_v man_n impotence_n and_o incapacity_n of_o virtue_n they_o disparage_v the_o gospel_n and_o reproach_n grace_n as_o well_o as_o man_n with_o impotence_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n do_v you_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o suppose_v man_n by_o nature_n unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o then_o deny_v he_o and_o utter_o debar_v he_o from_o god_n grace_n you_o introduce_v fate_n for_o what_o more_o fatal_a necessity_n can_v a_o wretched_a creature_n lie_v under_o than_o natural_a impotence_n utter_o destitute_a and_o for_o ever_o forsake_v of_o divine_a assistance_n or_o if_o you_o bereave_v not_o man_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o bereave_v grace_n of_o its_o sufficiency_n do_v you_o not_o understand_v that_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n continue_v still_o the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o the_o man_n condition_n only_o in_o this_o hypothesis_n grace_n be_v dishonour_v and_o reproach_v as_o well_o as_o nature_n and_o this_o reflect_v very_o rude_o too_o upon_o god_n it_o call_v the_o wisdom_n the_o goodness_n the_o sincerity_n the_o power_n of_o god_n into_o dispute_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o spirit_n and_o truth_n to_o subdue_v and_o overpower_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o aid_v his_o poor_a creature_n when_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o sincerity_n to_o afford_v they_o such_o aid_n as_o must_v tend_v to_o their_o great_a mischief_n 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of_o evil_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o faith_n which_o overcome_v the_o sense_n of_o present_a evil_n shall_v disperse_v the_o fear_n of_o future_a one_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o parent_n of_o moses_n despise_v the_o menace_n of_o pharaoh_n a_o prince_n arbitrary_a in_o his_o power_n cruel_a in_o his_o temper_n resolve_v and_o bloody_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o mischief_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o moses_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n despise_v the_o wrath_n of_o this_o king_n and_o well_o know_v that_o no_o place_n will_v be_v able_a to_o protect_v he_o from_o his_o power_n and_o cruelty_n but_o the_o desert_n he_o forsake_v egypt_n and_o flee_v thither_o where_o he_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v he_o be_v to_o encounter_v insuperable_a difficulty_n but_o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a and_o know_v that_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v every_o where_o present_a &_o that_o in_o despite_n of_o every_o thing_n under_o his_o protection_n he_o shall_v be_v both_o safe_a and_o happy_a now_o since_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a the_o world_n can_v threaten_v we_o with_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o torment_n and_o death_n it_o be_v vain_a and_o superfluous_a after_o we_o have_v see_v these_o conquer_a to_o fancy_v other_o evil_n of_o a_o much_o slight_a nature_n unconquerable_a it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o that_o man_n can_v be_v frighten_v from_o his_o duty_n by_o popular_a reproach_n or_o the_o displeasure_n of_o great_a man_n or_o the_o diminution_n of_o his_o estate_n who_o can_v by_o death_n itself_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o fancy_n that_o he_o who_o despise_v imprisonment_n stripe_n hunger_n nakedness_n torment_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o respect_n to_o its_o reward_n shall_v be_v discourage_v by_o any_o little_a austerity_n or_o hardship_n which_o virtue_n may_v sometime_o exact_v from_o he_o tell_v i_o now_o then_o you_o who_o complain_v of_o the_o corruption_n and_o impotence_n of_o man_n you_o who_o magnify_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o from_o both_o infer_v the_o impossibility_n of_o be_v virtuous_a and_o consequent_o of_o be_v happy_a what_o have_v you_o to_o answer_v to_o these_o thing_n these_o matter_n of_o unquestionable_a fact_n you_o see_v resolution_n and_o faith_n in_o these_o example_n raise_v to_o that_o height_n and_o strength_n which_o no_o worldly_a no_o carnal_a temptation_n can_v resist_v tell_v i_o then_o why_o shall_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o jew_n out_o do_v that_o of_o a_o christian_a be_v their_o promise_n more_o glorious_a and_o therefore_o more_o efficacious_a than_o we_o look_v how_o far_o short_a time_n be_v of_o eternity_n corruption_n of_o incorruption_n so_o far_o be_v their_o canaan_n of_o our_o heaven_n but_o suppose_v they_o have_v as_o these_o sure_a have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o same_o heaven_n have_v they_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o it_o or_o more_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v alas_o their_o shechina_n bath-col_a the_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n of_o mount_n sinai_n their_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o fire_n be_v not_o half_a so_o clear_a assurance_n of_o god_n among_o they_o as_o that_o glory_n which_o shun_v in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o power_n communicate_v from_o above_o to_o his_o apostle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n be_v a_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o god_n assert_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o particular_o of_o that_o fundamental_a article_n in_o it_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o everlasting_a life_n what_o then_o be_v our_o temptation_n great_a than_o they_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o most_o sensual_a sinner_n dare_v not_o arrive_v at_o this_o plea_n let_v the_o voluptuary_n the_o ambitious_a confront_v his_o temptation_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o moses_n let_v the_o most_o afflict_a miserable_a man_n balance_v his_o temptation_n with_o abraham_n sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n or_o with_o the_o suffering_n of_o those_o righteous_a man_n mention_v in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o he_o must_v confess_v that_o his_o temptation_n be_v as_o much_o weak_a than_o they_o as_o be_v his_o faith_n what_o then_o can_v be_v say_v nothing_o unless_o plain_o this_o that_o our_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o they_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o inclination_n or_o our_o assistance_n if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o how_o can_v these_o man_n stand_v as_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n against_o we_o in_o the_o last_o day_n which_o st._n paul_n intimate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n how_o natural_a will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o wipe_v off_o any_o accusation_n or_o reproach_n which_o their_o virtue_n can_v fasten_v upon_o we_o by_o this_o easy_a answer_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v foil_v and_o overthrow_v by_o those_o temptation_n which_o these_o man_n conquer_v and_o well_o may_v this_o happen_v for_o neither_o have_v they_o our_o infirmity_n nor_o we_o their_o grace_n their_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o deprave_v as_o we_o nor_o our_o grace_n so_o sufficient_a as_o they_o be_v this_o so_o the_o sinner_n may_v be_v more_o infortunate_a but_o not_o more_o criminal_a than_o the_o saint_n the_o different_a event_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o different_a dispensation_n not_o different_a use_n of_o grace_n i._n e._n to_o the_o partiality_n of_o god_n not_o the_o negligence_n or_o wilfulness_n of_o man_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o impious_o or_o absurd_o affirm_v and_o now_o let_v not_o hereafter_o a_o fancy_a impossibility_n of_o virtue_n discourage_v the_o weak_a nor_o a_o pretend_a one_o excuse_v the_o wilful_a nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o be_v no_o inclination_n in_o man_n that_o be_v incorrigible_a nor_o any_o temptation_n incident_a to_o our_o state_n which_o be_v insuperable_a let_v any_o man_n that_o pretend_v the_o contrary_a consider_v what_o reason_n have_v do_v in_o some_o what_o custom_n what_o faith_n in_o other_o let_v he_o himself_o try_v what_o reason_n what_o discipline_n what_o faith_n from_o all_o which_o i_o never_o separate_v divine_a assistance_n can_v do_v in_o he_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a he_o will_v not_o then_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o further_a answer_n to_o his_o objection_n his_o own_o success_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o other_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o its_o weakness_n thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v in_o general_n give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o as_o many_o at_o least_o as_o plead_v natural_a incapacity_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a however_o that_o no_o discouragement_n no_o scruple_n may_v remain_v i_o will_v give_v a_o particular_a and_o clear_a tho'_o brief_a answer_n to_o each_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n suppose_v by_o it_o to_o render_v man_n natural_o incapable_a of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n first_o violent_a and_o invincible_a inclination_n to_o vice_n against_o this_o as_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n the_o whole_a bent_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n be_v level_v and_o therefore_o this_o need_v no_o far_a answer_n only_o here_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o remark_n that_o those_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n be_v not_o essential_a but_o accidental_a and_o consequent_o they_o may_v make_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n more_o difficult_a to_o some_o than_o other_o but_o impossible_a to_o none_o the_o strong_a inclination_n to_o virtue_n i_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o natural_a temper_n seem_v to_o i_o but_o a_o weak_a inclination_n to_o vice_n every_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o propension_n to_o pleasure_n and_o consequent_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o we_o to_o sensitive_a pleasure_n how_o much_o fine_a mould_n our_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v make_v of_o than_o we_o be_v i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o find_v the_o desire_n of_o pleasure_n be_v natural_a to_o they_o even_o in_o innocence_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o apple_n do_v easy_o inflame_v and_o that_o be_v such_o a_o degree_n that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o text_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v rather_o impute_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o loss_n of_o paradise_n to_o the_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o pleasure_n this_o tendency_n of_o the_o sensitive_a part_n be_v natural_a to_o all_o but_o in_o some_o it_o be_v more_o in_o some_o less_o violent_a unless_o we_o may_v say_v upon_o one_o ground_n it_o be_v equal_a in_o all_o for_o the_o difference_n of_o temper_n discover_v itself_o rather_o in_o the_o different_a
he_o write_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o see_v not_o now_o that_o god_n by_o raise_v up_o such_o man_n and_o by_o assist_v they_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n which_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o in_o suffer_v for_o these_o truth_n and_o the_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n of_o their_o write_n in_o those_o dark_a time_n do_v abundant_o testify_v be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o of_o his_o concern_v for_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o happiness_n why_o shall_v not_o this_o light_n which_o god_n lend_v the_o then-wandring_a benight_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v as_o kind_o interpret_v by_o man_n as_o it_o be_v design_v by_o god_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o priest_n and_o prophet_n well_o enough_o suit_v to_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n very_o excellent_a use_n have_v christian_n even_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o pious_a make_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v prove_v as_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n they_o live_v in_o as_o they_o be_v then_o more_o necessary_a i_o think_v i_o have_v by_o this_o time_n say_v enough_o not_o only_o to_o extinguish_v in_o any_o man_n all_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n but_o also_o to_o enkindle_v in_o he_o a_o grateful_a love_n of_o god_n and_o cheerful_a hope_n of_o true_a happiness_n by_o establish_v this_o persuasion_n upon_o unshaken_a foundation_n that_o god_n be_v a_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n that_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o further_o and_o assist_v every_o man_n in_o his_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n but_o now_o let_v not_o that_o doctrine_n be_v pervert_v to_o the_o betray_n of_o we_o into_o sloth_n which_o be_v design_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o fresh_a vigour_n to_o quicken_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o a_o industrious_a pursuit_n after_o our_o true_a happiness_n for_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o good_a and_o gracious_a but_o also_o holy_a too_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o this_o point_n god_n 2_o holiness_n of_o god_n because_o i_o think_v it_o be_v already_o prove_v holiness_n be_v as_o necessary_o imply_v in_o perfection_n as_o love_n or_o goodness_n i_o know_v some_o have_v talk_v as_o if_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a be_v as_o if_o his_o law_n be_v not_o the_o image_n or_o expression_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o mere_o the_o positive_a precept_n of_o a_o arbitrary_a will._n if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v can_v love_v or_o hate_v without_o any_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o action_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v consonant_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o this_o by_o chance_n for_o mere_a arbitrary_a motion_n be_v blind_a and_o unguided_a such_o a_o one_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o uncapable_a as_o he_o be_v unworthy_a of_o instruction_n i_o can_v as_o soon_o believe_v lightning_n and_o thunder_n wind_z and_z storm_z a_o god_n as_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a arbitrary_a be_v the_o heathen_n believe_v a_o god_n proteus_n that_o can_v turn_v himself_o into_o all_o shape_n but_o these_o man_n believe_v what_o be_v infinite_o more_o absurd_a a_o god_n not_o of_o various_a and_o uncertain_a shape_n only_o but_o also_o of_o a_o unfixt_v uncertain_a indetermined_a nature_n for_o the_o will_n must_v always_o be_v agreeable_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v who_o will_v it_o be_v thus_o liberty_n and_o indetermination_n of_o will_n in_o man_n proceed_v from_o some_o contrariety_n in_o the_o principle_n which_o constitute_v he_o unsteady_a judgement_n produce_v unsteady_a will_n and_o brutish_a nature_n brutish_a will_v or_o inclination_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o be_v there_o exhort_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n because_o god_n be_v light_a and_o to_o be_v holy_a because_o he_o be_v holy_a which_o holiness_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n but_o his_o nature_n this_o be_v give_v as_o a_o motive_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o his_o righteous_a precept_n because_o this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o can_v please_v a_o righteous_a god_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o which_o can_v make_v we_o like_a and_o dear_a to_o he_o from_o this_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o be_v holiness_n we_o may_v plain_o infer_v first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o assistance_n from_o he_o but_o then_o when_o that_o which_o we_o enterprise_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v his_o providence_n the_o refuge_n of_o laziness_n or_o impiety_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d superstitione_n plutarch_n de_fw-fr superstitione_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o virtue_n not_o the_o excuse_n of_o sloth_n and_o cowardice_n it_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o well-weighed_a prayer_n which_o josephus_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n stand_v on_o the_o shore_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n inaccessible_a rock_n and_o mountain_n deny_v the_o israelite_n passage_n one_o way_n the_o numerous_a host_n of_o the_o egyptian_n have_v fill_v all_o other_o only_o before_o they_o be_v the_o red_a sea_n who_o wave_n threaten_v as_o certain_a and_o more_o dreadful_a a_o destruction_n as_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o egyptian_n there_o be_v no_o weapon_n for_o fight_n no_o provision_n for_o a_o camp_n no_o place_n for_o flight_n in_o this_o case_n moses_n pray_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n lord_n thou_o know_v that_o no_o contrivance_n industry_n nor_o force_n of_o we_o can_v here_o avail_v we_o it_o be_v in_o thou_o alone_o to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o the_o rescue_n of_o this_o people_n who_o by_o thy_o command_n and_o under_o thy_o conduct_n have_v leave_v egypt_n despair_v of_o all_o other_o way_n we_o fly_v to_o thou_o alone_o for_o succour_n lord_n let_v it_o come_v speedy_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a proof_n of_o thy_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o faithfulness_n we_o be_v in_o great_a strait_n great_a to_o we_o but_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a to_o thou_o the_o sea_n be_v thou_o that_o stop_v our_o progress_n the_o mountain_n that_o shut_v we_o up_o be_v thou_o thou_o can_v divide_v this_o sea_n or_o turn_v its_o wave_n into_o firm_a land_n and_o make_v we_o find_v a_o safe_a passage_n through_o the_o devour_a deep_a or_o if_o thou_o think_v fit_a thou_o can_v make_v we_o march_v in_o triumph_n aloft_o through_o the_o open_a sky_n this_o be_v a_o noble_a faith_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o expectation_n almost_o as_o wonderful_a as_o the_o success_n it_o meet_v with_o but_o then_o it_o be_v no_o less_o rational_a than_o successful_a their_o condition_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o deliverance_n but_o a_o miraculous_a one_o and_o it_o be_v their_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a command_n have_v reduce_v they_o to_o this_o condition_n this_o be_v a_o safe_a rule_n to_o guide_v our_o faith_n and_o reliance_n by_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n and_o difficulty_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o god_n for_o these_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o humane_a infirmity_n require_v the_o support_n and_o comfort_n of_o divine_a assistance_n the_o utmost_a strength_n and_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v the_o shock_n and_o brunt_n of_o calamity_n alone_o 26._o max._n tyr._n disser_n 26._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o must_v be_v reinforce_v by_o power_n from_o above_o but_o then_o these_o difficulty_n must_v be_v such_o to_o which_o our_o vice_n have_v not_o betray_v we_o and_o our_o own_o courage_n and_o industry_n must_v be_v as_o vigorous_a as_o our_o prayer_n for_o in_o vain_a do_v we_o beg_v new_a supply_n of_o strength_n if_o we_o use_v not_o what_o we_o enjoy_v before_o divine_a bounty_n do_v never_o supersede_n man_n industry_n fruitful_a shower_n and_o enliven_a ray_n do_v not_o prevent_v but_o second_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o husbandman_n god_n observe_v the_o same_o method_n in_o the_o production_n of_o a_o noble_a sort_n of_o fruit_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o field_n of_o the_o sluggard_n shall_v be_v overrun_v with_o weed_n there_o only_o shall_v the_o divine_a fruit_n of_o philosophy_n and_o happiness_n grow_v where_o religious_a discipline_n till_v the_o ground_n and_o wakeful_a study_n sow_v the_o seed_n of_o thrive_a truth_n among_o the_o furrow_n according_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o