how_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v undeniable_a i_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o though_o i_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o god_n may_v have_v produce_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o yet_o i_o can_v deny_v it_o especial_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n no_o character_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n even_o to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o much_o more_o absurd_a still_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o christian_a divine_n who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o though_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o ground_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o that_o foundation_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o illiterate_a man_n as_o well_o as_o for_o scholar_n do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o require_v a_o great_a meditation_n than_o the_o vulgar_a be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o apprehend_v that_o god_n impart_v to_o matter_n the_o form_n it_o now_o have_v to_o pay_v to_o he_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o without_o suppose_v what_o i_o have_v prove_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n we_o must_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o form_n they_o have_v be_v eternal_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o form_n no_o more_o than_o in_o matter_n which_o can_v make_v we_o suspect_v that_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n though_o we_o have_v not_o see_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o great_a body_n that_o surround_v we_o and_o not_o one_o eye-witness_n have_v leave_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o though_o it_o seem_v that_o little_a or_o no_o sensible_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o world_n in_o general_a yet_o no_o body_n can_v say_v for_o all_o that_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n because_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v frame_v before_o there_o be_v any_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o beside_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o that_o man_n and_o other_o animal_n which_o make_v a_o part_n of_o it_o have_v always_o be_v upon_o earth_n the_o perpetual_a succession_n which_o we_o see_v in_o their_o kind_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o that_o they_o have_v a_o beginning_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o animal_n who_o live_v at_o present_a be_v bear_v of_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o these_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la so_o as_o never_o to_o come_v to_o the_o first_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o being_n that_n have_v a_o limit_a duration_n as_o that_o of_o every_o generation_n be_v can_v equal_v eternity_n by_o such_o a_o duration_n as_o a_o number_n of_o limit_a measure_n though_o never_o so_o great_a can_v be_v equal_a to_o a_o infinite_a extension_n every_o generation_n single_o take_v have_v have_v a_o beginning_n we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o generation_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a that_o man_n and_o beast_n begin_v to_o exist_v upon_o earth_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o some_o cause_n epicurus_n who_o say_v that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n make_v more_o ridiculous_a supposition_n and_o more_o absurd_a conjecture_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o ancient_a fable_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o body_n maintain_v his_o hypothesis_n now_o but_o other_o say_v that_o whatever_o exist_v be_v proper_o but_o one_o be_v that_o modify_v itself_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o its_o nature_n if_o any_o body_n know_v what_o they_o mean_v or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v but_o a_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o nonsensical_a though_o it_o have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o geometrical_a order_n can_v deceive_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v incline_v to_o it_o from_o some_o other_o reason_n wherefore_o see_v nothing_o can_v give_v a_o beginning_n to_o itself_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o animal_n who_o form_v they_o upon_o this_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v that_o be_v which_o christian_n call_v god_n thus_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o have_v create_v we_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o create_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o planet_n because_o limit_a period_n as_o those_o of_o the_o planet_n be_v can_v never_o exhaust_v eternity_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o multiply_v so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o no_o objection_n can_v force_v we_o to_o renounce_v that_o proposition_n see_v we_o direct_o prove_v it_o by_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v oppose_v to_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o and_o be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o ignorance_n they_o object_n for_o example_n that_o they_o can_v apprehend_v how_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v immaterial_a can_v create_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o say_v they_o so_o that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a can_v not_o give_v to_o body_n the_o propriety_n which_o they_o have_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o very_a argument_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o may_v say_v matter_n have_v no_o motion_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o be_v immaterial_a have_v less_o still_a none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o wherefore_o matter_n have_v no_o motion_n let_v they_o try_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v good_a will_v resolve_v the_o propose_a objection_n against_o the_o creation_n of_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n contain_v the_o real_a propriety_n of_o all_o being_n but_o without_o have_v the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o they_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v create_v they_o and_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o he_o give_v a_o beginning_n by_o this_o argument_n we_o ascend_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o we_o do_v learn_v by_o it_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o argument_n how_o the_o real_a propriety_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o god_n nor_o how_o he_o make_v they_o to_o exist_v the_o fact_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v above_o human_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o the_o origin_n of_o motion_n though_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o its_o existence_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o believe_v viz._n the_o revelation_n which_o we_o say_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n whatever_o they_o say_v concern_v revelation_n in_o general_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o prejudice_n viz._n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o a_o revelation_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o argument_n ground_v only_o upon_o our_o ignorance_n and_o which_o suppose_v that_o what_o we_o know_v not_o be_v not_o true_a as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n shall_v either_o manifest_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n which_o no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v or_o find_v out_o in_o that_o revelation_n some_o manifest_a character_n of_o falsity_n which_o no_o body_n can_v show_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n arise_v partly_o from_o their_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n thereof_o and_o not_o perceive_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o that_o history_n in_o a_o few_o word_n man_n know_v nothing_o but_o by_o experience_n and_o reflection_n and_o experience_n be_v slow_a and_o reflection_n oftentime_o difficult_a god_n show_v they_o by_o some_o revelation_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v concern_v his_o nature_n and_o the_o worship_n he_o require_v from_o they_o though_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o but_o a_o short_a abridgement_n of_o the_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v during_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o mention_n etc._n mention_n gen._n 3.3.9_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6.13_o &_o 7.1_o &_o 8.15_o &_o 9.1_o &_o 12.1_o etc._n etc._n
say_v to_o they_o that_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n 29.29_o deut._n 29.29_o but_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v false_a the_o second_o which_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o can_v hold_v and_o no_o person_n without_o a_o extravagant_a presumption_n can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n ought_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v act_v conformable_a to_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o for_o indeed_o although_o we_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o these_o attribute_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o conceive_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n or_o that_o we_o can_v exact_o know_v what_o carriage_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o they_o we_o know_v for_o example_n that_o god_n be_v most_o wise_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o this_o sovereign_a intelligence_n never_o act_n without_o propose_v certain_a end_n worthy_a of_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o go_v to_o those_o end_n by_o the_o way_n he_o judge_n to_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o that_o be_v effectual_o so_o but_o for_o all_o this_o we_o know_v not_o at_o least_o in_o a_o distinct_a manner_n every_o end_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o nor_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o he_o design_v to_o come_v at_o they_o no_o body_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o gather_v this_o from_o either_o revelation_n or_o the_o event_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v by_o history_n that_o some_o prince_n have_v govern_v their_o subject_n with_o great_a wisdom_n but_o who_o can_v value_v himself_o upon_o know_v all_o their_o particular_a design_n and_o the_o method_n they_o have_v use_v to_o come_v at_o their_o end_n only_o from_o their_o write_n or_o their_o conduct_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v then_o that_o we_o may_v know_v something_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n without_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o conduct_n and_o common_a sense_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n rash_o thereof_o this_o be_v so_o the_o three_o proposition_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o most_o presumptuous_a and_o temerarious_a imagination_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o reason_n thus_o concern_v a_o earthly_a king_n and_o bold_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o ill_a management_n because_o he_o have_v not_o follow_v our_o idea_n of_o the_o conduct_v he_o shall_v observe_v without_o our_o have_v a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o his_o affair_n nor_o of_o his_o design_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o absurd_a so_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n infinite_o exalt_v above_o we_o for_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o unbeliever_n reason_n upon_o this_o occasion_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o revelation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o four_o proposition_n we_o can_v exact_o judge_v of_o god_n providence_n towards_o mankind_n during_o the_o age_n past_a by_o the_o history_n we_o have_v few_o of_o they_o be_v extant_a but_o if_o we_o have_v all_o the_o history_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v yet_o that_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o form_v such_o a_o judgement_n by_o the_o exact_a history_n do_v necessary_o omit_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n and_o relate_v only_o the_o most_o considerable_a event_n which_o regard_v state_n rather_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o nation_n or_o the_o revelation_n they_o may_v receive_v from_o heaven_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v then_o that_o none_o can_v without_o extreme_a rashness_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o divine_a providence_n or_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o he_o govern_v not_o the_o world_n after_o that_o manner_n they_o think_v he_o shall_v this_o answer_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o incredulous_a form_n against_o revelation_n and_o providence_n and_o which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o in_o this_o chapter_n however_o to_o show_v full_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o prejudices_fw-la of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o though_o i_o have_v already_o destroy_v their_o foundation_n i_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n say_v concern_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o all_o man_n by_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o first_o patriarch_n from_o who_o they_o be_v descend_v to_o noah_n for_o example_n and_o to_o his_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o have_v its_o origin_n hence_o rather_o than_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o people_n i_o may_v add_v likewise_o that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n free_a and_o content_v himself_o with_o give_v they_o law_n they_o have_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n by_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o so_o become_v unworthy_a that_o god_n shall_v continue_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o as_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o the_o favour_n he_o be_v please_v to_o heap_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o he_o may_v very_o well_o without_o any_o way_n blemish_v his_o goodness_n bestow_v more_o favour_n upon_o some_o people_n than_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o free_a as_o the_o effect_n of_o beneficence_n which_o be_v not_o due_a and_o no_o body_n can_v reasonable_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o such_o a_o benefactor_n what_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a that_o he_o give_v he_o what_o he_o have_v and_o which_o be_v no_o more_o due_a to_o he_o than_o what_o he_o have_v not_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n among_o creature_n of_o several_a kind_n some_o have_v more_o and_o some_o less_o property_n than_o other_o and_o that_o all_o the_o while_n no_o person_n maintain_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v make_v all_o equal_o perfect_a without_o put_v any_o difference_n between_o his_o work_n why_o may_v not_o god_n also_o be_v please_v to_o place_v some_o variety_n in_o the_o same_o species_n of_o being_n since_o we_o see_v that_o the_o disposition_n of_o humane_a body_n do_v vary_v in_o a_o world_n of_o thing_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v not_o more_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o think_v strange_a that_o god_n have_v thus_o different_o distribute_v his_o gift_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v impart_v more_o or_o less_o light_a to_o the_o several_a nation_n which_o compose_v mankind_n the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v proceed_v from_o this_o that_o people_n without_o perceive_v it_o confound_v god_n justice_n with_o his_o beneficence_n and_o withal_o they_o unreasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v a_o equal_a return_n of_o virtue_n from_o all_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v they_o all_o by_o the_o same_o law_n upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n to_o expect_v as_o much_o from_o the_o cafer_n of_o africa_n or_o the_o savage_n of_o america_n as_o from_o more_o know_v people_n and_o it_o be_v think_v unjust_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o gift_n so_o diverse_o since_o he_o will_v judge_v all_o man_n upon_o the_o same_o foot_n but_o though_o the_o beneficence_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o revelation_n perfect_o free_a insomuch_o that_o no_o nation_n can_v complain_v that_o another_o be_v prefer_v to_o it_o etc._n rom._n 9.10_o etc._n etc._n his_o justice_n follow_v the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o haâ—_n prescribe_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o men._n he_o give_v to_o who_o he_o will_v 11.23_o rom._n 11.23_o and_o in_o what_o quantity_n he_o please_v but_o he_o judge_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v bestow_v he_o require_v noâ—_n what_o he_o have_v not_o give_v 12.21_o mat._n 12.21_o and_o he_o reap_v noâ—_n where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_v 2.12_o rom._n 2.12_o those_o that_o sin_n without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o those_o that_o sin_n under_o the_o law_n shall_v bâ—_n judge_v by_o the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v the_o continuance_n of_o revelation_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v take_v away_o by_o what_o be_v now_o say_v god_n will_v have_v all_o reasonable_a regard_n to_o every_o circumstance_n of_o those_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v so_o different_o distribute_v his_o favour_n revelation_n do_v teach_v we_o the_o contrary_n not_o where_o and_o if_o any_o christian_a doctor_n have_v add_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o defend_v
like_a manner_n people_n who_o desire_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v indulge_v those_o desire_n without_o call_v into_o question_n all_o the_o while_n the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o manner_n of_o most_o christian_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o persuasion_n not_o that_o they_o perceive_v not_o this_o opposition_n well_o enough_o and_o condemn_v it_o too_o when_o they_o think_v of_o it_o but_o the_o method_n of_o live_v general_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o passion_n carry_v it_o over_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o example_n already_o allege_v and_o by_o thousand_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v hence_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o our_o inclination_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v it_o rather_o to_o our_o manner_n of_o live_v than_o continue_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v who_o will_v maintain_v that_o a_o prince_n will_v do_v better_o in_o change_v the_o law_n according_a to_o his_o present_a passion_n than_o to_o let_v they_o subsist_v and_o break_v they_o every_o hour_n no_o body_n for_o if_o he_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n as_o he_o shall_v he_o leave_v they_o their_o authority_n however_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o such_o other_o prince_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o observe_v they_o which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o society_n what_o disorder_n will_v it_o cause_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o a_o adulterous_a prince_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o contemn_v their_o authority_n will_v abrogate_v all_o those_o law_n prohibit_v adultery_n 31._o herodot_n l._n 3._o c._n 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o cambyses_n the_o son_n of_o cyrus_n be_v in_o love_n with_o his_o sister_n and_o desirous_a of_o marry_v she_o inquire_v of_o the_o royal_a judge_n who_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n among_o the_o persian_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o brother_n to_o have_v his_o sister_n to_o wife_n they_o answer_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n which_o permit_v it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n that_o permit_v the_o king_n of_o persia_n to_o do_v whatever_o they_o please_v upon_o this_o answer_n cambyses_n marry_v his_o sister_n and_o the_o persian_n have_v not_o from_o that_o time_n scruple_v to_o imitate_v their_o king_n in_o this_o practice_n it_o have_v questionless_a be_v less_o criminal_a and_o much_o less_o hurtful_a to_o the_o society_n if_o cambyses_n have_v marry_v his_o sister_n without_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v his_o incest_n by_o authority_n of_o law_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v then_o which_o carriage_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o unblamable_a that_o of_o such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o that_o of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o reject_v the_o divinity_n of_o these_o law_n because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o latter_a be_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a suppose_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o society_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o whatever_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unbeliever_n can_v however_o excuse_v themselves_o because_o other_o do_v not_o act_v coherent_o see_v they_o neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o import_v they_o most_o to_o know_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v doubtless_o in_o the_o wrong_n herein_o and_o they_o deny_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o the_o incredulous_a be_v much_o more_o to_o blame_v than_o they_o if_o the_o latter_a will_v examine_v themselves_o they_o may_v discover_v perhaps_o some_o other_o source_n of_o this_o negligence_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o it_o be_v that_o general_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a about_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o people_n so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o present_a and_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o discourse_n or_o example_n which_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n not_o to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n although_o they_o seem_v sometime_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o remark_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o their_o passion_n and_o be_v careful_a only_a how_o to_o indulge_v these_o for_o they_o receive_v no_o more_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o their_o desire_n thus_o prince_n and_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n can_v bear_v that_o such_o as_o be_v about_o they_o shall_v ingenuous_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o tell_v beside_o their_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v a_o little_a too_o sincere_a he_o be_v quick_o banish_v from_o their_o presence_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o many_o private_a person_n who_o take_v none_o for_o their_o friend_n but_o such_o as_o flatter_v they_o and_o help_v to_o keep_v they_o up_o in_o the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v conceive_v of_o themselves_o prince_n and_o private_a man_n do_v equal_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n all_o thought_n that_o may_v trouble_v their_o repose_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o quiet_o enjoy_v what_o they_o love_v they_o can_v say_v therefore_o that_o they_o be_v such_o mighty_a lover_n of_o truth_n who_o care_n for_o know_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v please_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o many_o unbeliever_n deal_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o religion_n neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o may_v convince_v they_o out_o of_o a_o secret_a averseness_n they_o have_v of_o search_v into_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o can_v discover_v without_o extreme_o disquiet_v themselves_o so_o s._n paul_n reason_v before_o felix_n of_o justice_n 24.25_o act_n 24.25_o temperance_n and_o future_a judgement_n this_o tremble_a governor_n be_v quick_o weary_a of_o hear_v he_o and_o put_v he_o off_o till_o another_o time_n have_v s._n paul_n entertain_v he_o with_o some_o other_o discourse_n he_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o it_o may_v be_v as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v but_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o this_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v too_o opposite_a to_o his_o manner_n to_o obtain_v a_o long_a audience_n from_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o this_o disposition_n be_v entire_o against_o all_o good_a sense_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v equal_o blame_v flattery_n and_o flatterer_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o wisdom_n than_o wilful_o to_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v disadvantageous_a to_o we_o for_o without_o know_v it_o we_o can_v never_o bring_v a_o remedy_n against_o it_o and_o our_o ignorance_n about_o it_o change_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o contribute_v not_o seldom_o to_o render_v our_o condition_n worse_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o not_o fear_v to_o hazard_v their_o repose_n in_o the_o search_n of_o disquiet_v truth_n they_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o that_o ill_n regulate_v self-love_n which_o flatter_v our_o present_a passion_n and_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v mix_v some_o bitterness_n with_o the_o sweetness_n we_o taste_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o their_o negligence_n of_o inform_v themselves_o about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o great_a part_n from_o this_o dangerous_a disposition_n and_o they_o will_v agree_v to_o it_o no_o doubt_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o examine_v themselves_o do_v we_o see_v unbeliever_n use_v much_o application_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n without_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o thorough_a information_n and_o yet_o not_o quit_v their_o infidelity_n we_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n see_v they_o do_v not_o conclude_v but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o requisite_a discussion_n but_o we_o see_v not_o one_o of_o they_o so_o dispose_v and_o they_o be_v all_o content_v with_o a_o very_a superficial_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o endeavour_v to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o infidelity_n proceed_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o due_a instruction_n chap._n vi_o
that_o laziness_n may_v keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o incredulity_n we_o may_v reduce_v those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o believe_a christianity_n to_o two_o order_n of_o men._n some_o embrace_v it_o rather_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o as_o they_o esteem_v than_o for_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a number_n there_o be_v however_o many_o understand_a person_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o after_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o have_v be_v full_o convince_v we_o may_v also_o divide_v unbeliever_n into_o two_o party_n the_o one_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o christian_n build_v their_o belief_n but_o have_v not_o judge_v they_o worthy_a of_o assent_n either_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v now_o the_o other_o sort_n have_v never_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o examine_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o pronounce_v our_o proof_n not_o convince_a they_o may_v be_v lead_v to_o this_o hasty_a judgement_n by_o divers_a motive_n or_o several_a passion_n may_v contribute_v together_o to_o throw_v they_o into_o infidelity_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o nice_a discussion_n of_o these_o motive_n and_o passion_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a or_o particular_a in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v suffice_v to_o oblige_v unbeliever_n to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o self-love_n i_o must_v nevertheless_o add_v here_o some_o remark_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o particular_a source_n of_o incredulity_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a and_o whereof_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n this_o source_n be_v laziness_n which_o occasion_n many_o people_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n whatever_o demand_v attention_n and_o that_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n or_o by_o their_o passion_n we_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o have_v understanding_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o examine_v right_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o but_o the_o long_a habit_n they_o have_v acquire_v of_o not_o examine_v any_o of_o these_o abstract_a idea_n which_o require_v some_o application_n make_v they_o so_o averse_a to_o this_o examen_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o whilst_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o disposition_n to_o conquer_v it_o if_o this_o can_v be_v and_o to_o cure_v those_o who_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o or_o to_o keep_v other_o at_o least_o from_o fall_v into_o it_o we_o must_v examine_v it_o in_o its_o rise_n progress_n and_o consequence_n for_o if_o we_o can_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o consequence_n the_o most_o dangerous_a it_o must_v be_v necessary_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o become_v a_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o give_v way_n to_o it_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o quick_o excite_v our_o attention_n than_o what_o strike_v our_o sense_n or_o awaken_v some_o of_o our_o passion_n whatever_o be_v convey_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o either_o of_o these_o way_n do_v so_o move_v and_o occupy_v it_o that_o if_o the_o sensation_n be_v lively_a and_o the_o passion_n quick_a no_o other_o thing_n can_v enter_v whilst_o they_o act_v there_o and_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o aversion_n to_o all_o thing_n beside_o for_o if_o a_o man_n continue_v long_o in_o this_o disposition_n without_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o subdue_v it_o it_o happen_v at_o last_o that_o though_o he_o be_v extreme_o active_a with_o regard_n to_o sensible_a thing_n and_o those_o passion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o he_o fall_v nevertheless_o into_o a_o surprise_v laziness_n as_o to_o all_o other_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o read_v or_o examine_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o body_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o extreme_a love_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o repose_n to_o which_o we_o be_v accustom_a that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o lose_v it_o without_o trouble_n so_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o i'm_n now_o treat_v of_o do_v so_o seize_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o entertain_v it_o that_o they_o can_v shake_v it_o off_o without_o great_a pain_n and_o molestation_n be_v we_o assure_v that_o nothing_o merit_v our_o attention_n but_o what_o make_v impression_n upon_o our_o sense_n or_o relate_v to_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v then_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o this_o please_a laziness_n and_o live_v with_o respect_n to_o spiritual_a object_n in_o the_o same_o calm_a wherein_o we_o live_v with_o regard_n to_o whatever_o we_o think_v can_v neither_o hurt_v nor_o benefit_v we_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o part_v with_o a_o state_n full_a of_o pleasure_n only_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o in_o examine_v what_o will_v occasion_v pain_n but_o procure_v we_o no_o advantage_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o negligence_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o no_o way_n concern_v the_o sense_n shall_v occasion_v we_o infinite_o more_o harm_n than_o our_o laziness_n about_o they_o can_v procure_v we_o of_o pleasure_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v downright_a madness_n for_o we_o to_o live_v in_o this_o carelessness_n but_o we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v fear_v shall_v we_o neglect_v spiritual_a thing_n such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o without_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o this_o religion_n be_v ground_v and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o conquer_v this_o laziness_n that_o keep_v we_o from_o do_v it_o or_o else_o prefer_v the_o quiet_a of_o a_o fool_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o stupidity_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n wherein_o we_o be_v and_o of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o fear_v or_o hope_n notwithstanding_o those_o who_o once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o this_o laziness_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o any_o examination_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v the_o hard_a task_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v themselves_o some_o of_o they_o whereof_o we_o speak_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v whatever_o be_v tell_v they_o of_o religion_n than_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o other_o again_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o examine_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v of_o these_o last_o that_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o treat_v and_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o how_o understanding_n soever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v before_o they_o take_v up_o this_o careless_a way_n of_o live_v they_o be_v afterward_o very_a difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o 3._o tacit._n in_o agricol_n c._n 3._o subit_fw-la quip_n etiam_fw-la ipsius_fw-la inertiae_fw-la dulcedo_fw-la &_o invisa_fw-la primò_fw-la desidia_fw-la postremò_fw-la amatur_fw-la the_o pleasure_n of_o laziness_n get_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o at_o last_o we_o love_v that_o idleness_n which_o at_o first_o we_o hate_v he_o act_v plain_o against_o good_a sense_n who_o condemn_v what_o he_o have_v never_o well_o examine_v because_o he_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o he_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n who_o obstinate_o live_v in_o this_o condition_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n if_o he_o act_v thus_o in_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v if_o he_o take_v side_n without_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v who_o can_v he_o get_v to_o approve_v his_o conduct_n none_o sure_o unless_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n void_a of_o common_a sense_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v visible_o expose_v himself_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o error_n he_o may_v fall_v into_o let_v we_o suppose_v for_o a_o moment_n with_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a although_o this_o can_v be_v know_v till_o it_o be_v first_o examine_v but_o what_o risk_n do_v they_o run_v in_o hear_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_n none_o at_o all_o since_o if_o what_o they_o affirm_v be_v not_o conclusive_a nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o reject_v it_o all_o the_o loss_n they_o can_v fear_v be_v only_o
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the_o same_o circumstance_n for_o example_n those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o roman_a history_n can_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o julius_n cesar_n who_o make_v himself_o master_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o the_o multitude_n of_o contemporary_a historian_n and_o of_o the_o follow_a age_n who_o attest_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o series_n of_o the_o time_n and_o history_n inscription_n medal_n and_o the_o air_n of_o sincerity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perceive_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n do_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o all_o these_o reason_n which_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o fact_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o will_v doubt_v of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o free_v he_o from_o his_o doubt_n without_o
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member_n perform_v none_o of_o their_o function_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v again_o as_o it_o do_v before_o those_o proposition_n be_v easy_o apprehend_v but_o to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o not_o to_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v the_o word_n to_o live_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v a_o contradictory_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n god_n never_o wrought_v any_o such_o miracle_n those_o who_o rank_n among_o the_o miracle_n of_o christianity_n that_o whereby_o they_o pretend_v that_o god_n make_v a_o humane_a body_n to_o be_v extend_v and_o not_o extend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o be_v in_o many_o place_n at_o one_o time_n those_o man_n i_o say_v feign_v a_o miracle_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o mystery_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n to_o reason_n and_o 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whether_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n act_n or_o not_o on_o those_o occasion_n because_o what_o happen_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v not_o know_v whether_o they_o intervene_v it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o example_n a_o sick_a man_n who_o remedy_n can_v not_o natural_o cure_v be_v restore_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o relation_n because_o god_n or_o angel_n supply_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o natural_a virtue_n of_o remedy_n but_o this_o can_v be_v affirm_v without_o a_o revelation_n hereupon_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o work_v no_o more_o sensible_a miracle_n according_a to_o we_o perform_v every_o day_n some_o invisible_a one_o such_o as_o that_o which_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o work_v this_o kind_n of_o miracle_n not_o those_o which_o strike_v our_o sense_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o i_o say_v that_o 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because_o he_o promise_v it_o but_o why_o will_v it_o be_v say_v do_v god_n make_v such_o promise_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o work_v still_o some_o miracle_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n see_v he_o will_v no_o more_o do_v sensible_a one_o i_o have_v show_v already_o why_o he_o work_v no_o more_o miracle_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o other_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o have_v give_v some_o law_n to_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n but_o in_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o law_n and_o make_v such_o exception_n to_o they_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a see_v therefore_o providence_n exist_v not_o less_o now_o than_o it_o do_v former_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o wonder_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o 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as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o 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of_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o be_v add_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o its_o vindication_n with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o mr._n edwards_n reflection_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o on_o his_o book_n entitle_v socinianism_n vnmasque_v by_o samuel_n bold_a rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n 8o._o prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n in_o 10_o book_n by_o richard_n blackmore_n m._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o london_n several_a paper_n relate_v to_o money_n interest_n and_o trade_n etc._n etc._n write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o publish_v at_o different_a time_n by_o john_n lock_v esq_n 8o._o mr._n talent_n chronological_a 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understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o