indirect_o and_o negative_o by_o show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o supposition_n which_o exclude_v the_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v true_a p._n 57_o matter_n alone_o consider_v at_o rest_n can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o in_o time_n produce_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 59_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o account_v for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o atheist_n hypothesis_n of_o move_a atom_n p._n 61._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v eternal_o under_o the_o same_o form_n we_o now_o behold_v it_o without_o a_o god_n p._n 64._o the_o eternal_a coexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o mind_n improbable_a p._n 71._o suppose_v it_o probable_a neither_o matter_n alone_o nor_o matter_n and_o motion_n nor_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v eternal_a independent_o of_o god_n p._n 77._o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n from_o god_n further_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n p._n 81._o a_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n of_o religion_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o they_o p._n 91._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o obligation_n together_o with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o oblige_v ib._n that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o order_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v prove_v p._n 102._o from_o the_o natural_a judgement_n we_o make_v concern_v our_o action_n p._n 105._o from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o make_v we_o which_o appear_v by_o several_a token_n and_o indication_n p._n 117._o in_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n p._n 118._o and_o in_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a society_n p._n 125._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n p._n 129._o and_o from_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o be_v prove_v p._n 137._o from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o general_n and_o regular_a practice_n of_o religion_n here_o p._n 138._o and_o from_o the_o general_n want_v necessity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a nature_n p._n 141._o from_o all_o which_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o live_v religious_o then_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v so_o p._n 146._o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n further_o show_v from_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 149._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n and_o whatever_o be_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 181._o irreligion_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o direct_a proof_n p._n 183._o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o improper_a and_o insufficient_a p._n 187._o ridicul_v religion_n prove_v nothing_o against_o it_o ib._n require_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o mathematical_a proof_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a p._n 188._o scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n to_o account_v for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n without_o god_n and_o religion_n absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a p._n 192._o the_o chief_a and_o most_o common_a objection_n against_o religion_n answer_v viz._n p._n 200._o mystery_n seem_v inconsistency_n and_o absurdity_n in_o scripture_n p._n 201._o extravagant_a notion_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n maintain_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n p._n 202._o variety_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n p._n 204._o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a argument_n urge_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 205._o scandalous_a life_n of_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n p._n 206._o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o education_n p._n 209._o religion_n a_o politic_a contrivance_n p._n 211._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligious_a principle_n and_o practice_n demonstrate_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o that_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o p._n 213._o irreligion_n further_o expose_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a opinion_n p._n 227._o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v to_o be_v these_o two_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o after_o reckon_v for_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o other_o men._n p._n 230._o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n the_o sole_a result_n of_o prejudice_n and_o not_o deliberate_a reason_v more_o plain_o make_v out_o p._n 239._o from_o the_o character_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o atheist_n ib._n from_o the_o manner_n and_o process_n of_o their_o infidelity_n p._n 242._o and_o from_o the_o confession_n of_o several_a atheist_n themselves_o p._n 246._o a_o account_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v p._n 249._o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o etc._n etc._n the_o content_n the_o connexion_n of_o this_o discourse_n with_o the_o former_a page_n 1._o the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n p._n 3._o a_o abstract_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a scheme_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 8._o the_o general_n subject_a of_o the_o several_a book_n or_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 9_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 19_o a_o short_a account_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o gospel_n p._n 31._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o publishing_n and_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n p._n 42._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n p._n 50._o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o important_a circumstance_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o form_n and_o composition_n of_o those_o write_n p._n 51._o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o plain_a direct_a proof_n according_a to_o this_o distinction_n of_o they_o premise_v viz_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n miracle_n and_o prophecy_n divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n p._n 59_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o follow_a manner_n p._n 60._o the_o original_a of_o christianity_n right_o assign_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 61._o a_o survey_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n p._n 70._o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o same_o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n as_o it_o be_v at_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 74._o this_o proposition_n make_v out_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n together_o with_o many_o sensible_a infallible_a effect_n of_o it_o p._n 75._o and_o from_o many_o other_o extrinsic_a sign_n and_o monument_n remain_v at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a under_o constantine_n p._n 105._o such_o as_o be_v several_a custom_n and_o usage_n p._n 107._o relic_n building_n and_o other_o the_o like_a monnment_n p._n 108._o book_n and_o write_a record_n of_o several_a kind_n viz._n p._n 109._o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 110._o public_a act_n and_o record_n belong_v to_o society_n p._n 113._o genuine_a write_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n p._n 119._o book_n write_v by_o heretic_n p._n 132._o jewish_a and_o pagan_a book_n p._n 133._o forge_v and_o suppositious_a write_n of_o uncertain_a author_n p._n 137._o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a fact_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o p._n 140._o a_o account_n by_o way_n of_o introduction_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o place_n p._n 141._o and_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o p._n 143._o the_o miracle_n consider_v by_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o p._n 144._o the_o prophecy_n consider_v apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n p._n 158._o the_o truth_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a fact_n call_v miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o
the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o establish_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o insinuation_n of_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o allow_v natural_a religion_n and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n by_o francis_n gastrell_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ-church_n oxon._n you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o john_n 14._o v._o 1._o london_n print_v for_o thomas_n bennet_n at_o the_o half-moon_n in_o st._n pauls-church-yard_n 1699._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n holt_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o england_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n my_o lord_n the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o most_o unexceptionable_a manner_n i_o can_v i_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o little_a advantage_n against_o i_o in_o my_o dedication_n as_o in_o my_o proof_n and_o it_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n i_o have_v presume_v to_o offer_v these_o paper_n to_o your_o lordship_n as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o your_o lordship_n name_n and_o character_n will_v not_o only_o justify_v this_o address_n but_o recommend_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o defend_v for_o to_o who_o can_v a_o advocate_n for_o christianity_n better_o direct_v his_o defence_n than_o to_o a_o serious_a believer_n and_o a_o great_a example_n place_v in_o a_o high_a station_n who_o profound_a knowledge_n of_o law_n and_o government_n have_v full_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o who_o in_o a_o long_a diligent_a and_o impartial_a administration_n of_o justice_n must_v be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o prove_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o nice_o understand_v the_o force_n and_o proportion_n of_o every_o proof_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o in_o this_o place_n to_o set_v forth_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a qualification_n your_o lordship_n be_v master_n of_o because_o most_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o your_o country_n they_o have_v already_o procure_v you_o the_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o esteem_n from_o the_o public_a which_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o but_o this_o i_o think_v myself_o more_o particular_o oblige_v to_o mention_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n your_o lordship_n owe_v the_o most_o advantageous_a distinction_n in_o your_o character_n what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o firmness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v preserve_v in_o all_o the_o difficult_a and_o try_v circumstance_n that_o different_a turn_v of_o state_n and_o different_a measure_n of_o policy_n have_v engage_v you_o in_o when_o new_a interest_n and_o new_a danger_n arise_v and_o every_o thing_n change_v about_o you_o it_o must_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o christian_a principle_n that_o your_o lordship_n always_o keep_v your_o ground_n and_o your_o posture_n to_o the_o same_o cause_v it_o must_v be_v ascribe_v that_o your_o lordship_n have_v never_o stain_v your_o public_a character_n with_o private_a immorality_n notion_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n may_v preserve_v a_o man_n dignity_n upon_o the_o bench_n but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o just_a and_o awful_a sense_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v he_o reverence_n himself_o at_o home_n and_o in_o a_o corrupt_a age_n where_o impiety_n be_v grow_v fashionable_a and_o have_v quality_n and_o title_n to_o countenance_v it_o it_o be_v no_o small_a sign_n of_o your_o lordship_n regard_n for_o religion_n that_o you_o judge_v it_o for_o your_o honour_n to_o have_v it_o know_v that_o you_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o your_o own_o life_n and_o think_v it_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n to_o support_v their_o authority_n and_o obligation_n for_o all_o these_o reason_n my_o lord_n it_o must_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o any_o person_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a cause_n to_o address_v his_o endeavour_n to_o your_o lordship_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o beside_o your_o great_a capacity_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o proof_n allege_v for_o it_o you_o have_v no_o other_o consideration_n to_o engage_v you_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n but_o those_o of_o truth_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o your_o lordship_n that_o the_o credit_n or_o advantage_n of_o your_o profession_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o derive_v none_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o greatness_n you_o possess_v from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o your_o lordship_n example_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o carry_v on_o a_o separate_a interest_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v promote_a all_o they_o can_v the_o universal_a good_a of_o mankind_n i_o may_v among_o other_o inducement_n to_o the_o present_a dedication_n reckon_v personal_a favour_n but_o i_o must_v own_v that_o though_o i_o have_v all_o the_o gratitude_n imaginable_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n good_a opinion_n and_o kind_a intention_n and_o though_o i_o have_v no_o great_a obligation_n to_o any_o man_n live_v than_o to_o your_o lordship_n yet_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n will_v have_v produce_v such_o a_o address_n as_o this_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o more_o public_a consideration_n to_o interest_n your_o lordship_n in_o the_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o oblige_v and_o most_o humble_a servant_n francis_z gastrell_n the_o preface_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o bear_v down_o all_o the_o power_n of_o vice_n and_o falsehood_n and_o make_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a generation_n of_o man_n that_o perhaps_o ever_o live_v since_o the_o flood_n a_o most_o astonish_a example_n of_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o humane_a nature_n have_v yet_o reach_v but_o now_o the_o spirit_n of_o wickedness_n seem_v to_o have_v recover_v itself_o and_o to_o threaten_v revenge_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v so_o often_o triumph_v over_o it_o and_o deism_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v what_o atheism_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n never_o can_v effect_v and_o indeed_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o suffer_v irreligion_n to_o spread_v so_o far_o under_o this_o new_a title_n that_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v it_o have_v like_o the_o lie_a spirit_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ahab_n a_o solemn_a permission_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o go_v forth_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o original_a and_o growth_n of_o such_o a_o delusion_n which_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o reason_n or_o fact_n to_o support_v it_o it_o be_v true_a deism_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o more_o defensible_a post_n than_o atheism_n and_o when_o we_o observe_v with_o what_o seem_a calmness_n and_o serenity_n some_o deny_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o what_o contempt_n they_o treat_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o with_o what_o boldness_n they_o ridicule_n the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v tempt_v to_o suppose_v that_o these_o man_n must_v certain_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o say_v for_o themselves_o or_o otherwise_o they_o dare_v not_o thus_o despise_v what_o they_o can_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v false_a nor_o bear_v up_o against_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a but_o whoever_o have_v that_o regard_n for_o truth_n and_o happiness_n as_o to_o consider_v the_o pretence_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o examine_v careful_o the_o proof_n it_o stand_v upon_o will_v be_v thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v that_o those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n have_v as_o little_a ground_n for_o their_o infidelity_n as_o those_o that_o disclaim_v all_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o desperate_a not_o a_o well-defended_a cause_n for_o if_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o proof_n if_o we_o can_v have_v any_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v or_o hear_v by_o we_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v as_o sure_a a_o establishment_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o do_v not_o confist_n in_o pure_a abstract_n idea_n or_o immediate_a sensation_n this_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n ay_o
doctrine_n and_o miracle_n all_o which_o be_v tell_v as_o happen_v in_o the_o life-time_n of_o christ_n most_o of_o the_o thing_n concern_v he_o must_v be_v suppose_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v write_v present_o after_o his_o death_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a all_o the_o evangelist_n do_v to_o be_v general_o know_v and_o fresh_o remember_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o write_n which_o supposition_n further_a appear_v from_o the_o short_a and_o disorderly_a relation_n of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o each_o gospel_n which_o in_o such_o case_n where_o we_o be_v not_o assist_v with_o a_o full_a account_n from_o the_o other_o gospel_n or_o follow_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n seem_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o now_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o circumstance_n omit_v this_o be_v what_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o remark_n concern_v the_o subject_a and_o form_n of_o that_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o that_o this_o book_n do_v real_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v and_o be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v here_o represent_v i_o think_v may_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v since_o whatever_o have_v be_v observe_v under_o this_o head_n must_v necessary_o appear_v too_o true_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v read_v over_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o a_o book_n ii_o suppose_v then_o that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o just_a account_n and_o character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o several_a book_n or_o volume_n it_o consist_v of_o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o advance_v to_o the_o main_a design_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v real_o true_a that_o be_v do_v real_o happen_v out_o at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v there_o record_v to_o have_v happen_v 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general_o believe_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v likewise_o believe_v at_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o happen_v and_o so_o continual_o down_o to_o that_o particular_a period_n fix_v upon_o which_o last_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n together_o with_o many_o sensible_a infallible_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o from_o many_o other_o extrinsic_a sign_n and_o monument_n remain_v at_o that_o time_n from_o which_o constant_a and_o universal_a belief_n among_o christian_n of_o all_o the_o principal_a fact_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a continue_v down_o to_o such_o a_o period_n from_o the_o very_a first_o time_n in_o which_o they_o several_o happen_v i_o conconclude_v that_o at_o least_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o i_o have_v just_a before_o instance_a in_o 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nothing_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v of_o any_o country_n where_o we_o have_v the_o least_o remain_v of_o history_n leave_v we_o as_o what_o religion_n be_v profess_v there_o and_o what_o considerable_a alteration_n be_v make_v in_o it_o all_o the_o law_n custom_n and_o policy_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v intermix_v with_o their_o religion_n most_o of_o the_o action_n opinion_n and_o character_n of_o particular_a man_n bear_v the_o mark_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n more_o narrow_o and_o trace_v they_o up_o to_o their_o original_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o religion_n put_v a_o great_a distinction_n betwixt_o one_o nation_n and_o another_o than_o any_o difference_n of_o climate_n can_v do_v but_o not_o to_o pursue_v that_o speculation_n any_o further_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o all_o history_n what_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o what_o religion_n they_o have_v at_o rome_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n then_o to_o he_o hear_v of_o as_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n no_o such_o religion_n any_o where_o profess_v as_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v christian_a the_o plan_n and_o model_n of_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o person_n at_o rome_n tacitus_n tacitus_n call_v christian_n put_v to_o death_n and_o several_a other_o way_n persecute_v and_o torment_v for_o be_v so_o by_o that_o emperor_n which_o denomination_n and_o whatever_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v then_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o from_o one_o christ_n who_o be_v sometime_o before_o crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n now_o the_o time_n when_o this_o
as_o do_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o reflection_n before_o lay_v down_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v notwithstanding_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v which_o plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o call_v miracle_n will_v have_v happen_v according_a to_o the_o establish_v course_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v happen_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v use_v such_o previous_a sign_n as_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o or_o not_o and_o so_o all_o the_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o other_o natural_a cause_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v by_o man_n if_o this_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v urge_v and_o the_o supposition_n allow_v then_o must_v all_o the_o miracle_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o pretend_a author_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o prophecy_n and_o that_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o foretell_v all_o those_o 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so_o likewise_o do_v the_o gospel_n itself_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o whole_a scheme_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v it_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o never_o be_v so_o just_a and_o noble_a a_o draught_n of_o morality_n as_o the_o christian_a so_o full_a and_o consistent_a a_o scheme_n of_o humane_a duty_n lay_v down_o in_o so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o manner_n without_o any_o art_n or_o ostentation_n and_o press_v upon_o mankind_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o visible_a interest_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n and_o without_o any_o worldly_a dignity_n or_o title_n that_o make_v they_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a of_o those_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v to_o it_o must_v be_v likewise_o confess_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o morality_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v very_o new_a and_o surprise_v that_o the_o thing_n they_o require_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o render_v their_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o effectual_a be_v very_o shock_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n but_o especial_o those_o of_o that_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o that_o the_o very_a language_n and_o form_n of_o expression_n in_o which_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o different_a from_o whatever_o we_o find_v use_v upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v grant_v i_o can_v possible_o conceive_v how_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o once_o invent_v such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o morality_n as_o the_o christian_a so_o very_o different_a from_o all_o other_o know_v before_o and_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o repute_a interest_n of_o man_n nor_o how_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o enjoin_v several_a duty_n as_o necessary_a whichnone_o of_o the_o learned_a in_o these_o matter_n have_v judge_v so_o before_o as_o bear_v and_o forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a for_o evil_a and_o the_o like_a shall_v positive_o affirm_v some_o thing_n as_o certain_a which_o be_v doubt_v of_o till_o then_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n etc._n etc._n shall_v command_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n imaginable_a and_o all_o this_o bare_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n and_o authority_n without_o consult_v any_o other_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n which_o have_v before_o obtain_v or_o give_v any_o reason_n to_o prove_v his_o own_o be_v better_a and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o but_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v invent_v all_o the_o christian_a morality_n himself_o what_o force_n of_o imagination_n what_o turn_n or_o agitation_n of_o thought_n can_v have_v help_v he_o to_o conceive_v that_o set_a of_o notion_n which_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o his_o mind_n what_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v he_o have_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v he_o believe_v they_o himself_o how_o can_v he_o expect_v to_o make_v other_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o how_o can_v he_o imagine_v that_o these_o opinion_n will_v recommend_v his_o morality_n to_o the_o world_n why_o shall_v he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o propagate_v they_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o make_v the_o danger_n of_o disbelieve_v they_o as_o great_a as_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o morality_n and_o yet_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o world_n for_o what_o he_o say_v but_o his_o bare_a say_v it_o beside_o be_v all_o these_o christian_a doctrine_n relate_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n find_v out_o by_o mere_a humane_a sagacity_n it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v that_o neither_o the_o contriver_n nor_o publisher_n of_o they_o shall_v any_o where_n in_o their_o preach_a or_o write_v arrogate_v any_o thing_n to_o themselves_o upon_o this_o account_n but_o shall_v constant_o renounce_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o discovery_n and_o never_o betray_v any_o design_n of_o procure_v to_o themselves_o esteem_v or_o any_o other_o advantage_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o for_o oblige_v mankind_n with_o so_o beneficial_a a_o scheme_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o gospel_n propose_v and_o to_o carry_v this_o point_n yet_o far_o if_o it_o be_v so_o very_o hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v frame_v such_o notion_n and_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o and_o afterward_o act_v upon_o such_o motive_n and_o observe_v such_o a_o conduct_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o they_o it_o be_v much_o more_o inconceivable_a how_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n of_o very_o low_a education_n and_o constant_o employ_v in_o mean_a affair_n shall_v do_v all_o this_o and_o it_o be_v particular_o unaccountable_a how_o jew_n shall_v give_v such_o a_o character_n and_o representation_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o his_o office_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o whole_a people_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n so_o very_o unlikely_a to_o be_v entertain_v or_o credit_v it_o be_v moreover_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o many_o man_n as_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o preach_a and_o propagate_a christianity_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v all_o agree_v upon_o the_o same_o set_a of_o doctrine_n use_v the_o same_o open_a sincere_a unartful_a method_n of_o deliver_v they_o and_o the_o same_o bold_a authoritative_a way_n of_o enforce_v they_o and_o shall_v all_o show_v the_o same_o courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o in_o bear_v all_o manner_n of_o loss_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o testimony_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v or_o account_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o continual_a revelation_n and_o constant_a supply_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o force_n which_o proceed_v from_o some_o more_o powerful_a and_o know_a be_v then_o man._n that_o they_o be_v all_o firm_o persuade_v they_o be_v thus_o assist_v be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v and_o how_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o that_o publish_a and_o preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v for_o it_o can_v be_v ascribe_v
to_o resvery_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o must_v be_v the_o case_n if_o that_o persuasion_n be_v ill_o ground_v be_v much_o more_o unintelligible_a since_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o these_o effect_n be_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o most_o improve_a force_n and_o most_o accomplish_a wisdom_n of_o man._n it_o be_v certain_a then_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a man._n in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o man_n by_o secret_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o do_v not_o know_v before_o and_o can_v not_o have_v find_v out_o of_o themselves_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doctrine_n 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to_o degenerate_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n confusion_n and_o wildness_n even_o till_o they_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v that_o all_o remain_v of_o natural_a religion_n seem_v pure_o owe_v to_o tradition_n and_o not_o to_o study_v and_o search_v and_o if_o so_o that_o tradition_n must_v have_v have_v its_o original_a from_o revelation_n the_o former_a set_v of_o man_n be_v as_o unlikely_a to_o find_v out_o and_o cultivate_v religion_n of_o themselves_o as_o the_o present_a so_o much_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o revelation_n that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a pretence_n there_o have_v hardly_o be_v now_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v what_o will_v have_v be_v in_o other_o place_n by_o what_o we_o find_v actual_o be_v in_o those_o country_n where_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a revelation_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o or_o be_v now_o forget_v nay_o those_o obscure_a 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i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v as_o well_o attest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v as_o those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v account_v for_o without_o the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o they_o can_v many_o of_o which_o i_o will_v allow_v to_o have_v be_v do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n without_o any_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o may_v have_v deceive_v many_o who_o simplicity_n and_o bigotry_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o make_v for_o dispose_v to_o entertain_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o such_o ill-intended_n miracle_n leave_v which_o by_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n effect_n or_o attestation_n of_o they_o can_v dispose_v a_o rational_a man_n to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o god_n and_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o 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nature_n be_v advance_v by_o spinoza_n or_o whatever_o inference_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o other_o who_o apply_v it_o further_o than_o he_o dare_v open_o assert_v nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o his_o account_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n be_v all_o his_o observation_n upon_o this_o subject_a true_a as_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n they_o be_v not_o for_o suppose_v all_o he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n of_o lively_a imagination_n than_o other_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o the_o angry_a cheerful_a or_o melancholy_a prophet_n always_o prophesy_v thing_n suitable_a to_o his_o particular_a temper_n as_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o pious_a way_n of_o attribute_v every_o thing_n strange_a or_o unusual_a to_o god_n etc._n etc._n what_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o spinoza_n observe_v the_o knowledge_n which_o these_o angry_a cheerful_a etc._n etc._n prophet_n of_o lively_a imagination_n have_v of_o future_a thing_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o come_v from_o god_n in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o that_o whereby_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o other_o knowledge_n as_o spinoza_n himself_o plain_o own_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o those_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n also_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o their_o prophecy_n be_v which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o upon_o we_o whatever_o natural_a cause_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o contend_v for_o or_o be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v this_o be_v all_o that_o either_o the_o ancient_n or_o modern_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v or_o can_v have_v to_o object_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o bible_n except_v what_o have_v be_v already_o answer_v in_o the_o direct_a proof_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v charge_v with_o almost_o all_o the_o fault_n which_o any_o humane_a write_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n contradiction_n of_o one_o part_n to_o another_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n connexion_n of_o the_o part_n chronology_n geography_n etc._n etc._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a and_o irrational_a law_n and_o injunction_n trifle_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_o and_o unartful_a language_n the_o injustice_n of_o which_o objection_n i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o as_o sie_v very_o open_a and_o obvious_a as_o to_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o body_n have_v be_v acute_a enough_o yet_o or_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a system_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v several_a new_a scheme_n hypothesis_n and_o theory_n of_o the_o world_n confute_v and_o explode_v but_o the_o plain_a simple_a and_o most_o demonstrative_a account_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o ancient_a blasphemy_n against_o providence_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o false_a hypothesis_n then_o in_o reputation_n but_o after_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v to_o teach_v we_o philosophy_n if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o they_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o have_v have_v a_o true_a scheme_n of_o knowledge_n than_o any_o philosopher_n have_v be_v yet_o able_a to_o give_v we_o but_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v much_o less_o religion_n if_o that_o and_o our_o philosophy_n 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their_o ignorance_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o reason_n submit_v to_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o imagine_v how_o the_o people_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v such_o opinion_n as_o shock_v those_o common_a natural_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o they_o without_o teach_v and_o opinion_n that_o will_v always_o seem_v to_o contradict_v their_o sense_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o people_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o notion_n as_o those_o beforementioned_a for_o though_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o they_o actual_o and_o certain_o perceive_v come_v to_o pass_v may_v satisfy_v they_o that_o as_o strange_a thing_n as_o these_o may_v happen_v hereafter_o yet_o even_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o these_o which_o they_o see_v can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v
as_o these_o shall_v be_v able_a by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n to_o compose_v such_o poem_n as_o virgil_n and_o such_o oration_n as_o tully_n and_o shall_v likewise_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exceed_v all_o other_o in_o the_o skill_n of_o explain_v hard_a author_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o physic_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v person_n of_o such_o education_n and_o character_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o to_o be_v can_v by_o their_o own_o unasisted_a capacity_n compose_v the_o christian_a religion_n interpret_v ancient_a prophecy_n foretell_v future_a event_n cure_v all_o manner_n of_o sick_a and_o maim_a and_o perform_v all_o those_o other_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o several_a person_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o revelation_n to_o prophecy_n to_o miracle_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o false_o without_o any_o ground_n for_o their_o 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the_o other_o loss_n and_o suffering_n humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o for_o man_n to_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o affliction_n and_o even_o to_o die_v martyr_n for_o the_o false_a and_o most_o absurd_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v and_o frequent_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o such_o as_o have_v do_v so_o but_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o they_o true_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o they_o suffer_v for_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v such_o a_o extravagant_a army_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n as_o do_v or_o will_v renounce_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n endure_v grief_n and_o pain_n cheerful_o and_o be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o be_v all_o infallible_o convince_v be_v false_a and_o which_o they_o be_v sure_o all_o their_o persecutor_n have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o 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belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o which_o our_o utmost_a happiness_n or_o misery_n seem_v to_o depend_v and_o we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o mere_a suspicion_n to_o all_o the_o appear_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n god_n may_v as_o just_o punish_v we_o for_o disbelieve_v a_o real_a error_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o for_o reject_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o our_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o whether_o we_o have_v judge_v well_o or_o ill_o that_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o neither_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n be_v it_o of_o much_o concern_v whether_o we_o judge_v well_o or_o ill_o because_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o we_o judge_v at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o no_o happiness_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o govern_v principle_n of_o our_o life_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o a_o 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scheme_n be_v false_a but_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o something_o else_o like_o something_o contain_v in_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o imposture_n for_o all_o that_o have_v ever_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v in_o short_a but_o this_o that_o history_n have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v counterfeit_a there_o have_v be_v false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n book_n have_v be_v forge_v strange_a thing_n have_v be_v say_v and_o do_v by_o man_n and_o stranger_n by_o evil_a spirit_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o christian_a history_n and_o revelation_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v false_a and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o all_o man_n be_v mad_a or_o asleep_a because_o there_o have_v be_v several_a in_o these_o condition_n that_o have_v think_v themselves_o awake_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n or_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o proof_n make_v use_v of_o in_o mathematical_a knowledge_n be_v false_a because_o some_o pretend_a demonstration_n have_v be_v undemonstrate_v and_o confute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a defence_n that_o infidelity_n can_v make_v for_o itself_o as_o have_v before_o be_v more_o particular_o show_v wherefore_o they_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a whoever_o they_o be_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o yet_o reject_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o i_o believe_v of_o this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o those_o among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o have_v as_o little_a regard_n for_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v persuade_v by_o one_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a neither_o will_v they_o understand_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o modern_a deist_n and_o unbeliever_n if_o their_o mind_n be_v blind_v and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n darken_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o can_v perceive_v god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o way_n he_o have_v take_v of_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o last_o revelation_n that_o will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n folio_n thuidides_n greek_n and_o latin_a collate_v with_o five_o entire_a mannscript_a copy_n and_o all_o the_o edition_n extant_a also_o illustrate_v with_o map_n large_a annotation_n and_o index_n by_o j._n hudson_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o university_n coll._n oxon._n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o exact_a chronology_n by_o the_o learned_a hen._n dodwell_n never_o before_o publish_v print_v at_o the_o theatre_n oxon._n octavo_fw-la and_o twelves_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n stradling_n dean_n of_o chichester_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n by_o james_n harrington_n esq_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n meggot_n dean_n of_o chichester_n the_o meditation_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n antonius_n the_o roman_a emperor_n translate_v out_o of_o greek_a into_o english_a by_o dr._n causabon_n with_o note_n to_o this_o edition_n be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o stoic_a philosophy_n as_o also_o 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