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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
opinion_n great_a part_n reason_n 1,999 5 4.5608 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42445 The certainty and necessity of religion in general, or, The first grounds & principles of humane duty establish'd in eight sermons preach'd at S. Martins in the Fields at the lecture for the year 1697, founded by the Honorable Robert Boyle, Esquire / by Francis Gastrell ... Gastrell, Francis, 1662-1725. 1697 (1697) Wing G300; ESTC R10900 106,790 282

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nature_n of_o god_n in_o short_a and_o have_v now_o examine_v over_o again_o more_o particular_o from_o all_o which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v form_v of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o chimaera_n or_o extravagant_a work_n of_o the_o imagination_n but_o a_o very_a possible_a consistent_a notion_n and_o that_o those_o who_o affirm_v there_o be_v some_o such_o be_v to_o which_o this_o idea_n belong_v can_v be_v censure_v for_o vain_a incoherent_a thinker_n who_o have_v put_v thing_n together_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o warrant_v from_o reason_n how_o far_o the_o bare_a conception_n of_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o that_o we_o have_v frame_v of_o god_n or_o the_o mere_a possibility_n of_o such_o a_o be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o principle_n prove_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o existence_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o examine_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o though_o in_o themselves_o perhaps_o certain_a to_o several_a person_n convince_a and_o not_o to_o be_v disprove_v by_o any_o do_v not_o fit_v every_o understanding_n nor_o have_v that_o regular_a uniform_a face_n of_o truth_n which_o take_v at_o first_o sight_n as_o well_o as_o please_v after_o far_a examination_n only_o thus_o much_o i_o shall_v allege_v in_o their_o defence_n that_o the_o great_a and_o common_a objection_n make_v against_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n be_v very_o ill_o ground_v for_o it_o be_v usual_o urge_v that_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o idea_n or_o possibility_n of_o a_o god_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n because_o they_o do_v not_o universal_o conclude_v it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o whatever_o be_v possible_a or_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o for_o that_o reason_n actual_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o actual_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v from_o the_o possibility_n or_o conception_n of_o such_o a_o be_v whereas_o the_o conclusion_n may_v hold_v in_o 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for_o be_v common_a be_v the_o general_a concurrence_n and_o agreement_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o great_a truth_n we_o will_v consider_v the_o argument_n itself_o in_o its_o full_a strength_n and_o then_o see_v what_o fair_o follow_v from_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v upon_o the_o first_o be_v this_o that_o all_o account_n and_o relation_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o history_n of_o past_a age_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a do_v agree_v to_o assure_v we_o that_o since_o the_o first_o memory_n of_o thing_n be_v preserve_v till_o now_o there_o be_v no_o period_n of_o time_n nor_o any_o nation_n under_o the_o sun_n in_o which_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o believe_v by_o a_o vast_a generality_n of_o all_o that_o be_v then_o and_o there_o live_v and_o far_o that_o not_o only_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n take_v in_o gross_a nor_o the_o great_a part_n of_o every_o nation_n consider_v as_o a_o distinct_a society_n of_o man_n be_v of_o this_o belief_n but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o every_o sect_n or_o division_n as_o they_o stand_v distinguish_v by_o their_o different_a opinion_n in_o other_o thing_n their_o different_a capacity_n interest_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o think_v as_o the_o learned_a and_o ignorant_a those_o that_o have_v examine_v the_o point_n and_o consider_v the_o reason_n for_o and_o against_o it_o and_o those_o who_o have_v only_o have_v it_o propose_v to_o they_o without_o any_o proof_n either_o way_n but_o what_o be_v immediate_o offer_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o mahometan_a and_o idolater_n who_o add_v absurd_a thing_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n who_o think_v more_o consistent_o of_o he_o those_o that_o hold_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a or_o make_v by_o chance_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o wisdom_n those_o that_o explain_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n by_o mechanical_a power_n and_o those_o that_o in_o their_o account_n of_o the_o system_fw-la of_o thing_n make_v use_v of_o intelligence_n and_o abstract_a notion_n not_o only_o the_o religious_a and_o superstitious_a and_o such_o as_o expect_v any_o good_a or_o ill_a consequence_n shall_v attend_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n but_o those_o who_o other_o opinion_n declare_v they_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a to_o hope_v or_o fear_v from_o a_o god_n as_o the_o epicurean_a the_o sadducee_n the_o hobbist_n and_o the_o deist_n and_o last_o all_o sort_n of_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v uneasy_a under_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v they_o off_o those_o few_o that_o in_o different_a age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v oppose_v the_o common_a belief_n have_v have_v no_o follower_n and_o several_a of_o they_o at_o the_o season_n of_o great_a seriousness_n and_o recollection_n have_v renounce_v the_o opinion_n they_o maintain_v at_o loose_a hour_n so_o universal_o have_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n obtain_v among_o men._n from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v fair_o infer_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o that_o such_o a_o persuasion_n as_o this_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o can_v not_o be_v certain_o prove_v to_o follow_v from_o those_o evident_a perception_n we_o have_v of_o other_o truth_n yet_o be_v ready_o entertain_v by_o our_o reason_n without_o any_o opposition_n from_o they_o it_o must_v upon_o this_o account_n only_o be_v extreme_o probable_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v for_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o error_n what_o can_v we_o assign_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a error_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v deceive_v in_o a_o judgement_n found_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o sense_n or_o imagination_n they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v very_o near_o of_o the_o same_o bulk_n in_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n when_o it_o be_v so_o many_o time_n big_a than_o the_o earth_n or_o that_o it_o move_v when_o it_o stand_v still_o or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v wrong_a in_o either_o of_o these_o point_n there_o may_v be_v something_o else_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n suppose_v in_o which_o all_o mankind_n may_v be_v mistake_v as_o most_o of_o the_o learned_a think_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o both_o these_o judgement_n but_o the_o notion_n and_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o pure_a thought_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o which_o sense_n and_o imagination_n have_v no_o share_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o mind_n by_o the_o help_n of_o these_o faculty_n may_v make_v a_o great_a many_o false_a representation_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o consequent_o occasion_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o error_n concern_v he_o but_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o therefore_o those_o notion_n and_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n in_o which_o all_o man_n agree_v proceed_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n as_o these_o additional_a error_n do_v in_o which_o they_o differ_v so_o very_a much_o and_o that_o consequent_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n those_o may_v be_v as_o much_o error_n as_o these_o other_o be_v though_o they_o be_v nor_o yet_o discover_v to_o be_v so_o the_o contrary_a i_o think_v be_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o representation_n in_o this_o latter_a case_n prove_v a_o incapacity_n in_o the_o faculty_n to_o perceive_v the_o object_n they_o be_v employ_v about_o whereas_o in_o the_o other_o supposition_n the_o constancy_n and_o
universality_n of_o the_o perception_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o the_o suitableness_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n perceive_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v it_o that_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v perceive_v god_n at_o any_o time_n this_o way_n and_o therefore_o all_o sensible_a idea_n apply_v to_o he_o must_v be_v as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a as_o the_o idea_n of_o blind_a man_n concern_v colour_n or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o of_o any_o other_o man_n concern_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o planet_n and_o ethereal_a region_n because_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o faculty_n and_o those_o of_o another_o nor_o any_o discoverable_a betwixt_o a_o new_a idea_n and_o those_o we_o perceive_v already_o so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v a_o pure_a idea_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o reflection_n only_o by_o sensible_a image_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o representation_n be_v very_o different_a when_o all_o the_o idea_n of_o sense_n have_v a_o equal_a pretence_n to_o be_v representative_n no_o one_o be_v like_a the_o original_a it_o stand_v for_o than_o another_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o new_a unknown_a idea_n for_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o whatever_o resemblance_n there_o be_v betwixt_o that_o and_o any_o other_o we_o have_v already_o perceive_v out_o of_o our_o whole_a stock_n of_o idea_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o choose_v one_o than_o another_o to_o represent_v it_o by_o and_o consequent_o different_a man_n must_v represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o very_o different_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o intellectual_a or_o if_o there_o be_v something_o sensible_a in_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v actual_o perceive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v not_o the_o sensible_a representation_n of_o he_o must_v be_v very_o various_a and_o therefore_o very_o false_a but_o when_o all_o man_n think_v alike_o concern_v object_n not_o perceivable_a by_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o their_o idea_n be_v suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o faculty_n that_o perceive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o they_o be_v true_o sort_v and_o put_v together_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o general_a agreement_n in_o the_o perception_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o appearance_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o universal_a error_n as_o a_o universal_a truth_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v all_o man_n mistake_v about_o the_o bulk_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o whatever_o appear_v to_o the_o sense_n in_o this_o case_n appear_v the_o same_o to_o all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o error_n occasion_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v not_o in_o the_o sense_n but_o belong_v to_o another_o faculty_n nor_o be_v they_o either_o necessary_a or_o invincible_a not_o necessary_a because_o we_o need_v not_o have_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o concern_v these_o appearance_n offer_v to_o our_o sense_n several_a requisite_n to_o a_o just_a sensation_n be_v want_v without_o which_o we_o know_v we_o can_v judge_v with_o assurance_n not_o invincible_a because_o our_o opinion_n concern_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v afterward_o alter_v and_o correct_v by_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o faculty_n superior_a to_o sense_n may_v preserve_v we_o from_o the_o illusion_n of_o it_o but_o when_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reflection_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o whence_o shall_v any_o error_n proceed_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o appearance_n must_v in_o 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hardly_o ever_o know_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o
our_o idea_n and_o what_o we_o be_v the_o best_a acquaint_v with_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o perceive_v they_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o separate_o exist_v or_o necessary_o connect_v our_o reason_n about_o they_o be_v the_o sure_a of_o any_o we_o have_v so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o these_o i_o can_v see_v how_o we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o solidity_n extension_n and_o figure_n i_o do_v not_o only_o perceive_v to_o be_v constant_o unite_v but_o necessary_o and_o inseparable_o to_o co-exist_a together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o i_o call_v matter_n or_o body_n so_o that_o wherever_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v find_v i_o certain_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v the_o other_o two_o also_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o where_o ever_o these_o three_o co-exist_a together_o there_o be_v motion_n perception_n or_o will_v there_o be_v no_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o any_o of_o these_o idea_n and_o the_o other_o idea_n of_o matter_n before_o mention_v as_o be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o but_o from_o their_o separate_a existence_n actual_o perceive_v by_o we_o how_o then_o do_v matter_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o exist_v without_o any_o motion_n perception_n or_o will_v come_v to_o have_v motion_n add_v to_o it_o all_o the_o motion_n we_o perceive_v in_o body_n without_o we_o be_v make_v by_o successive_a impulse_n from_o from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o where_o every_o portion_n of_o matter_n owe_v its_o motion_n to_o some_o other_o but_o this_o can_v help_v we_o to_o conceive_v how_o motion_n shall_v begin_v where_o every_o thing_n be_v at_o rest_n the_o only_a idea_n we_o receive_v from_o body_n in_o motion_n be_v that_o of_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v move_v when_o it_o be_v at_o rest_n and_o not_o of_o a_o power_n of_o move_v its_o self_n this_o we_o have_v from_o what_o pass_v within_o we_o when_o without_o any_o external_a impulse_n upon_o we_o by_o a_o bare_a thought_n or_o determination_n of_o ourselves_o we_o begin_v a_o motion_n in_o our_o own_o body_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n communicate_v it_o to_o other_o which_o be_v before_o at_o rest_n which_o power_n of_o beginning_n motion_n we_o call_v will_v but_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o exist_v without_o perception_n and_o will_n and_o consequent_o without_o this_o power_n of_o beginning_n motion_n in_o its_o self_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o communicate_v it_o to_o it_o it_o must_v eternal_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o state_n of_o union_n indistinction_n and_o rest_n there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o the_o overthrow_v this_o hypothesis_n no_o stress_n be_v ever_o lay_v upon_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o if_o we_o imagine_v all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o material_a world_n loose_v from_o one_o another_o and_o all_o in_o motion_n it_o will_v be_v quite_o as_o irrational_a to_o think_v that_o so_o it_o must_v have_v be_v eternal_o and_o necessary_o till_o at_o some_o certain_a time_n the_o scatter_a move_a atom_n meet_v together_o or_o be_v dispose_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o produce_v the_o present_a structure_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n many_o be_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistency_n this_o opinion_n be_v chargeable_a with_o but_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a instance_n but_o in_o two_o the_o first_o be_v the_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a motion_n of_o different_a particle_n of_o matter_n before_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o imply_v a_o infinite_a succession_n of_o effect_n without_o any_o cause_n to_o produce_v they_o for_o motion_n be_v something_o distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o separable_a from_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o exist_v because_o matter_n exist_v for_o than_o it_o will_v always_o exist_v in_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n nor_o do_v it_o exist_v of_o itself_o by_o a_o necessity_n independent_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n be_v existence_n because_o it_o can_v exist_v without_o it_o and_o matter_n can_v not_o produce_v it_o in_o its_o self_n from_o all_o eternity_n because_o it_o can_v produce_v it_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o eternal_a motion_n or_o succession_n of_o motion_n in_o different_a part_n of_o matter_n because_o every_o motion_n be_v a_o mere_a effect_n and_o passion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o active_a power_n any_o where_o assignable_a or_o conceivable_a that_o can_v produce_v or_o cause_v such_o a_o effect_n so_o that_o to_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a motion_n without_o a_o eternal_a power_n of_o move_v be_v one_o very_o great_a absurdity_n those_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o set_v up_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o atom_n the_o other_o be_v the_o ascribe_v such_o new_a effect_n to_o matter_n and_o motion_n together_o in_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o a_o whole_a eternity_n before_o never_o proceed_v from_o they_o and_o can_v not_o possible_o at_o any_o time_n be_v produce_v by_o they_o for_o matter_n and_o motion_n not_o imply_v perception_n and_o will_n several_a body_n in_o motion_n be_v now_o actual_o perceive_v to_o exist_v without_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o move_a atom_n be_v in_o the_o present_a hypothesis_n suppose_v so_o to_o exist_v before_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a from_o hence_o to_o account_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o being_n endue_v with_o perception_n and_o will_n which_o be_v qualification_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o utter_o distinct_a from_o those_o of_o extension_n figure_n and_o motion_n as_o figure_n and_o motion_n be_v from_o one_o another_o or_o from_o any_o other_o idea_n we_o perceive_v that_o these_o last_o may_v be_v where_o the_o other_o be_v not_o be_v plain_a how_o then_o do_v those_o other_o come_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o if_o matter_n at_o rest_n whatever_o degree_n of_o extension_n or_o kind_n of_o figure_n it_o be_v imagine_v to_o have_v can_v never_o make_v we_o conceive_v any_o possibility_n of_o motion_n in_o it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o something_o else_o beside_o extension_n and_o figure_n neither_o can_v matter_n and_o motion_n together_o whatever_o variety_n of_o bulk_n texture_n or_o motion_n we_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o give_v we_o any_o idea_n of_o perception_n and_o will_n or_o a_o power_n of_o produce_v they_o but_o matter_n in_o motion_n must_v eternal_o move_v on_o or_o rest_n and_o move_v by_o turn_n if_o you_o please_v without_o advance_v to_o any_o new_a perfection_n which_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o need_v any_o proof_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v very_o learned_o and_o full_o make_v out_o already_o by_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v in_o the_o disparagement_n of_o matter_n nor_o expose_v this_o ridiculous_a scheme_n of_o thing_n by_o show_v all_o the_o peculiar_a inconsistency_n in_o it_o but_o leave_v the_o far_a disproof_n of_o it_o to_o those_o general_a argument_n which_o equal_o conclude_v against_o all_o the_o false_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o reserve_v till_o i_o have_v do_v with_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o next_o of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o in_o which_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o world_n have_v eternal_o exi_v under_o the_o same_o form_n that_o we_o now_o behold_v it_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o structure_n with_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o several_a of_o the_o chief_a species_n or_o sort_n of_o thing_n in_o it_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o most_o explode_a of_o any_o though_o most_o of_o the_o favourer_n of_o it_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assert_v the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n too_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n think_v they_o perceive_v such_o visible_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o rise_n propagation_n and_o increase_v of_o society_n and_o government_n language_n and_o law_n art_n and_o science_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o original_a and_o begin_v of_o thing_n be_v in_o their_o time_n so_o fresh_a and_o so_o general_o receive_v in_o all_o country_n that_o few_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o with_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o tradition_n have_v all_o along_o continue_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o ancient_a observation_n have_v be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v by_o many_o new_a invention_n of_o thing_n since_o and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o such_o general_a use_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v invent_v before_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v of_o a_o very_a long_a
be_v convince_v that_o we_o can_v help_v have_v those_o sentiment_n we_o feel_v upon_o such_o occasion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o reason_v ourselves_o into_o they_o and_z if_o by_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o temper_n or_o any_o other_o way_n we_o shall_v want_v these_o sentiment_n of_o gratitude_n reverence_n or_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o reason_v ourselves_o into_o the_o same_o outward_a behaviour_n as_o will_v have_v follow_v if_o we_o have_v be_v so_o affect_v and_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o convince_v that_o our_o happiness_n be_v real_o concern_v in_o such_o a_o behaviour_n all_o our_o action_n will_v come_v slow_a be_v perform_v with_o more_o constraint_n and_o less_o conformity_n to_o one_o another_o than_o if_o they_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a natural_a sense_n till_o habit_n which_o be_v another_o additional_a help_n to_o reason_n have_v give_v we_o great_a ease_n and_o dispatch_v and_o thus_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o original_o make_v and_o dispose_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o our_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o these_o natural_a and_o original_a inclination_n and_o propension_n to_o some_o action_n and_o restraint_n from_o and_o aversion_n to_o other_o which_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o without_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o previous_a deliberation_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o unreasonableness_n of_o what_o we_o do_v or_o after_o judgement_n of_o this_o nature_n make_v we_o look_v upon_o as_o certain_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n carry_v we_o on_o to_o act_v according_a to_o such_o judgement_n with_o more_o ease_n quickness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n than_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v upon_o the_o bare_a conviction_n of_o our_o reason_n without_o they_o all_o these_o disposition_n i_o say_v and_o sentiment_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n and_o assist_v we_o conformable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o discharge_v what_o we_o call_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v design_n we_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o duty_n and_o consequent_o that_o a_o obedient_a compliance_n with_o this_o design_n will_v contribute_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o our_o disobedience_n can_v which_o be_v a_o far_a proof_n that_o we_o be_v actual_o under_o obligation_n to_o god_n or_o that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n which_o obligation_n together_o with_o god_n right_a of_o oblige_v we_o be_v constant_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o by_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o several_a relation_n in_o it_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o chief_a mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o in_o society_n these_o take_v up_o a_o large_a share_n in_o their_o thought_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o action_n be_v influence_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o notion_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o they_o all_o which_o do_v lead_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v under_o high_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n than_o we_o can_v be_v to_o any_o humane_a governor_n whatsoever_o for_o whether_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o as_o servant_n child_n or_o subject_n or_o any_o other_o way_n inferior_a to_o other_o whatever_o reason_n we_o allege_v for_o our_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o master_n parent_n or_o prince_n or_o for_o their_o right_n of_o command_v we_o they_o will_v conclude_v more_o strong_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o with_o relation_n to_o god_n now_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o man_n and_o of_o their_o right_n of_o oblige_v we_o be_v power_n goodness_n and_o property_n when_o a_o person_n have_v a_o power_n of_o contribute_v to_o my_o happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o i_o do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o belong_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v call_v he_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o or_o act_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o if_o beside_o his_o have_v this_o power_n and_o property_n i_o consider_v he_o as_o more_o inclinable_a to_o do_v i_o good_a than_o ill_a i_o conceive_v myself_o under_o high_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o god_n have_v all_o these_o title_n to_o our_o obedience_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n possible_a for_o by_o give_v we_o our_o entire_a be_v and_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o great_a power_n of_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o any_o man_n can_v have_v but_o also_o a_o great_a property_n in_o we_o by_o this_o act_n of_o creation_n or_o production_n than_o can_v accrue_v to_o any_o man_n by_o conquest_n purchase_n covenant_n generation_n or_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o man_n come_v to_o have_v a_o property_n in_o one_o another_o and_o that_o he_o have_v more_o goodness_n towards_o we_o or_o be_v more_o inclinable_a to_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n than_o misery_n be_v manifest_a from_o his_o own_o nature_n enjoy_v happiness_n and_o that_o other_o character_n of_o it_o his_o wisdom_n in_o design_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a end_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o also_o from_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o inference_n i_o draw_v he_o from_o hence_o be_v that_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o tell_v we_o what_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v and_o natural_a inclination_n and_o aversion_n prevent_v or_o second_v our_o reason_n but_o always_o conformable_o to_o it_o which_o dispose_v we_o to_o action_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n with_o a_o design_n of_o engage_v we_o to_o act_v according_o so_o be_v we_o put_v into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n with_o regard_n to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o necessary_a relation_n result_v from_o society_n may_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a peculiar_a action_n consequent_a upon_o it_o so_o that_o by_o a_o constant_a traditional_a education_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o subjection_n of_o different_a sort_n to_o one_o another_o we_o shall_v be_v lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o a_o superior_a be_v more_o easy_o than_o if_o every_o man_n have_v be_v leave_v to_o himself_o to_o find_v they_o out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o faculty_n only_o without_o these_o particular_a occasion_n of_o set_v his_o reason_n and_o inclination_n on_o work_n all_o which_o consideration_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o society_n be_v at_o least_o very_a probable_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v actual_o oblige_v by_o god_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o live_v as_o we_o call_v religion_n and_o consequent_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o religion_n all_o thing_n consider_v will_v contribute_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o a_o neglect_n or_o transgression_n of_o it_o because_o the_o same_o god_n who_o design_n we_o for_o happiness_n design_n we_o also_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n though_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v a_o immediate_a connexion_n betwixt_o religion_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v 3._o in_o the_o three_o place_n than_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o that_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n or_o obligation_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v will_v certain_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o consider_v only_o in_o his_o present_a condition_n as_o include_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v plain_o percieve_v upon_o a_o short_a transient_a view_n and_o comparison_n of_o the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n that_o man_n be_v make_v and_o design_v by_o god_n for_o happiness_n and_o we_o be_v more_o near_o and_o necessary_o convince_v by_o the_o irresistible_a desire_n of_o happiness_n and_o aversion_n to_o misery_n we_o experience_v in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o constant_a unalterable_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o pure_a most_o unallay_v happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o must_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o our_o action_n since_o therefore_o god_n have_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o and_o design_v we_o for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o we_o find_v ourselves_o necessary_o determine_v to_o
themselves_o the_o trouble_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o mathematics_n may_v think_v all_o the_o demonstration_n there_o pretend_v to_o false_a and_o the_o whole_a science_n a_o cheat_n without_o call_v in_o question_n any_o other_o part_n of_o knowledge_n they_o have_v happen_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o and_o much_o more_o conceivable_a be_v it_o that_o such_o as_o never_o due_o and_o fair_o consider_v the_o argument_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v deny_v both_o without_o distrust_v their_o faculty_n upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o that_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o denial_n now_o in_o apply_v myself_o to_o these_o man_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o allege_v that_o the_o proof_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o great_a truth_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o draw_v from_o such_o principle_n as_o they_o own_o and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o other_o matter_n though_o this_o may_v certain_o be_v affirm_v to_o allege_v this_o 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than_o those_o of_o other_o because_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o for_o my_o interest_n so_o to_o do_v but_o when_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o for_o my_o particular_a interest_n to_o follow_v my_o own_o or_o any_o other_o man_n then_o be_o i_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o have_v as_o true_a a_o right_n of_o my_o own_o or_o the_o person_n who_o advice_n i_o take_v have_v as_o much_o right_a and_o authority_n over_o i_o as_o my_o father_n master_n or_o prince_n all_o which_o title_n and_o relation_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v use_v to_o imply_v government_n and_o subjection_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v false_a impose_v name_n and_o if_o any_o advantage_n have_v be_v take_v in_o our_o infancy_n to_o convey_v any_o notion_n of_o authority_n duty_n or_o obligation_n by_o they_o we_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la as_o well_o as_o those_o concern_v god_n and_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o no_o 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mankind_n take_v in_o general_a and_o therefore_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o they_o can_v respect_v only_o the_o learned_a whereas_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n have_v in_o every_o age_n be_v actual_o and_o express_o believe_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v the_o notion_n and_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o reason_n and_o reflection_n only_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o such_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o external_a help_n and_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o a_o few_o to_o who_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v behold_v for_o all_o they_o know_v concern_v several_a truth_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n before_o mention_v all_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n upon_o which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v found_v lie_v open_a to_o every_o man_n and_o be_v the_o same_o now_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o the_o 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judgement_n and_o honour_n over_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o other_o principle_n and_o yet_o act_v just_a as_o they_o do_v but_o whatever_o preference_n may_v be_v due_a to_o these_o man_n in_o a_o comparison_n of_o they_o with_o wicked_a professor_n of_o religion_n and_o whatever_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o may_v afford_v they_o in_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o vice_n that_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n agree_v together_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v only_o find_v out_o a_o new_a artifice_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o that_o all_o their_o reason_n be_v not_o only_o vain_a and_o groundless_a but_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o clear_a corruption_n of_o truth_n and_o happiness_n mankind_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v the_o design_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o to_o render_v it_o more_o effectual_a for_o the_o check_v and_o put_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o
own_o misery_n but_o by_o rectify_v our_o perception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v future_a do_v not_o by_o immediate_a impression_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o real_o be_v what_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v and_o if_o we_o strict_o examine_v ourselves_o about_o these_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o what_o we_o now_o actual_o feel_v or_o perceive_v we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o feel_v or_o perceive_v that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v undeceivable_o conscious_a of_o all_o our_o own_o sensation_n and_o perception_n but_o how_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v we_o can_v not_o otherwise_o know_v than_o by_o know_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o affect_v or_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n upon_o another_o in_o order_n to_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o one_o being_n so_o affect_v by_o the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o far_a observation_n upon_o ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v some_o idea_n or_o notion_n that_o appear_v with_o that_o light_n and_o clearness_n to_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o immediate_o perceive_v they_o in_o all_o their_o extent_n and_o a_o necessary_a agreement_n or_o disagreement_n betwixt_o they_o and_o afterward_o the_o dependence_n or_o independance_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o appearance_n we_o can_v possible_o deny_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v with_o such_o evidence_n as_o to_o command_v our_o assent_n but_o have_v more_o to_o incline_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o true_a than_o false_a and_o this_o according_a to_o different_a degree_n that_o there_o be_v other_o that_o appear_v with_o equal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o hold_v we_o in_o suspense_n and_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v we_o to_o determine_v either_o way_n and_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o at_o all_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o which_o nothing_o at_o all_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o general_a difference_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n as_o certain_a probable_a doubtful_a or_o exceed_v our_o present_a reach_n we_o be_v moreover_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o other_o kind_n of_o difference_n the_o one_o between_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o appearance_n to_o we_o the_o other_o betwixt_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n and_o their_o appearance_n to_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o action_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o difference_n we_o find_v that_o what_o we_o be_v once_o real_o certain_a of_o always_o appear_v certain_a to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v appear_v to_o we_o but_o as_o certain_a we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n certain_a may_v appear_v doubtful_a to_o we_o at_o one_o time_n and_o probable_a at_o another_o and_o what_o we_o assent_v to_o as_o probable_a now_o may_v afterward_o command_v our_o assent_n as_o certain_a and_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o although_o '_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o their_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o know_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v of_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o present_a faculty_n as_o to_o the_o other_o difference_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o action_n and_o its_o consequence_n it_o often_o so_o happen_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n seem_v doubtful_a to_o we_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o more_o to_o our_o present_a advantage_n or_o afford_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o future_a happiness_n to_o act_v one_o way_n than_o another_o and_o abundance_n of_o instance_n there_o be_v in_o which_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o act_v one_o way_n or_o other_o where_o neither_o side_n appear_v certain_o true_a but_o one_o only_a probable_a or_o both_o equal_o doubtful_a this_o be_v all_o the_o account_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o my_o present_a design_n of_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o upon_o this_o subject_a which_o any_o man_n that_o fair_o consult_v himself_o can_v possible_o call_v in_o question_n but_o if_o any_o objection_n do_v lie_v against_o any_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o they_o shall_v be_v consider_v before_o i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o all_o question_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o separate_a existence_n i_o have_v purposely_o wave_v as_o thing_n which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o admit_v of_o no_o certain_a proof_n from_o thence_o be_v as_o common_o handle_v involve_v in_o great_a ambiguity_n of_o term_n and_o which_o way_n soever_o explain_v i_o think_v as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o see_v make_v no_o manner_n of_o change_n either_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o soul_n be_v infuse_v or_o derive_v material_a or_o immaterial_a whether_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o all_o its_o action_n or_o sometime_o act_n of_o itself_o be_v dissolve_v with_o it_o or_o exist_v after_o it_o if_o what_o i_o say_v before_o concern_v our_o own_o experience_n be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o religion_n have_v a_o very_a good_a bottom_n to_o stand_v upon_o without_o be_v support_v by_o any_o of_o these_o opinion_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n come_v from_o without_o the_o body_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o it_o can_v act_n independent_o of_o it_o and_o exist_v after_o its_o dissolution_n as_o there_o be_v several_a very_o probable_a reason_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o certain_a revelation_n for_o then_o be_v there_o so_o many_o additional_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v without_o they_o from_o plain_a and_o more_o undeniable_a principle_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o do_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o what_o that_o notion_n or_o idea_n be_v to_o which_o i_o affix_v that_o name_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o a_o eternal_a be_v of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o who_o every_o thing_n else_o derive_v its_o be_v and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o my_o thought_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v one_o unchangeable_a be_v of_o a_o intelligent_a nature_n who_o always_o necessary_o exi_v of_o himself_o who_o know_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v who_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v who_o do_v every_o thing_n he_o will_v and_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v himself_o who_o enjoy_v a_o unalterable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o can_v be_v enjoy_v who_o never_o will_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o this_o state_n who_o make_v himself_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o he_o do_v and_o next_o to_o that_o the_o good_a or_o happiness_n of_o all_o such_o being_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o which_o together_o with_o all_o other_o being_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o be_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o continuance_n and_o last_o who_o bring_v about_o whatever_o he_o will_v or_o design_n by_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a mean_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o easy_a notion_n of_o god_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o conceive_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v here_o describe_v i_o think_v it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a upon_o this_o subject_a with_o respect_n to_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v for_o whether_o we_o represent_v god_n to_o our_o thought_n as_o a_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n a_o spiritual_a substance_n or_o subtle_a matter_n as_o the_o whole_a mass_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n take_v all_o together_o or_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o active_a principle_n of_o it_o as_o confine_v to_o the_o heaven_n or_o diffuse_v through_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o be_v as_o the_o maker_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v or_o consider_v he_o under_o any_o other_o idea_n our_o reason_n or_o imagination_n can_v frame_v
of_o he_o or_o be_v real_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o help_v to_o make_v up_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n or_o do_v eternal_o proceed_v from_o he_o because_o he_o have_v eternal_o a_o effectual_a will_n to_o produce_v it_o but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o supposition_n can_v be_v true_a for_o neither_o matter_n itself_o nor_o matter_n and_o motion_n nor_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v eternal_a independent_o of_o god_n because_o as_o have_v be_v full_o prove_v already_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v exi_v eternal_o without_o a_o god_n from_o which_o proof_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v viz._n necessary_a existence_n and_o all_o possible_a perfection_n nor_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o actual_a production_n of_o all_o temporary_a being_n for_o which_o soever_o of_o they_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v suppose_v also_o want_v those_o perfection_n we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o only_a one_o imaginable_a by_o we_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o existence_n where_o these_o be_v want_v because_o than_o we_o may_v suppose_v a_o necessary_a eternal_a be_v with_o they_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a perfection_n than_o another_o necessary_a eternal_a be_v without_o they_o but_o we_o can_v suppose_v two_o necessary_a and_o independent_a eternal_a being_n of_o unequal_a perfection_n therefore_o what_o want_v any_o of_o these_o qualification_n we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n can_v exist_v necessary_o and_o of_o itself_o and_o further_o what_o we_o suppose_v destitute_a of_o knowledge_n and_o will_n can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a power_n of_o produce_v temporary_a being_n be_v it_o in_o its_o self_n allow_v to_o be_v eternal_a as_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n that_o exclude_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o ever_o be_v suppose_v eternal_a which_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v give_v of_o god_n must_v be_v take_v into_o it_o as_o necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o free_a eternal_a effect_n of_o his_o eternal_a will._n thus_o some_o have_v affrm_v that_o the_o world_n and_o every_o thing_n we_o see_v or_o know_v be_v god_n other_o that_o all_o thing_n flow_v from_o god_n by_o which_o if_o they_o mean_v necessary_a emanation_n they_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o his_o be_v and_o essence_n if_o production_n to_o his_o will._n so_o that_o however_o we_o express_v ourselves_o upon_o these_o matter_n every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v or_o frame_v any_o notion_n of_o must_v be_v either_o god_n or_o some_o way_n proceed_v from_o he_o be_v reckon_v to_o his_o nature_n or_o his_o work_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o no_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o ascribe_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o time_n of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n produce_v every_o thing_n not_o contain_v in_o that_o idea_n even_o original_a matter_n and_o motion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o particular_a being_n in_o it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o any_o of_o these_o together_o with_o god_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v give_v of_o he_o however_o his_o opinion_n may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o can_v make_v no_o change_n in_o our_o thought_n with_o regard_n to_o religion_n the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o the_o same_o here_o as_o we_o have_v establish_v it_o the_o same_o consequence_n will_v every_o where_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o the_o assertor_n of_o any_o such_o opinion_n will_v bear_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n with_o we_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n which_o however_o hold_v have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o we_o than_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n willing_o when_o we_o may_v have_v better_a information_n or_o if_o we_o can_v yet_o other_o opinion_n may_v appear_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o present_a case_n and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v any_o further_a enquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n as_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o about_o they_o thus_o have_v i_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o dispatch_v as_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v examine_v all_o the_o account_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o present_a existence_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o particular_a observation_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o not_o all_o that_o may_v be_v make_v but_o such_o as_o i_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o god_n or_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i_o before_o describe_v who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a cause_n or_o author_n of_o every_o thing_n we_o see_v or_o know_v or_o have_v over_o be_v beside_o he_o and_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o be_v the_o world_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v ever_o exist_v any_o other_o way_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o general_a reflection_n to_o strengthen_v the_o common_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o conclude_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n that_o the_o world_n be_v as_o we_o now_o perceive_v must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o chance_n necessity_n or_o wisdom_n but_o chance_n be_v nothing_o necessity_n without_o a_o god_n unintelligible_a and_o therefore_o wisdom_n or_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o god_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a be_v make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n we_o now_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o world_n be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n be_v be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o be_v make_v without_o any_o cause_n and_o to_o speak_v thus_o be_v to_o use_v word_n without_o any_o mean_v under_o they_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v make_v any_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v that_o before_o be_v not_o without_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o some_o real_a positive_a be_v of_o antecedent_n existence_n inadequate_a and_o insufficient_a cause_n be_v often_o assign_v for_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n because_o be_v next_o to_o and_o immediate_o precede_v the_o effect_n they_o be_v sole_o take_v notice_n of_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o their_o subordination_n to_o or_o direction_n by_o other_o and_o oftentimes_o something_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o it_o but_o in_o both_o these_o case_n it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o real_a efficiency_n observe_v that_o these_o judgement_n be_v make_v which_o must_v all_o proceed_v from_o some_o real_a be_v though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o attribute_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a one_o or_o to_o one_o that_o have_v only_o a_o share_n in_o the_o effect_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o real_a assign_v which_o be_v as_o much_o and_o as_o proper_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o make_v a_o world_n as_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n so_o meet_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a determination_n of_o figure_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n but_o these_o must_v be_v either_o eternal_a or_o the_o effect_n of_o certain_a eternal_a sixth_o rule_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n or_o be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o casual_a but_o every_o thing_n necessary_a or_o providential_a for_o suppose_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o matter_n so_o and_o so_o figure_v and_o move_v we_o can_v consider_v it_o as_o indifferent_a to_o several_a effect_n but_o necessary_o determine_v to_o one_o which_o must_v inevitable_o follow_v such_o a_o suppose_a disposition_n unless_o something_o extrinsical_a to_o matter_n shall_v restrain_v or_o change_v the_o determination_n if_o any_o thing_n extrinsical_a to_o matter_n or_o beside_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v allow_v it_o must_v be_v god_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o exist_v but_o matter_n and_o motion_n then_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n
he_o that_o be_v know_v to_o act_v for_o himself_o only_o will_v be_v trust_v and_o assist_v no_o further_o than_o his_o own_o present_a interest_n be_v perceive_v unavoidable_o to_o concur_v with_o another_o man_n and_o last_o the_o happiness_n a_o religious_a man_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o another_o life_n be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v exceed_v all_o experience_n imagination_n or_o possibility_n of_o comprehension_n and_o consequent_o the_o hope_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o belief_n must_v afford_v he_o great_a pleasure_n here_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o the_o great_a and_o happy_a condition_n a_o man_n can_v frame_v to_o himself_o here_o gradual_o increase_v by_o a_o successful_a advance_n of_o the_o fine_a best-formed_a design_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o be_v i_o believe_v compare_v with_o any_o actual_a enjoyment_n 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no_o better_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o do_v than_o those_o upon_o examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o subject_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o step_n or_o measure_n 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v what_o kind_a or_o degree_n of_o proof_n it_o admit_v of_o 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o common_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o 3._o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a objection_n make_v use_v of_o against_o religion_n 4._o i_o shall_v make_v some_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 who_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o proof_n that_o be_v how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v there_o 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reason_n and_o restrain_v our_o assent_n what_o other_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n have_v we_o that_o make_v our_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o there_o be_v never_o any_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n offer_v or_o pretend_v to_o yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v easy_o discoverable_a upon_o the_o first_o trial_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o way_n all_o that_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o produce_v such_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n to_o show_v such_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o they_o as_o shall_v render_v they_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o upon_o a_o fair_a proposal_n we_o shall_v be_v easy_o incline_v to_o embrace_v and_o assent_v to_o they_o though_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o irresistible_o to_o determine_v we_o this_o we_o call_v argue_v from_o probability_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o what_o the_o generality_n of_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v upon_o due_a examination_n assent_v to_o as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n that_o opinion_n be_v most_o probable_a and_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reflection_n deduce_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n alike_o that_o have_v the_o same_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o probability_n but_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n will_v never_o stand_v this_o test_n the_o wise_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v constant_o reject_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o disquisition_n be_v to_o begin_v now_o and_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o opinion_n again_o how_o will_v a_o person_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n no_o religion_n nor_o future_a state_n than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o of_o these_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o our_o own_o existence_n and_o constitution_n and_o from_o the_o existence_n frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n without_o we_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v and_o we_o know_v not_o our_o original_a or_o by_o what_o power_n we_o come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v we_o perceive_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o we_o the_o beginning_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o come_v to_o exist_v be_v it_o therefore_o more_o likely_a and_o probable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n than_o that_o there_o real_o be_v some_o such_o
perfect_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o these_o effect_n we_o perceive_v can_v we_o from_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o govern_v and_o direct_v power_n in_o the_o universe_n can_v we_o from_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n prove_v that_o we_o be_v under_o no_o law_n or_o obligation_n of_o act_v or_o that_o religion_n be_v destructive_a of_o our_o happiness_n can_v we_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n without_o we_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o live_v again_o be_v conscious_a of_o all_o our_o former_a action_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a to_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o they_o however_o true_a these_o thing_n may_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v from_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o these_o imagine_a antecedent_n to_o they_o for_o if_o god_n religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v all_o possible_a as_o they_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o real_a existence_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v never_o furnish_v any_o argument_n for_o their_o nonexistence_n 2._o in_o vain_a then_o do_v we_o expect_v any_o direct_a proof_n of_o irreligion_n in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o which_o be_v these_o four_n 1._o ridicul_v religion_n 2._o require_v a_o more_o certain_a mathematical_a proof_n of_o it_o 3._o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n subsist_v without_o it_o 4._o and_o raise_v some_o loose_a objection_n against_o it_o which_o chief_o aim_v at_o the_o present_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o advance_v or_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n contain_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o irreligion_n be_v such_o as_o bare_o deny_v the_o contrary_a truth_n without_o give_v any_o reason_n for_o their_o disbelief_n they_o speak_v a_o bold_a thing_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o fall_v to_o their_o sin_n without_o ever_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v a_o light_a word_n or_o phrase_n apply_v to_o a_o serious_a thing_n a_o odd_a simile_n or_o comparison_n a_o ridiculous_a turn_v or_o allusion_n be_v all_o they_o pretend_v to_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o well_o establish_v or_o confirm_v but_o may_v be_v ridicule_v though_o it_o can_v be_v confute_v and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o sublime_a the_o subject_n be_v the_o fit_a for_o burlesque_fw-la the_o boldness_n of_o the_o raillery_n heighten_v the_o wit_n of_o it_o but_o i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o jest_n be_v no_o argument_n beside_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o this_o character_n in_o another_o place_n and_o so_o shall_v pass_v on_o 2._o to_o the_o second_o way_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n to_o justify_v their_o infidelity_n and_o that_o be_v by_o allege_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o proof_n give_v of_o it_o have_v not_o that_o degree_n of_o certainty_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n why_o say_v they_o be_v not_o such_o important_a point_n as_o those_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o far_o concern_v make_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o our_o understanding_n as_o any_o proposition_n in_o the_o mathematics_n prove_v they_o to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o the_o insufficiency_n and_o absurdity_n of_o which_o plea_n will_v manifest_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n for_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a for_o person_n to_o call_v for_o more_o and_o great_a proof_n towards_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n before_o they_o have_v confute_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v already_o advance_v and_o therefore_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v sufficient_a till_o it_o be_v overthrow_v by_o contrary_a allegation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o ask_v for_o other_o kind_a of_o proof_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o desire_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o therefore_o to_o call_v for_o mathematical_a demonstration_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v let_v religion_n be_v turn_v into_o mathematics_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v it_o the_o mean_v of_o which_o be_v only_o this_o that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o like_a mathematics_n better_o than_o they_o do_v religion_n for_o indeed_o the_o person_n that_o call_v for_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n in_o religion_n will_v allow_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o demonstration_n any_o where_o but_o in_o number_n and_o figure_n whereas_o we_o have_v as_o clear_a idea_n of_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o do_v as_o evident_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o they_o and_o make_v as_o certain_a deduction_n from_o they_o and_o that_o particular_o in_o the_o present_a subject_n where_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o knowledge_n will_n power_n duration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o original_a idea_n from_o whence_o we_o take_v our_o first_o rise_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v of_o number_n and_o figure_n we_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o something_o must_v be_v eternal_a that_o motion_n must_v begin_v from_o will_n and_o several_a other_o from_o whence_o all_o our_o argument_n for_o religion_n be_v deduce_v as_o we_o be_v of_o such_o mathematical_a axiom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v big_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n that_o when_o equal_a number_n be_v add_v to_o equal_v the_o whole_a be_v equal_a and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o deduction_n of_o other_o proposition_n from_o those_o former_a be_v in_o all_o the_o intermediate_v link_n of_o connexion_n as_o evident_o perceive_v there_o as_o here_o and_o the_o main_a conclusion_n as_o certain_a as_o any_o mathematical_a conclusion_n at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n yet_o they_o have_v all_o the_o certainty_n it_o be_v conceivable_a they_o shall_v have_v by_o way_n of_o deduction_n from_o any_o idea_n our_o mind_n be_v furnish_v with_o so_o that_o suppose_v they_o true_a they_o can_v be_v prove_v any_o otherwise_o from_o bare_a unassisted_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a to_o require_v a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o they_o when_o the_o rational_a ground_n they_o stand_v upon_o can_v be_v overthrow_v by_o contrary_a proof_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o additional_a advantage_n of_o revelation_n not_o to_o be_v disprove_v by_o any_o counter-revelation_n because_o that_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o where_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o judge_v one_o way_n as_o we_o be_v in_o all_o such_o matter_n where_o it_o concern_v our_o happiness_n to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o degree_n of_o evidence_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o appear_v on_o one_o side_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o balance_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o take_v the_o party_n of_o irreligion_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o all_o that_o strength_n and_o evidence_n of_o conviction_n which_o some_o other_o truth_n seem_v to_o have_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a defence_n some_o people_n make_v for_o their_o impiety_n and_o unbelief_n 3._o but_o other_o there_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o build_v their_o irreligion_n upon_o positive_a principle_n some_o of_o which_o have_v make_v new_a scheme_n or_o hypothesis_n wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o original_n disposition_n and_o conduct_v of_o thing_n without_o a_o god_n but_o all_o that_o they_o prove_v be_v that_o they_o who_o only_o deny_v the_o common_a doctrine_n concern_v god_n providence_n etc._n etc._n without_o advance_v any_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n for_o all_o these_o new_a notion_n of_o they_o either_o signify_v
natural_o desire_v society_n and_o society_n can_v possible_o subsist_v without_o religion_n as_o the_o objection_n itself_o suppose_v then_o be_v religion_n as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o his_o happiness_n as_o conversation_n and_o live_v together_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o other_o man_n have_v religion_n the_o atheist_n will_v find_v it_o very_o uncomfortable_a live_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a plea_n defence_n and_o objection_n common_o urge_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o which_o have_v not_o be_v here_o particular_o consider_v they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o answer_n as_o those_o that_o be_v here_o mention_v or_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o account_v for_o out_o of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o without_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o make_v little_a cavil_n and_o groundless_a suspicion_n look_v considerable_a by_o a_o formal_a examination_n and_o answer_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v pass_v to_o the_o 4._o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o great_a important_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_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 now_o upon_o a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a review_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v offer_v or_o advance_v in_o this_o cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o several_a proposition_n contain_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n by_o a_o direct_a deduction_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o deduction_n in_o most_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n any_o consequential_a truth_n can_v have_v and_o in_o the_o other_o as_o much_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o be_v and_o such_o as_o the_o mind_n full_o assent_v to_o without_o be_v able_a to_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o a_o mistake_n though_o it_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o error_n it_o will_v likewise_o appear_v that_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a branch_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v for_o the_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n consider_v their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n and_o further_o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a at_o least_o if_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o happiness_n every_o particular_a man_n absolute_o speak_v be_v capable_a of_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o regular_a discharge_n of_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o proportionable_o to_o a_o man_n behaviour_n in_o this_o respect_n while_o he_o live_v shall_v his_o reward_n be_v in_o another_o state_n but_o in_o every_o proportion_n great_a than_o can_v be_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v by_o we_o now_o and_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o will_v it_o be_v further_a manifest_a that_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o go_v the_o same_o way_n and_o if_o testimony_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n here_o that_o far_o the_o most_o and_o great_a be_v on_o this_o side_n beside_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o satisfy_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o positive_a direct_a proof_n but_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o contrary_a hypothesis_n prove_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a or_o where_o any_o thing_n possible_a be_v advance_v we_o shall_v perceive_v it_o less_o probable_a in_o itself_o and_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o it_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o libertinism_n and_o irreligion_n do_v evident_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n they_o now_o be_v in_o and_o will_v very_o probable_o if_o not_o certain_o render_v every_o particular_a person_n that_o own_v or_o act_n by_o these_o principle_n inconceivable_o more_o miserable_a in_o another_o state_n of_o life_n and_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n have_v none_o of_o these_o ground_n of_o credibility_n nor_o be_v or_o can_v be_v defend_v by_o any_o of_o these_o way_n or_o method_n by_o which_o religion_n be_v establish_v that_o they_o consist_v whole_o in_o the_o denial_n and_o contradiction_n of_o other_o proposition_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o positive_a direct_a proof_n but_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o assertion_n deny_v that_o the_o assertion_n deny_v can_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a either_o from_o their_o repugnancy_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o antecedent_n principle_n of_o knowledge_n or_o their_o inconsistence_n with_o our_o happiness_n nor_o from_o the_o common_a suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o negative_a principle_n of_o irreligion_n and_o the_o practical_a consequence_n of_o they_o can_v upon_o a_o just_a comparison_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n or_o happiness_n than_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n we_o shall_v likewise_o upon_o a_o slight_a review_n of_o the_o common_a argument_n and_o plea_n for_o irreligion_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o but_o that_o the_o strong_a effort_n of_o human_a invention_n that_o way_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o a_o offer_n at_o explain_v the_o common_a appearance_n the_o original_a order_n course_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n without_o a_o god_n independent_o of_o he_o or_o with_o exclusion_n to_o those_o particular_a consequence_n respect_v man_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o most_o any_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v amount_v to_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a thing_n may_v be_v after_o that_o particular_a manner_n they_o be_v explain_v to_o be_v these_o be_v the_o different_a ground_n and_o proof_n of_o religion_n and_o irreligion_n which_o if_o we_o careful_o compare_v together_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v as_o more_o or_o less_o rational_a but_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n the_o conception_n or_o proof_n of_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o the_o world_n be_v subsist_v without_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v no_o manner_n of_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o absurd_a to_o deny_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o but_o allow_v there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o say_v for_o irreligion_n so_o as_o to_o render_v it_o something_o probable_a to_o be_v believe_v yet_o if_o the_o positive_a direct_a proof_n for_o religion_n stand_v good_a without_o consider_v those_o which_o pretend_v to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n of_o a_o contrary_a scheme_n the_o former_a can_v stand_v upon_o so_o sure_a and_o firm_a a_o bottom_n as_o the_o latter_a nor_o be_v advance_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o credibility_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o give_v our_o assent_n on_o that_o side_n where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o probability_n but_o suppose_v the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n equal_a such_o different_a consequence_n do_v attend_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o madness_n and_o folly_n to_o prefer_v the_o party_n of_o irreligion_n which_o beside_o the_o present_a particular_a pain_n trouble_n and_o disadvantage_n it_o be_v say_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o person_n that_o make_v this_o choice_n and_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n mankind_n will_v certain_o suffer_v from_o one_o another_o upon_o this_o account_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v threaten_v with_o eternal_a inexpressible_a misery_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n so_o concern_v and_o dreadful_a that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vast_a preponderancy_n of_o proof_n that_o can_v justify_v our_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o which_o i_o be_o
sure_a be_v more_o than_o any_o man_n that_o make_v the_o venture_n can_v pretend_v to_o i_o do_v not_o here_o argue_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o prefer_v religion_n before_o irreligion_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v safe_o so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n a_o man_n shall_v not_o suffer_v any_o thing_n in_o another_o state_n by_o such_o a_o choice_n whereas_o he_o that_o choose_v irreligion_n have_v only_o his_o own_o opinion_n for_o his_o security_n and_o be_v threaten_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n with_o eternal_a misery_n after_o death_n i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o alone_a a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v a_o man_n choice_n to_o one_o side_n against_o all_o other_o argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v threaten_v out_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o evil_n threaten_v be_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v full_a as_o probable_a that_o it_o shall_v happen_v as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o which_o be_v the_o case_n now_o suppose_v he_o act_v very_o rational_o and_o wise_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o undergo_v some_o lesser_a inconvenience_n at_o present_a than_o put_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o great_a now_o that_o the_o misery_n annex_v to_o irreligion_n be_v very_o considerable_a can_v be_v deny_v it_o be_v suppose_v great_a than_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o conceive_v by_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a it_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v by_o such_o principle_n as_o not_o must_v be_v allow_v whatever_o hypothesis_n be_v true_a for_o if_o chance_n make_v the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o character_n of_o wisdom_n we_o behold_v in_o it_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o happen_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n and_o that_o those_o we_o call_v irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o it_o and_o the_o religious_a happy_a it_o look_v indeed_o like_o wisdom_n and_o so_o do_v the_o regularity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o constant_a discrimination_n make_v there_o why_o shall_v the_o wind_n blow_v down_o the_o rot_a fruit_n and_o leave_v the_o sound_n why_o shall_v the_o plague_n sweep_v away_o some_o and_o leave_v other_o in_o the_o same_o city_n or_o house_n but_o there_o be_v natural_a reason_n and_o cause_n for_o these_o thing_n so_o there_o may_v be_v for_o the_o other_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o wicked_a may_v be_v peculiar_o dispose_v to_o be_v miserable_a the_o same_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a may_v to_o be_v miserable_a also_o when_o they_o live_v again_o and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o chance_n for_o their_o live_n again_o as_o for_o their_o first_o be_v but_o if_o all_o thing_n exist_v by_o necessity_n than_o a_o future_a state_n may_v be_v necessary_a too_o and_o the_o wicked_a necessary_o miserable_a in_o it_o for_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o this_o hypothesis_n to_o the_o contrary_n where_o every_o thing_n be_v suppose_v casual_a or_o every_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n why_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v suture_a shall_v or_o shall_v not_o exist_v or_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v after_o such_o or_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v equal_o probable_a nothing_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o determine_v the_o mind_n one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o another_o state_n than_o that_o he_o will_v at_o least_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v produce_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o probable_a in_o every_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o irreligious_a will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a they_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n they_o be_v of_o than_o the_o other_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n and_o account_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n must_v not_o act_v at_o all_o or_o if_o he_o do_v prefer_v act_v one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v the_o safe_a side_n shall_v determine_v he_o but_o moreover_o it_o be_v not_o only_o as_o probable_a that_o the_o irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o a_o future_a state_n allow_v any_o of_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o their_o own_o way_n of_o proof_n it_o appear_v that_o our_o hypothesis_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a as_o any_o advance_v by_o they_o nothing_o further_a than_o a_o possibility_n of_o they_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o do_v moreover_o pretend_v by_o many_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n to_o evince_v the_o certainty_n of_o we_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o show_v all_o they_o to_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a wherefore_o if_o upon_o a_o equal_a probability_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o safe_a measure_n much_o more_o be_v we_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v when_o reason_n and_o happiness_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o side_n nay_o far_o he_o that_o prefer_v that_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o eternal_a misery_n in_o another_o state_n be_v denounce_v against_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o have_v more_o ground_n of_o probability_n of_o his_o side_n but_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o conviction_n he_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v from_o certain_a direct_a principle_n that_o his_o own_o opinion_n be_v right_a or_o that_o the_o contrary_a be_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a because_o the_o consequence_n be_v of_o that_o vast_a importance_n that_o the_o present_a inconvenience_n we_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v by_o act_v a_o contrary_a way_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o hazard_n or_o likelihood_n of_o misery_n that_o attend_v this_o thus_o do_v we_o of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n defend_v ourselves_o against_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o peremptory_o condemn_v we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n for_o be_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o they_o without_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o return_v from_o we_o and_o then_o urge_v we_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n thus_o i_o say_v do_v we_o answer_v do_v we_o believe_v their_o opinion_n or_o censure_n probable_a the_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o we_o perhaps_o seem_v as_o probable_a or_o more_o so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v false_a we_o will_v then_o allow_v some_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n but_o we_o do_v not_o now_o go_v over_o to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o safety_n because_o we_o not_o only_o think_v our_o opinion_n certain_a and_o they_o impossible_a absurd_a or_o irrational_a and_o be_v full_o persuade_v we_o have_v prove_v they_o so_o but_o suppose_v ourselves_o to_o err_v in_o all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o we_o think_v it_o demonstrable_a from_o common_a principle_n own_a on_o both_o side_n that_o none_o of_o these_o error_n which_o upon_o due_a care_n for_o better_a information_n be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o truth_n can_v expose_v we_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n if_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o atheist_n and_o irreligious_a can_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o himself_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o suppose_a consequence_n of_o irreligion_n seem_v as_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o knowledge_n own_v by_o he_o as_o the_o popish_a tenet_n do_v to_o a_o protestant_n or_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o unwarrantable_a as_o the_o vision_n resvery_n or_o prediction_n of_o every_o little_a enthusiast_n or_o fortune-teller_n to_o a_o man_n of_o calm_a sedate_v sense_n and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o good_a in_o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o reason_v then_o may_v he_o despise_v our_o threaten_n and_o laugh_n at_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n secure_o but_o to_o deny_v all_o these_o important_a concern_v truth_n without_o offer_v at_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o falsehood_n to_o say_v they_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a point_n and_o yet_o to_o act_v with_o the_o same_o assurance_n and_o security_n as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_o false_a to_o refuse_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o for_o want_v of_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a proof_n without_o confute_v the_o argument_n already_o advance_v or_o produce_v strong_a on_o the_o contrary_a side_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o prove_v they_o first_o to_o be_v vain_a
or_o resistible_a to_o contradict_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o world_n without_o make_v any_o new_a discovery_n or_o observation_n to_o lay_v aside_o a_o whole_a scheme_n and_o system_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o establish_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a branch_n and_o connexion_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o some_o little_a remote_a consequence_n and_o to_o venture_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o a_o seem_a possibility_n of_o a_o escape_n which_o very_o few_o perceive_v or_o allow_v these_o be_v all_o egregious_a instance_n of_o the_o absurd_a faith_n and_o foolish_a conduct_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o act_v upon_o contrary_a ground_n and_o measure_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o atheist_n common_o discover_v his_o folly_n in_o and_o that_o be_v the_o publish_n and_o 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shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v hint_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o vi_o six_o and_o last_o general_a branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n propose_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n or_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o such_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o people_n be_v better_o satisfy_v of_o than_o the_o power_n nnd_v influence_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a motive_n of_o judge_v every_o body_n be_v apt_a to_o resolve_v the_o cause_n of_o another_o man_n differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o into_o some_o particular_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n but_o this_o we_o do_v common_o without_o examine_v whether_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n for_o his_o dissent_n than_o we_o have_v for_o our_o persuasion_n whether_o the_o opinion_n he_o be_v of_o be_v not_o in_o the_o reality_n of_o 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of_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n by_o without_o those_o troublesome_a consequence_n of_o duty_n sin_n and_o punishment_n the_o atheist_n will_v not_o scruple_n this_o philosophy_n and_o lucretius_n himself_o will_v easy_o grant_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v immortal_a to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o reunite_v again_o will_v you_o allow_v he_o that_o conclusion_n that_o neither_o separate_v nor_o reunite_v it_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o remembrance_n of_o what_o be_v do_v before_o the_o separation_n god_n shall_v also_o enjoy_v the_o fullness_n of_o perfection_n he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o all_o the_o magnificent_a attribute_n that_o man_n can_v conceive_v so_o his_o whole_a employment_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v not_o unnecessary_o trouble_v to_o take_v account_n of_o our_o action_n this_o be_v the_o dreadful_a
apprehension_n that_o pervert_v man_n reason_n and_o make_v they_o deny_v what_o they_o fear_v when_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o the_o quiet_v and_o lay_v these_o fear_n lucretius_n confess_v be_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o philosophy_n which_o be_v a_o far_a confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o maintain_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a remark_n for_o first_o this_o philosopher_n observe_v and_o seem_v to_o wonder_v at_o it_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v very_o general_a and_o make_v strong_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 2._o he_o affirm_v that_o these_o fear_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o apprehension_n of_o some_o other_o state_n after_o this_o life_n 3._o he_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o those_o who_o we_o style_v wicked_a that_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o future_a state_n they_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n who_o beside_o the_o fear_n of_o scourge_v etc._n l._n 3._o v._n 1025_o etc._n etc._n rack_n and_o prison_n in_o this_o world_n be_v torture_v with_o the_o dread_a of_o new_a and_o more_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o some_o other_o and_o all_o his_o argument_n serve_v only_o for_o the_o consolation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o such_o unhappy_a wretch_n who_o through_o fear_n of_o future_a pain_n either_o deny_v themselves_o some_o present_a gratification_n or_o be_v uneasy_a under_o the_o gild_n of_o past_a action_n none_o but_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a be_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o fabulous_a and_o poetic_a story_n of_o future_a torment_n 1222._o lib._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1222._o which_o he_o deride_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o resolution_n to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o live_v in_o they_o without_o damp_n or_o disturbance_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n deny_v and_o seek_v for_o argument_n to_o overthrow_v those_o opinion_n which_o will_v otherwise_o be_v embrace_v as_o most_o 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evil_a call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_a the_o consequence_n be_v still_o the_o same_o if_o it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o live_v as_o they_o do_v if_o they_o live_v most_o up_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o most_o agreeable_o to_o their_o reason_n what_o need_v they_o fear_v almighty_a wisdom_n and_o perfection_n will_v approve_v and_o be_v please_v with_o their_o action_n since_o therefore_o these_o opinion_n offer_v too_o great_a a_o violence_n to_o their_o reason_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o action_n but_o that_o they_o be_v evil_a not_o only_o that_o some_o action_n deserve_v reward_n and_o some_o punishment_n but_o that_o the_o latter_a be_v due_a to_o they_o or_o else_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o for_o fear_n or_o why_o do_v not_o all_o man_n fear_v a_o future_a state_n alike_o the_o righteous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o wicked_a now_o when_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o commit_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v ill_a and_o punishable_a there_o be_v no_o refuge_n leave_v but_o to_o contrive_v some_o mean_n of_o impunity_n and_o escape_v the_o sentence_n threaten_v and_o this_o they_o promise_v themselves_o by_o deny_v either_o the_o judge_n or_o the_o place_n of_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n and_o spring_n of_o atheism_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o deny_v a_o god_n that_o think_v his_o way_n and_o course_n of_o life_n acceptable_a to_o such_o a_o be_v no_o man_n ever_o question_v a_o future_a state_n that_o can_v possible_o persuade_v himself_o if_o there_o be_v one_o happiness_n will_v be_v his_o portion_n in_o it_o as_o than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n for_o truth_n that_o make_v man_n atheist_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o generous_a undertake_n to_o free_a the_o world_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o religion_n for_o they_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o society_n and_o 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off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o enjoy_v they_o still_o which_o they_o can_v do_v full_o and_o to_o the_o height_n without_o some_o damp_n and_o regret_n till_o they_o have_v get_v rid_v of_o those_o fear_n of_o a_o future_a punishment_n their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o the_o world_n threaten_v they_o with_o in_o order_n therefore_o to_o this_o end_n every_o little_a objection_n or_o suspicion_n be_v improve_v into_o a_o argument_n against_o religion_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o strong_a wish_n and_o a_o gradual_a decay_n of_o contrary_a impression_n heighten_v into_o demonstration_n till_o what_o at_o first_o their_o lust_n suggest_v to_o they_o with_o a_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n be_v at_o last_o ripen_v into_o a_o bold_a denial_n and_o when_o they_o have_v once_o get_v this_o mastery_n over_o themselves_o then_o do_v they_o sit_v free_a and_o despise_v the_o rest_n of_o 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