people_n in_o who_o we_o see_v no_o appearance_n of_o dishonesty_n or_o fraud_n this_o maxim_n be_v of_o no_o use_n although_o we_o never_o see_v any_o thing_n like_o that_o which_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o nor_o ever_o hear_v other_o speak_v of_o it_o those_o who_o first_o discover_v america_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o plant_n or_o animal_n they_o have_v find_v there_o and_o which_o be_v stranger_n to_o our_o continent_n be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o like_a before_o nay_o though_o none_o have_v go_v after_o they_o to_o america_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o read_v their_o voyage_n till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o their_o decease_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o such_o as_o shall_v count_v their_o relation_n fabulous_a from_o this_o principle_n will_v fall_v themselves_o into_o a_o very_a great_a error_n as_o time_n have_v show_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o what_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o first_o who_o 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their_o former_a one_o but_o they_o please_v they_o more_o because_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o meditation_n which_o never_o fail_v of_o delight_v the_o understanding_n that_o be_v their_o parent_n they_o imagine_v for_o example_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v create_v man_n who_o will_v do_v they_o good_a and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n first_o he_o shall_v according_a to_o they_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o all_o mankind_n to_o render_v they_o equal_o happy_a see_v he_o be_v their_o common_a father_n second_o this_o revelation_n shall_v have_v begin_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o so_o be_v continue_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n according_a as_o it_o be_v plant_v with_o man_n see_v it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v now_o than_o to_o those_o of_o the_o age_n past_a three_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v at_o the_o beginning_n so_o clear_a and_o deliver_v with_o circumstance_n so_o convince_a that_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o sense_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v still_o subsist_v that_o every_o one_o may_v examine_v they_o without_o rely_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o another_o otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v any_o revelation_n it_o be_v useless_a say_v they_o as_o experience_n show_v in_o the_o four_o place_n this_o law_n shall_v have_v be_v proportionated_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v obey_v or_o else_o the_o creator_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o reform_v their_o nature_n to_o the_o end_n it_o shall_v not_o oppose_v itself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n without_o which_o they_o signify_v almost_o nothing_o and_o be_v unworthy_a a_o wisdom_n that_o know_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o prescribe_v they_o or_o of_o a_o bountiful_a be_v who_o prescribe_v they_o to_o man_n to_o render_v they_o more_o happy_a these_o principle_n appear_v specious_a at_o first_o sight_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o high_a idea_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o divinity_n and_o as_o the_o incredulous_a think_v they_o see_v the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o what_o the_o christian_n say_v of_o revelation_n they_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o they_o imagine_v to_o prove_v it_o the_o better_a against_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o build_v upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n with_o they_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o i_o be_o go_v to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o prejudice_n which_o be_v manifest_o false_a for_o to_o come_v at_o the_o proposition_n we_o now_o read_v they_o must_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o by_o reason_v we_o may_v exact_o know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o carriage_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n such_o as_o he_o be_v describe_v 2._o we_o do_v in_o effect_n form_v a_o exact_a and_o complete_a idea_n of_o god_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o have_v be_v read_v 3._o and_o if_o the_o suppose_a carriage_n of_o the_o creator_n be_v not_o conformable_a to_o it_o than_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o it_o be_v false_a 4._o we_o see_v by_o the_o history_n of_o time_n past_a and_o by_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o very_a contrary_n have_v always_o happen_v to_o this_o day_n 5._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o proposition_n which_o those_o i_o mention_v before_o suppose_v as_o all_o who_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o the_o right_a method_n of_o reason_v must_v grant_v but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v certain_o false_a for_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o revelation_n be_v not_o clear_a enough_o concern_v the_o design_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n as_o that_o we_o may_v thence_o form_v a_o exact_a or_o complete_a idea_n of_o his_o carriage_n towards_o men._n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o material_a for_o we_o to_o know_v no_o body_n be_v oblige_v to_o learn_v more_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v in_o order_n to_o become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o trouble_v himself_o about_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n with_o relation_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n nor_o yet_o about_o his_o secret_a design_n to_o be_v a_o good_a subject_n to_o a_o prince_n it_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o penetrate_v into_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o politic_n and_o design_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o know_v what_o the_o law_n of_o the_o state_n command_v he_o to_o perform_v this_o be_v what_o moses_n teach_v the_o israelite_n when_o he_o
disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o all_o place_n that_o not_o only_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v do_v work_v numberless_a miracle_n whilst_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n but_o that_o he_o also_o leave_v the_o same_o power_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o day_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o excite_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v nor_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v send_v they_o no_o more_o prophet_n to_o work_v any_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o expect_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o give_v so_o little_a heed_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o nation_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v they_o ill_o without_o examine_v in_o the_o least_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o have_v two_o jewish_a author_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o philo_n and_o joseph_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o these_o matter_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o write_n philo_z write_v a_o great_a many_o book_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n be_v allegorical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o some_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o gospel_n if_o he_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o it_o if_o he_o disbelieved_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v at_o least_o have_v endeavour_v to_o confute_v it_o somewhere_o but_o he_o say_v not_o a_o word_n for_o or_o against_o it_o which_o be_v sign_n enough_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o eusebius_n therapeutes_fw-gr eusebius_n hist_o ecclesiast_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 17._o see_v jos_n scaliger_n l._n 7._o de_fw-la emendat_fw-la temp._n valesius_fw-la upon_o eusebius_n and_o thomas_n brown_a in_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o therapeutes_fw-gr and_o some_o learned_a man_n after_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr of_o alexandria_n who_o encomium_n be_v write_v by_o philo_n in_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n be_v christian_n but_o nothing_o except_o a_o desire_n of_o confound_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o author_n can_v discover_v christian_n to_o eusebius_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr where_o one_o syllable_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o where_o all_o that_o philo_n say_v do_v perfect_o quadrate_n to_o some_o of_o the_o essean_n who_o form_v as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v a_o particular_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o desire_n of_o convince_a infidel_n shall_v not_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o weak_a proof_n against_o they_o for_o certain_o such_o method_n must_v needs_o render_v they_o more_o averse_a to_o christianity_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o by_o man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a read_n or_o judgement_n but_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v with_o respect_n to_o 8._o to_o antiq._n jud._n l._n 18._o c._n 4_o &_o 8._o joseph_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o produce_v out_o of_o he_o wherein_o he_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o place_n to_o examine_v these_o passage_n which_o learned_a man_n letter_n man_n see_v le_fw-fr feure_n in_o his_o critical_a letter_n believe_v be_v insert_v by_o some_o christian_a into_o the_o text_n of_o joseph_n but_o be_v this_o as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o joseph_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o child_n whereof_o st._n matthew_n speak_v nor_o of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v suppose_v by_o any_o to_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o christianity_n except_o by_o such_o as_o never_o read_v his_o work_n have_v he_o know_v a_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v content_a to_o mention_v he_o only_o en_fw-fr passant_a and_o in_o so_o few_o word_n he_o will_v be_v large_a upon_o that_o subject_a no_o doubt_n as_o it_o well_o deserve_v it_o may_v be_v therefore_o positive_o affirm_v that_o joseph_n how_o exact_a soever_o repute_v to_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n do_v shameful_o neglect_v inform_v himself_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n although_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o excuse_v be_v plead_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n or_o a_o little_a after_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o some_o christian_n yet_o never_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o christianity_n itself_o be_v 44._o be_v annak_n l._n 15._o c._n 44._o tacitus_n 10._o tacitus_n ep._n l._n 10._o plinius_n and_o 25._o and_o in_o claud._n c._n 25._o suetonius_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o want_v not_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v it_o though_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v polite_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o have_v spend_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o age_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n now_o this_o philosophy_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n comparable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v the_o learned_a of_o rome_n neglect_v these_o thing_n only_o because_o barbarian_n as_o the_o grecian_n speak_v have_v declare_v they_o for_o they_o well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o famous_a sage_n of_o greece_n have_v undertake_v long_a voyage_n to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o learn_v their_o opinion_n what_o make_v they_o contemn_v the_o christian_n then_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o a_o scandalous_a neglect_n proceed_v from_o the_o predominant_a passion_n of_o most_o people_n for_o ordinary_o they_o apply_v themselves_o only_o to_o what_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o may_v contribute_v to_o have_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o abide_v the_o literature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o laertius_n the_o see_v the_o preface_n of_o diogen_n laertius_n greek_n be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a repute_n at_o rome_n and_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n do_v value_v themselves_o upon_o these_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a there_o because_o it_o contain_v not_o any_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o add_v more_o lustre_n to_o such_o as_o do_v aspire_v to_o the_o great_a dignity_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n make_v the_o athenian_n neglect_v the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n of_o understand_v the_o gospel_n when_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o their_o city_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o and_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o have_v they_o as_o much_o good_a sense_n as_o they_o have_v vanity_n at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o call_v he_o a_o babbler_n 22._o act_n 17.18_o 22._o and_o after_o listen_v a_o while_n to_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o of_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o other_o put_v he_o off_o till_o some_o other_o time_n and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o proceed_v in_o part_n from_o a_o unblamable_a neglect_n that_o will_v not_o let_v they_o inform_v themselves_o thorough_o about_o what_o st._n paul_n declare_v although_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o athenian_n and_o the_o stranger_n who_o follow_v their_o study_n there_o be_v man_n of_o much_o leisure_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o news_n 21._o ver._n 21._o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o hear_v whether_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o method_n or_o the_o elocution_n they_o be_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o his_o discourse_n let_v we_o suppose_v with_o they_o that_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v not_o so_o take_v as_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o shall_v this_o extinguish_v their_o curiosity_n be_v truth_n always_o necessary_o accompany_v with_o eloquence_n none_o of_o they_o dare_v maintain_v such_o a_o thing_n notwithstanding_o s._n paul_n be_v there_o do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o they_o neglect_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n they_o lose_v a_o world_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o very_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n as_o be_v the_o physics_n of_o all_o their_o philosopher_n without_o except_v any_o and_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o great_a part_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o dialectic_a or_o logick_n there_o be_v not_o one_o philosopher_n who_o have_v any_o reasonable_a no_o nor_o a_o probable_a hypothesis_n concern_v god_n except_o the_o platonist_n who_o accommodate_v their_o opinion_n so_o
there_o be_v many_o readins_n which_o may_v be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o our_o modern_a copy_n do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o as_o his_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v destroy_v unbeliever_n will_v undoubted_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o tolerable_a reply_n to_o they_o but_o cappellus_n show_v very_o clear_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o consequence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n and_o so_o he_o free_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o those_o insult_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o which_o his_o adversary_n have_v expose_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n than_o the_o draw_n of_o such_o consequence_n for_o they_o hear_v on_o the_o one_o side_n some_o grave_n and_o much_o esteem_v teacher_n say_v after_o a_o doleful_a manner_n that_o if_o certain_a opinion_n be_v not_o true_a than_o religion_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o see_v man_n of_o great_a learning_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v those_o opinion_n but_o also_o maintain_v they_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v less_o certain_a than_o religion_n by_o the_o confession_n even_o of_o a_o part_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o they_o by_o reject_v some_o opinion_n ground_v upon_o very_o solid_a argument_n whatever_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n can_v tell_v they_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o make_v they_o pass_v for_o conceit_a man_n and_o of_o no_o great_a sincerity_n this_o help_v they_o also_o to_o perceive_v in_o many_o divine_v a_o strange_a disposition_n which_o will_v dishonour_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o viz._n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o what_o be_v true_a but_o what_o they_o think_v proper_a to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v embrace_v when_o they_o fancy_v that_o if_o a_o certain_a thing_n be_v believe_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v be_v doubt_v of_o they_o do_v trouble_v themselves_o with_o inquire_v whether_o their_o fancy_n be_v ill_o ground_v or_o whether_o that_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v on_o not_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v but_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o woeful_a manner_n that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v dangerous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o can_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v with_o religion_n as_o they_o fancy_v this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o pleader_n who_o be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o be_v in_o the_o right_a he_o suppress_v whatever_o seem_v to_o he_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o what_o he_o defend_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o he_o be_v afraid_a it_o may_v appear_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n such_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o place_n who_o want_v skill_n or_o courage_n shall_v say_v that_o if_o some_o ill-fortified_a and_o inconsiderable_a out-work_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n he_o must_v unavoidable_o surrender_v the_o fortress_n those_o who_o observe_v the_o conduct_n of_o both_o will_v present_o suspect_v the_o pleader_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o governor_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o place_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o hope_n to_o make_v a_o good_a resistance_n unbeliever_n have_v the_o same_o thought_n concern_v divine_v when_o they_o observe_v that_o they_o greedy_o collect_v and_o catch_v at_o whatever_o can_v in_o any_o manner_n make_v their_o cause_n better_o or_o at_o least_o make_v it_o appear_v so_o but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v be_v that_o those_o divine_v dont_fw-fr know_v very_o well_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o only_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faction_n or_o interest_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o weak_a reason_n to_o support_v it_o it_o need_v but_o appear_v naked_a and_o such_o as_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n if_o any_o one_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o love_v not_o truth_n but_o only_o the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v afraid_a for_o religion_n it_o will_v never_o want_v more_o able_a defender_n who_o will_v be_v devote_v to_o it_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n worthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n they_o will_v never_o be_v afraid_a as_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v only_o assault_v with_o reason_n and_o argument_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o 1._o the_o abovementioned_a difficulty_n rather_o concern_v some_o modern_a divine_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o explain_v or_o defend_v not_o so_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o some_o difficulty_n however_o it_o be_v understand_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n first_o i_o will_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a theology_n and_o then_o i_o will_v allege_v some_o particular_a example_n thereof_o whereby_o i_o will_v show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o body_n doubt_v of_o its_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n in_o a_o science_n some_o of_o which_o do_v it_o shake_v its_o principle_n but_o other_o show_v it_o be_v no_o science_n at_o all_o though_o so_o call_v but_o a_o collection_n and_o a_o heap_n of_o ill-grounded_a opinion_n and_o conjecture_n for_o example_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o difficulty_n in_o geometry_n but_o no_o body_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o principle_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o they_o be_v all_o ground_a upon_o clear_a proof_n and_o which_o can_v neither_o become_v obscure_a nor_o doubtful_a whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o proposition_n follow_v from_o those_o principle_n they_o do_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o a_o man_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o accuse_v himself_o of_o not_o understand_v geometry_n well_o than_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o he_o can_v resolve_v a_o difficulty_n or_o else_o they_o show_v that_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v full_o resolve_v on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n raise_v against_o judiciary_n astrology_n which_o not_o only_o perplex_v those_o who_o be_v fond_a of_o it_o but_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o all_o that_o pretend_a science_n as_o a_o heap_n of_o chimerical_a thought_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o difference_n be_v because_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n be_v either_o mere_a definition_n or_o maxim_n clear_a of_o themselves_o or_o demonstrate_v proposition_n whereas_o judiciary_n astrology_n be_v only_o ground_v upon_o false_a supposition_n so_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o a_o science_n be_v ground_v have_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o those_o demonstration_n whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o any_o proposition_n draw_v from_o they_o we_o do_v look_v upon_o that_o science_n to_o be_v less_o certain_a now_o to_o apply_v that_o observation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o difficulty_n which_o unbeliever_n find_v in_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v when_o any_o objection_n be_v raise_v against_o christianity_n be_v to_o see_v whether_o that_o objection_n direct_o show_v that_o the_o proof_n thereof_o be_v false_a though_o nothing_o can_v be_v answer_v to_o that_o difficulty_n if_o those_o that_o raise_v it_o can_v reply_v to_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o difficulty_n do_v not_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v about_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o that_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o incredulous_a act_n not_o wise_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o of_o some_o difficulty_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confute_v the_o proof_n on_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v now_o i_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n can_v destroy_v those_o proof_n
great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o immediate_o precede_v it_o that_o this_o matter_n be_v never_o manage_v with_o better_a success_n the_o heathen_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o mahometans_n be_v not_o ill_o confute_v before_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v ever_o so_o well_o prove_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n nevertheless_o that_o there_o be_v still_o one_o thing_n behind_o which_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a have_v either_o not_o touch_v at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o slight_o i_o mean_v the_o secret_a motive_n and_o general_a reason_n which_o the_o incredulous_a have_v of_o not_o believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v their_o internal_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n do_v so_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o reason_n offer_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a themselves_o of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o do_v this_o that_o all_o speak_n to_o they_o be_v in_o vain_a before_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o impose_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 3.20_o joh._n 3.20_o neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v which_o signify_v that_o unbeliever_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o have_v long_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o many_o year_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n 21._o ver._n 21._o that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v easy_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o 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they_o pretend_v to_o be_v their_o own_o due_a the_o too_o good_a opinion_n any_o conceive_v of_o himself_o be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v equal_o apparent_a outward_o those_o who_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v blind_v with_o this_o passion_n believe_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a quality_n except_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o in_o such_o as_o admire_v they_o but_o they_o also_o abhor_v all_o that_o to_o they_o appear_v ordinary_a and_o think_v they_o shall_v debase_v themselves_o have_v they_o any_o thought_n that_o be_v common_a to_o several_a other_o such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o ancient_a stoic_n who_o imagine_v they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o that_o they_o be_v above_o those_o weakness_n remarkable_a in_o other_o men._n they_o look_v upon_o those_o with_o scorn_n and_o pity_n if_o their_o principle_n will_v permit_v they_o to_o 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jew_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n add_v
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the_o true_a cause_n which_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o doubt_n and_o infidelity_n or_o at_o least_o that_o this_o disposition_n contribute_v towards_o it_o very_o much_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o pride_n be_v a_o vice_n and_o modesty_n a_o virtue_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o such_o as_o act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o pride_n do_v put_v themselves_o in_o danger_n at_o least_o of_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o therefore_o pride_n shall_v never_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n this_o every_o body_n will_v own_v but_o i_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o a_o man_n judge_n by_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o pride_n for_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o common_a opinion_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v it_o out_o of_o vanity_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o beside_o a_o man_n be_v own_o consciousness_n we_o may_v know_v by_o two_o thing_n 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of_o admit_v rather_o the_o most_o obscure_a thing_n imaginable_a than_o they_o shall_v mix_v again_o with_o the_o crowd_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v hereby_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o as_o credulity_n and_o superstition_n add_v to_o their_o object_n as_o it_o be_v a_o false_a light_n which_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o evidence_n so_o pride_n make_v a_o geometrical_a principle_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a there_o be_v other_o person_n to_o who_o this_o dogmatical_a and_o peremptory_a air_n be_v so_o displease_v that_o they_o equal_o condemn_v such_o as_o stick_v to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n and_o those_o who_o forsake_v what_o be_v common_o receive_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a principle_n they_o think_v that_o see_v there_o be_v difficulty_n every_o where_o and_o those_o sometime_o insurmountable_a the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o affirm_v nothing_o and_o to_o reject_v all_o without_o establish_v any_o thing_n i_o will_v not_o 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of_o their_o doubt_n i_o will_v say_v that_o
their_o own_o opinion_n and_o not_o upon_o those_o who_o design_n only_o to_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n none_o can_v without_o injustice_n impute_v to_o its_o founder_n all_o that_o have_v be_v since_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n they_o first_o lay_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o work_n the_o three_o proposition_n concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o revelation_n its_o perpetual_a subsistence_n and_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o its_o expression_n do_v suppose_v that_o the_o design_n of_o god_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n his_o will_n mathematical_o which_o be_v a_o supposition_n contrary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n a_o state_n of_o liberty_n wherein_o law_n and_o not_o demonstration_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v appoint_v reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o can_v not_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n nor_o avert_v they_o from_o vice_n otherwise_o than_o 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this_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o can_v perfect_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v short_a the_o divine_a law_n be_v proportionated_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n whatever_o they_o may_v say_v who_o have_v not_o study_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n agree_v upon_o by_o all_o christian_a divine_n that_o god_n do_v not_o damn_v any_o person_n bare_o for_o violate_v his_o law_n but_o for_o not_o leave_v his_o ill_a habit_n that_o be_v the_o man_n be_v own_o fault_n i_o shall_v insist_v no_o long_o upon_o this_o lest_o i_o digress_v too_o far_o from_o the_o subject_a i_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n what_o i_o conclude_v from_o all_o i_o have_v say_v be_v that_o unbeliever_n do_v frequent_o take_v ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la for_o clear_a principle_n from_o which_o they_o hasty_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n i_o have_v allege_v plain_a example_n of_o it_o and_o can_v have_v bring_v several_a more_o but_o those_o cite_v by_o i_o may_v 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do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n suppose_v that_o they_o may_v be_v reclaim_v by_o argument_n when_o they_o be_v show_v that_o they_o follow_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a sense_n but_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o kind_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o some_o of_o they_o those_o i_o mean_v who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n be_v unbeliever_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o they_o can_v reason_v well_o as_o i_o shall_v present_o demonstrate_v but_o we_o must_v remark_n before_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o doctrine_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o prove_v both_o these_o we_o must_v make_v long_o reason_n and_o allege_v many_o proof_n depend_v upon_o one_o another_o thus_o to_o perceive_v the_o force_n of_o those_o reason_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o must_v be_v capable_a not_o only_o of_o understand_v every_o proposition_n or_o every_o argument_n by_o itself_o but_o likewise_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o discussion_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v by_o examine_v the_o connection_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o relation_n which_o a_o great_a number_n of_o idea_n have_v towards_o one_o another_o but_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n who_o entertain_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o be_v not_o capable_a nevertheless_o of_o this_o examination_n nor_o to_o consider_v distinct_o so_o great_a a_o collection_n of_o such_o compound_v and_o perplex_v idea_n i_o shall_v be_v immediate_o tell_v no_o doubt_n that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o i_o do_v but_o lose_v my_o time_n in_o reason_v with_o they_o since_o i_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o know_v the_o solidity_n of_o a_o argument_n yet_o two_o thing_n oblige_v i_o to_o do_v it_o whereof_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n be_v that_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o subject_n may_v contribute_v to_o keep_v those_o who_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o example_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n who_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a know_v not_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o so_o perfect_o and_o be_v not_o so_o much_o confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v tempt_v by_o the_o example_n of_o those_o unbeliever_n who_o reason_n little_a they_o be_v of_o all_o quality_n and_o condition_n and_o the_o haughty_a air_n whereby_o they_o reject_v revelation_n be_v not_o sometime_o less_o dangerous_a that_o the_o most_o specious_a sophistry_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o may_v happen_v that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o master_n of_o the_o true_a method_n of_o reason_v may_v notwithstanding_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o leave_v their_o ignorance_n and_o of_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o their_o understanding_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o convince_v this_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o they_o be_v only_a unbeliever_n because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o govern_v their_o thought_n but_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o who_o presumption_n be_v increase_v by_o their_o age_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n incurable_a go_v to_o work_v with_o they_o how_o you_o will_v especial_o if_o any_o immorality_n be_v join_v to_o this_o want_n of_o judgement_n which_o never_o fail_v scarce_o to_o happen_v nor_o be_v it_o for_o such_o that_o we_o write_v as_o book_n of_o physic_n be_v not_o write_v about_o incurable_a disease_n to_o be_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v in_o effect_n some_o people_n who_o for_o want_n of_o know_v how_o to_o reason_n refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o upon_o what_o we_o know_v of_o many_o unbeliever_n which_o live_v among_o christian_n such_o as_o undertake_v to_o convert_v the_o indian_n and_o the_o other_o idolater_n of_o asia_n 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not_o all_o the_o sect_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v but_o such_o as_o subsist_v at_o this_o time_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a sect_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o may_v judge_n of_o they_o by_o what_o we_o read_v in_o history_n most_o of_o they_o do_v maintain_v such_o extravagant_a position_n or_o lead_v such_o shameful_a life_n that_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n to_o discover_v their_o error_n if_o to_o this_o they_o add_v the_o read_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o will_v be_v entire_o confirm_v in_o this_o point_n but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o any_o will_v oblige_v they_o to_o approve_v or_o condemn_v beyond_o what_o they_o understand_v or_o what_o they_o learn_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o from_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o christian_n they_o may_v desire_v to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v those_o thing_n and_o if_o such_o information_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o they_o can_v understand_v they_o after_o all_o possible_a application_n on_o their_o part_n or_o if_o they_o plain_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o general_a idea_n of_o christianity_n which_o they_o find_v before_o than_o they_o can_v look_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o false_a or_o suspect_v or_o at_o least_o as_o unnecessary_a but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o judge_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n nor_o to_o search_v after_o truth_n they_o must_v retire_v into_o those_o place_n where_o they_o may_v free_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o to_o live_v against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v more_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a task_n to_o infer_v from_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o answer_v all_o question_n that_o may_v be_v make_v hereupon_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o right_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n can_v engage_v a_o reasonable_a person_n either_o implicit_o to_o embrace_v the_o first_o party_n that_o offer_v itself_o or_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n chap._n v._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v be_v not_o so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v by_o god_n in_o favour_n of_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n general_o receive_v among_o christian_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o reveal_v for_o any_o one_o people_n or_o any_o peculiar_a place_n but_o for_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n hereupon_o the_o incredulous_a make_v two_o objection_n the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o preach_v and_o who_o live_v still_o in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n the_o other_o be_v that_o among_o christian_n themselves_o every_o party_n affirm_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v among_o the_o rest_n thus_o most_o man_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o great_a part_n of_o such_o as_o hear_v of_o it_o understand_v it_o so_o little_a if_o you_o believe_v the_o rest_n that_o it_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o they_o the_o incredulous_a be_v of_o opinion_n that_o providence_n shall_v have_v order_v this_o matter_n better_o but_o we_o can_v easy_o answer_v these_o difficulty_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v indeed_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o as_o the_o jewish_a and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n but_o they_o say_v no_o where_o that_o this_o shall_v happen_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a or_o in_o a_o few_o age_n they_o have_v not_o exclude_v any_o people_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o from_o the_o worship_n which_o god_n require_v of_o man_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n do_v which_o be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o can_v not_o be_v entire_o observe_v by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o live_v in_o palestine_n but_o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o at_o a_o certain_a time_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v spread_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n strict_o take_v that_o be_v in_o both_o the_o hemisphere_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n will_v acknowledge_v the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o their_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o for_o their_o saviour_n their_o priest_n and_o their_o king_n they_o can_v therefore_o be_v blame_v if_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o know_v to_o all_o men._n this_o objection_n do_v no_o more_o concern_v they_o than_o if_o they_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o ignorance_n of_o such_o as_o live_v before_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n for_o as_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o send_v jesus_n christ_n soon_o so_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o willing_a it_o may_v be_v that_o all_o people_n shall_v know_v he_o however_o there_o be_v no_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o be_v gracious_a enough_o to_o expect_v their_o thankful_a return_v though_o he_o have_v be_v more_o kind_a to_o one_o than_o to_o another_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o this_o provide_v he_o require_v no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v i_o mean_v if_o he_o judge_v all_o nation_n according_a to_o their_o portion_n of_o knowledge_n as_o he_o infallible_o will_v do_v it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o think_v of_o quite_o another_o thing_n beside_o impart_v their_o knowledge_n to_o those_o people_n who_o live_v yet_o in_o ignorance_n they_o be_v at_o immense_a expense_n to_o satisfy_v their_o desire_n or_o to_o make_v war_n upon_o one_o another_o but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o a_o very_a moderate_a one_o to_o declare_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_n make_v they_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hazard_n all_o in_o order_n to_o be_v rich_a but_o they_o will_v not_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o least_o inconvenience_n to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v not_o nevertheless_o god_n command_n of_o do_v it_o to_o the_o apostle_n extend_v to_o all_o christian_n as_o i_o can_v easy_o prove_v other_o who_o seem_v more_o sensible_a of_o this_o command_n of_o christ_n do_v send_v indeed_o a_o great_a number_n of_o missionary_n whithersoever_o they_o can_v but_o without_o blame_v their_o intention_n which_o be_v undoubted_o good_a consider_v in_o general_a it_o may_v be_v just_o say_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o those_o missionary_n be_v not_o themselves_o master_v enough_o of_o christianity_n to_o convert_v true_a disciple_n for_o jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o heathen_n they_o frequent_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o lie_v and_o never_o gain_v those_o people_n but_o by_o impose_v upon_o they_o instead_o of_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o admirable_a maxim_n of_o its_o moral_n they_o teach_v they_o a_o thousand_o useless_a not_o to_o say_v false_a thing_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a or_o frivolous_a practice_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n with_o charity_n at_o all_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o wonder_v if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o any_o great_a success_n see_v those_o who_o god_n have_v command_v to_o spread_v it_o either_o whole_o neglect_v this_o precept_n or_o not_o due_o perform_v it_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v then_o and_o not_o god_n who_o have_v give_v they_o excellent_a law_n but_o not_o constrain_v they_o to_o obedience_n but_o unbeliever_n pretend_v that_o providence_n shall_v have_v look_v to_o this_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n and_o not_o vain_o expect_v from_o christian_n the_o execution_n of_o those_o order_n which_o according_a to_o we_o be_v give_v so_o long_o a_o time_n since_o though_o not_o hitherto_o observe_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v of_o god_n liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o favour_n as_o he_o please_v that_o the_o conduct_v of_o providence_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o what_o be_v past_a the_o time_n may_v come_v perhaps_o when_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o none_o except_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o no_o other_o doctrine_n be_v acknowledge_v but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o time_n likewise_o may_v be_v infinite_o long_o than_o what_o be_v pass_v since_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n not_o go_v but_o for_o a_o very_a few_o year_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o time_n of_o light_n so_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o god_n beneficence_n in_o this_o regard_n shall_v be_v
system_n of_o divinity_n which_o raise_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v talk_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n propose_v some_o doubt_n to_o divine_n nay_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n viz._n that_o all_o other_o err_v in_o something_o it_o can_v be_v wonder_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o unbeliever_n offer_v some_o objection_n to_o divine_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n or_o which_o they_o resolve_v by_o contradict_v themselves_o divine_n upbraid_v one_o another_o with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n not_o altogether_o ignorant_a observe_v in_o the_o society_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v explain_v be_v subject_a to_o great_a difficulty_n or_o be_v altogether_o false_a let_v we_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o his_o country_n be_v very_o learn_v man_n and_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n better_o than_o other_o a_o opinion_n common_a enough_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o never_o go_v out_o of_o their_o country_n or_o never_o read_v the_o book_n of_o other_o sect_n when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o consult_v satisfy_v they_o not_o or_o maintain_v palpable_a falsity_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n be_v not_o true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o false_a if_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n have_v such_o thought_n never_o read_v the_o work_n of_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o error_n he_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o more_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n because_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o error_n have_v be_v find_v out_o the_o long_a it_o be_v think_v of_o the_o better_a it_o be_v know_v when_o man_n know_v nothing_o better_o about_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n and_o have_v not_o penetration_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n of_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n because_o they_o present_o suspect_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n which_o they_o have_v not_o examine_v be_v not_o better_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n be_v account_v as_o essential_a as_o other_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o a_o man_n take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o read_v book_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o ingenious_a man_n of_o both_o side_n he_o will_v often_o perceive_v that_o both_o party_n attack_v very_o well_o and_o defend_v themselves_o ill_a that_o man_n will_v conclude_v from_o thence_o and_o often_o with_o reason_n that_o both_o party_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n the_o more_o he_o hear_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o more_o he_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a because_o he_o have_v not_o part_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n if_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o external_a and_o internal_a motive_n which_o make_v he_o incline_v to_o unbelief_n as_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o that_o man_n will_v get_v into_o a_o scepticism_n almost_o incurable_a or_o into_o a_o formal_a unbelief_n out_o of_o which_o he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o extricate_v himself_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v as_o supposition_n be_v real_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o people_n in_o italy_n france_n spain_n and_o germany_n for_o i_o must_v tell_v it_o and_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o conceal_v that_o i_o do_v follow_v the_o particular_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o place_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v they_o see_v some_o opinion_n manifest_o false_a establish_v in_o those_o vast_a country_n by_o a_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o offer_v any_o objection_n they_o be_v pitiful_o resolve_v and_o than_o if_o they_o dare_v reply_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o censure_n and_o threaten_n not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o inquisition_n and_o burn_v if_o they_o grow_v obstinate_a nevertheless_o divine_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n though_o evident_o false_a with_o great_a heat_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o prove_v they_o many_o layman_n who_o want_v not_o penetration_n but_o know_v no_o better_o think_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o distinct_o apprehend_v the_o falsity_n of_o what_o be_v say_v they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a other_o add_v to_o their_o meditation_n the_o read_n of_o some_o controversial_a book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n author_n and_o they_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a altogether_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o right_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o their_o teacher_n can_v free_v they_o from_o that_o opinion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o often_o find_v some_o book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n author_n who_o attack_z well_o enough_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o certain_a protestant_n and_o those_o protestant_n be_v as_o unlucky_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v successful_a in_o assault_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n they_o also_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o because_o their_o examination_n reach_v not_o to_o all_o the_o sect_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o confound_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o condemn_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o beside_o other_o motive_n which_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o those_o thought_n and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o see_v two_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o so_o much_o that_o they_o retain_v their_o opinion_n for_o ever_o if_o no_o better_a book_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o if_o no_o body_n free_v they_o from_o the_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o divine_n to_o maintain_v those_o doctrine_n those_o who_o assert_v they_o with_o heat_n and_o declaim_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n against_o other_o christian_a society_n be_v prefer_v and_o get_v the_o most_o considerable_a dignity_n of_o the_o party_n they_o be_v in_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v moderate_a towards_o those_o who_o be_v call_v heretic_n or_o heterodox_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o favour_v if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o employment_n and_o ruin_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v altogether_o undo_v and_o almost_o every_o where_n if_o any_o intimate_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v in_o though_o he_o do_v it_o never_o so_o modest_o they_o show_v he_o no_o pity_n he_o must_v suffer_v whatever_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n can_v do_v when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o disposition_n be_v that_o divine_n will_v be_v judge_n and_o party_n in_o controvert_v doctrine_n against_o the_o clear_a principle_n of_o equity_n though_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o favour_v one_o of_o the_o party_n though_o their_o decision_n be_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o unsatisfactory_a they_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a and_o solid_a nay_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o book_n of_o their_o adversary_n ought-not_a to_o be_v read_v or_o those_o who_o read_v they_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n of_o not_o approve_v their_o argument_n otherwise_o they_o must_v undergo_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o party_n unbeliever_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o several_a particular_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v maintain_v out_o of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o by_o unjust_a and_o violent_a mean_n conclude_v that_o divine_n and_o consequent_o all_o christian_n be_v factious_a people_n and_o enemy_n to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o other_o
a_o treatise_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n wherein_o be_v examine_v the_o general_a motive_n and_o occasion_n which_o dispose_v unbeliever_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o two_o letter_n contain_v a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n translate_v fròm_v the_o french_a of_o mounseur_fw-fr le_z clerc_n london_n print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n mdcxcvii_o the_o translator_n preface_n mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v a_o person_n so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v less_o arrogant_a than_o superfluous_a for_o i_o to_o give_v any_o character_n of_o his_o capacity_n or_o his_o write_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o transgress_v either_o way_n in_o recommend_v the_o follow_a treatise_n for_o setting_z aside_o all_o personal_a consideration_n the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v my_o undertake_n the_o study_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n that_o some_o will_v make_v this_o inclination_n to_o pass_v for_o the_o only_a essential_a distinction_n of_o our_o species_n from_o all_o other_o animal_n but_o the_o study_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n since_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o sect_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a person_n enjoy_v that_o happiness_n be_v find_v to_o be_v different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n this_o diversity_n join_v to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o party_n that_o lay_v their_o claim_n to_o genuine_a christianity_n exclusive_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n seem_v to_o render_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a and_o indeed_o thousand_o of_o well-meaning_a people_n have_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o scepticism_n and_o indifference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a be_v content_a to_o be_v implicit_o lead_v by_o their_o teacher_n now_o that_o person_n deserve_v best_a of_o the_o world_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o truth_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a separate_v it_o from_o all_o the_o false_a notion_n with_o which_o it_o be_v so_o mix_v and_o overrun_v sometime_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o entire_a ruin_n thereof_o but_o who_o likewise_o establish_v such_o a_o excellent_a method_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v most_o certain_a he_o be_v on_o the_o right_a side_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v the_o endless_a labour_n of_o examine_v every_o religion_n successive_o how_o far_o our_o author_n have_v contribute_v to_o do_v mankind_n this_o desirable_a piece_n of_o service_n the_o reader_n must_v determine_v for_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o lead_v his_o judgement_n and_o though_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v so_o modest_a as_o to_o think_v his_o own_o performance_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o grotius_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a i_o must_v affirm_v and_o that_o with_o all_o imaginable_a impartiality_n that_o in_o my_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o for_o be_v it_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n reason_n be_v obvious_a to_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n whereas_o most_o of_o the_o other_o book_n be_v not_o intelligible_a but_o to_o profound_a scholar_n as_o if_o these_o only_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n but_o what_o be_v more_o notwithstanding_o the_o extraordinary_a talent_n of_o grotius_n he_o be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o the_o oriental_a language_n nor_o so_o acute_a and_o solid_a a_o philosopher_n nor_o yet_o superior_a in_o philology_n or_o history_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o writing_n after_o he_o but_o let_v mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n book_n speak_v for_o its_o author_n as_o for_o my_o version_n i_o shall_v detain_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o apology_n because_o it_o be_v not_o more_o correct_v or_o polite_a if_o it_o be_v faithful_a and_o intelligible_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o those_o who_o sincere_o study_v for_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o satisfy_v they_o i_o care_v not_o much_o for_o the_o displeasure_n of_o other_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v some_o year_n since_o i_o first_o form_v a_o design_n of_o write_v upon_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o small_a piece_n which_o i_o publish_v at_o present_a and_o have_v my_o other_o occupation_n pure_o depend_v upon_o my_o own_o choice_n this_o have_v be_v perform_v long_o ago_o but_o be_v necessary_o engage_v in_o some_o other_o thing_n i_o be_v force_v to_o put_v it_o off_o till_o now_o at_o length_n have_v finish_v my_o latin_a write_n upon_o the_o pentateuch_n i_o happy_o become_v master_n of_o time_n enough_o to_o turn_v my_o application_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o can_v free_o say_v that_o i_o never_o think_v of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o extreme_a satisfaction_n for_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o i_o can_v consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o always_o appear_v to_o i_o ground_v upon_o the_o firm_a proof_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o perfect_o conformable_a to_o sound_v reason_n or_o to_o say_v all_o in_o one_o word_n worthy_a the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nor_o do_v i_o in_o my_o whole_a life_n labour_n with_o more_o ardour_n and_o delight_n than_o i_o do_v in_o compose_v this_o work_n wherein_o i_o have_v i_o think_v evident_o make_v out_o that_o unbeliever_n act_v against_o all_o good_a sense_n in_o refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v they_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o whether_o i_o be_o mistake_v or_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v judge_n if_o this_o book_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o meet_v with_o that_o reception_n in_o french_a which_z several_z other_o of_o this_o kind_n have_v have_v i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o put_v it_o into_o latin_a and_o in_o my_o annotation_n upon_o it_o confirm_v all_o that_o i_o say_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a apologist_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o too_o of_o the_o most_o consider_v heathen_n as_o the_o incomparable_a grotius_n have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o far_o indeed_o from_o equal_v my_o work_n to_o he_o nor_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o with_o the_o same_o success_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a but_o if_o man_n have_v regard_v only_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o that_o write_v i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o none_o in_o the_o world_n have_v better_a than_o i_o nor_o be_v more_o convince_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o defend_v john_n le_fw-fr clerc_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o preface_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n pag._n 1._o part_n i._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o p._n 9_o chap._n 2._o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v refuse_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 27._o chap._n 3._o that_o what_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a p._n 45._o chap._n 4._o that_o many_o be_v unbeliever_n only_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reason_v well_o p._n 63._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o neglect_v of_o search_v into_o truth_n be_v often_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n p._n 75._o chap._n 6._o that_o laziness_n keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o infidelity_n p._n 93._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n p._n 107._o part_n ii_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o doubt_n because_o several_a embrace_v it_o more_o out_o of_o credulity_n than_o upon_o good_a reason_n p._n 110._o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o immorality_n or_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o sometime_o express_v the_o
like_a manner_n people_n who_o desire_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v indulge_v those_o desire_n without_o call_v into_o question_n all_o the_o while_n the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o manner_n of_o most_o christian_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o persuasion_n not_o that_o they_o perceive_v not_o this_o opposition_n well_o enough_o and_o condemn_v it_o too_o when_o they_o think_v of_o it_o but_o the_o method_n of_o live_v general_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o passion_n carry_v it_o over_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o example_n already_o allege_v and_o by_o thousand_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v hence_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o our_o inclination_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v it_o rather_o to_o our_o manner_n of_o live_v than_o continue_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v who_o will_v maintain_v that_o a_o prince_n will_v do_v better_o in_o change_v the_o law_n according_a to_o his_o present_a passion_n than_o to_o let_v they_o subsist_v and_o break_v they_o every_o hour_n no_o body_n for_o if_o he_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n as_o he_o shall_v he_o leave_v they_o their_o authority_n however_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o such_o other_o prince_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o observe_v they_o which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o society_n what_o disorder_n will_v it_o cause_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o a_o adulterous_a prince_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o contemn_v their_o authority_n will_v abrogate_v all_o those_o law_n prohibit_v adultery_n 31._o herodot_n l._n 3._o c._n 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o cambyses_n the_o son_n of_o cyrus_n be_v in_o love_n with_o his_o sister_n and_o desirous_a of_o marry_v she_o inquire_v of_o the_o royal_a judge_n who_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n among_o the_o persian_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o brother_n to_o have_v his_o sister_n to_o wife_n they_o answer_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n which_o permit_v it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n that_o permit_v the_o king_n of_o persia_n to_o do_v whatever_o they_o please_v upon_o this_o answer_n cambyses_n marry_v his_o sister_n and_o the_o persian_n have_v not_o from_o that_o time_n scruple_v to_o imitate_v their_o king_n in_o this_o practice_n it_o have_v questionless_a be_v less_o criminal_a and_o much_o less_o hurtful_a to_o the_o society_n if_o cambyses_n have_v marry_v his_o sister_n without_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v his_o incest_n by_o authority_n of_o law_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v then_o which_o carriage_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o unblamable_a that_o of_o such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o that_o of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o reject_v the_o divinity_n of_o these_o law_n because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o latter_a be_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a suppose_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o society_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o whatever_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unbeliever_n can_v however_o excuse_v themselves_o because_o other_o do_v not_o act_v coherent_o see_v they_o neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o import_v they_o most_o to_o know_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v doubtless_o in_o the_o wrong_n herein_o and_o they_o deny_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o the_o incredulous_a be_v much_o more_o to_o blame_v than_o they_o if_o the_o latter_a will_v examine_v themselves_o they_o may_v discover_v perhaps_o some_o other_o source_n of_o this_o negligence_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o it_o be_v that_o general_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a about_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o people_n so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o present_a and_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o discourse_n or_o example_n which_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n not_o to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n although_o they_o seem_v sometime_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o remark_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o their_o passion_n and_o be_v careful_a only_a how_o to_o indulge_v these_o for_o they_o receive_v no_o more_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o their_o desire_n thus_o prince_n and_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n can_v bear_v that_o such_o as_o be_v about_o they_o shall_v ingenuous_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o tell_v beside_o their_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v a_o little_a too_o sincere_a he_o be_v quick_o banish_v from_o their_o presence_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o many_o private_a person_n who_o take_v none_o for_o their_o friend_n but_o such_o as_o flatter_v they_o and_o help_v to_o keep_v they_o up_o in_o the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v conceive_v of_o themselves_o prince_n and_o private_a man_n do_v equal_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n all_o thought_n that_o may_v trouble_v their_o repose_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o quiet_o enjoy_v what_o they_o love_v they_o can_v say_v therefore_o that_o they_o be_v such_o mighty_a lover_n of_o truth_n who_o care_n for_o know_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v please_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o many_o unbeliever_n deal_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o religion_n neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o may_v convince_v they_o out_o of_o a_o secret_a averseness_n they_o have_v of_o search_v into_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o can_v discover_v without_o extreme_o disquiet_v themselves_o so_o s._n paul_n reason_v before_o felix_n of_o justice_n 24.25_o act_n 24.25_o temperance_n and_o future_a judgement_n this_o tremble_a governor_n be_v quick_o weary_a of_o hear_v he_o and_o put_v he_o off_o till_o another_o time_n have_v s._n paul_n entertain_v he_o with_o some_o other_o discourse_n he_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o it_o may_v be_v as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v but_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o this_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v too_o opposite_a to_o his_o manner_n to_o obtain_v a_o long_a audience_n from_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o this_o disposition_n be_v entire_o against_o all_o good_a sense_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v equal_o blame_v flattery_n and_o flatterer_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o wisdom_n than_o wilful_o to_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v disadvantageous_a to_o we_o for_o without_o know_v it_o we_o can_v never_o bring_v a_o remedy_n against_o it_o and_o our_o ignorance_n about_o it_o change_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o contribute_v not_o seldom_o to_o render_v our_o condition_n worse_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o not_o fear_v to_o hazard_v their_o repose_n in_o the_o search_n of_o disquiet_v truth_n they_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o that_o ill_n regulate_v self-love_n which_o flatter_v our_o present_a passion_n and_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v mix_v some_o bitterness_n with_o the_o sweetness_n we_o taste_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o their_o negligence_n of_o inform_v themselves_o about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o great_a part_n from_o this_o dangerous_a disposition_n and_o they_o will_v agree_v to_o it_o no_o doubt_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o examine_v themselves_o do_v we_o see_v unbeliever_n use_v much_o application_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n without_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o thorough_a information_n and_o yet_o not_o quit_v their_o infidelity_n we_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n see_v they_o do_v not_o conclude_v but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o requisite_a discussion_n but_o we_o see_v not_o one_o of_o they_o so_o dispose_v and_o they_o be_v all_o content_v with_o a_o very_a superficial_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o endeavour_v to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o infidelity_n proceed_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o due_a instruction_n chap._n vi_o
inquisition_n who_o cruel_a maxim_n be_v abhor_v by_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o management_n observe_v in_o many_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o establish_v nor_o will_v i_o treat_v express_o here_o of_o this_o question_n which_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n as_o great_a at_o least_o as_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n without_o make_v any_o digression_n how_o be_v a_o clergyman_n treat_v in_o many_o place_n if_o he_o forsake_v the_o common_a opinion_n never_o so_o little_a if_o he_o have_v a_o benefice_n he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v it_o or_o at_o least_o expose_v to_o the_o cruel_a slander_n of_o such_o as_o will_v fain_o get_v his_o place_n and_o who_o be_v always_o a_o good_a number_n although_o he_o punctual_o discharge_v all_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o his_o moral_n be_v irreproachable_a but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o prefer_v a_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n be_v it_o of_o never_o so_o little_a consequence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o exclude_v he_o for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n and_o so_o zealous_a be_v some_o about_o the_o conformity_n of_o opinion_n that_o the_o least_o suspicion_n be_v enough_o to_o do_v a_o vast_a prejudice_n to_o any_o it_o fall_v upon_o nevertheless_o a_o great_a number_n of_o clergyman_n be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o raise_v many_o suspicion_n against_o such_o as_o they_o do_v not_o love_v there_o be_v not_o a_o consequence_n so_o odious_a but_o they_o bold_o draw_v it_o from_o their_o sentiment_n and_o accuse_v they_o thereof_o to_o those_o whereupon_o they_o depend_v and_o who_o they_o often_o find_v so_o credulous_a about_o the_o ill_a that_o be_v say_v of_o their_o neighbour_n or_o so_o little_a incline_v to_o believe_v the_o good_a that_o those_o clergyman_n in_o many_o conversation_n ruin_v for_o ever_o some_o innocent_a person_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o as_o listen_v to_o their_o calumny_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o clergyman_n who_o be_v already_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o benefice_n or_o that_o aim_v at_o one_o be_v a_o blockhead_n idle_a spend_v his_o time_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v smoke_a slander_a or_o do_v some_o very_a scandalous_a thing_n provide_v he_o be_v orthodox_n as_o they_o speak_v he_o quiet_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v get_v or_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o be_v prefer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o change_v his_o manner_n good_a man_n censure_n in_o vain_a his_o manner_n of_o live_v without_o object_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o except_o what_o be_v public_a but_o they_o be_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o towards_o he_o alone_o be_v practise_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a 7._o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 7._o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o have_v their_o eye_n principal_o fix_v upon_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n conclude_v from_o hence_o two_o thing_n the_o one_o that_o good_a moral_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o quality_n they_o have_v least_o regard_n to_o and_o the_o other_o that_o the_o body_n of_o ecclesiastic_n be_v only_o a_o mere_a faction_n where_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o intend_v but_o to_o support_v by_o all_o way_n what_o can_v procure_v or_o preserve_v their_o temporal_a interest_n the_o incredulous_a add_v further_o that_o the_o candidate_n or_o pretender_n to_o the_o benefice_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o prey_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seize_v whenever_o they_o be_v vacant_a or_o which_o they_o may_v forcible_o snatch_v from_o such_o as_o possess_v they_o by_o whatever_o mean_n they_o can_v they_o conclude_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o zeal_n affect_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o good_a income_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v even_o to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o those_o doctrine_n if_o this_o income_n be_v not_o settle_v only_o upon_o such_o as_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o clergy_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a to_o unbeliever_n the_o constant_a practice_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o nation_n make_v more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o all_o the_o discourse_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o they_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v christianity_n itself_o as_o they_o do_v the_o false_a religion_n and_o so_o die_v in_o a_o incurable_a infidelity_n by_o their_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v true_a but_o also_o by_o a_o specious_a occasion_n of_o judge_v wrong_n which_o several_a clergyman_n give_v '_o they_o they_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v in_o their_o infidelity_n as_o they_o see_v the_o zeal_n for_o temporal_n very_o different_a from_o that_o concern_v spiritual_n and_o this_o they_o easy_o discover_v by_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v make_v of_o those_o who_o defend_v and_o be_v passionate_a for_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o their_o party_n and_o of_o they_o who_o defend_v christianity_n by_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a and_o after_o the_o best_a method_n of_o clear_v people_n understanding_n deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o disorder_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o need_v reformation_n those_o last_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o advance_v by_o such_o who_o profession_n oblige_v to_o favour_v they_o be_v put_v back_o for_o ever_o and_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o dangerous_a person_n whilst_o the_o first_o be_v in_o favour_n all_o the_o while_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v the_o incredulous_a judge_n by_o this_o conduct_n that_o it_o be_v not_o christianity_n in_o general_n they_o mind_n whatever_o they_o say_v but_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o the_o party_n since_o those_o who_o consecrate_v themselves_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o first_o be_v disgrace_v and_o no_o reward_n be_v think_v too_o great_a for_o other_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a prejudices_fw-la which_o ecclesiastic_n by_o their_o fault_n occasion_n unbeliever_n to_o entertain_v i_o can_v add_v several_a thing_n much_o more_o home_n upon_o they_o if_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o all_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o the_o place_n where_o christianity_n be_v most_o corrupt_a but_o if_o what_o i_o have_v mention_v do_v a_o extraordinary_a injury_n to_o religion_n what_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o beside_o the_o answer_n i_o design_n to_o make_v to_o these_o prejudices_fw-la may_v solve_v the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v proceed_v from_o great_a disorder_n than_o those_o whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o show_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o stumble_v which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o incredulous_a and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v now_o speak_v ought_v not_o to_o injure_v christianity_n in_o general_n and_o that_o consequent_o they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v any_o from_o acknowledge_v its_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o first_o original_a if_o there_o have_v be_v addition_n make_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v since_o corrupt_v that_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o christianity_n but_o their_o fault_n who_o make_v these_o addition_n or_o alteration_n those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v that_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v engage_v such_o as_o will_v preach_v it_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n from_o any_o consideration_n of_o interest_n jesus_n christ_n promise_v nothing_o but_o persecution_n and_o misery_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o send_v you_o forth_o say_v he_o 10.16_o mat._n 10.16_o as_o sheep_n among_o wolf_n they_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o scourge_v you_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v for_o my_o sake_n before_o governor_n and_o king_n the_o brother_n shall_v deliver_v the_o brother_n to_o death_n and_o the_o father_n the_o child_n and_o the_o child_n shall_v rise_v up_o against_o their_o parent_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n he_o also_o say_v unto_o one_o of_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o call_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 9.16_o act_n 9.16_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n the_o event_n do_v quick_o convince_v the_o apostle_n that_o these_o prediction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o vain_a the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n for_o the_o most_o part_n give_v they_o a_o very_a ill_a reception_n and_o many_o of_o christ_n first_o disciple_n suffer_v death_n for_o discharge_v the_o function_n wherewith_o their_o master_n honour_v
in_o any_o thing_n differ_v from_o the_o majority_n nothing_o less_o than_o all_o this_o for_o the_o apostle_n divide_v the_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v and_o will_v have_v both_o the_o party_n to_o have_v a_o condescension_n for_o one_o another_o they_o do_v not_o enjoin_v the_o jew_n to_o eat_v without_o scruple_n the_o flesh_n of_o those_o creature_n prohibit_v in_o their_o law_n nor_o do_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n subject_a the_o gentile_n to_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o only_o command_v they_o 15.29_o act_n 15.29_o to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v exceed_o offend_v to_o see_v those_o who_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o keep_v company_n with_o the_o apostle_n eat_v such_o thing_n whereof_o they_o think_v the_o use_v forbid_v all_o mankind_n they_o declare_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o they_o to_o lay_v upon_o they_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o those_o necessary_a thing_n st._n paul_n after_o tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o no_o man_n can_v lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n than_o what_o be_v already_o lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n add_v etc._n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o etc._n etc._n that_o if_o any_o man_n build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n gold_n silver_n precious_a stone_n that_o be_v true_a doctrine_n wood_n hay_o stubble_n that_o be_v to_o say_v false_a doctrine_n though_o not_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n the_o fire_n shall_v try_v every_o man_n work_n and_o that_o if_o any_o man_n work_n abide_v he_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n but_o that_o if_o any_o man_n work_n shall_v be_v burn_v he_o shall_v indeed_o suffer_v loss_n but_o yet_o shall_v be_v save_v so_o as_o by_o fire_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o he_o speak_v distinct_o of_o that_o controversy_n decide_v by_o the_o apostle_n etc._n rom._n 14.1_o etc._n etc._n hear_v what_o advice_n he_o give_v they_o him_n that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n for_o one_o believe_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v all_o thing_n another_o who_o be_v weak_a eat_v herb_n let_v not_o he_o that_o eat_v despise_v he_o that_o eat_v not_o for_o god_n have_v receive_v he_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v that_o be_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o be_v lead_v by_o weakness_n into_o fundamental_a error_n st._n paul_n add_v several_a thing_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o now_o i_o shall_v not_o relate_v but_o all_o that_o he_o say_v do_v clear_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o destroy_v not_o the_o foundation_n that_o be_v which_o do_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o jesus_n christ_n or_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o other_o maxim_n be_v observe_v in_o our_o time_n they_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o apostle_n nor_o consequent_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n whatever_o imputation_n they_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o who_o violate_v this_o branch_n of_o charity_n relate_v to_o the_o erroneous_a for_o they_o give_v too_o great_a occasion_n of_o reflection_n yet_o these_o disadvantageous_a character_n can_v stain_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o care_n of_o the_o spiritual_a part_n be_v incomparable_o above_o that_o of_o the_o temporal_a the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n speak_v no_o other_o language_n and_o therefore_o they_o deserve_v much_o more_o esteem_n who_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v infidelity_n and_o vice_n than_o they_o who_o defend_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o first_o be_v infinite_o more_o useful_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o latter_a wherefore_o if_o some_o convert_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n to_o that_o of_o a_o party_n they_o must_v be_v blame_v and_o not_o the_o religion_n which_o whole_o condemn_v this_o practice_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o division_n reign_v among_o christian_n shall_v not_o hinder_v any_o from_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a we_o learn_v from_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o from_o the_o very_a decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n nay_o and_o during_o their_o life_n too_o the_o christian_n begin_v to_o be_v divide_v into_o party_n but_o it_o be_v principal_o in_o the_o second_o age_n that_o a_o world_n of_o sect_n grow_v up_o which_o tear_v christianity_n into_o piece_n after_o a_o most_o scandalous_a manner_n and_o since_o that_o time_n one_o sect_n have_v constant_o succeed_v another_o so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v never_o without_o division_n what_o be_v 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every_o where_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v common_o receive_v where_o they_o live_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o condemn_v it_o from_o hear_v a_o silly_a preacher_n who_o represent_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o people_n who_o entertain_v no_o favourable_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o explication_n thereof_o which_o they_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v but_o too_o often_o ill_o provide_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n speak_v there_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v a_o severe_a examination_n of_o judicious_a man_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o sort_n of_o discourse_n can_v without_o great_a injustice_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v some_o who_o affect_v to_o give_v 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explication_n as_o infallible_a so_o unbeliever_n can_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hear_v preach_v as_o apostolical_a doctrine_n before_o they_o have_v careful_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o unjust_a of_o men._n second_o unbeliever_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o the_o forego_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o divine_n or_o hear_v they_o preach_v they_o reject_v all_o christianity_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o many_o truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o lie_n and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o some_o few_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v false_a because_o some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v say_v they_o inward_o persuade_v of_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o know_v why_o that_o be_v the_o cant_n of_o a_o perfect_a fanatic_a who_o equal_v without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o alcoran_n and_o all_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o follower_n whereof_o may_v all_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o their_o preach_a consist_v in_o some_o fact_n and_o in_o good_a reason_n attend_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o very_o much_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o by_o a_o mere_a enthusiasm_n other_o to_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o great_a honour_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o art_n which_o they_o themselves_o serious_o etc._n serious_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o &_o 11.4_o 13_o etc._n etc._n say_v they_o have_v not_o they_o set_v forth_o their_o style_n as_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o eloquence_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n what_o follow_v from_o thence_o unbeliever_n read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o seek_v what_o they_o be_v tell_v be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o because_o they_o do_v find_v it_o they_o fancy_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v exasperate_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v in_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o wonderful_a style_n they_o whole_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v
to_o wish_v for_o miracle_n as_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o yet_o establish_v three_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o require_v new_a miracle_n from_o god_n with_o and_o show_v of_o reason_n man_n shall_v have_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o have_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o after_o a_o careful_a and_o impartial_a examination_n they_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o thing_n they_o inquire_v after_o but_o must_v doubt_v still_o of_o it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o help_v man_n incredulity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o mission_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n but_o because_o the_o proof_n thereof_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o see_v many_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v some_o man_n of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a disposition_n who_o perform_v not_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n teach_v we_o who_o have_v no_o love_n for_o the_o truth_n who_o be_v full_a of_o a_o thousand_o ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la and_o blind_v with_o unruly_a passion_n who_o have_v examine_v nothing_o but_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o voluntary_a perverseness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o inclination_n can_v such_o man_n complain_v because_o god_n work_v no_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n will_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o new_a favour_n for_o have_v despise_v those_o which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o he_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n will_v but_o examine_v themselves_o by_o this_o picture_n they_o may_v easy_o find_v out_o the_o answer_n we_o can_v return_v to_o they_o four_o i_o affirm_v that_o miracle_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o such_o men._n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o what_o i_o say_v see_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deny_v his_o miraculous_a work_n they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n will_v never_o want_v shift_n to_o bring_v into_o question_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o presence_n see_v they_o have_v find_v out_o several_a to_o hinder_v we_o from_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o those_o of_o christ_n suppose_v they_o be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o second_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o work_v no_o miracle_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n than_o to_o work_v any_o and_o such_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o see_v some_o obstinate_a man_n who_o require_v from_o he_o some_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v none_o because_o he_o see_v they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o of_o other_o divine_a grace_n and_o will_v but_o thereby_o increase_v their_o gild_n the_o evangelist_n observe_v 6.5_o observe_v mat._n 13.58_o mark_v 6.5_o that_o be_v come_v to_o nazareth_n he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n some_o unbelieve_a teacher_n have_v require_v of_o he_o a_o miracle_n more_o than_o once_o 16.1_o once_o mat._n 12.38_o &_o 16.1_o he_o deny_v they_o and_o refer_v they_o to_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o never_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v eye-witness_n wherefore_o he_o sometime_o ask_v those_o who_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v cure_v their_o disease_n whether_o they_o believe_v etc._n believe_v mat._n 9.29_o etc._n etc._n he_o can_v do_v it_o to_o teach_v they_o that_o none_o deserve_v a_o new_a grace_n but_o he_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o other_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o expect_v or_o demand_v a_o cure_n from_o he_o have_v they_o not_o certain_o know_v by_o other_o example_n or_o some_o good_a reason_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v incline_v he_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o unbeliever_n suppose_v at_o once_o two_o thing_n most_o absurd_a and_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o use_v man_n have_v make_v of_o his_o favour_n but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v their_o unbelief_n whatever_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o grant_v they_o new_a grace_n so_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v please_v doubt_v of_o revelation_n whereby_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o men._n the_o second_o absurdity_n that_o follow_v from_o thence_o be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v oblige_v out_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o satisfy_v as_o many_o party_n as_o there_o be_v unbeliever_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o method_n for_o every_o one_o of_o they_o will_v see_v some_o miracle_n and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o a_o trial_n without_o mind_v what_o it_o may_v have_v do_v at_o other_o time_n or_o in_o other_o place_n if_o any_o can_v brook_v those_o consequence_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o unbeliever_n objection_n there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v long_o dispute_v with_o he_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n now_o because_o he_o wrought_v some_o former_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o modern_a miracle_n be_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o ill_a custom_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o where_o they_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o incredulous_a and_o it_o be_v this_o several_a people_n who_o maintain_v some_o doctrine_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o certainty_n with_o too_o great_a a_o heat_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v to_o magnify_v their_o zeal_n that_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o adversary_n be_v true_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v lose_v that_o one_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o and_o such_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o sometime_o prove_v it_o so_o clear_o that_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o obstinacy_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o three_o party_n and_o perform_v only_o the_o part_n of_o spectator_n of_o those_o quarrel_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a than_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o see_v so_o well_o confute_v and_o those_o who_o have_v exaggerated_a too_o much_o the_o importance_n of_o their_o opinion_n can_v hinder_v the_o unbeliever_n from_o draw_v such_o a_o consequence_n against_o they_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o example_n of_o that_o ill_a manner_n of_o dispute_v but_o i_o shall_v allege_v only_o one_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o what_o i_o say_v there_o have_v be_v many_o dispute_n in_o this_o age_n about_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jewish_a vowel_n some_o have_v maintain_v that_o they_o be_v invent_v by_o the_o masorethe_n some_o century_n after_o christ_n other_o have_v pretend_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o ancient_a as_o esdras_n and_o consequent_o ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o latter_a to_o stir_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o christendom_n against_o their_o adversary_n exclaim_v after_o a_o tragical_a manner_n that_o this_o dispute_n be_v about_o no_o less_o a_o thing_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a bible_n which_o be_v destroy_v by_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n but_o ludovicus_n cappellus_n have_v show_v in_o his_o arcanum_n punctationis_fw-la and_o its_o defence_n with_o as_o much_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o masorethe_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vowel_n the_o most_o learned_a critic_n have_v embrace_v his_o opinion_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o obstinate_a person_n the_o same_o happen_v with_o respect_n to_o another_o dispute_n which_o that_o learned_a man_n have_v concern_v the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o prove_v that_o
how_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v undeniable_a i_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o though_o i_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o god_n may_v have_v produce_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o yet_o i_o can_v deny_v it_o especial_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n no_o character_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n even_o to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o much_o more_o absurd_a still_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o christian_a divine_n who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o though_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o ground_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o that_o foundation_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o illiterate_a man_n as_o well_o as_o for_o scholar_n do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o require_v a_o great_a meditation_n than_o the_o vulgar_a be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o apprehend_v that_o god_n impart_v to_o matter_n the_o form_n it_o now_o have_v to_o pay_v to_o he_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o without_o suppose_v what_o i_o have_v prove_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n we_o must_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o form_n they_o have_v be_v eternal_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o form_n no_o more_o than_o in_o matter_n which_o can_v make_v we_o suspect_v that_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n though_o we_o have_v not_o see_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o great_a body_n that_o surround_v we_o and_o not_o one_o eye-witness_n have_v leave_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o though_o it_o seem_v that_o little_a or_o no_o sensible_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o world_n in_o general_a yet_o no_o body_n can_v say_v for_o all_o that_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n because_o the_o 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generation_n single_o take_v have_v have_v a_o beginning_n we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o generation_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a that_o man_n and_o beast_n begin_v to_o exist_v upon_o earth_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o some_o cause_n epicurus_n who_o say_v that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n make_v more_o ridiculous_a supposition_n and_o more_o absurd_a conjecture_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o ancient_a fable_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o body_n maintain_v his_o hypothesis_n now_o but_o other_o say_v that_o whatever_o exist_v be_v proper_o but_o one_o be_v that_o modify_v itself_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o its_o nature_n if_o any_o body_n know_v what_o they_o mean_v or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v but_o a_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o nonsensical_a though_o it_o have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o 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argument_n and_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v oppose_v to_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o and_o be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o ignorance_n they_o object_n for_o example_n that_o they_o can_v apprehend_v how_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v immaterial_a can_v create_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o say_v they_o so_o that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a can_v not_o give_v to_o body_n the_o propriety_n which_o they_o have_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o very_a argument_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o may_v say_v matter_n have_v no_o motion_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o be_v immaterial_a have_v less_o still_a none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o wherefore_o matter_n have_v no_o motion_n let_v they_o try_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v good_a will_v resolve_v the_o propose_a objection_n against_o the_o creation_n of_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n contain_v the_o real_a propriety_n of_o all_o being_n but_o without_o have_v the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o they_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v create_v they_o and_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o he_o give_v a_o beginning_n by_o this_o argument_n we_o ascend_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o we_o do_v learn_v by_o it_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o argument_n how_o the_o real_a propriety_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o god_n nor_o how_o he_o make_v they_o to_o exist_v the_o fact_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v above_o human_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o the_o origin_n of_o motion_n though_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o its_o existence_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o believe_v viz._n the_o revelation_n which_o we_o say_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n whatever_o they_o say_v concern_v revelation_n in_o general_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o prejudice_n viz._n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o a_o revelation_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o argument_n ground_v only_o upon_o our_o ignorance_n and_o which_o suppose_v that_o what_o we_o know_v not_o be_v not_o true_a as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n shall_v either_o manifest_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n which_o no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v or_o find_v out_o in_o that_o revelation_n some_o manifest_a character_n of_o falsity_n which_o no_o body_n can_v show_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n arise_v partly_o from_o their_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n thereof_o and_o not_o perceive_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o that_o history_n in_o a_o few_o word_n man_n know_v nothing_o but_o by_o experience_n and_o reflection_n and_o experience_n be_v slow_a and_o reflection_n oftentime_o difficult_a god_n show_v they_o by_o some_o revelation_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v concern_v his_o nature_n and_o the_o worship_n he_o require_v from_o they_o though_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o but_o a_o short_a abridgement_n of_o the_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v during_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o mention_n etc._n mention_n gen._n 3.3.9_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6.13_o &_o 7.1_o &_o 8.15_o &_o 9.1_o &_o 12.1_o etc._n etc._n
can_v easy_o show_v but_o it_o be_v especial_o necessary_a to_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n the_o persecution_n of_o their_o neighbour_n or_o their_o own_o dissension_n have_v reduce_v they_o to_o a_o miserable_a condition_n and_o the_o temporal_a promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v no_o more_o fulfil_v which_o make_v even_o good_a man_n murmur_v and_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o time_n be_v not_o at_o all_o able_a to_o hinder_v it_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o author_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la who_o be_v strange_o perplex_v with_o this_o question_n etc._n question_n see_v wisdom_n ch_n 4_o &_o 5_o etc._n etc._n why_o wicked_a man_n be_v often_o very_o happy_a in_o this_o life_n and_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o law_n very_o miserable_a that_o question_n can_v not_o be_v otherways_o answer_v than_o by_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n shall_v last_v long_o cease_v to_o grant_v to_o the_o observer_n of_o his_o law_n the_o reward_n he_o have_v promise_v they_o and_o that_o call_v they_o now_o to_o a_o more_o sublime_a virtue_n he_o will_v grant_v they_o in_o another_o life_n a_o infinite_o more_o excellent_a reward_n than_o the_o temporal_a happiness_n they_o wish_v for_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o pharisee_n assert_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o eternal_a life_n but_o it_o seem_v they_o ground_v their_o belief_n more_o upon_o tradition_n than_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n nay_o they_o speak_v of_o another_o life_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v if_o we_o believe_v 2._o believe_v ant._n jud._n lib._n 18._o c._n 2._o josephus_n to_o build_v so_o important_a a_o doctrine_n upon_o a_o solid_a foundation_n nothing_o less_o can_v be_v require_v than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o very_o clear_o teach_v it_o everywhere_o and_o be_v himself_o a_o sensible_a example_n of_o what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o good_a man_n which_o make_v one_o of_o his_o apostle_n say_v 1.10_o say_v 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a his_o doctrine_n be_v to_o they_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v why_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n then_o to_o fear_v the_o jew_n will_v corrupt_v themselves_o among_o the_o pagan_n as_o they_o do_v former_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o god_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o his_o spirituality_n be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a hereafter_o the_o jew_n be_v better_o qualify_v and_o more_o like_a to_o convert_v the_o heathen_n than_o the_o heathen_n to_o draw_v the_o jew_n to_o their_o opinion_n though_o they_o have_v the_o uppermost_a the_o most_o celebrate_a philosopher_n among_o the_o grecian_n believe_v the_o unity_n of_o a_o supreme_a god_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mob_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o fable_n be_v not_o at_o all_o approve_v by_o man_n of_o sense_n as_o may_v be_v easy_o prove_v so_o that_o the_o jew_n run_v not_o so_o great_a a_o danger_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o they_o do_v before_o beside_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o roman_n maxim_n to_o make_v proselyte_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o that_o they_o endeavour_v not_o at_o least_o common_o to_o make_v they_o embrace_v their_o opinion_n either_o by_o cunning_a art_n or_o by_o force_n they_o tolerate_v they_o everywhere_o provide_v they_o will_v obey_v the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o their_o religion_n beside_o god_n who_o be_v make_v every_o thing_n ready_a to_o call_v the_o gentile_n to_o his_o knowledge_n be_v short_o to_o form_v a_o great_a people_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o paganism_n with_o who_o the_o jew_n may_v live_v without_o any_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v themselves_o but_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v why_o god_n stay_v so_o long_o before_o he_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o heathen_n perhaps_o what_o i_o say_v just_a now_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o it_o viz._n lest_o the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v to_o live_v among_o they_o shall_v altogether_o corrupt_v themselves_o if_o heathenism_n shall_v prevail_v everywhere_o but_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o roman_n and_o grecian_n be_v never_o better_o qualify_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n deliver_v they_o from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n they_o lie_v under_o during_o many_o age_n and_o the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v not_o very_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o ancestor_n religion_n do_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o mind_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v against_o their_o go_n the_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v not_o more_o rail_v at_o they_o than_o the_o epicurean_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o lucian_n though_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o epicurean_o arise_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o atheism_n altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n yet_o they_o contribute_v much_o to_o facilitate_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o the_o epicurean_o know_v very_o well_o how_o to_o destroy_v the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o have_v no_o better_a principle_n to_o establish_v in_o its_o stead_n whereas_o the_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v a_o very_a rational_a system_n to_o supply_v the_o room_n of_o the_o heathenish_a error_n thus_o god_n who_o can_v draw_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n make_v use_v of_o the_o effect_v the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n have_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v his_o knowledge_n more_o easy_o among_o the_o heathen_n the_o most_o civilise_a and_o frequent_v part_n of_o europe_n and_o asia_n be_v at_o that_o time_n under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o empire_n and_o under_o some_o law_n that_o be_v just_a enough_o the_o peace_n which_o be_v then_o more_o general_a than_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o the_o safety_n wherewith_o man_n may_v travel_v through_o the_o roman_a empire_n do_v very_o much_o contribute_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o god_n design_v to_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o heathen_n it_o be_v then_o the_o time_n or_o never_o to_o call_v they_o to_o his_o knowledge_n during_o those_o circumstance_n which_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o recall_v to_o his_o mind_n god_n be_v please_v that_o a_o lawgiver_n shall_v be_v bear_v among_o the_o jew_n of_o another_o nature_n than_o he_o who_o they_o expect_v and_o infinite_o more_o useful_a to_o they_o instead_o of_o a_o temporal_a king_n who_o may_v have_v increase_v their_o power_n and_o renown_n but_o will_v not_o have_v lessen_v their_o ignorance_n nor_o their_o vice_n god_n send_v they_o a_o king_n worthy_a of_o he_o who_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v here_o to_o be_v eternal_o happy_a after_o this_o life_n and_o show_v they_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v member_n of_o a_o little_a commonwealth_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o their_o native_a country_n and_o all_o man_n as_o their_o fellow-citizen_n a_o thought_n worthy_a of_o those_o who_o already_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o man_n be_v equal_o the_o work_n of_o god_n as_o for_o those_o pagan_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o their_o own_o religion_n they_o make_v use_v in_o vain_a of_o the_o light_n of_o their_o philosopher_n to_o find_v out_o something_o better_a when_o christianity_n happy_o offer_v itself_o to_o they_o to_o free_v they_o from_o their_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o general_a corruption_n among_o they_o proceed_v from_o some_o have_v no_o religion_n and_o other_o ridiculous_a one_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o philosopher_n oppose_v that_o corruption_n in_o some_o measure_n but_o some_o of_o they_o exhort_v man_n to_o virtue_n only_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o in_o this_o life_n as_o the_o epicurcans_n which_o take_v off_o all_o the_o force_n of_o their_o discourse_n other_o as_o the_o platonic_n and_o stoic_n mention_v indeed_o the_o reward_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v after_o death_n but_o only_o in_o a_o doubtful_a manner_n and_o without_o any_o proof_n so_o that_o their_o exhortation_n be_v in_o effect_n very_o weak_a though_o their_o moral_n be_v fine_a indeed_o yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o and_o their_o theology_n be_v full_a of_o chimaera_n which_o now_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o then_o the_o christian_a
instruct_v he_o in_o all_o those_o circumstance_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v establish_v upon_o some_o fact_n one_o can_v it_o judge_v of_o it_o neither_o but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o wherefore_o those_o who_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v prove_v to_o they_o without_o acquaint_v they_o with_o those_o circumstance_n require_v a_o thing_n equal_o unjust_a and_o impossible_a what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v julius_n cesar_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o a_o man_n altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o roman_a history_n whilst_o he_o remain_v in_o that_o ignorance_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a to_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o religion_n 3._o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o set_v down_o the_o fact_n it_o suppose_v with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n but_o a_o objection_n offer_v itself_o which_o must_v be_v resolve_v before_o they_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o the_o christian_n have_v great_a controversy_n among_o themselves_o about_o their_o belief_n but_o our_o business_n be_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o private_a opinion_n of_o any_o party_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n about_o which_o all_o christian_n agree_v be_v true_a by_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o fact_n about_o which_o they_o agree_v too_o those_o who_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o fact_n may_v if_o they_o will_v afterward_o examine_v all_o the_o controversy_n they_o please_v therefore_o without_o undertake_v to_o decide_v those_o matter_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o gospel-moral_n 1_o gospel-moral_n see_v be_v abridgement_n of_o they_o in_o ch_z 1._o of_o part_n 1_o without_o come_v to_o any_o particular_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o if_o all_o man_n live_v 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