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upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n 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 i._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 question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o 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the_o different_a party_n of_o christendom_n i_o understand_v
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a_o man_n who_o be_v only_o for_o reason_n and_o who_o insignificant_a word_n and_o a_o ill-grounded_a authority_n can_v satisfy_v unbeliever_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o design_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o divine_v very_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v can_v be_v maintain_v see_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o because_o that_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o have_v not_o careful_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n fancy_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v it_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o suspicious_a with_o some_o modern_a divine_n when_o divine_n have_v teach_v principle_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o preach_v transubstantiation_n and_o other_o such_o doctrine_n to_o credulous_a man_n which_o they_o insinuate_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o maxim_n of_o not_o reason_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o unbeliever_n fail_v not_o to_o perceive_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o persist_v the_o more_o in_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o not_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v our_o reason_n to_o examine_v whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o or_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o suppose_v every_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o also_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o able_a to_o put_v a_o good_a sense_n upon_o their_o word_n by_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v make_v
use_n of_o to_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o other_o men._n they_o not_o where_o say_v that_o they_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v or_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o must_v part_v with_o our_o notion_n to_o embrace_v they_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o judge_v of_o nothing_o but_o by_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o own_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a we_o comprehend_v not_o perfect_o all_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o be_v for_o example_n the_o divine_a property_n but_o we_o form_n at_o least_o some_o notion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contrary_a to_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o exact_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o be_v save_v reason_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o can_v know_v exact_o this_o sort_n of_o thing_n nor_o many_o other_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_n of_o thing_n we_o 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the_o behalf_n of_o those_o new_a doctrine_n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o my_o part_n have_v study_v those_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v i_o think_v i_o may_v affirm_v that_o no_o proposition_n can_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_v in_o their_o word_n be_v not_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o same_o grammatical_a rule_n as_o all_o other_o author_n be_v moreover_o i_o affirm_v that_o one_o need_v suppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o know_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n some_o divine_n who_o have_v not_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n well_o maintain_v another_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o less_o proper_a to_o hinder_v infidel_n from_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n than_o the_o maxim_n i_o have_v confute_v they_o say_v that_o many_o 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undertake_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a with_o respect_n to_o those_o ceremony_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v unsuccessful_a in_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n one_o may_v bold_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o which_o it_o be_v asleep_o hard_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o good_a reason_n suppose_v humane_a nature_n in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v in_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o fancy_v that_o god_n design_v in_o part_n to_o show_v only_o that_o he_o be_v master_n by_o enjoin_v some_o commandment_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n with_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n religion_n be_v only_o reveal_v for_o we_o not_o for_o god_n who_o absolute_o speak_v neither_o want_n what_o we_o think_v of_o he_o nor_o the_o worship_n we_o pay_v he_o he_o manifest_v himself_o to_o we_o only_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o give_v we_o some_o law_n 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necessary_a it_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o society_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o careful_o consider_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o man_n can_v scarce_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o useful_a to_o mankind_n than_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o useful_a to_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o advantageous_a to_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o example_n more_o effectual_a to_o encourage_v they_o to_o that_o observation_n than_o that_o of_o those_o who_o hand_n rather_o die_v than_o break_v any_o of_o those_o law_n if_o all_o man_n be_v so_o dispose_v it_o be_v manifest_a they_o will_v contribute_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o one_o another_o happiness_n and_o will_v love_v their_o neighbour_n as_o themselves_o so_o that_o those_o who_o sacrifice_n
prove_v the_o apostle_n sincerity_n they_o be_v content_v to_o offer_v some_o objection_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o this_o in_o another_o letter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o letter_n ii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n 1._o sir_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o i_o must_v perform_v my_o promise_n see_v without_o it_o i_o shall_v but_o half_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v also_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v they_o that_o be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o we_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o nature_n the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o natural_a cause_n act_v they_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o law_n though_o unavoidable_a at_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v suspend_v and_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v hitherto_o and_o of_o what_o we_o still_o see_v happen_v then_o that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v mere_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o also_o of_o their_o have_v a_o express_a order_n from_o god_n to_o publish_v it_o among_o men._n wherefore_o i_o will_v show_v first_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o how_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a one_o second_o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o last_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o concern_v the_o extent_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o different_a kind_n i_o will_v show_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n 2._o to_o look_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n as_o a_o miracle_n and_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n second_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a soul_n for_o nature_n or_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o order_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n other_o body_n and_o the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o they_o constant_o act_v without_o be_v able_a to_o violate_v they_o three_o he_o in_o who_o behalf_n that_o thing_n be_v do_v aught_o to_o know_v it_o beforehand_o or_o at_o least_o it_o must_v happen_v when_o he_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v examine_v those_o three_o thing_n one_o after_o another_o for_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o can_v be_v fetch_v from_o miracle_n depend_v upon_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o maintain_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o also_o above_o that_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o that_o hereafter_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o observe_v here_o that_o nothing_o which_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n wherefore_o to_o be_v sure_a whether_o what_o be_v vent_v as_o a_o miracle_n be_v real_o so_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o man_n can_v do_v it_o for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o god_n power_n or_o of_o some_o other_o intelligent_a be_v thus_o if_o a_o man_n show_v a_o usual_a skill_n in_o swim_v and_o boast_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n he_o may_v be_v just_o account_v a_o impostor_n because_o one_o may_v by_o use_n get_v a_o skill_n in_o swim_v which_o seem_v wonderful_a to_o those_o who_o have_v it_o not_o but_o if_o any_o body_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o upon_o the_o land_n without_o sink_v in_o the_o least_o it_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o skill_n of_o man_n provide_v he_o have_v nothing_o under_o his_o foot_n that_o may_v be_v see_v or_o elsewhere_o to_o uphold_v he_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a relation_n of_o gravity_n between_o humane_a body_n and_o water_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v stand_v upon_o the_o water_n so_o that_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o any_o body_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o upon_o the_o land_n without_o have_v under_o his_o foot_n or_o elsewhere_o any_o thing_n to_o hold_v he_o so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o power_n great_a than_o that_o of_o man_n act_v in_o his_o behalf_n 4._o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o man_n make_v use_v of_o to_o produce_v some_o effect_n which_o they_o themselves_o can_v produce_v by_o their_o mere_a skill_n and_o strength_n a_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n such_o as_o be_v the_o body_n which_o surround_v we_o for_o example_n great_a weight_n which_o will_v present_o sink_v if_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o water_n will_v lie_v upon_o it_o without_o sink_v if_o a_o body_n much_o light_a than_o water_n as_o wood_n be_v put_v between_o the_o water_n and_o those_o weight_n there_o be_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o that_o because_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o corporeal_a and_o know_a cause_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o miraculous_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o i_o have_v say_v when_o a_o learned_a physician_n cure_v a_o sick_a person_n with_o some_o remedy_n after_o he_o have_v spend_v a_o long_a time_n in_o study_v the_o nature_n of_o disease_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o remedy_n that_o cure_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v well_o apply_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n who_o only_o by_o touch_v all_o sort_n of_o sick_a person_n or_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o use_v any_o sensible_a remedy_n cure_v they_o upon_o the_o spot_n that_o effect_n can_v be_v ascribe_v only_o to_o some_o supernatural_a cause_n some_o 6._o some_o spinosa_n in_o tract_n theologico-polit_a cap._n 6._o unbeliever_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o character_n of_o miracle_n uncertain_a by_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o so_o perfect_o natural_a cause_n and_o their_o effect_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o can_v produce_v from_o what_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o they_o pretend_v that_o what_o be_v call_v miraculous_a shall_v only_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o rare_a accident_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v not_o well_o know_v but_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o we_o be_v very_o far_o from_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a cause_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o less_o certain_a that_o we_o know_v most_o certain_o some_o thing_n by_o experience_n especial_o when_o that_o experience_n be_v common_a and_o easy_a for_o example_n we_o perfect_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v upon_o the_o water_n so_o as_o to_o touch_v it_o only_o with_o the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n without_o use_v the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o body_n for_o it_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n happen_v sometime_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o some_o natural_a cause_n which_o we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o a_o conjecture_n can_v only_o be_v
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 world_n of_o people_n for_o example_n who_o discover_v several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v false_a judge_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a they_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o thousand_o lie_a miracle_n to_o who_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v join_v but_o find_v the_o modern_a miracle_n to_o be_v imposture_n they_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a one_o than_o another_o all_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o but_o as_o a_o totter_a fabric_n it_o must_v be_v show_v the_o incredulous_a then_o that_o those_o reason_n draw_v from_o without_o which_o
operam_fw-la quod_fw-la repugnamus_fw-la erevis_fw-la est_fw-la institutio_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la honestae_fw-la beataeque_fw-la si_fw-la credas_fw-la quintil_n inst_z orat._n lib._n 12._o c._n 6._o shall_v it_o happen_v then_o that_o we_o haâ—â—_n habit_n quite_o contrary_a to_o such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v of_o man_n they_o will_v certain_o dispose_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n which_o that_o religion_n do_v teach_v to_o bâ—_n false_a and_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o itâ—_n law_n i_o do_v say_v yet_o that_o those_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a but_o i_o desire_v only_o the_o supposition_n which_o i_o now_o make_v to_o be_v grant_v i_o and_o i_o think_v none_o can_v deny_v i_o this_o without_o deny_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o i_o lay_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n concern_v the_o influence_n our_o habit_n have_v over_o our_o reason_n with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conquer_a they_o but_o these_o be_v truth_n so_o evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o disagree_v from_o they_o this_o be_v so_o behold_v the_o picture_n of_o man_n that_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o present_a disposition_n however_o he_o come_v by_o it_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o say_v to_o himself_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o religion_n be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o my_o condition_n i_o be_o too_o honest_a a_o man_n to_o deserve_v damnation_n but_o this_o must_v nevertheless_o be_v be_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a it_o be_v therefore_o false_a and_o i_o shall_v never_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v absurd_a some_o will_v say_v to_o suppose_v a_o man_n disposition_n to_o be_v good_a without_o any_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n be_v a_o troublesome_a thing_n and_o that_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v himself_o no_o body_n say_v they_o can_v reason_n after_o this_o manner_n unless_o it_o be_v some_o fool._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o there_o be_v many_o more_o fool_n of_o this_o sort_n than_o we_o imagine_v such_o as_o believe_v their_o own_o sentiment_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o in_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v almost_o all_o mankind_n what_o judgement_n do_v they_o make_v of_o those_o who_o without_o examine_v reject_v they_o do_v they_o not_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o act_v in_o that_o manner_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o own_o condition_n judge_v every_o thing_n true_a that_o agree_v with_o it_o and_o the_o contrary_a false_a it_o be_v true_a nevertheless_o that_o no_o body_n reason_n formal_o so_o distinct_o consider_v every_o proposition_n and_o their_o connection_n with_o one_o another_o no_o person_n make_v this_o formal_a paralogism_n i_o be_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o idea_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o idea_n and_o conduct_v be_v false_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mind_n suppose_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o express_o reflect_v upon_o they_o do_v thence_o infer_v the_o mention_a conclusion_n we_o pass_v over_o the_o premise_n so_o quick_o that_o we_o perceive_v not_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v only_o we_o find_v our_o selveâ—_n strong_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n let_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o cannibal_n and_o that_o we_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o maxim_n receive_v by_o almost_o all_o nation_n that_o to_o fatten_v man_n in_o order_n to_o eat_v they_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v immediate_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o they_o will_v detest_v their_o former_a custom_n and_o live_v ever_o afterward_o as_o we_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o will_v resist_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o long_o a_o time_n as_o other_o nation_n do_v all_o sentiment_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v they_o pretend_v for_o this_o abominable_a manner_n of_o live_v none_o at_o all_o except_z what_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v so_o with_o all_o those_o who_o passion_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o error_n for_o neither_o the_o atrocity_n of_o the_o crime_n nor_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o mistake_n will_v cause_v any_o change_n in_o their_o conduct_n be_v any_o body_n assure_v that_o his_o disposition_n be_v good_a and_o conformable_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v what_o he_o real_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o change_v into_o better_a he_o may_v then_o just_o conclude_v that_o any_o doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o his_o disposition_n must_v be_v false_a know_v for_o example_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n to_o eat_v one_o another_o if_o any_o notwithstanding_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o eat_v a_o man_n we_o may_v reasonable_o do_v all_o that_o the_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o action_n can_v dictate_v to_o we_o before_o we_o follow_v therefore_o the_o inclination_n which_o custom_n beget_v in_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o convince_v by_o clear_a and_o indubitable_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o custom_n be_v well_o ground_v and_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o passion_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v those_o passion_n lawful_a we_o can_v not_o reproach_v they_o with_o their_o infidelity_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v show_v that_o these_o passion_n be_v unblamable_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o in_o the_o wrong_n and_o we_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o their_o obstinacy_n i_o do_v know_v how_o these_o maxim_n can_v be_v contest_v see_v they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o without_o so_o many_o preamble_n i_o shall_v have_v come_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n and_o show_v that_o unbeliever_n refuse_v assent_v to_o the_o gospel_n from_o ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o principle_n whence_o i_o draw_v the_o follow_a consequence_n shall_v be_v serious_o consider_v as_o those_o who_o reason_n from_o their_o present_a disposition_n do_v it_o without_o think_v on_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o unbeliever_n commit_v the_o same_o fault_n and_o i_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o there_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o they_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n see_v the_o moral_n of_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o all_o the_o vice_n that_o reason_n condemn_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v reject_v it_o without_o find_v himself_o engage_v in_o some_o of_o these_o vice_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o reject_v as_o false_a what_o be_v conformable_a to_o reason_n except_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o this_o same_o reason_n although_o it_o be_v not_o always_o perceive_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o it_o merit_v therefore_o some_o attention_n the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reduce_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n to_o live_v temperate_o just_o and_o pious_o temperance_n comprehend_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o regard_v ourselves_o justice_n they_o that_o concern_v our_o neighbour_n and_o piety_n those_o which_o relate_v to_o god_n our_o own_o good_a require_v we_o to_o live_v temperate_o as_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n have_v demonstrate_v now_o temperance_n consist_v in_o a_o moderate_a desire_n of_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n we_o shall_v not_o court_v honour_n but_o by_o lawful_a way_n not_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o live_v great_a but_o to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o society_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o this_o can_v be_v except_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o due_o discharge_v those_o office_n which_o we_o seek_v and_o of_o use_v those_o honour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a of_o to_o good_a purpose_n as_o for_o riches_n the_o gospel_n forbid_v we_o to_o desire_v they_o as_o a_o good_a but_o if_o without_o breach_n of_o any_o christian_a virtue_n we_o become_v rich_a it_o command_v we_o not_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a but_o to_o impart_v our_o superfluity_n to_o the_o needy_a and_o as_o to_o pleasure_n we_o may_v take_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o duty_n the_o gospel_n enjoin_v and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o will_v not_o engage_v we_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o its_o law_n thus_o
the_o gospel_n will_v have_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o our_o pleasure_n to_o what_o it_o ordain_v we_o and_o that_o we_o resolve_v upon_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n rather_o than_o neglect_v one_o of_o its_o command_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n very_o near_o that_o regard_n ourselves_o for_o i_o design_v not_o to_o make_v here_o a_o complete_a abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n for_o my_o subject_n do_v not_o require_v it_o and_o it_o suffice_v that_o i_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o they_o the_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v to_o we_o do_v contain_v two_o thing_n one_o be_v to_o render_v every_o one_o his_o due_a and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v justice_n the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v for_o our_o neighbour_n all_o that_o we_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o do_v for_o we_o be_v we_o in_o his_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v pardon_v he_o for_o example_n when_o he_o do_v we_o wrong_n rather_o than_o to_o revenge_v it_o and_o help_v he_o in_o all_o that_o we_o can_v and_o that_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o civil_a law_n may_v compel_v we_o in_o part_n at_o least_o to_o render_v every_o man_n his_o due_a and_o they_o be_v establish_v for_o this_o purpose_n but_o nothing_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o do_v more_o except_o the_o desire_n of_o live_v conformable_a to_o the_o christian_a moral_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v good_a man_n there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o the_o civil_a law_n require_v what_o a_o poor_a virtue_n be_v it_o say_v a_o philosopher_n to_o be_v only_o good_a according_a to_o the_o law_n how_o much_o large_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v by_o piety_n humanity_n justice_n liberality_n and_o fidelity_n that_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o public_a record_n quam_fw-la augusta_fw-la innocentia_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la legem_fw-la bonum_fw-la esse_fw-la quanto_fw-la latius_fw-la patet_fw-la officiorum_fw-la quam_fw-la juris_fw-la regula_fw-la quam_fw-la multa_fw-la pietas_fw-la humanitas_fw-la liberalitas_fw-la justitia_fw-la fides_fw-la exigunt_fw-la quae_fw-la omne_fw-la extra_fw-la publicas_fw-la tabulas_fw-la sunt_fw-la as_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o fulfil_v these_o duty_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n especial_o when_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o shall_v endanger_v reputation_n good_n or_o life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n nor_o after_o death_n by_o such_o as_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n so_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o protect_v good_a man_n here_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o to_o render_v they_o eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o to_o believe_v these_o promise_n and_o to_o have_v that_o gratitude_n for_o the_o divinity_n which_o his_o goodness_n require_v of_o we_o be_v what_o the_o gospel_n call_v piety_n this_o be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o no_o body_n can_v reject_v but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o live_v according_o as_o i_o be_o go_v to_o show_v by_o some_o example_n when_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n few_o person_n of_o quality_n or_o that_o pretend_a to_o considerable_a employment_n embrace_v it_o as_o we_o learn_v it_o from_o themselves_o at_o this_o day_n such_o as_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v it_o false_a be_v frequent_o man_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n all_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o world_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o common_a people_n and_o those_o that_o have_v no_o aspire_a thought_n be_v more_o rare_o trouble_v with_o incredulity_n or_o doubt_n than_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a preferment_n or_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o such_o if_o we_o look_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o in_o the_o person_n themselves_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o the_o ambitious_a do_v reason_n better_o than_o other_o or_o discover_v defect_n in_o christianity_n unknown_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n on_o the_o contrary_a such_o as_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o advance_v themselves_o do_v not_o common_o study_v much_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v more_o capable_a than_o other_o to_o find_v out_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v any_o all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o possess_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n be_v only_o the_o art_n of_o so_o govern_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v at_o their_o ends._n the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o doubt_v or_o that_o throw_v they_o into_o incredulity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o their_o predominant_a passion_n ambition_n which_o be_v 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on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o cogent_a argument_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v false_a because_o many_o people_n believe_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a notwithstanding_o that_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o crowd_n a_o man_n frequent_o reject_v what_o he_o believe_v true_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o vulgar_a notion_n a_o vain_a spirit_n can_v bear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o knowledge_n he_o believe_v inferior_a to_o his_o own_o and_o who_o mean_a inclination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a i_o be_o persuade_v that_o several_a be_v unbeliever_n because_o at_o least_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v extreme_o common_a they_o think_v it_o noble_a to_o be_v indeceive_v concern_v vulgar_a opinion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o people_n that_o feed_v themselves_o upon_o chimera_n a_o man_n thus_o conceit_v of_o himself_o think_v he_o be_v elevate_v far_o above_o the_o credulous_a multitude_n which_o be_v lead_v rather_o by_o custom_n than_o guide_v by_o reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o pleasant_a say_v a_o epicurean_a poet_n as_o to_o live_v in_o the_o exalt_a temple_n of_o wisdom_n where_o you_o may_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a calm_a and_o whence_o you_o may_v look_v down_o upon_o other_o man_n wander_v and_o scatter_a in_o their_o different_a way_n of_o live_v nil_fw-la dulcius_fw-la est_fw-la benè_fw-la quam_fw-la munita_fw-la tenere_fw-la edita_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la sapientum_fw-la templa_fw-la serena_fw-la despicere_fw-la unde_fw-la queo_fw-la alios_fw-la passimque_fw-la videre_fw-la errare_fw-la atque_fw-la viam_fw-la palantes_fw-la quaerere_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la but_o at_o bottom_n one_o expose_v himself_o as_o i_o have_v say_v already_o as_o much_o to_o deception_n by_o contemn_v whatever_o the_o vulgar_a esteem_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o this_o as_o by_o blind_o embrace_v all_o 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world_n to_o make_v he_o change_v his_o mind_n the_o same_o passion_n that_o lead_v he_o into_o it_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o insensible_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o pleasure_n wherewith_o it_o fill_v those_o who_o will_v be_v blind_v by_o it_o represent_v they_o as_o i_o say_v to_o themselves_o as_o person_n high_o elevate_v above_o the_o vulgar_a beside_o all_o this_o vain_a people_n imagine_v they_o be_v more_o clear-sighted_a than_o other_o easy_o believe_v themselves_o never_o mistake_v and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n have_v not_o the_o necessary_a sagacity_n for_o discover_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o when_o any_o whereof_o they_o have_v not_o so_o good_a a_o opinion_n as_o of_o themselves_o propose_v to_o they_o sentiment_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o give_v he_o the_o hear_v the_o first_o thought_n that_o offer_v itself_o then_o to_o their_o mind_n or_o if_o you_o please_v the_o sentiment_n that_o be_v awake_v in_o 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jew_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n add_v
say_v to_o they_o that_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n 29.29_o deut._n 29.29_o but_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v false_a the_o second_o which_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o can_v hold_v and_o no_o person_n without_o a_o extravagant_a presumption_n can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n ought_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v act_v conformable_a to_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o for_o indeed_o although_o we_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o these_o attribute_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o conceive_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n or_o that_o we_o can_v exact_o know_v what_o carriage_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o they_o we_o know_v for_o example_n that_o god_n be_v most_o wise_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o this_o sovereign_a intelligence_n never_o act_n without_o propose_v certain_a end_n worthy_a of_o himself_o and_o 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i_o have_v set_v down_o in_o this_o chapter_n however_o to_o show_v full_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o prejudices_fw-la of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o though_o i_o have_v already_o destroy_v their_o foundation_n i_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n say_v concern_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o all_o man_n by_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o first_o patriarch_n from_o who_o they_o be_v descend_v to_o noah_n for_o example_n and_o to_o his_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o have_v its_o origin_n hence_o rather_o than_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o people_n i_o may_v add_v likewise_o that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n free_a and_o content_v himself_o with_o give_v they_o law_n they_o have_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n by_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o so_o 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and_o that_o all_o the_o while_n no_o person_n maintain_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v make_v all_o equal_o perfect_a without_o put_v any_o difference_n between_o his_o work_n why_o may_v not_o god_n also_o be_v please_v to_o place_v some_o variety_n in_o the_o same_o species_n of_o being_n since_o we_o see_v that_o the_o disposition_n of_o humane_a body_n do_v vary_v in_o a_o world_n of_o thing_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v not_o more_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o think_v strange_a that_o god_n have_v thus_o different_o distribute_v his_o gift_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v impart_v more_o or_o less_o light_a to_o the_o several_a nation_n which_o compose_v mankind_n the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v proceed_v from_o this_o that_o people_n without_o perceive_v it_o confound_v god_n justice_n with_o his_o beneficence_n and_o withal_o they_o unreasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v a_o equal_a return_n of_o virtue_n from_o all_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v they_o all_o by_o the_o same_o law_n upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n to_o expect_v as_o much_o from_o the_o cafer_n of_o africa_n or_o the_o savage_n of_o america_n as_o from_o more_o know_v people_n and_o it_o be_v think_v unjust_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o gift_n so_o diverse_o since_o he_o will_v judge_v all_o man_n upon_o the_o same_o foot_n but_o though_o the_o beneficence_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o revelation_n perfect_o free_a insomuch_o that_o no_o nation_n can_v complain_v that_o another_o be_v prefer_v to_o it_o etc._n rom._n 9.10_o etc._n etc._n his_o justice_n follow_v the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o haâ—_n prescribe_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o men._n he_o give_v to_o who_o he_o will_v 11.23_o rom._n 11.23_o and_o in_o what_o quantity_n he_o please_v but_o he_o judge_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v bestow_v he_o require_v noâ—_n what_o he_o have_v not_o give_v 12.21_o mat._n 12.21_o and_o he_o reap_v noâ—_n where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_v 2.12_o rom._n 2.12_o those_o that_o sin_n without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o those_o that_o sin_n under_o the_o law_n shall_v bâ—_n judge_v by_o the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v the_o continuance_n of_o revelation_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v take_v away_o by_o what_o be_v now_o say_v god_n will_v have_v all_o reasonable_a regard_n to_o every_o circumstance_n of_o those_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v so_o different_o distribute_v his_o favour_n revelation_n do_v teach_v we_o the_o contrary_n not_o where_o and_o if_o any_o christian_a doctor_n have_v add_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o defend_v
to_o employ_v in_o their_o conversion_n rather_o than_o reason_n this_o make_v nothing_o to_o my_o design_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o bring_v those_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o insidelity_n peculiar_a to_o they_o from_o the_o people_n of_o europe_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o credulous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o very_o serious_o embrace_v a_o great_a number_n of_o incredible_a thing_n whereof_o their_o theology_n be_v make_v up_o their_o incredulity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gospel_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o reason_v almost_o at_o all_o except_o about_o thing_n relate_v to_o life_n and_o that_o nothing_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n except_v from_o experience_n or_o education_n they_o be_v not_o man_n that_o meditate_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o attentive_o consider_v abstract_v idea_n nor_o of_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o to_o draw_v some_o 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ground_v they_o do_v so_n much_o as_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o head_n nor_o the_o reason_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o the_o missionary_n now_o and_o then_o convert_v some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o reason_n they_o allege_v but_o in_o gain_v their_o love_n and_o esteem_v by_o some_o other_o way_n the_o jew_n be_v much_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o book_n they_o have_v write_v to_o establish_v their_o own_o opinion_n or_o to_o confute_v those_o of_o the_o christian_n this_o may_v be_v easy_o discover_v also_o by_o any_o that_o discourse_n with_o they_o upon_o these_o subject_n but_o between_o they_o and_o the_o mahometan_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o the_o latter_a give_v credit_n to_o a_o book_n full_a of_o impertinency_n and_o falsehood_n whereas_o the_o jew_n ground_n their_o persuasion_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o contain_v a_o true_a revelation_n and_o yet_o they_o can_v reason_v little_o better_o than_o the_o mahometan_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o their_o conversion_n whilst_o they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o some_o rabbin_n though_o without_o any_o foundation_n they_o be_v proof_n against_o the_o strong_a reason_n the_o christian_n can_v oppose_v to_o they_o because_o from_o their_o infancy_n they_o be_v wont_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o rabbin_n tell_v they_o and_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o reason_n just_o otherwise_o if_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o pursue_v a_o argument_n and_o of_o distinguish_v a_o good_a from_o a_o ill_a consequence_n it_o will_v then_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o shall_v be_v only_o needful_a as_o some_o christian_a divine_n have_v late_o do_v to_o put_v they_o upon_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o to_o a_o heathen_a they_o design_v to_o proselyte_n to_o judaisme_n for_o if_o they_o bring_v any_o solid_a proof_n for_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v evident_a that_o these_o same_o reason_n be_v incomparable_o strong_a in_o favour_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o in_o favour_n of_o that_o of_o moses_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o book_n who_o title_n you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o margin_n judaeo_n limborch_fw-mi amica_fw-la collat_n cum_fw-la erudit_fw-la judaeo_n now_o then_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o other_o infidel_n by_o reason_n they_o must_v be_v first_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o methodical_o digest_v their_o thought_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o reason_n stric_o upon_o other_o head_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o the_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v but_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o missionary_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v especial_o to_o those_o insidel_n who_o be_v advance_v in_o year_n it_o be_v injustice_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o among_o infidel_n that_o man_n be_v find_v uncapable_a of_o discern_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o who_o upon_o this_o account_n reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v unbeliever_n among_o christian_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o such_o out_o of_o some_o disposition_n engage_v they_o against_o the_o gospel_n but_o likewise_o out_o of_o downright_a stupidity_n and_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o reason_n whereupon_o christianity_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v some_o people_n who_o from_o their_o childhood_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o some_o trade_n or_o other_o constant_a business_n without_o any_o care_n take_v about_o the_o form_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o even_o of_o instruct_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o who_o be_v moreover_o of_o a_o genius_n not_o very_o proper_a for_o conceive_v of_o 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within_o the_o verge_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v they_o rather_o out_o of_o brutality_n and_o stupidity_n than_o as_o deceive_v by_o captious_a reason_n if_o they_o reject_v it_o not_o altogether_o it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o they_o retain_v only_o what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o it_o from_o reason_v and_o knowledge_n because_o the_o proof_n which_o confirm_v a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o show_v the_o whole_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o only_a among_o people_n take_v up_o with_o trade_n and_o business_n that_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o perhaps_o among_o such_o as_o aspire_v to_o great_a preferment_n among_o soldier_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n it_o may_v be_v say_v indeed_o that_o person_n of_o these_o rank_n have_v have_v a_o better_a education_n than_o other_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o employment_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v but_o in_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v as_o common_a a_o thing_n to_o hear_v they_o reason_n as_o wretched_o about_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a among_o the_o populace_n when_o once_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n than_o their_o natural_a vanity_n increase_v with_o their_o age_n render_v they_o more_o obstinate_a and_o not_o seldom_o make_v they_o altogether_o inaccessible_a to_o truth_n you_o propose_v the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n to_o they_o in_o vain_a for_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mere_a sophism_n though_o they_o know_v not_o wherein_o sophistry_n differ_v from_o solid_a reason_v i_o shall_v be_v tell_v perhaps_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n of_o think_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v see_v they_o reason_v not_o so_o
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 much_o to_o vulgar_a notion_n that_o by_o this_o medley_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a they_o render_v all_o the_o good_a they_o speak_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a notwithstanding_o such_o as_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n to_o hear_v this_o sort_n of_o people_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v out_o of_o a_o unpardonable_a negligence_n to_o understand_v what_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o they_o one_o will_v think_v no_o body_n can_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n among_o christian_n since_o they_o general_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v better_o spend_v his_o time_n than_o in_o discover_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v but_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n not_o be_v always_o conformable_a to_o their_o belief_n it_o happen_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o their_o course_n of_o life_n produce_v a_o effect_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o christian_a profession_n shall_v beget_v in_o they_o although_o it_o be_v not_o say_v by_o any_o that_o it_o be_v better_a employ_v himself_o about_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o carriage_n of_o most_o man_n be_v common_o such_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v this_o a_o man_n who_o entire_o neglect_v this_o study_n but_o due_o make_v his_o court_n to_o those_o that_o can_v advance_v he_o or_o keep_v he_o in_o his_o present_a post_n a_o man_n that_o pass_v all_o his_o life_n in_o heap_v up_o riches_n though_o he_o be_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n this_o man_n i_o say_v be_v he_o for_o all_o this_o the_o less_o esteem_v the_o most_o understand_a person_n in_o the_o world_n but_o who_o be_v not_o respect_v for_o his_o preferment_n nor_o consider_v for_o his_o riches_n be_v he_o comparable_a to_o this_o other_o ignorant_a but_o rich_a or_o honourable_a man_n not_o at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o most_o christian_n this_o practice_n cry_v much_o loud_o if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o than_o the_o evangelical_n maxim_n it_o contradict_v and_o seem_v to_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o it_o concern_v they_o little_a to_o learn_v the_o reason_n of_o assent_v to_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o obtain_v some_o employment_n or_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o to_o which_o this_o same_o christianity_n contribute_v nothing_o it_o fall_v out_o likewise_o but_o too_o often_o that_o this_o dangerous_a lesson_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o considerable_a person_n who_o after_o neglect_v the_o study_n of_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o cultivate_v the_o art_n of_o advance_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o make_v their_o fortune_n be_v nevertheless_o in_o great_a esteem_n and_o in_o such_o advantageous_a post_n that_o their_o lot_n appear_v worthy_a of_o envy_n whilst_o such_o as_o may_v inform_v other_o by_o their_o knowledge_n live_v in_o contempt_n and_o obscurity_n this_o general_a custom_n which_o obtain_v almost_o every_o where_o do_v throw_v people_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v not_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o thus_o slight_v that_o science_n which_o signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o their_o worldly_a affair_n and_o who_o consequence_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o resist_v those_o passion_n to_o which_o they_o willing_o abandon_v themselves_o they_o think_v as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v upon_o those_o proof_n which_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o occasion_n of_o doubt_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n which_o beget_v difficulty_n out_o of_o which_o they_o can_v extricate_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o at_o last_o produce_v a_o formal_a infidelity_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v cure_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o continuance_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a to_o fall_v into_o this_o negligence_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o the_o cause_n whence_o it_o spring_v be_v always_o in_o be_v and_o act_v incessant_o upon_o the_o understanding_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n whilst_o that_o which_o may_v incline_v people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n act_v but_o weak_o and_o be_v stifle_v as_o it_o be_v every_o moment_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o more_o numerous_a party_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o thing_n that_o may_v great_o contribute_v in_o seduce_v such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n they_o frame_v without_o perceive_v it_o and_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v solid_a enough_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a obey_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o just_a as_o much_o as_o their_o worldly_a interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v they_o imagine_v that_o most_o man_n act_v a_o part_n only_o and_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o real_o do_v not_o or_o else_o they_o conclude_v that_o person_n so_o injudicious_a as_o to_o contradict_v their_o belief_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v but_o a_o ill_a example_n to_o follow_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_o do_v of_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o persuasion_n by_o their_o conduct_n see_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v change_v the_o latter_a thus_o they_o imitate_v pretty_a well_o the_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o believe_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o multitude_n in_o as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o they_o have_v principle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n if_o they_o neglect_v inform_v themselves_o in_o religion_n this_o proceed_v from_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o regulate_v not_o their_o manner_n according_a to_o its_o precept_n it_o be_v because_o they_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o recompense_n promise_v those_o who_o shall_v observe_v they_o nor_o to_o the_o pain_n wherewith_o they_o be_v menace_v that_o violate_v they_o in_o a_o word_n they_o act_n coherent_o whereas_o the_o life_n of_o other_o be_v a_o perpetual_a contradiction_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v huge_o out_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o multitude_n feign_v only_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o injudiciousness_n make_v they_o contradict_v their_o belief_n by_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o preserve_v our_o persuasion_n entire_a even_o when_o we_o contradict_v it_o by_o our_o action_n than_o to_o suit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o conduct_v we_o follow_v and_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o man_n may_v sincere_o believe_v a_o principle_n to_o be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o not_o order_v his_o life_n according_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v that_o what_o set_v most_o man_n action_n a_o go_v be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v not_o seldom_o entire_o repugnant_a to_o this_o knowledge_n no_o body_n for_o example_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o bribery_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o well-governed_a state_n and_o that_o all_o employment_n shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o those_o only_o who_o deserve_v they_o nay_o the_o law_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v bribery_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v few_o person_n that_o do_v not_o solicit_v for_o themselves_o or_o for_o their_o friend_n when_o any_o opportunity_n of_o advancement_n offer_v itself_o we_o find_v also_o that_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n which_o they_o break_v nevertheless_o every_o day_n when_o they_o reap_v any_o present_a advantage_n from_o it_o we_o may_v allege_v a_o more_o evident_a example_n of_o this_o contradiction_n between_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n a_o gouty_a man_n who_o contract_v this_o troublesome_a distemper_n by_o drink_v too_o much_o wine_n doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o the_o immoderate_a use_n of_o this_o liquor_n must_v needs_o prove_v very_o hurtful_a to_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a pleasure_n he_o find_v in_o drink_v carry_v it_o and_o he_o can_v forbear_v drink_v more_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o several_a other_o passion_n in_o
that_o laziness_n may_v keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o incredulity_n we_o may_v reduce_v those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o believe_a christianity_n to_o two_o order_n of_o men._n some_o embrace_v it_o rather_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o as_o they_o esteem_v than_o for_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a number_n there_o be_v however_o many_o understand_a person_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o after_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o have_v be_v full_o convince_v we_o may_v also_o divide_v unbeliever_n into_o two_o party_n the_o one_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o christian_n build_v their_o belief_n but_o have_v not_o judge_v they_o worthy_a of_o assent_n either_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v now_o the_o other_o sort_n have_v never_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o examine_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o pronounce_v our_o proof_n not_o convince_a they_o may_v be_v lead_v to_o this_o hasty_a judgement_n by_o divers_a motive_n or_o several_a passion_n may_v contribute_v together_o to_o throw_v they_o into_o infidelity_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o nice_a discussion_n of_o these_o motive_n and_o passion_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a or_o particular_a in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v suffice_v to_o oblige_v unbeliever_n to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o self-love_n i_o must_v nevertheless_o add_v here_o some_o remark_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o particular_a source_n of_o incredulity_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a and_o whereof_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n this_o source_n be_v laziness_n which_o occasion_n many_o people_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n whatever_o demand_v attention_n and_o that_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n or_o by_o their_o passion_n we_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o have_v understanding_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o examine_v right_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o but_o the_o long_a habit_n they_o have_v acquire_v of_o not_o examine_v any_o of_o these_o abstract_a idea_n which_o require_v some_o application_n make_v they_o so_o averse_a to_o this_o examen_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o whilst_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o disposition_n to_o conquer_v it_o if_o this_o can_v be_v and_o to_o cure_v those_o who_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o or_o to_o keep_v other_o at_o least_o from_o fall_v into_o it_o we_o must_v examine_v it_o in_o its_o rise_n progress_n and_o consequence_n for_o if_o we_o can_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o consequence_n the_o most_o dangerous_a it_o must_v be_v necessary_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o become_v a_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o give_v way_n to_o it_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o quick_o excite_v our_o attention_n than_o what_o strike_v our_o sense_n or_o awaken_v some_o of_o our_o passion_n whatever_o be_v convey_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o either_o of_o these_o way_n do_v so_o move_v and_o occupy_v it_o that_o if_o the_o sensation_n be_v lively_a and_o the_o passion_n quick_a no_o other_o thing_n can_v enter_v whilst_o they_o act_v there_o and_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o aversion_n to_o all_o thing_n beside_o for_o if_o a_o man_n continue_v long_o in_o this_o disposition_n without_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o subdue_v it_o it_o happen_v at_o last_o that_o though_o he_o be_v extreme_o active_a with_o regard_n to_o sensible_a thing_n and_o those_o passion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o he_o fall_v nevertheless_o into_o a_o surprise_v laziness_n as_o to_o all_o other_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o read_v or_o examine_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o body_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o extreme_a love_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o repose_n to_o which_o we_o be_v accustom_a that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o lose_v it_o without_o trouble_n so_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o i'm_n now_o treat_v of_o do_v so_o seize_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o entertain_v it_o that_o they_o can_v shake_v it_o off_o without_o great_a pain_n and_o molestation_n be_v we_o assure_v that_o nothing_o merit_v our_o attention_n but_o what_o make_v impression_n upon_o our_o sense_n or_o relate_v to_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v then_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o this_o please_a laziness_n and_o live_v with_o respect_n to_o spiritual_a object_n in_o the_o same_o calm_a wherein_o we_o live_v with_o regard_n to_o whatever_o we_o think_v can_v neither_o hurt_v nor_o benefit_v we_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o part_v with_o a_o state_n full_a of_o pleasure_n only_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o in_o examine_v what_o will_v occasion_v pain_n but_o procure_v we_o no_o advantage_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o negligence_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o no_o way_n concern_v the_o sense_n shall_v occasion_v we_o infinite_o more_o harm_n than_o our_o laziness_n about_o they_o can_v procure_v we_o of_o pleasure_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v downright_a madness_n for_o we_o to_o live_v in_o this_o carelessness_n but_o we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v fear_v shall_v we_o neglect_v spiritual_a thing_n such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o without_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o this_o religion_n be_v ground_v and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o conquer_v this_o laziness_n that_o keep_v we_o from_o do_v it_o or_o else_o prefer_v the_o quiet_a of_o a_o fool_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o stupidity_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n wherein_o we_o be_v and_o of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o fear_v or_o hope_n notwithstanding_o those_o who_o once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o this_o laziness_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o any_o examination_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v the_o hard_a task_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v themselves_o some_o of_o they_o whereof_o we_o speak_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v whatever_o be_v tell_v they_o of_o religion_n than_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o other_o again_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o examine_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v of_o these_o last_o that_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o treat_v and_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o how_o understanding_n soever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v before_o they_o take_v up_o this_o careless_a way_n of_o live_v they_o be_v afterward_o very_a difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o 3._o tacit._n in_o agricol_n c._n 3._o subit_fw-la quip_n etiam_fw-la ipsius_fw-la inertiae_fw-la dulcedo_fw-la &_o invisa_fw-la primò_fw-la desidia_fw-la postremò_fw-la amatur_fw-la the_o pleasure_n of_o laziness_n get_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o at_o last_o we_o love_v that_o idleness_n which_o at_o first_o we_o hate_v he_o act_v plain_o against_o good_a sense_n who_o condemn_v what_o he_o have_v never_o well_o examine_v because_o he_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o he_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n who_o obstinate_o live_v in_o this_o condition_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n if_o he_o act_v thus_o in_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v if_o he_o take_v side_n without_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v who_o can_v he_o get_v to_o approve_v his_o conduct_n none_o sure_o unless_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n void_a of_o common_a sense_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v visible_o expose_v himself_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o error_n he_o may_v fall_v into_o let_v we_o suppose_v for_o a_o moment_n with_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a although_o this_o can_v be_v know_v till_o it_o be_v first_o examine_v but_o what_o risk_n do_v they_o run_v in_o hear_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_n none_o at_o all_o since_o if_o what_o they_o affirm_v be_v not_o conclusive_a nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o reject_v it_o all_o the_o loss_n they_o can_v fear_v be_v only_o
the_o want_n of_o a_o little_a quiet_a whereof_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o for_o some_o small_a time_n but_o methinks_v a_o short_a term_n of_o carelessness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a value_n with_o a_o man_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o quit_v it_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v live_v in_o this_o eternal_a indifference_n for_o all_o that_o require_v application_n if_o any_o leave_v this_o laziness_n for_o other_o thing_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o bring_v for_o not_o quit_v it_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v his_o own_o state_n as_o to_o religion_n if_o indeed_o after_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o man_n can_v not_o enjoy_v his_o former_a quiet_n he_o may_v plead_v very_o plausible_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o carriage_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a after_o fatigue_v himself_o a_o little_a his_o repose_n be_v but_o the_o more_o pleasant_a and_o so_o the_o lazy_a shall_v by_o this_o principle_n at_o least_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v religion_n but_o now_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o true_a as_o we_o maintain_v a_o more_o deplorable_a state_n can_v not_o well_o be_v conceive_v in_o this_o life_n than_o that_o of_o the_o lazy_a gentleman_n we_o have_v describe_v for_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o lamentable_a than_o to_o precipitate_v one_o self_n into_o eternal_a misery_n rather_o than_o take_v the_o pain_n of_o learning_n the_o mean_n to_o avoid_v it_o that_o man_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o lazy_a person_n who_o will_v not_o rise_v at_o night_n for_o fear_n of_o break_v his_o repose_n though_o the_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n no_o he_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o madman_n we_o see_v by_o these_o example_n very_o clear_o how_o unreasonable_a that_o spiritual_a laziness_n be_v which_o keep_v man_n from_o examine_v religion_n we_o perceive_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o the_o misery_n that_o may_v proceed_v from_o it_o nevertheless_o there_o have_v be_v former_o man_n of_o this_o character_n and_o there_o be_v now_o even_o among_o christian_n such_o be_v those_o jew_n of_o thessalonica_n 17.4_o act_n 17.4_o whereof_o very_a few_o be_v the_o better_a for_o s._n paul_n preach_v because_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v and_o whereof_o the_o most_o part_n very_o zealous_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n raise_v a_o commotion_n in_o the_o town_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o s._n luke_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o berea_n another_o city_n of_o macedonia_n to_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n these_o say_v the_o historian_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v if_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n have_v love_n enough_o for_o the_o truth_n to_o do_v as_o much_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v less_o ready_a to_o receive_v their_o reason_n who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o '_o they_o but_o the_o laziness_n that_o detain_v they_o in_o judaisme_n join_v to_o their_o other_o passion_n keep_v they_o from_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o consequent_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o live_v among_o the_o christian_n and_o perhaps_o a_o part_n of_o the_o mahometan_n may_v neglect_v the_o examen_fw-la of_o christianity_n out_o of_o divers_a principle_n such_o as_o those_o we_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n but_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o mix_v with_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o laziness_n we_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n they_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o all_o meditation_n and_o 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of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v make_v no_o more_o account_n of_o they_o for_o this_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o quite_o opposite_a persuasion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o ignorance_n can_v excuse_v they_o as_o we_o can_v easy_o show_v second_o if_o man_n not_o of_o such_o ill_a moral_n at_o least_o not_o in_o so_o scandalous_a a_o manner_n shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o pure_a credulity_n as_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o contrary_n be_v they_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o gospel_n a_o proof_n whereof_o be_v that_o those_o people_n ordinary_o change_v from_o black_a to_o white_a according_a as_o they_o alter_v their_o mind_n who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o their_o conscience_n nor_o do_v i_o well_o know_v whether_o such_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v of_o any_o opinion_n for_o they_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o what_o be_v never_o so_o little_o 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violate_v as_o all_o other_o be_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n concern_v another_o life_n man_n though_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o remote_a and_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o outward_a object_n which_o work_n upon_o their_o sense_n or_o imagination_n that_o the_o present_a time_n prevail_v over_o the_o future_a beside_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o persuasion_n though_o persuasion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a no_o body_n doubt_v of_o some_o considerable_a fact_n of_o ancient_a history_n for_o example_n that_o cesar_n overcome_v pompey_n however_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o that_o whereby_o every_o body_n be_v persuade_v of_o what_o he_o see_v though_o those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o roman_a author_n that_o be_v contemporary_a and_o those_o 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and_o charity_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o however_o those_o notion_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o a_o horrible_a custom_n practise_v among_o the_o roman_n have_v be_v condemn_v they_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o see_v man_n kill_v one_o another_o or_o fight_v with_o wild_a beast_n so_o cruel_a a_o diversion_n last_v during_o many_o age_n at_o rome_n nor_o be_v the_o humanity_n of_o the_o roman_a people_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n offend_v at_o it_o in_o the_o least_o the_o same_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grecian_n be_v so_o horrible_o addict_v to_o fornication_n and_o sodomy_n that_o they_o never_o imagine_v there_o be_v any_o harm_n it_o it_o provide_v it_o may_v not_o prejudice_v their_o temporal_a interest_n those_o who_o will_v read_v their_o comical_a and_o satirical_a poet_n will_v not_o only_o see_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o also_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o those_o debauchery_n among_o christian_n one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v always_o detest_v and_o not_o so_o common_a and_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o among_o the_o heathen_n because_o they_o be_v both_o condemn_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o heathen_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o infamous_a debauchery_n not_o only_o without_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o but_o also_o without_o feel_v any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n because_o they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o never_o give_v over_o their_o lewdness_n but_o when_o the_o body_n be_v wear_v out_o can_v no_o long_o answer_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o never_o show_v any_o sorrow_n for_o it_o whereby_o youth_n may_v be_v deter_v from_o it_o all_o that_o old_a man_n can_v say_v to_o young_a man_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n only_o as_o 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many_o crime_n be_v not_o daily_o commit_v which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v commit_v open_o to_o live_v somewhat_o modest_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o roman_n one_o need_v to_o have_v be_v well_o breed_v up_o or_o to_o have_v learned_a philosophy_n nor_o do_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v several_a unjust_a thing_n which_o excess_n only_o can_v make_v infamous_a but_o among_o christian_n man_n learn_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o the_o law_n that_o condemn_v they_o and_o no_o body_n will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o least_o unjustice_n be_v allow_v they_o prince_n abuse_v not_o their_o authority_n as_o they_o do_v in_o paganism_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o subject_n enjoy_v more_o quiet_o and_o safe_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n especial_o in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v great_a than_o in_o other_o chap._n vi_o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o know_v answer_v not_o their_o objection_n well_o or_o maintain_v some_o false_a doctrine_n as_o true_a one_o and_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o lead_v man_n into_o incredulity_n who_o have_v wit_n and_o judgement_n enough_o be_v the_o weak_a answer_n which_o be_v often_o return_v to_o their_o objection_n and_o the_o absurd_a doctrine_n which_o be_v maintain_v against_o they_o as_o true_a one_o no_o christian_a society_n will_v contradict_v i_o because_o they_o accuse_v one_o another_o of_o very_a great_a error_n thus_o without_o name_v any_o in_o particular_a i_o leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o make_v such_o application_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n difficult_a to_o apprehend_v in_o
their_o life_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o example_n do_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o society_n it_o be_v therefore_o false_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v arbitrary_a law_n and_o no_o commandment_n give_v to_o man_n for_o their_o good_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o god_n will_v have_v mystery_n in_o religion_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a only_o to_o humble_v man._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v no_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v none_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o confuse_a one_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o exact_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o general_a and_o confuse_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o understand_v not_o at_o all_o see_v to_o believe_v that_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v perceive_v between_o the_o term_n it_o be_v make_v of_o as_o logician_n teach_v and_o none_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o a_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o perceive_v for_o example_n when_o i_o be_o tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o dead_a and_o to_o rise_v but_o also_o clear_o perceive_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o those_o two_o thing_n though_o i_o do_v know_v distinct_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o if_o i_o be_v tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o not_o rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n dead_a and_o to_o rise_v perceive_v no_o relation_n between_o a_o affirmation_n and_o a_o negation_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o contradictory_n proposition_n they_o can_v be_v a_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o it_o understand_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n which_o contain_v several_a such_o proposition_n when_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v propose_v to_o unbeliever_n as_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n they_o fail_v not_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o chief_a reason_n they_o allege_v to_o make_v that_o history_n suspect_v be_v the_o false_a miracle_n which_o be_v now_o give_v out_o as_o true_a one_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o their_o duty_n by_o this_o pious_a fraud_n those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o that_o art_n or_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v those_o pretend_a miracle_n can_v reply_v nothing_o to_o unbeliever_n without_o condemn_v themselves_o or_o betray_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o be_v far_o from_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o bold_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v mere_a imposture_n fancy_v the_o former_a be_v so_o too_o those_o who_o cast_v in_o their_o way_n that_o stumbling-block_n be_v bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o man_n of_o no_o judgement_n or_o less_o conscience_n but_o though_o unbeliever_n may_v triumph_v over_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o assert_v some_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v they_o can_v say_v against_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v ground_v be_v like_o those_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v every_o day_n first_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n affect_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n every_o minute_n and_o out_o of_o ostentation_n such_o as_o be_v those_o that_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o second_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v get_v no_o money_n by_o publish_v they_o abroad_o as_o it_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o to_o who_o those_o church_n belong_v wherein_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v that_o very_a thing_n viz._n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n bring_v wealth_n to_o the_o master_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v one_o right_o suspect_v whatever_o be_v say_v about_o it_o three_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v ground_v be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o who_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o those_o miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o have_v examine_v they_o shall_v have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v such_o a_o discovery_n have_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o man_n ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o inquisition_n where_o it_o be_v set_v up_o or_o of_o draw_v on_o themselves_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o mob_n which_o sometime_o be_v not_o less_o to_o be_v fead_v than_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o be_v wellgrounded_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a but_o when_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n beside_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o fact_n one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v it_o but_o no_o body_n dare_v do_v that_o now_o with_o respect_n to_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a thus_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o be_v say_v for_o those_o of_o our_o time_n none_o but_o those_o who_o want_v either_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n will_v compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v here_o that_o unbeliever_n pretend_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o what_o i_o have_v suppose_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n now_o they_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a now_o there_o be_v none_o neither_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o former_o because_o the_o only_a reason_n that_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o work_v miracle_n many_o century_n ago_o be_v the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o other_o way_n and_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n subsist_v still_o so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v god_n be_v not_o less_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n out_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v now_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ancient_a miracle_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v of_o use_n to_o cure_v our_o doubt_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v establish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a because_o the_o history_n of_o religion_n preserve_v the_o proof_n of_o those_o that_o be_v do_v at_o its_o first_o establishment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o history_n be_v doubt_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o new_a miracle_n be_v now_o require_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v good_a as_o we_o affirm_v and_o if_o they_o be_v doubt_v of_o only_o out_o of_o a_o ill_a principle_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n goodness_n if_o there_o remain_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o much_o worse_a than_o with_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n he_o wrought_v miracle_n former_o but_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o history_n to_o be_v true_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o miracle_n this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o man_n have_v not_o now_o the_o same_o reason_n
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
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religion_n appear_v with_o a_o theology_n altogether_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n with_o so_o perfect_a a_o system_fw-la of_o moral_n that_o it_o contain_v whatever_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n say_v that_o be_v good_a upon_o that_o matter_n and_o with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o certain_a that_o man_n be_v necessary_o move_v with_o they_o when_o they_o think_v of_o they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v nothing_o to_o man_n that_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o their_o need_n nor_o enlighten_v they_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a time_n it_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o god_n have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n as_o i_o have_v say_v not_o that_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o those_o be_v precise_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a 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contrive_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o considerable_a man_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o their_o authority_n rather_o than_o of_o their_o reason_n etc._n reason_n 1_o cor._n 1.27_o etc._n etc._n god_n have_v choose_v say_v one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v yea_o and_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o art_n and_o eloquence_n which_o unbeliever_n will_v require_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o
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whether_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n act_n or_o not_o on_o those_o occasion_n because_o what_o happen_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v not_o know_v whether_o they_o intervene_v it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o example_n a_o sick_a man_n who_o remedy_n can_v not_o natural_o cure_v be_v restore_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o relation_n because_o god_n or_o angel_n supply_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o natural_a virtue_n of_o remedy_n but_o this_o can_v be_v affirm_v without_o a_o revelation_n hereupon_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o work_v no_o more_o sensible_a miracle_n according_a to_o we_o perform_v every_o day_n some_o invisible_a one_o such_o as_o that_o which_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o work_v this_o kind_n of_o miracle_n not_o those_o which_o strike_v our_o sense_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o i_o say_v that_o 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because_o he_o promise_v it_o but_o why_o will_v it_o be_v say_v do_v god_n make_v such_o promise_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o work_v still_o some_o miracle_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n see_v he_o will_v no_o more_o do_v sensible_a one_o i_o have_v show_v already_o why_o he_o work_v no_o more_o miracle_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o other_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o have_v give_v some_o law_n to_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n but_o in_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o law_n and_o make_v such_o exception_n to_o they_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a see_v therefore_o providence_n exist_v not_o less_o now_o than_o it_o do_v former_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o wonder_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o 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as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o 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of_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o be_v add_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o its_o vindication_n with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o mr._n edwards_n reflection_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o on_o his_o book_n entitle_v socinianism_n vnmasque_v by_o samuel_n bold_a rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n 8o._o prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n in_o 10_o book_n by_o richard_n blackmore_n m._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o london_n several_a paper_n relate_v to_o money_n interest_n and_o trade_n etc._n etc._n write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o publish_v at_o different_a time_n by_o john_n lock_v esq_n 8o._o mr._n talent_n chronological_a 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understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o