that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o partly_o through_o supineness_n sloth_n and_o inadvertency_n we_o do_v often_o prevaricate_v in_o make_v deduction_n and_o inference_n from_o self-evident_a and_o universal_a maxim_n and_o thereupon_o establish_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v consequence_n as_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o philosopher_n not_o of_o philosophy_n or_o of_o philosophy_n in_o the_o concrete_a as_o exist_v in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n not_o in_o the_o abstract_n as_o involve_v such_o a_o mischief_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o idea_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o tincture_v with_o lust_n enthral_v by_o prejudices_fw-la darken_v by_o passion_n engage_v by_o vain_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n distort_v by_o pride_n and_o self-love_n and_o fasten_v to_o earthly_a image_n do_v often_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o other_o absurd_a axiom_n for_o undoubted_a and_o incontestable_a principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o adulterate_a reason_n which_o be_v both_o unfriendly_a and_o dangerous_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o this_o that_o most_o of_o the_o malignant_a heresy_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o church_n do_v owe_v its_o rise_n and_o whoever_o will_v trace_v the_o error_n which_o have_v invade_v divinity_n to_o their_o source_n may_v resolve_v they_o into_o false_a reason_n or_o absurd_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n which_o have_v be_v by_o their_o founder_n superscribe_v with_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o principle_n of_o reason_n indeed_o whatever_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o contradiction_n to_o right_a reason_n we_o may_v profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o abandon_v and_o disclaim_v but_o we_o be_v satisfy_v and_o do_v full_o believe_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n which_o only_o cross_v some_o false_a and_o lubricous_a principle_n that_o dogmatist_n have_v give_v that_o name_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o disagreement_n with_o reason_n the_o repugnancy_n of_o reason_n fasten_v upon_o some_o tenet_n be_v rather_o the_o result_n of_o ignorance_n prepossession_n and_o sometime_o lust_n than_o their_o contrariety_n to_o universal_a reason_n or_o any_o genuine_a maxim_n of_o it_o far_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o have_v always_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o a_o doctrine_n through_o the_o sublimity_n and_o extension_n of_o its_o object_n be_v no_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o any_o who_o have_v study_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a capacity_n the_o feebleness_n of_o intellectual_a light_n how_o soon_o it_o be_v dazzle_v with_o too_o bright_a a_o splendour_n the_o confinement_n and_o boundary_n our_o understanding_n be_v subject_a to_o together_o with_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o gospel_n truth_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v think_v the_o arduousness_n of_o frame_v distinct_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o they_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o be_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o standard_n by_o which_o some_o man_n regulate_v their_o belief_n as_o to_o the_o bible_n '_o tho_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o necessary_a yet_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v alike_o true_a and_o our_o concernment_n lie_v more_o or_o less_o in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o import_n and_o meaning_n of_o its_o term_n can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n decide_v but_o by_o their_o habitude_n to_o their_o measure_n for_o this_o end_n do_v the_o almighty_a give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o foundation_n and_o standard_n of_o religion_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v we_o be_v to_o learn_v its_o law_n and_o constitution_n the_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o present_a or_o future_a happiness_n be_v our_o maker_n design_n in_o vouchsafe_v to_o we_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o respect_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o his_o sapience_n and_o goodness_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v adapt_v and_o proportion_v the_o mean_n thereunto_o now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o beside_o their_o be_v make_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a testimony_n have_v also_o a_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v natural_a medium_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v of_o or_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o in_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o or_o know_v but_o we_o be_v sole_o indebt_v to_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o their_o object_n have_v their_o source_n and_o rise_v only_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v absolute_o expedient_a to_o promulge_v they_o and_o these_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n which_o though_o our_o understanding_n by_o natural_a medium_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v yet_o be_v onâ—e_o reveal_v our_o mind_n can_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o reason_n facilitate_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v itself_o in_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_v of_o forgiveness_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v other_o which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v so_o when_o reveal_v it_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v they_o nor_o produce_v any_o medium_fw-la in_o nature_n by_o which_o either_o the_o existence_n of_o their_o object_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o their_o truth_n illustrate_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o these_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o any_o adequate_a conception_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n unite_v with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n can_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n have_v the_o like_a connexion_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o dispense_n of_o pardon_n to_o repent_v offender_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o corruption_n be_v both_o full_o confess_v and_o easy_o demonstrate_v by_o reason_n thus_o though_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o a_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n yet_o these_o very_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o lie_v remoâ—est_v from_o the_o territory_n of_o reason_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v least_o affinity_n with_o its_o light_n be_v necessary_o and_o clear_o connect_v with_o those_o other_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o when_o once_o discover_v reason_v both_o approve_v of_o and_o can_v rational_o confirm_v itself_o in_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o the_o most_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v necessary_o connect_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o right_a reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o now_o if_o in_o explain_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a province_n of_o reason_n the_o most_o that_o a_o discreet_a philosopher_n will_v pretend_v to_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o possible_a way_n by_o which_o a_o phoenomenon_n may_v be_v account_v for_o without_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v only_o perform_v in_o this_o way_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v explain_v much_o more_o do_v it_o become_v we_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o revelation_n to_o abstain_v from_o define_v the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v and_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o for_o in_o such_o doctrine_n these_o thing_n appertain_v to_o reason_n 1._o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o
require_v to_o comprehend_v they_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o though_o we_o can_v frame_v adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o understand_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o faith_n to_o think_v to_o fathom_v the_o perfection_n council_n and_o work_v of_o god_n see_v reason_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a and_o itself_o finite_a 2._o if_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o reason_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o can_v lie_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o transcendency_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o god_n than_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v incomprehensible_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o that_o his_o design_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v be_v hold_v past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v as_o well_o irrational_a as_o unjust_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v penetrate_v those_o depth_n and_o abysm_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o look_v into_o as_o veil_v and_o hide_a from_o sight_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n yet_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o be_v contradictory_n thereunto_o to_o admit_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o dogm_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v at_o once_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o revelation_n as_o a_o romance_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o distract_a man_n and_o withal_o to_o open_v a_o door_n for_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o figment_n and_o lie_n under_o the_o palliation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n we_o can_v gratify_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n more_o than_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n in_o a_o word_n this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o receive_v will_v make_v we_o renounce_v man_n and_o espouse_v brute_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a concernment_n for_o without_o debase_v ourselves_o into_o a_o low_a species_n we_o can_v embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a and_o when_o man_n have_v fill_v religion_n with_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a light_n they_o be_v force_v to_o introduce_v a_o suitable_a faith_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o that_o commend_v itself_o from_o believe_v doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o evidence_n and_o principle_n of_o both_o thus_o the_o first_o heretic_n that_o trouble_v the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o teach_v mystery_n overthrow_v common_a sense_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o universal_a uniform_a and_o perpetual_a light_n of_o mankind_n some_o of_o they_o have_v teach_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v natural_o evil_a other_o of_o they_o have_v establish_v two_o several_a god_n one_o good_a another_o bad_a other_o have_v affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o falsity_n more_o all_o these_o they_o defend_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n about_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o do_v other_o to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtrude_v their_o fancy_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o unable_a to_o prove_v or_o defend_v what_o they_o say_v pretend_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o theorem_n nor_o can_v i_o assign_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o philosophy_n than_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o themselves_o confess_v by_o devote_v almansor_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n because_o he_o have_v weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o musselman_n in_o the_o alcoran_n through_o introduce_v learning_n and_o philosophy_n among_o they_o in_o brief_a though_o we_o make_v not_o natural_a light_n the_o positive_a measure_n of_o thing_n divine_a yet_o we_o may_v safe_o allow_v it_o a_o negative_a voice_n we_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o chair_n in_o council_n but_o only_o permit_v it_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n to_o hinder_v the_o entry_n of_o contradiction_n and_o irrational_a fancy_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n understand_v all_o that_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n vote_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o mistake_v philosophy_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o this_o or_o that_o man_n admit_v for_o theorem_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o very_o small_a importance_n man_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o sense_n affection_n interest_n and_o imagination_n do_v many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v so_o that_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o original_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o neglect_v there_o have_v be_v those_o and_o yet_o be_v who_o will_v hardly_o allow_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n a_o proper_a sense_n but_o do_v every_o where_o obtrude_v a_o allegoric_a meaning_n as_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o expositor_n do_v in_o effect_n little_o less_o than_o undermine_v the_o whole_a scripture_n betray_v religion_n and_o turn_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n into_o burlesque_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o any_o notion_n so_o romantic_a which_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o luxuriant_a fancy_n may_v not_o at_o this_o rate_n be_v wrest_v and_o debauch_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o yea_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o wit_n will_v serve_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n to_o quite_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o those_o who_o by_o turn_v the_o whole_a scripture_n into_o allusion_n have_v wrest_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o justify_v their_o own_o wild_a phantasm_n and_o frame_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o own_o private_a notion_n and_o thereby_o evacuate_v the_o sublimest_n doctrine_n and_o most_o glorious_a action_n into_o empty_a metaphor_n and_o vain_a similitude_n thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v allegorise_v into_o themselves_o and_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v construe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o aesop_n or_o phylostratus_n fable_n into_o useful_a moral_n as_o if_o these_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o we_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n but_o leave_v these_o and_o suppose_v only_o for_o the_o present_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o almighty_n will_n to_o mankind_n which_o every_o moral_a man_n will_v find_v his_o interest_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o afford_v we_o towards_o the_o secure_n both_o a_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a felicity_n by_o those_o excellent_a precept_n it_o contain_v above_o what_o be_v discoverable_a in_o natural_a religion_n suppose_v this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o admirable_a system_n essential_a to_o a_o save_v faith_n or_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o our_o future_a welfare_n but_o what_o be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o legible_a to_o every_o reasonable_a creature_n reason_n most_o certain_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o intricate_a or_o perplex_v theory_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o lord_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n again_o say_v another_o of_o they_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v
trinity_n or_o the_o resurrection_n for_o this_o be_v to_o confine_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o man_n of_o letter_n and_o to_o tie_v salvation_n to_o the_o school_n it_o be_v something_o pleasant_a as_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n have_v remark_v to_o observe_v now_o adays_o that_o the_o great_a step_n which_o make_v a_o approve_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o a_o philosopher_n be_v to_o talk_v unintelligible_o and_o to_o solve_v we_o one_o difficulty_n by_o make_v twenty_o more_o these_o say_v he_o be_v the_o man_n in_o vogue_n whilst_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o give_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o say_v be_v put_v by_o for_o a_o coxcomb_n he_o want_v profundity_n but_o to_o proceed_v shall_v we_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n we_o shall_v whole_o overthrow_v our_o belief_n and_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o our_o god_n than_o we_o will_v to_o a_o worm_n like_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel_n truth_n where_o will_v our_o submission_n and_o humility_n be_v which_o be_v the_o qualification_n that_o do_v most_o of_o all_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n especial_o because_o they_o prepare_v the_o mind_n for_o faith_n and_o give_v check_n to_o all_o bold_a and_o curious_a inquiry_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o can_v by_o rational_a proof_n demonstrate_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v his_o word_n who_o veracity_n be_v proportionate_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o both_o of_o they_o infinite_a nor_o be_v it_o needful_a that_o its_o doctrine_n shall_v further_o adjust_a themselves_o to_o our_o understanding_n religion_n our_o reason_n be_v often_o non-plused_a about_o its_o own_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o object_n to_o which_o it_o never_o be_v adapt_v for_o it_o be_v below_o many_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o below_o mystery_n of_o revelation_n here_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v but_o must_v never_o hope_v full_o to_o understand_v our_o work_n here_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o inquire_v if_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o a_o revelation_n until_o they_o see_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o proposition_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o obey_v at_o all_o because_o they_o submit_v not_o till_o they_o can_v choose_v faith_n bear_v not_o upon_o demonstration_n but_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o therefore_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o do_v comprehend_v be_v not_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o argue_v and_o be_v science_n not_o faith_n you_o that_o will_v believe_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o you_o please_v and_o what_o you_o think_v fit_a you_o believe_v not_o but_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n say_v austin_n to_o the_o manichee_n for_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o not_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n at_o least_o to_o challenge_v to_o ourselves_o a_o omniscience_n proportionable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o omnipotence_n furthermore_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a but_o no_o man_n reason_n universal_o be_v so_o for_o what_o one_o man_n reason_n assent_v to_o another_o reject_v every_o man_n pretend_v to_o right_a reason_n but_o who_o have_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o reject_v a_o plain_a revelation_n in_o one_o particular_a because_o he_o can_v comprehend_v it_o why_o may_v not_o a_o second_o do_v the_o same_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o revelation_n in_o another_o particular_a for_o as_o the_o socinian_o by_o make_v their_o reason_n the_o sole_a judge_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o admit_v many_o of_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o some_o philosopher_n will_v make_v their_o reason_n judge_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o their_o reason_n at_o sometime_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o now_o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n be_v just_o prefer_v to_o all_o other_o evidence_n and_o we_o be_v command_v to_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o our_o reason_n for_o the_o positive_a measure_n of_o religion_n the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v every_o where_o remit_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n herein_o be_v the_o socinian_o just_o impeachable_a for_o though_o sometime_o they_o acknowledge_v religion_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o speak_v in_o a_o very_a differ_a manner_n even_o in_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o god_n be_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a unhappiness_n we_o labour_v under_o through_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o religious_a opinion_n and_o indeed_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v expect_v till_o man_n grow_v less_o speculative_a and_o more_o practical_a the_o real_a and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o piety_n the_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o our_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o the_o holding_z fast_z no_o more_o than_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n without_o let_v of_o they_o slip_v these_o i_o say_v will_v quick_o bring_v we_o together_o and_o the_o name_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n will_v be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o it_o be_v true_a i_o doubt_v not_o of_o good_a man_n to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o christian_a communion_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o it_o any_o scandal_n to_o the_o profession_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o profane_a irreligious_a person_n shroud_v themselves_o under_o it_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o i_o be_o persuade_v my_o charity_n be_v well_o place_v in_o this_o respect_n i_o must_v be_v free_a to_o declare_v to_o you_o my_o opinion_n that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_v there_o be_v more_o of_o interest_n singularity_n of_o humour_n influence_n of_o education_n misunderstand_a and_o mistake_v about_o essential_o as_o well_o as_o circumstance_n pure_o indifferent_a than_o either_o a_o just_a or_o indeed_o reasonable_a ground_n for_o any_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a establish_v c_o of_o e_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v think_v no_o blemish_n to_o that_o constitution_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v good_a and_o pious_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v so_o but_o have_v as_o great_a help_n to_o their_o be_v so_o as_o in_o any_o state_n of_o separation_n i_o be_o sufficient_o satisfy_v and_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o few_o separatist_n how_o much_o soever_o bigoted_a to_o nonconformity_n who_o have_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v a_o better_a like_n to_o this_o ch_z then_o to_o any_o dissent_v from_o it_o except_o their_o own_o but_o whether_o or_o no_o this_o or_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a form_n of_o government_n come_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n i_o be_o not_o enough_o know_v positive_o to_o determine_v yet_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o national_a church_n which_o must_v be_v so_o contrive_v and_o calculate_v as_o to_o obviate_v a_o multitude_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o can_v happen_v to_o any_o private_a or_o single_a congregation_n a_o ch_z which_o must_v be_v frame_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o her_o worship_n adapt_v to_o their_o different_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o better_a or_o more_o serviceable_a contrivance_n to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o a_o religious_a institution_n i_o speak_v in_o respect_n of_o her_o general_a ecclesiastic_a polity_n for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a flaw_n therein_o which_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v be_v better_a inspect_v though_o the_o pastoral_n care_n be_v upon_o some_o account_n very_o deficient_a and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o enormity_n both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n commit_v by_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v in_o some_o office_n under_o she_o and_o who_o ought_v for_o the_o same_o to_o be_v suspend_v or_o utter_o exclude_v yet_o
or_o the_o epicurean_a casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n can_v bring_v mere_a matter_n into_o so_o orderly_a and_o well_o contrive_v a_o fabric_n as_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v that_o the_o wise_a author_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o only_o put_v matter_n into_o motion_n but_o when_o he_o resolve_v to_o make_v the_o world_n do_v so_o regulate_v and_o guide_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o universal_a matter_n as_o to_o reduce_v the_o great_a system_n of_o they_o into_o the_o order_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o do_v more_o particular_o contrive_v some_o of_o the_o portion_n of_o that_o matter_n into_o seminal_a rudiment_n or_o principle_n lodge_v in_o convenient_a râ—ceptacles_n and_o as_o it_o be_v womb_n and_o other_o into_o the_o body_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n one_o main_a part_n of_o who_o contrivance_n do_v as_o i_o apprehend_v consist_v in_o this_o that_o some_o of_o their_o organ_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o suppose_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o geat_a body_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o law_n he_o have_v establish_v some_o juicy_a and_o spirituous_a part_n of_o these_o live_a creature_n must_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v turn_v into_o prolific_a seed_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v a_o power_n by_o generate_a their_o like_a to_o propagate_v their_o species_n so_o that_o according_a to_o my_o apprehension_n it_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n necessary_a that_o a_o intelligent_a and_o wise_a agent_n shall_v contrive_v the_o universal_a matter_n into_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o some_o portion_n of_o it_o into_o seminal_a organ_n and_o principle_n and_o settle_v the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o the_o motion_n and_o action_n of_o its_o part_n upon_o one_o another_o shall_v be_v regulate_v without_o which_o interposition_n of_o the_o world_n architect_n however_o move_v matter_n with_o some_o probability_n for_o i_o see_v not_o in_o the_o notion_n any_o certainty_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v able_a after_o numberless_a occursion_n of_o its_o insensible_a part_n to_o cast_v itself_o into_o such_o grand_a convention_n and_o convolution_n as_o the_o cartesian_o call_v vortices_fw-la and_o as_o i_o remember_v epicurus_n speak_v of_o under_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o i_o think_v it_o utter_o improbable_a that_o brute_n and_o unguided_a matter_n although_o move_v shall_v ever_o convene_v into_o such_o admirable_a structure_n as_o the_o body_n of_o perfect_a animal_n but_o the_o world_n be_v once_o frame_v and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n establish_v the_o naturalist_n except_v those_o case_n where_o god_n and_o incorporeal_a agent_n interpose_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o first_o cause_n but_o for_o its_o general_n and_o ordinary_a support_n and_o influence_n whereby_o it_o preserve_v matter_n and_o motion_n from_o annihilation_n or_o desition_n and_o in_o explicate_v particular_a phaenomena_n consider_v only_o the_o size_n shape_n motion_n or_o want_v of_o it_o texture_n and_o the_o result_a quality_n and_o attribute_n of_o the_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n and_o thus_o in_o this_o great_a automaton_n the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o watch_n or_o clock_n the_o material_n it_o consist_v of_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o can_v never_o at_o the_o first_o convene_v into_o so_o curious_a a_o engine_n yet_o when_o the_o skilful_a artist_n have_v once_o make_v and_o set_v it_o a_o go_v the_o phaenomena_n it_o exhibit_n be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o the_o number_n bigness_n proportion_n shape_n motion_n or_o endeavour_n rest_v coaptation_n and_o other_o mechanical_a affection_n of_o the_o spring_n wheel_n pillar_n and_o other_o part_v it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o and_o those_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o engine_n that_o can_v this_o way_n be_v explicate_v must_v for_o aught_o i_o yet_o know_v he_o confess_v not_o to_o be_v sufficient_o understand_v you_o may_v hereby_o inform_v yourself_o of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o this_o great_a philosopher_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o unavoidable_a necessity_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o of_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o some_o powerful_a intelligent_a be_v for_o the_o dispose_n the_o mundane_a body_n into_o that_o wonderful_a and_o mighty_a fabric_n we_o call_v the_o world_n so_o that_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o whatever_o opinion_n you_o may_v as_o yet_o harbour_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o your_o own_o mind_n and_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o difficulty_n and_o seem_a absurdity_n may_v be_v which_o tend_v to_o impeach_v the_o divine_a providence_n and_o rob_v the_o deity_n of_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o far_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v get_v at_o least_o that_o whether_o or_o no_o we_o be_v willing_a we_o must_v acknowledge_v his_o divine_a fiat_n in_o the_o business_n of_o creation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v ever_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o rabbi_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o atheism_n till_o he_o become_v not_o only_o acquaint_v with_o real_a essence_n the_o mechanical_a affection_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n but_o can_v intelligible_o resolve_v we_o how_o second_o cause_n act_v in_o their_o several_a production_n and_o which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o all_o can_v prove_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o intelligence_n power_n or_o wisdom_n to_o preside_v in_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n to_o look_v about_o you_o and_o if_o you_o look_v as_o become_v a_o creature_n endow_v with_o reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v present_v itself_o which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discover_v its_o almighty_a author_n or_o in_o helmont_n phrase_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o protoplast_n religion_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n say_v another_o of_o great_a learning_n be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v plain_o evidence_v as_o well_o by_o what_o be_v without_o we_o as_o what_o be_v within_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o god_n have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n to_o convince_v infidel_n and_o misbeliever_n yet_o he_o never_o wrought_v any_o to_o convince_v a_o atheist_n nor_o do_v the_o penman_n of_o sacred_a write_v attempt_n to_o prove_v it_o but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o be_v evident_o manifest_a both_o by_o sensible_a and_o rational_a demonstration_n as_o for_o innate_a idea_n of_o god_n continue_v he_o i_o see_v no_o occasion_n to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o i_o know_v of_o none_o that_o be_v formal_o innate_a what_o we_o common_o call_v so_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v no_o otherways_o inbred_a than_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n that_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o rational_a power_n she_o be_v infallible_o lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o thus_o by_o look_v inward_o upon_o ourselves_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o faculty_n resident_a in_o we_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o not_o self-existent_a nor_o indebt_v to_o itself_o for_o those_o it_o have_v otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v clothe_v itself_o with_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n it_o can_v imagine_v and_o by_o consequence_n find_v its_o own_o exility_n and_o imperfection_n it_o natural_o and_o with_o case_n arrive_v at_o a_o persuasion_n of_o derive_v its_o original_a from_o some_o first_o supreme_a and_o free_a agent_n who_o have_v make_v it_o what_o it_o be_v and_o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n 2._o we_o perceive_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o faculty_n as_o apprehend_v judge_v reason_v but_o what_o it_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o perform_v these_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v give_v we_o this_o faculty_n and_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o know_v which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o 3._o our_o nature_n be_v such_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v some_o thing_n good_a and_o other_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o unalterable_a congruity_n betwixt_o some_o act_n and_o our_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o a_o unchangeable_a incongruity_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o now_o this_o plain_o sway_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n for_o all_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n relate_v to_o a_o law_n under_o the_o sanction_n of_o which_o we_o be_v and_o all_o law_n suppose_v a_o superior_a who_o have_v right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o universal_a independent_a supreme_a but_o god_n 4._o we_o find_v ourselves_o possess_v of_o a_o faculty_n necessary_o reflect_v on_o its_o own_o act_n and_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o itself_o in_o all_o it_o do_v which_o be_v a_o far_a conviction_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n
substance_n that_o the_o ray_n which_o cause_n the_o visible_a species_n be_v either_o certain_a particle_n or_o effluvia_n dart_v from_o a_o lucid_a body_n repercuss_v in_o their_o go_v forth_o and_o reflect_v various_o here_o and_o there_o according_a to_o gassendus_fw-la or_o that_o these_o particle_n beam_a forth_o from_o the_o same_o lucid_a body_n move_v other_o particle_n of_o a_o nitro-sulphureous_a quality_n implant_v in_o the_o air_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o enkindle_n they_o render_v they_o luminous_a and_o these_o at_o length_n other_o and_o that_o so_o a_o diffusion_n on_o every_o side_n of_o light_n or_o image_n be_v propagate_v by_o a_o certain_a undulation_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a opinion_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v dr._n willis_n far_o admit_v in_o the_o case_n of_o hear_v that_o the_o audible_a species_n or_o sonorisick_n particle_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o saline_n little_a body_n after_o the_o manner_n describe_v or_o some_o other_o way_n stir_v up_o into_o act_n for_o the_o production_n of_o sound_n in_o a_o word_n admit_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o touch_n the_o smell_n and_o taste_n and_o all_o other_o phaenomena_n relate_v to_o the_o humane_a body_n may_v after_o some_o such_o manmer_n be_v explore_v by_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o substance_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o speculation_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v indeed_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o be_v which_o exert_v such_o admirable_a power_n and_o judge_n so_o exquisite_o of_o each_o of_o these_o sensation_n must_v itself_o be_v independent_a both_o of_o matter_n and_o mechanism_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n without_o a_o wilful_a blindness_n or_o debauch_n of_o his_o understanding_n when_o he_o have_v make_v this_o enquiry_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o wonderful_a and_o divine_a contrivance_n of_o structure_n in_o the_o several_a organ_n destinate_a for_o so_o many_o function_n how_o be_v it_o i_o say_v that_o this_o shall_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o atheism_n unless_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v resolve_v that_o way_n or_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o strange_o degenerate_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o imagine_v where_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o conspicuous_a than_o the_o workmanship_n of_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o intelligent_a be_v that_o the_o same_o at_o first_o proceed_v either_o from_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o or_o one_o no_o better_a viz._n chance_n or_o fortune_n so_o that_o to_o deal_v free_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o believe_v with_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n that_o whoever_o do_v profess_v philosophy_n and_o think_v not_o right_o of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_v not_o only_o to_o have_v shake_v hand_n with_o religion_n but_o with_o his_o reason_n also_o and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o once_o put_v off_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v here_o that_o no_o man_n can_v indeed_o scarce_o reason_n at_o all_o or_o to_o be_v sure_a can_v reason_v right_o and_o be_v irreligious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o religious_a be_v to_o be_v true_o reasonable_a so_o that_o to_o put_v the_o cause_n upon_o this_o issue_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o right_a reason_n teach_v we_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a let_v we_o consider_v whether_o it_o point_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o direct_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o future_a happiness_n or_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n for_o if_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o imprint_n upon_o our_o mind_n any_o notion_n of_o irreligion_n or_o that_o in_o any_o manner_n incline_v we_o to_o vice_n we_o ought_v undoubted_o to_o reject_v it_o without_o the_o least_o hesitation_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o appear_v that_o true_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n both_o of_o true_a piety_n and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o any_o pretence_n either_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o not_o build_v on_o rational_a principle_n may_v in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n thâ—n_o certain_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v this_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o our_o enquiry_n after_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o when_o by_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o that_o the_o penman_n thereof_o be_v supernatural_o inspire_v which_o as_o be_v intimate_v before_o we_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o believe_v we_o must_v then_o let_v our_o faith_n take_v place_n and_o not_o only_o assent_v unto_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o even_o of_o those_o also_o which_o though_o not_o contrary_a to_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o surmount_v our_o apprehension_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o perception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o that_o general_a light_n or_o capacity_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v impart_v to_o all_o mankind_n all_o the_o certainty_n say_v the_o pious_a father_n malebranch_n which_o we_o can_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n depend_v upon_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v one_o inestimable_a advantage_n derive_v to_o we_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o powerful_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n only_o we_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v if_o you_o expect_v any_o definition_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n i_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o very_a ingenious_a reason_n man_n that_o by_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o steady_a uniform_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n that_o divine_a touchstone_n or_o test_n by_o which_o all_o man_n be_v enable_v so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o congruity_n and_o incongruity_n of_o proposition_n and_o thereupon_o to_o pronounce_v they_o true_a or_o false_a there_o be_v indeed_o different_a degree_n of_o clearness_n in_o the_o intellectual_a perception_n of_o different_a man_n occasion_v by_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o attention_n in_o themselves_o and_o the_o different_a representation_n of_o thing_n from_o without_o but_o the_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v discern_v be_v universal_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o uniformity_n of_o this_o light_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o intellectual_a communication_n between_o man_n and_o man_n for_o if_o different_a man_n see_v always_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o different_a light_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o man_n by_o any_o representation_n whatsoever_o to_o raise_v the_o same_o conception_n in_o another_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o whatever_o extraordinary_a illumination_n some_o man_n may_v enjoy_v it_o can_v only_o be_v of_o authority_n and_o useful_a to_o themselves_o or_o at_o most_o it_o can_v be_v only_o so_o far_o useful_a and_o of_o authority_n to_o other_o as_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v extraordinary_a proof_n of_o it_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o as_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o in_o method_n conformable_a to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a light_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o religion_n i_o understand_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o those_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o and_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v some_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o cause_n be_v i_o call_v it_o god_n and_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o this_o powerful_a â—â—cing_n arise_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o innumerable_a perfection_n that_o
a_o profound_a judgement_n and_o substantial_a knowledge_n must_v undoubted_o lead_v we_o to_o very_o great_a devotion_n and_o the_o more_o exquisite_o curious_a the_o anatomist_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n will_v he_o have_v if_o he_o abuse_v not_o his_o understanding_n to_o adore_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o great_a creator_n and_o consequent_o to_o worship_n to_o love_v and_o to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o believe_v reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v never_o so_o question_v or_o refute_v as_o to_o deserve_v the_o answer_n of_o any_o sober_o learned_a man_n you_o must_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n particular_a providence_n although_o you_o can_v reconcile_v every_o particular_a phaenomenon_n either_o to_o your_o own_o reason_n or_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o system_n of_o divine_a philosophy_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o almighty_a aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o rational_a man_n before_o the_o seem_a clearness_n of_o any_o mere_a humane_a hypothesis_n alas_o how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o know_v and_o grant_v the_o supreme_a be_v to_o have_v make_v our_o world_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o clock_n be_v this_o a_o argument_n that_o its_o first_o fabrication_n or_o the_o motion_n bestow_v upon_o its_o several_a part_n can_v result_v from_o any_o thing_n short_a of_o a_o almighty_a and_o divine_a power_n but_o our_o philosophy_n be_v unable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o all_o the_o wheel_n the_o pius_n and_o several_a motion_n of_o this_o stupendous_a frame_n it_o be_v true_a we_o set_v it_o move_v according_a to_o mechanic_n law_n but_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thousand_o motion_n in_o it_o of_o which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a let_v we_o bless_v our_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o let_v we_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o behoove_v we_o rely_v upon_o his_o special_a providence_n whoever_o do_v so_o will_v in_o the_o event_n find_v comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o a_o good_a man_n can_v have_v any_o real_a happiness_n or_o consolation_n without_o it_o as_o for_o mr._n b_o s_o divinity_n i_o must_v own_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o both_o rational_a and_o solid_a but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o spiritualise_v the_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o not_o only_o set_v himself_o up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v but_o expose_v a_o want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o scripture_n interpretation_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o sect_n and_o the_o dangerous_a tendency_n of_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n be_v argument_n enough_o to_o â—â—e_v of_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o themselves_o and_o true_a religion_n and_o sure_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o cautious_a how_o we_o side_n with_o such_o whimsical_a upstart_n opinion_n till_o we_o can_v reconcile_v the_o possibility_n for_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o suffer_v christendom_n to_o lie_v in_o ignorance_n for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o the_o church_n immediate_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v mistake_v of_o that_o vile_a consequence_n even_o when_o their_o founder_n be_v present_a to_o set_v they_o to_o right_n if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v they_o do_v if_o q_n sm_n be_v true_a a_o wellgrounded_n knowledge_n in_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n which_o may_v be_v true_o fetch_v out_o of_o ecclesiastic_a history_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n will_v give_v you_o this_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o water-baptism_n and_o the_o eucharist_n have_v be_v practise_v even_o to_o this_o day_n by_o all_o good_a christian_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a element_n in_o their_o administration_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o have_v be_v both_o great_a abuse_n misapprehension_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o reception_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d more_o egregious_o absurd_a than_o some_o of_o those_o derive_v from_o the_o chair_n of_o suppose_a infallibility_n but_o this_o will_n by_o no_o mean_n extenuate_v our_o crime_n of_o neglect_v their_o use_n or_o make_v light_n of_o put_v they_o at_o all_o in_o practice_n i_o desire_v you_o at_o your_o leisure_n to_o consider_v well_o mr._n b_o s_o comment_n upon_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o which_o he_o lay_v a_o very_a great_a stress_n and_o if_o you_o compare_v it_o with_o some_o of_o those_o place_n in_o holy_a writ_n which_o clear_o justify_v this_o manner_n of_o baptismal_a initiation_n into_o christ_n church_n you_o will_v find_v it_o so_o gross_a a_o metaphor_n that_o neither_o grammar_n rhetoric_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n neither_o which_o i_o prefer_v to_o they_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o understand_a man_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o countenance_n we_o may_v set_v into_o what_o absurdity_n even_o learned_a man_n be_v betray_v when_o they_o too_o much_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n when_o they_o set_v up_o for_o new_a discovery_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o phantâ—sies_n for_o divine_a revelation_n if_o you_o please_v to_o send_v i_o what_o you_o think_v the_o sufficient_a proof_n which_o this_o learned_a man_n have_v excogitated_a for_o the_o support_n of_o his_o new_a religion_n i_o will_v if_o god_n enable_v i_o give_v you_o my_o impartial_a thought_n for_o i_o must_v serious_o profess_v to_o you_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o his_o work_n which_o ought_v to_o sway_v any_o true_a christian_a to_o leave_v any_o protestant_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o q_n sm_n i_o have_v former_o be_v in_o mr._n b_o s_o company_n but_o can_v never_o discover_v any_o thing_n like_o fair_a argumentation_n i_o must_v own_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o considerable_a part_n yet_o his_o scripture_n quotation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n manifest_o wrest_v and_o his_o general_a discourse_n a_o pure_a invective_n or_o downright_a raillery_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_v very_o much_o surprise_v have_v frame_v to_o myself_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o man_n before_o i_o leave_v he_o with_o this_o undoubted_a satisfaction_n in_o myself_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o self-conceit_n of_o pride_n and_o bitterness_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o reâ—â—te_a from_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o discourse_n concern_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o spasm_n or_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o nervous_a system_n but_o as_o to_o what_o you_o say_v about_o daemoniac_n fascination_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n i_o must_v refer_v my_o opinion_n to_o a_o time_n of_o great_a leisure_n or_o till_o you_o please_v to_o visit_v i_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o pray_v god_n more_o and_o more_o to_o enlighten_v your_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o your_o real_a friend_n a._n h._n some_o little_a time_n after_o this_o i_o receive_v a_o second_o letter_n from_o that_o sincere_o religious_a and_o most_o excellent_a divine_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o one_o that_o i_o have_v send_v he_o which_o as_o i_o find_v it_o among_o my_o paper_n begin_v thus_o sir_n letter_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o that_o it_o have_v please_v our_o good_a god_n to_o confirm_v in_o you_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o existence_n and_o your_o own_o creation_n after_o the_o divine_a image_n as_o may_v secure_v to_o you_o a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o you_o and_o put_v you_o both_o upon_o a_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o divine_a grace_n together_o with_o a_o steady_a and_o devout_a submission_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o especial_a providence_n i_o do_v look_v upon_o your_o last_o letter_n to_o be_v the_o picture_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o bate_v the_o ceremony_n i_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n than_o this_o that_o how_o lamentable_o true_a soever_o your_o remark_n may_v be_v upon_o the_o present_a age_n for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o i_o be_o free_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o my_o thought_n that_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a number_n of_o good_a people_n among_o we_o than_o you_o imagine_v i_o may_v say_v bless_a be_v our_o god_n for_o it_o i_o have_v the_o personal_a knowledge_n of_o many_o who_o i_o can_v call_v true_o pious_a and_o sincere_a christian_n some_o of_o they_o such_o who_o as_o they_o by_o no_o mean_n value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o humane_a acquirement_n be_v yet_o able_a to_o silence_v the_o calumny_n of_o the_o profane_a
characterise_v the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v whether_o the_o master_n of_o its_o composition_n retain_v the_o same_o sentiment_n at_o his_o death_n concern_v the_o reason_v principle_n within_o he_o i_o have_v not_o inform_v myself_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o thought_n more_o ready_o indulge_v that_o the_o loose_a scheme_n of_o religion_n may_v serve_v turn_n and_o that_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n may_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o restraint_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o post_n mortem_fw-la aliquid_fw-la how_o the_o learned_a s_o m_z come_v in_o among_o this_o gang_n be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o letter_n of_o mr._n b_o it_o be_v in_o which_o be_v enclose_v a_o epitome_n of_o deism_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o excellent_a physician_n be_v taint_v with_o these_o principle_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v never_o understand_v but_o that_o he_o die_v far_o from_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o firm_o persuade_v of_o a_o future_a retribution_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v now_o live_v although_o they_o seem_v to_o pride_n themselves_o in_o have_v be_v the_o parent_n of_o those_o monstrous_a birth_n which_o they_o have_v bold_o set_v their_o name_n to_o and_o deliver_v to_o the_o giddy_a world_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n it_o may_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o happy_a a_o reformation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o will_v shine_v still_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n the_o more_o powerful_o they_o be_v assault_v and_o flourish_v under_o the_o scandal_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o malicious_a adversary_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o see_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o man_n and_o when_o i_o have_v procure_v they_o i_o look_v they_o over_o without_o any_o such_o anticipate_v prejudice_n as_o can_v sway_v i_o to_o a_o partiality_n pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la i_o rather_o premise_v this_o as_o believe_v it_o no_o easy_a matter_n for_o any_o man_n who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n or_o veneration_n either_o for_o god_n or_o true_a religion_n to_o peruse_v such_o treatise_n without_o so_o great_a a_o abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o author_n as_o will_v hinder_v he_o from_o give_v either_o a_o due_a attention_n to_o what_o they_o write_v or_o to_o consider_v thorough_o the_o proper_a weight_n of_o their_o expression_n now_o upon_o a_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a consideration_n of_o what_o i_o find_v they_o have_v deliver_v i_o have_v venture_v to_o pass_v this_o censure_n that_o the_o author_n have_v plain_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n very_o far_o short_a of_o sound_n or_o right_o reason_v of_o very_o little_a piety_n and_o man_n of_o no_o certain_a or_o steady_a principle_n and_o this_o sentence_n i_o have_v adventure_v to_o pass_v upon_o they_o on_o these_o account_n that_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n i_o find_v they_o high_o plead_v for_o a_o natural_a religion_n ridicul_v revelation_n and_o muster_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o themselves_o and_o their_o friend_n the_o libertine_n can_v furnish_v out_o in_o another_o they_o change_v their_o aspect_n and_o submissive_o condescend_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v some_o little_a authority_n they_o speak_v modest_o of_o the_o two_o testament_n call_v they_o sacred_a record_n and_o ingenious_o confess_v that_o since_o humane_a reason_n be_v like_o a_o pitcher_n with_o two_o ear_n which_o may_v be_v take_v on_o either_o side_n in_o our_o travel_n to_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v choose_v the_o common_a road_n as_o the_o safe_a for_o though_o deism_n may_v serve_v to_o manure_v our_o conscience_n yet_o certain_o if_o sow_v with_o christianity_n it_o will_v produce_v the_o most_o plentiful_a crop_n there_o be_v nothing_o say_v the_o same_o person_n in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o have_v be_v just_a before_o use_v argument_n to_o the_o discredit_n of_o our_o immortality_n more_o unaccountable_a and_o contradictory_n than_o to_o suppose_v a_o hum_n drum_n deity_n chew_v his_o own_o nature_n a_o dron_a god_n sit_v hug_v of_o himself_o and_o hoard_v up_o his_o providence_n from_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o atheism_n no_o less_o irrational_a than_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v it_o be_v the_o same_o also_o to_o believe_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v mortal_a as_o to_o believe_v a_o immortality_n without_o reward_n and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o common_a with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o dogmatise_v even_o in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n of_o religion_n strenuous_o affirm_v for_o truth_n what_o their_o reason_n dictate_v and_o present_o after_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o what_o they_o have_v say_v be_v only_o such_o twilight_n conjecture_n as_o humane_a reason_n of_o which_o we_o yet_o so_o vain_o boast_v can_v furnish_v they_o withal_o it_o be_v now_o a_o aliquid_fw-la divinum_fw-la which_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o our_o capacity_n be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o same_o make_v we_o fasten_v either_o upon_o the_o elementary_a quality_n of_o hypocrates_n or_o galen_n or_o the_o cartesian_a rule_n of_o geometrical_a proportion_n the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o since_o we_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o understand_v the_o real_a essence_n or_o intime_fw-la nature_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o all_o our_o philosophy_n except_v scepticism_n be_v little_o more_o than_o dotage_n these_o be_v their_o own_o word_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v we_o a_o very_a justifiable_a occasion_n to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n very_o improper_a standard_n for_o our_o reason_n or_o religion_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o and_o as_o unfit_a oracle_n for_o we_o to_o consult_v as_o for_o their_o divinity_n if_o a_o parcel_n of_o fine_a word_n will_v satisfy_v we_o may_v think_v very_o devout_o of_o they_o but_o indeed_o i_o can_v for_o my_o own_o part_n persuade_v myself_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o tendency_n of_o their_o common_a discourse_n and_o their_o converse_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o their_o religion_n may_v be_v fair_o resolve_v into_o 〈◊〉_d deâ—sâ—â—_n or_o the_o single_a belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o that_o our_o immortality_n be_v tack_v to_o it_o that_o the_o bait_n may_v be_v swallow_v with_o the_o less_o suspicion_n and_o the_o extravagant_a absurdity_n of_o their_o novel_a opinion_n less_o strict_o examine_v or_o inquire_v into_o for_o when_o we_o find_v man_n devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o irreligion_n to_o frame_v and_o invent_v argument_n to_o disturb_v and_o perplex_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v sure_o but_o little_a reason_n to_o think_v well_o of_o their_o person_n or_o to_o regard_v their_o speech_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o those_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o even_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o manifest_a enough_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o paraphrase_v the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o establish_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o future_a happiness_n and_o oppose_v the_o same_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o their_o collect_v argument_n out_o of_o ethnic_a author_n for_o the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o inâ—â—â—â—â—ting_v a_o possibility_n for_o a_o free_a and_o reason_a principle_n to_o be_v compatible_a to_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v intelligence_n from_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n i_o be_o inform_v one_o of_o their_o late_a treatise_n which_o contain_v the_o head_n of_o their_o opinion_n will_v be_v ever_o long_o take_v to_o piece_n and_o judicious_o examine_v however_o difficult_a the_o task_n may_v appear_v i_o see_v nothing_o in_o they_o to_o discourage_v any_o ingenious_a man_n in_o the_o undertake_n for_o if_o we_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o varnish_n and_o set_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n we_o shall_v find_v but_o little_a in_o they_o more_o than_o empty_a sound_n and_o insignificant_a harangue_n they_o have_v be_v either_o feign_o or_o real_o ignorant_a of_o antiquity_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o their_o gross_a misrepresentation_n of_o some_o passage_n and_o their_o falsify_v downright_o in_o other_o they_o have_v rack_v their_o brain_n for_o their_o belove_a cause_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o have_v not_o offer_v which_o they_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o have_v do_v one_o syllable_n to_o disprove_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o
apostle_n the_o dispenser_n of_o his_o gospel_n indeed_o the_o best_a of_o their_o demonstration_n be_v either_o very_a sophistical_a or_o so_o very_o foolish_a that_o a_o schoolboy_n will_v expect_v better_a argue_n than_o some_o of_o they_o thâ—â—_n we_o be_v tell_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o embrace_v or_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o come_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n the_o evidence_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o make_v he_o this_o indeed_o be_v so_o serviceable_a a_o argument_n to_o the_o profane_a and_o debauch_a that_o as_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v better_o contrive_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o such_o so_o be_v there_o no_o reply_n more_o frequent_o make_v by_o they_o this_o serve_v they_o at_o all_o time_n under_o whatever_o circumstance_n when_o man_n have_v as_o it_o be_v blind_v their_o intellect_n pollute_v their_o mind_n vitiate_a and_o pervert_v their_o cognoscent_fw-la faculty_n when_o their_o understanding_n be_v transform_v into_o a_o brutish_a appetite_n and_o their_o reason_n thorough_o tincture_v with_o some_o long_o contract_v and_o habitual_a vice_n the_o only_a remedy_n they_o have_v then_o leave_v to_o palliate_v their_o misery_n be_v to_o cry_v out_o they_o can_v help_v it_o to_o do_v better_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o ought_v and_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n you_o know_v that_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o but_o wave_v at_o this_o time_n any_o far_a reflection_n upon_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v convenient_a i_o promise_v somewhat_o that_o may_v justify_v the_o freedom_n i_o have_v take_v with_o the_o write_n of_o other_o man_n which_o i_o do_v not_o out_o of_o expectation_n of_o be_v entitle_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o to_o spare_v myself_o the_o pain_n of_o put_v into_o any_o other_o form_n those_o argument_n which_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n and_o which_o i_o find_v so_o very_o near_o correspond_v with_o my_o own_o thought_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v the_o least_o injury_n to_o a_o author_n that_o by_o the_o transfer_v of_o his_o argument_n a_o proselyte_n be_v make_v though_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o be_v intend_v by_o he_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o i_o be_o in_o this_o nature_n oblige_v to_o be_v such_o who_o name_n will_v be_v find_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v such_o who_o have_v have_v too_o much_o honesty_n as_o well_o as_o honour_n to_o impose_v and_o too_o much_o sense_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v man_n who_o learning_n and_o reputation_n secure_v they_o from_o be_v light_o esteem_v even_o by_o their_o adversary_n who_o have_v be_v unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o their_o argument_n and_o shun_v their_o acquaintance_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o conviction_n a_o physico-theological_a discourse_n etc._n etc._n letter_n i._o concern_v god._n to_o his_o friend_n mr._n my_o very_o much_o respect_v friend_n there_o will_v be_v less_o need_n of_o a_o apology_n for_o my_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o follow_a line_n when_o you_o consider_v that_o in_o some_o of_o our_o late_a conference_n you_o have_v occasional_o drop_v one_o expression_n or_o other_o which_o have_v tend_v to_o evince_v not_o only_o your_o distrust_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o also_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_o less_o startle_v to_o find_v a_o man_n of_o your_o capacity_n turn_v sceptic_a in_o a_o age_n where_o satyr_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o solid_a argument_n ridicule_n pass_v for_o demonstration_n and_o to_o be_v wise_a be_v only_o to_o suspend_v the_o judgement_n but_o indeed_o the_o precede_a truth_n if_o such_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v be_v of_o so_o general_a and_o vast_a importance_n that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o admire_v that_o any_o person_n shall_v think_v himself_o unconcern_v in_o their_o indagation_n or_o to_o find_v among_o reasonable_a man_n one_o so_o profane_o impious_a as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n fool_n there_o be_v no_o god_n unless_o he_o can_v give_v better_a reason_n for_o his_o say_n so_o than_o the_o most_o profound_a adepti_fw-la in_o atheism_n have_v as_o yet_o produce_v i_o be_v never_o too_o forward_o in_o dispute_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o true_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o i_o have_v observe_v the_o most_o prevalent_a or_o cogent_a argument_n to_o take_v place_n which_o i_o ascribe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o prejudicial_a prepossession_n to_o a_o overfond_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n to_o a_o entire_a dependence_n upon_o the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o divine_a assistance_n but_o at_o your_o desire_n that_o i_o will_v enter_v upon_o this_o subject_a the_o last_o time_n we_o meet_v i_o have_v take_v this_o opportunity_n wherein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o necessity_n of_o rectify_v your_o mistake_a judgement_n and_o that_o the_o secure_v a_o after_o happiness_n or_o in_o your_o own_o phrase_n the_o save_v of_o your_o soul_n be_v a_o task_n which_o will_v sufficient_o recompense_v you_o for_o all_o the_o trouble_n you_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o undertake_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v the_o condition_n requisite_a to_o each_o of_o we_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o prejudice_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o bias_n of_o education_n by_o any_o mean_n to_o interfere_v by_o this_o we_o shall_v make_v way_n for_o that_o steady_a and_o uniform_a light_n of_o impartial_a reason_n to_o take_v place_n which_o however_o misapply_v mistake_v or_o miscal_v be_v undoubted_o the_o same_o simple_a undivided_a essence_n and_o set_v aside_o revelation_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o mention_v here_o the_o only_a rule_n bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o regulate_v of_o our_o action_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o may_v not_o proper_o begin_v with_o some_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o humane_a mind_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o power_n viz._n those_o of_o think_v apprehend_v reflect_v judge_a etc._n etc._n by_o which_o we_o shall_v both_o gain_v this_o one_o considerable_a point_n that_o reason_n how_o excellent_o advantageous_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o we_o yet_o in_o its_o great_a latitude_n as_o it_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n surround_v with_o corporeal_a organ_n be_v not_o a_o full_a commensurate_a rule_n of_o truth_n at_o least_o not_o so_o adequate_a as_o that_o we_o shall_v exclude_v every_o truth_n from_o be_v such_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o surmount_v our_o apprehension_n but_o to_o descend_v into_o this_o enquiry_n will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n you_o may_v if_o you_o please_v concede_fw-la this_o postulate_v if_o not_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o however_o oblige_v to_o confess_v that_o you_o do_v assent_v unto_o the_o verity_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o you_o be_v so_o far_o from_o conceive_v or_o apprehend_v full_o that_o you_o have_v scarce_o any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o they_o to_o begin_v then_o among_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o atheist_n who_o have_v deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v one_o first_o independent_a be_v or_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v god_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n without_o recourse_n to_o he_o they_o may_v all_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o those_o who_o have_v first_o of_o all_o not_o scruple_v to_o affirm_v a_o eternity_n of_o succession_n in_o the_o generation_n of_o mankind_n as_o well_o à _fw-fr part_n ante_fw-la as_o à _fw-la parte_fw-la post_fw-la or_o in_o the_o same_o as_o much_o incomprehensible_a sense_n that_o the_o universal_a systeme_n with_o its_o constituent_a part_n body_n animate_v and_o inanimate_a have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n as_o we_o find_v it_o now_o and_o shall_v for_o ever_o so_o continue_v or_o second_o to_o those_o who_o perceive_v the_o absurdity_n of_o such_o a_o multiply_v eternity_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o acknowledge_v a_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o rather_o than_o ascribe_v this_o mighty_a work_n of_o creation_n to_o a_o divine_a energy_n will_v have_v every_o portion_n of_o the_o mundane_a matter_n under_o whatever_o form_n shape_n or_o texture_n nay_o even_o the_o body_n of_o man_n himself_o however_o curious_o contrive_v to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o nothing_o more_o than_o a_o unguided_a shuffle_n of_o senseless_a atom_n after_o numberless_a occursion_n and_o conflict_n with_o each_o other_o at_o length_n
more_o reputable_a name_n of_o deist_n have_v be_v take_v up_o by_o our_o modern_a vitioso_n the_o initial_a letter_n of_o your_o character_n must_v be_v now_o expange_v and_o unless_o you_o acknowledge_v theism_n the_o man_n of_o letter_n however_o debauch_v will_v laugh_v at_o and_o contemn_v you_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v what_o those_o man_n think_v of_o the_o divine_a be_v or_o what_o god_n be_v who_o be_v so_o very_o familiar_a with_o his_o name_n that_o they_o scarce_o repeat_v a_o sentence_n without_o it_o although_o '_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o imprecate_v his_o judgement_n or_o wish_v he_o to_o damn_v they_o that_o the_o name_n be_v more_o than_o a_o useless_a sound_v most_o of_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v and_o those_o who_o bold_o plead_v for_o the_o custom_n of_o swear_v do_v grant_v that_o though_o god_n be_v yet_o do_v he_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o they_o say_v neither_o be_v they_o capable_a if_o not_o punish_v here_o of_o suffer_v hereafter_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v this_o conceit_n that_o embolden_v a_o lewd_a fellow_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o he_o cry_v g_z d_o d_o â—_o he_o to_o reply_v that_o for_o his_o part_n jest_n or_o earnest_n he_o think_v be_v equal_a since_o though_o he_o wish_v damnation_n he_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o his_o composition_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n custom_n have_v render_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o familiar_a and_o he_o use_v it_o instead_o of_o other_o word_n to_o embellish_v his_o discourse_n if_o profane_a sweat_v be_v at_o all_o allowable_a it_o must_v be_v to_o such_o as_o these_o but_o for_o any_o man_n to_o pray_v that_o g_o d_o will_v d_o m_z his_o soul_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o believe_v its_o immortality_n or_o at_o least_o to_o fear_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v a_o matter_n unaccountable_a and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v resolve_v but_o by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o abolition_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o a_o total_a depravation_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o yourself_o of_o many_o who_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o any_o certainty_n that_o their_o soul_n may_v not_o survive_v their_o body_n philosophy_n there_o be_v many_o man_n say_v a_o modern_a philosopher_n and_o physician_n â—â—tho_fw-mi take_v a_o wonderful_a delight_n in_o swear_v each_o word_n must_v have_v a_o s'w_n ds_o by_z g_z d_o or_o a_o g_o d_o d_o m_z they_o for_o its_o attendance_n otherwise_o the_o language_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v imperfect_a or_o at_o least_o to_o want_v its_o natural_a eloquence_n this_o interjection_n of_o speech_n be_v so_o much_o practise_v that_o some_o master_n of_o language_n in_o france_n make_v it_o the_o three_o lesson_n to_o their_o scholar_n a_o german_a continue_v he_o new_o arrive_v at_o paris_n and_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o that_o language_n show_v i_o his_o three_o lesson_n which_o his_o master_n have_v recommend_v to_o he_o to_o get_v by_o heart_n this_o pius_n of_o doctrine_n do_v contain_v no_o less_o than_o thirty_o or_o five_o and_o thirty_o oath_n some_o of_o which_o he_o say_v be_v of_o the_o last_o year_n invention_n which_o his_o master_n have_v particular_o mark_v i_o ask_v the_o gentleman_n how_o he_o will_v come_v to_o know_v their_o proper_a place_n and_o insertion_n he_o answer_v i_o that_o that_o be_v the_o first_o question_n he_o ask_v his_o master_n who_o resolve_v he_o that_o a_o little_a converse_n with_o the_o french_a will_v soon_o make_v he_o perfect_a in_o that_o business_n well_o may_v this_o ingenious_a man_n cry_v out_o upon_o these_o reflection_n o_o tempora_fw-la o_o mores_n and_o sure_o it_o must_v strike_v every_o more_o than_o ordinary_a thoughtful_a man_n with_o the_o most_o profound_a admiration_n to_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v continual_o act_v that_o which_o they_o themselves_o have_v all_o imaginable_a assurance_n they_o shall_v soon_o or_o late_a repent_n of_o and_o be_v concern_v for_o it_o be_v very_o common_a as_o i_o have_v before_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o man_n to_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o we_o may_v meet_v with_o some_o so_o extravagant_o audacious_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v both_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o certain_a that_o come_v what_o will_n they_o shall_v never_o alter_v they_o but_o yet_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o a_o clear_o reason_v atheist_n unconcern_v in_o his_o last_o minute_n i_o have_v a_o very_a slight_a acquaintance_n with_o a_o gentleman_n of_o some_o acquire_v part_n who_o have_v frequent_o bea_v among_o his_o intimate_a friend_n that_o he_o question_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v show_v at_o his_o death_n the_o same_o disregard_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v and_o the_o immortality_n as_o he_o have_v do_v all_o along_o and_o this_o he_o speak_v with_o a_o more_o than_o usual_a seriousness_n some_o few_o year_n after_o as_o i_o be_v tell_v by_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n this_o gentleman_n be_v on_o the_o thâ—â—es_n the_o boat_n be_v overset_v by_o some_o accident_n and_o turn_v the_o bottom_n upward_o the_o spark_n have_v be_v just_a before_o swear_v and_o damn_v himself_o in_o his_o wont_a â—â—ife_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o upon_o his_o first_o sink_v he_o be_v hear_v very_o doleful_o to_o cast_v out_o â—â—_o god_n be_v mercif_fw-mi by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o waterman_n and_o some_o other_o assistance_n they_o be_v all_o save_v some_o of_o they_o almost_o expire_a their_o last_o breath_n it_o be_v several_a day_n before_o this_o person_n be_v able_a to_o go_v abroad_o and_o upon_o his_o first_o visit_n to_o one_o of_o his_o fellow_n he_o be_v upbraid_v with_o cowardice_n for_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n and_o falsify_v his_o promise_n to_o die_v a_o infidel_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o late_a disorder_n have_v make_v too_o great_a a_o impression_n to_o be_v so_o soon_o obliterated_a and_o call_v to_o mind_n his_o deportment_n when_o he_o think_v himself_o a_o dead_a man_n he_o fair_o confess_v that_o he_o can_v not_o help_v what_o he_o do_v though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n if_o his_o soul_n prove_v independent_a he_o think_v himself_o plunge_v into_o eternal_a misery_n at_o this_o time_n say_v he_o my_o fear_n be_v pretty_a well_o wear_v off_o i_o find_v myself_o as_o much_o a_o libertine_n as_o ever_o though_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v never_o catch_v i_o make_v resolution_n what_o to_o do_v when_o i_o be_o die_v thus_o do_v these_o miserable_a wretch_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o most_o firm_a resolve_n to_o the_o contrary_a betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o by_o their_o apparent_a fear_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n together_o with_o their_o many_o private_a and_o public_a recantation_n they_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o secure_a dependence_n upon_o the_o strong_a of_o their_o argument_n or_o weighty_a of_o their_o notion_n i_o may_v illustrate_v this_o subject_a by_o a_o transcript_n of_o those_o clear_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v conspicuous_a in_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n but_o have_v already_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o unknown_a author_n to_o this_o purpose_n faith_n it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a to_o consider_v all_o the_o little_a cavil_n and_o objection_n of_o atheist_n against_o a_o deity_n the_o most_o material_a be_v reducible_a to_o those_o that_o have_v be_v propose_v and_o may_v be_v refute_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o now_o have_v give_v for_o they_o proceed_v either_o from_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n or_o from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o relation_n of_o other_o thing_n or_o from_o a_o obstinate_a resistance_n of_o what_o be_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la evident_a and_o all_o of_o they_o demonstrate_v their_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n which_o do_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o unreasonable_a consequence_n of_o not_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n which_o be_v a_o second_o way_n of_o prove_v it_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n than_o it_o necessary_o follo_n that_o either_o every_o thing_n make_v itself_o or_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v from_o nothing_o and_o that_o there_o be_v effect_n which_o have_v no_o cause_n for_o there_o be_v life_n sense_n and_o reason_n without_o any_o be_v capable_a to_o produce_v
they_o and_o there_o be_v artificial_a contrivance_n regular_a proceed_n and_o wise_a adaptation_n of_o thing_n to_o end_n and_o purpose_n far_o above_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v existent_a these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o follow_v the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o great_a difficulty_n but_o such_o gross_a and_o senseless_a absurdity_n as_o no_o think_v person_n can_v swallow_v or_o digest_v as_o therefore_o deformity_n show_v shape_n and_o proportion_n beautiful_a so_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a by_o the_o absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n which_o contradict_v common_a sense_n overturn_v the_o agree_v principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n confound_v chance_n and_o contrivance_n accident_n and_o design_n and_o which_o have_v its_o recourse_n to_o wild_a romantic_a and_o most_o precarious_a hypothesis_n for_o they_o can_v shun_v the_o own_n a_o infinity_o and_o the_o existence_n of_o something_o from_o eternity_n and_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o proportion_n now_o as_o it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o ascribe_v the_o constant_a observance_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o a_o intelligent_a be_v than_o to_o chance_n or_o no_o cause_n for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a thing_n betwixt_o they_o to_o be_v fix_v on_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v take_v place_n nature_n which_o they_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o be_v a_o obscure_a word_n for_o conceal_v their_o thought_n and_o sentimens_n if_o by_o this_o they_o mean_v something_o distinct_a from_o matter_n which_o move_v and_o direct_v it_o their_o nature_n be_v god_n in_o disguise_n and_o if_o they_o must_v flee_v to_o this_o for_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n why_o do_v they_o quarrel_v at_o the_o word_n god_n which_o carry_v a_o clear_a idea_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v though_o this_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v equivalent_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o mysterious_a and_o therefore_o it_o smell_v of_o some_o design_a perverseness_n as_o if_o by_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n and_o the_o disuse_n of_o the_o other_o they_o will_v turn_v people_n thought_n from_o god_n and_o god_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o by_o nature_n they_o only_o understand_v certain_a law_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ordinance_n by_o which_o thing_n must_v move_v be_v this_o sufficient_a to_o explain_v the_o first_o production_n of_o thing_n for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o matter_n can_v move_v but_o according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o that_o move_n by_o they_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o work_n can_v have_v be_v produce_v as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a after_o that_o romantic_a manner_n of_o cartesius_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o cecessity_n that_o matter_n shall_v move_v at_o all_o nor_o can_v it_o move_v of_o itself_o wherefore_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o they_o must_v own_v the_o existence_n of_o something_o prior_n to_o matter_n itself_o or_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o which_o cartes_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o build_v his_o airy_a and_o fanciful_a system_n without_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n as_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o belief_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o solid_a reason_n what_o be_v not_o build_v on_o this_o be_v nonsense_n and_o absurdity_n i_o know_v the_o atheist_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o wit_n and_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n above_o other_o and_o do_v think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n of_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n at_o one_o late_o word_v it_o which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o another_o belief_n but_o why_o i_o pray_v must_v they_o carry_v away_o sense_n and_o understanding_n from_o other_o because_o they_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v it_o do_v not_o those_o in_o bedlam_n think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o other_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v fool_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o those_o who_o keep_v they_o there_o not_o only_o such_o but_o oppressor_n and_o most_o unjust_a yet_o atheism_n be_v a_o more_o extravagant_a and_o pernicious_a madness_n which_o it_o be_v the_o high_a interest_n of_o mankind_n to_o keep_v from_o spread_v but_o alas_o it_o have_v be_v suffer_v to_o take_v root_n it_o be_v cherish_v and_o encourage_v man_n walk_v the_o street_n and_o public_o act_v this_o madness_n in_o every_o corner_n they_o throw_v their_o scoff_v and_o droll_fw-fr against_o the_o almighty_a author_n of_o their_o be_v they_o meet_v in_o company_n to_o concert_v how_o they_o may_v most_o witty_o expose_v he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v he_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o a_o clinch_n a_o jest_n or_o puny_a witticism_n be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o all_o diligence_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o atheist_n shall_v be_v a_o zealot_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o he_o to_o propagate_v his_o opinion_n and_o because_o the_o less_o they_o be_v entertain_v by_o other_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o more_o secure_a yet_o no_o sect_n be_v become_v more_o zealous_a of_o late_a than_o atheist_n and_o their_o fraternity_n who_o maintain_v their_o cause_n by_o a_o affront_a impudence_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o frothy_a wit_n instead_o of_o reason_n and_o by_o jest_v and_o droll_v instead_o of_o serious_a argument_n but_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a or_o commendable_a way_n of_o handle_v a_o matter_n so_o serious_a and_o important_a shall_v impudence_n run_v down_o evidence_n shall_v a_o jest_n or_o a_o foolish_a witticism_n be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a sense_n and_o sound_a reason_n if_o these_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o counsel_n i_o will_v ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v absolute_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a be_v they_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o be_v more_o than_o any_o ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o this_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o walk_v very_o cautious_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o there_o may_v for_o any_o assurance_n they_o have_v to_o the_o contrary_a what_o then_o have_v they_o to_o expect_v for_o their_o bold_a insult_v and_o opposition_n to_o he_o our_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o vain_a hypothesis_n or_o imaginary_a supposition_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n loud_o proclaim_v and_o strong_o confirm_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o whatever_o the_o atheist_n may_v arrogate_v to_o himself_o and_o whatever_o esteem_n may_v be_v pay_v to_o he_o in_o a_o corrupt_a age_n yet_o iâ—_n he_o so_o far_o from_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o that_o by_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o will_v be_v declare_v a_o fool_n who_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n may_v the_o supreme_a power_n direct_v we_o all_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o will_v be_v attend_v here_o with_o a_o solid_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o hereafter_o with_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v unless_o this_o that_o i_o be_o in_o all_o sincerity_n your_o real_a friend_n to_o serve_v you_o letter_n ii_o concern_v providence_n to_o mr._n etc._n etc._n my_o esteem_a friend_n in_o my_o former_a you_o have_v the_o thought_n of_o several_a learned_a man_n together_o with_o my_o own_o conjecture_n concern_v that_o unhappy_o controvert_v truth_n the_o basis_n of_o all_o other_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n in_o this_o i_o shall_v communicate_v my_o own_o sentiment_n among_o those_o of_o some_o more_o prudent_a person_n concern_v providence_n a_o matter_n by_o almost_o all_o man_n frequent_o debate_v although_o '_o by_o very_a few_o of_o they_o very_o rational_o explicate_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o theme_n so_o difficult_a so_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a so_o amase_o stupendous_a and_o withal_o a_o subject_a that_o require_v so_o very_a much_o caution_n in_o its_o explanation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o general_a moment_n and_o concern_v that_o i_o profess_v to_o you_o i_o scarce_o know_v where_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o begin_v or_o how_o to_o deliver_v my_o conception_n free_o on_o this_o weighty_a argument_n i_o will_v however_o venture_v some_o few_o of_o my_o own_o thought_n rude_a and_o indigested_a as_o they_o have_v occur_v upon_o a_o short_a reflection_n if_o the_o philosopher_n shall_v happen_v to_o get_v the_o ascendant_n of_o the_o christian_a
i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v excuse_v by_o those_o who_o consider_v the_o person_n unto_o who_o i_o write_v you_o have_v give_v i_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o liberty_n to_o open_v the_o pandect_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o furnish_v myself_o from_o thence_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v useful_a but_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o be_v think_v valid_a which_o be_v transfer_v from_o the_o more_o sacred_a record_n of_o revelation_n a_o god_n ergo_fw-la a_o providence_n have_v be_v by_o almost_o all_o but_o especial_o christian_a philosopher_n think_v a_o necessary_a conclusion_n but_o since_o we_o be_v to_o concede_fw-la nothing_o by_o way_n of_o a_o implicit_a faith_n or_o as_o found_v upon_o the_o bare_a testimony_n of_o other_o man_n i_o shall_v not_o spend_v my_o time_n in_o consider_v the_o analogy_n or_o reflect_v whither_o or_o no_o these_o term_n be_v synonimous_a but_o will_v endeavour_v impartial_o to_o take_v notice_n not_o only_o of_o some_o few_o particular_n which_o may_v countenance_v but_o of_o some_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o thwart_v and_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o this_o notion_n as_o it_o seem_v general_o establish_v in_o order_n to_o my_o proceed_n i_o expect_v you_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o with_o some_o other_o who_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a i_o distinguish_v providence_n as_o bipartite_a or_o under_o a_o double_a signification_n viz._n general_n and_o particular_a the_o former_a which_o by_o philosopher_n be_v term_v the_o general_a concourse_n or_o cooperate_a influence_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o reasonable_a and_o intelligible_a a_o notion_n that_o i_o presume_v when_o once_o you_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n you_o will_v find_v yourself_o as_o it_o be_v necessitate_v to_o own_o that_o the_o same_o power_n who_o create_v the_o universal_a matter_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o dispose_v its_o several_a part_n into_o so_o many_o curious_a and_o elaborate_a engine_n must_v unavoidable_o be_v concern_v at_o least_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o from_o annihilation_n or_o extend_v a_o power_n of_o conservation_n to_o its_o continuance_n and_o support_v for_o however_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v to_o conceive_v that_o god_n almighty_a in_o direct_v the_o particle_n of_o matter_n into_o their_o several_a shape_v form_n or_o configuration_n do_v establish_v certain_a catholic_n law_n of_o motion_n yet_o sure_o if_o hereupon_o we_o suppose_v the_o deity_n to_o retire_v within_o himself_o no_o far_o to_o be_v concern_v with_o his_o divine_a workmanship_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o ever_o after_o to_o think_v of_o or_o regard_v it_o it_o be_v utter_o unconceivable_a that_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o several_a texture_n arise_v from_o their_o combination_n can_v be_v keep_v on_o foot_n or_o secure_v from_o their_o primitive_a nonexistence_n in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o god_n ordinary_a concurrence_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v find_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o as_o it_o be_v self-evident_a but_o when_o we_o survey_v some_o very_a unaccountable_a phâ—nomena_n and_o those_o various_a anomali_n which_o run_v retrograde_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o some_o call_v the_o prosperity_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o adversity_n of_o the_o good_a when_o we_o see_v justice_n and_o innocence_n trample_v under_o foot_n and_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a degrade_v and_o contemn_v whilst_o vice_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o reign_v as_o it_o be_v triumphant_a when_o we_o see_v that_o neither_o the_o profession_n nor_o practice_n of_o the_o sacred_a rite_n of_o religion_n can_v secure_v we_o from_o rapine_n cruelty_n and_o oppression_n last_o when_o we_o consider_v as_o the_o atheist_n say_v that_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o all_o these_o i_o say_v notwithstanding_o they_o may_v be_v fair_o solve_v by_o those_o primitive_a law_n of_o motion_n bestow_v on_o matter_n and_o still_o maintain_v by_o the_o divine_a be_v yet_o when_o we_o view_v they_o as_o under_o his_o immediate_a concern_v and_o government_n or_o result_v from_o his_o especial_a providence_n they_o then_o appear_v with_o a_o somewhat_o differ_v aspect_n and_o leave_v our_o reason_n in_o a_o thick_a darkness_n and_o obscurity_n to_o this_o purpose_n you_o may_v object_v that_o however_o great_a and_o wise_a that_o power_n may_v be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n you_o can_v discover_v not_o much_o of_o either_o in_o its_o government_n you_o can_v own_v indeed_o that_o all_o effect_n must_v have_v sufficient_a cause_n but_o then_o of_o which_o you_o make_v so_o mighty_a a_o advantage_n you_o daily_o find_v these_o cause_n take_v place_n in_o the_o production_n of_o all_o effect_n promiscuous_o and_o that_o they_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o prevent_v by_o a_o divine_a suspension_n even_o when_o they_o seem_v to_o impeach_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o especial_a providence_n that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o instance_n suitable_a to_o your_o own_o thought_n you_o see_v that_o mankind_n from_o whatsoever_o cause_n they_o have_v their_o origine_fw-la be_v now_o continue_v by_o the_o mutual_a embrace_n or_o carnal_a knowledge_n of_o the_o two_o sex_n and_o therefore_o you_o do_v admire_v that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o state_n of_o wedlock_n or_o under_o the_o nuptial_a institution_n with_o the_o generative_a organ_n right_o dispose_v that_o they_o shall_v propagate_v their_o species_n but_o when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n you_o consider_v many_o incestuous_a embrace_n and_o that_o a_o conception_n be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o venereal_a act_n in_o fornication_n or_o adultery_n provide_v the_o feminine_a ova_fw-mi be_v prolific_a or_o capable_a of_o impregnation_n by_o the_o seminal_a aura_n of_o the_o male_a here_o you_o see_v abundant_a reason_n to_o cry_v out_o of_o providence_n and_o expect_v the_o supreme_a power_n shall_v either_o immediate_o pursue_v the_o transgressor_n with_o divine_a vengeance_n or_o suspend_v his_o law_n of_o motion_n in_o the_o act_n in_o order_n to_o prevent_v a_o spurious_a illegitimate_a issue_n again_o by_o the_o same_o catholic_a law_n of_o motion_n or_o rather_o by_o a_o specific_a gravity_n or_o principle_n of_o gravitation_n which_o be_v the_o property_n of_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n you_o come_v to_o understand_v that_o if_o a_o ponderous_a body_n be_v suspend_v by_o too_o slender_a a_o line_n or_o a_o weighty_a structure_n raise_v upon_o a_o infirm_a basis_n insufficient_a for_o its_o support_n or_o fulcrum_n here_o i_o say_v by_o a_o very_a little_a knowledge_n in_o mechanic_n you_o easy_o foresee_v that_o if_o the_o suspend_v body_n preponderate_v the_o force_n intend_v to_o hold_v it_o up_o the_o line_n must_v necessary_o break_v and_o the_o weight_n as_o necessary_o fall_v so_o likewise_o the_o building_n in_o time_n grow_v ruinous_a or_o decay_v by_o other_o accident_n the_o foundation_n fail_v most_o certain_o tumble_v but_o if_o a_o sober_a or_o repute_a pious_a man_n pass_v by_o shall_v chance_v to_o make_v a_o perpendicular_a to_o the_o suspend_v body_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o line_n break_v and_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o say_a weight_n receive_v some_o extraordinary_a hurt_n or_o if_o by_o the_o sink_n of_o a_o infirm_a building_n a_o suppose_o righteous_a family_n shall_v be_v crush_v to_o death_n here_o the_o atheist_n think_v he_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o powerful_a reason_n to_o inveigh_v against_o or_o triumph_v over_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v but_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a be_v do_v inspect_n or_o concern_v himself_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n he_o will_v upon_o all_o such_o emergency_n miraculous_o interpose_v and_o either_o by_o a_o revelation_n or_o some_o other_o supernatural_a illumination_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o impend_a danger_n or_o for_o our_o security_n stop_v the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v or_o deprive_v those_o body_n of_o their_o specific_a gravitation_n which_o will_v otherwise_o injure_v we_o far_o according_a to_o this_o general_a and_o prime_a establish_a law_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o boyle_n the_o minute_n particle_n of_o matter_n each_o of_o they_o have_v their_o own_o proper_a size_n shape_n or_o texture_n as_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o be_v posit_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o horizon_n as_o erect_v incline_v or_o level_a when_o they_o come_v to_o convene_v into_o one_o body_n from_o their_o primary_n affection_n disposition_n and_o contrivance_n as_o to_o posture_n and_o order_n there_o must_v necessary_o result_v that_o which_o by_o one_o comprehensive_a name_n we_o call_v the_o figure_n shape_n or_o texture_n of_o that_o body_n and_o what_o we_o call_v a_o monster_n after_o this_o manner_n produce_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o error_n or_o trespass_n upon_o
and_o servile_a refuge_n as_o they_o express_v themselves_o of_o recur_v to_o a_o miracle_n the_o founder_n say_v they_o of_o which_o have_v always_o be_v some_o subtle_a impostor_n who_o to_o promote_v a_o interest_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n have_v find_v it_o no_o very_o difficult_a matter_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o mole-eyed_a multitude_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n not_o only_o the_o supernatural_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o surprise_v and_o stupendous_a one_o of_o their_o master_n jesus_n christ_n must_v either_o by_o these_o man_n be_v utter_o deny_v or_o resolve_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o general_o establish_a law_n or_o in_o their_o own_o word_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v pure_a forgery_n a_o romantic_a legend_n fob_v upon_o we_o by_o design_v man_n or_o else_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o man_n of_o this_o pierce_a apprehension_n and_o consult_v they_o as_o our_o oracle_n for_o a_o explanation_n of_o those_o account_n which_o we_o poor_a silly_a creature_n believe_v to_o have_v be_v miraculous_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a i_o know_v to_o send_v you_o to_o that_o sacred_a history_n where_o so_o many_o of_o these_o stupendous_a and_o divine_a operation_n be_v faithful_o record_v whilst_o you_o continue_v so_o sceptical_a as_o to_o doubt_v concern_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o historian_n or_o so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o history_n to_o be_v a_o authentic_a record_n if_o you_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n or_o such_o man_n as_o his_o apostle_n which_o i_o think_v in_o reason_n you_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o contemporary_a prince_n or_o people_n at_o that_o time_n upon_o earth_n nay_o set_v aside_o the_o remoteness_n of_o place_n and_o time_n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o in_o england_n or_o lowis_n the_o thirteen_o in_o france_n if_o i_o say_v you_o can_v concede_fw-la this_o i_o will_v then_o beg_v you_o to_o consider_v which_o way_n or_o by_o what_o mean_v you_o can_v conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o surprise_v and_o supernatural_a act_n of_o those_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o the_o turn_a water_n into_o wine_n satisfy_v the_o hungry_a appetite_n of_o many_o hundred_o with_o no_o more_o than_o natural_o suffice_v for_o some_o few_o single_a person_n walk_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o water_n restore_v the_o sick_a by_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o command_v the_o dead_a to_o arise_v from_o the_o grave_a with_o many_o other_o which_o be_v perform_v not_o clandestine_o or_o in_o private_a but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o very_o great_a assembly_n or_o a_o large_a concourse_n of_o people_n and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n implacable_a enemy_n and_o consequent_o very_o curious_a in_o sift_v out_o the_o truth_n i_o say_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v which_o way_n you_o can_v conjecture_v a_o possibility_n that_o a_o design_n of_o this_o import_n and_o universal_a tendency_n can_v be_v fraudulent_o carry_v on_o inperceptible_o to_o that_o great_a number_n of_o auditor_n and_o spectator_n who_o be_v not_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o the_o giddy_a rabble_n or_o inconsiderate_a mob_n but_o have_v some_o even_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n man_n doubtless_o too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o of_o these_o operation_n we_o may_v easy_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n as_o a_o insupportable_a burden_n and_o encroachment_n and_o account_v it_o no_o other_o than_o a_o kind_n of_o heretical_a innovation_n upon_o their_o more_o ancient_o establish_a law_n will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o pry_v into_o and_o inquire_v with_o their_o utmost_a caution_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v supernatural_a or_o surmount_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o force_n of_o second_o cause_n yet_o rather_o than_o confess_v any_o such_o matter_n as_o a_o divine_a energy_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o a_o diabolical_a assistance_n i_o may_v make_v i_o think_v a_o far_a very_o rational_a query_n whether_o you_o can_v believe_v the_o account_n we_o have_v give_v we_o in_o ecclesiastic_a history_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n or_o painful_a suffering_n of_o some_o of_o these_o apostle_n if_o you_o do_v believe_v any_o of_o these_o account_n as_o i_o think_v you_o may_v those_o at_o lest_o which_o be_v record_v by_o some_o friend_n even_o of_o the_o tyrant_n themselves_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o patriarchal_a tragedy_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a while_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o hazard_v their_o life_n by_o take_v on_o they_o their_o several_a embasss_n if_o instead_o of_o honour_n you_o find_v they_o have_v disgrace_n instead_o of_o riches_n and_o grandeur_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n if_o instead_o of_o courtesy_n civility_n and_o respect_n they_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o raillery_n last_o if_o for_o all_o their_o hardship_n instead_o of_o temporal_a promotion_n and_o preferment_n they_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o accurse_a ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n you_o then_o must_v either_o think_v there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o same_o liberty_n you_o may_v disbelieve_v any_o such_o place_n as_o the_o country_n where_o it_o be_v report_v they_o suffer_v death_n or_o if_o you_o think_v there_o be_v you_o must_v believe_v they_o either_o distract_a or_o final_o that_o in_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o great_a patron_n they_o act_v like_o man_n true_o reasonable_a and_o discreet_a and_o in_o that_o they_o prefer_v a_o life_n of_o misery_n anguish_n disquiet_a and_o tribulation_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v a_o assurance_n as_o well_o as_o expectation_n of_o their_o reward_n elsewhere_o and_o that_o they_o question_v not_o to_o find_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o all_o their_o suffering_n in_o those_o sacred_a mansion_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v discourse_v more_o hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o give_v you_o my_o opinion_n of_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o none_o of_o those_o unaccountable_a phaenomena_n which_o latter_a age_n have_v produce_v some_o of_o which_o have_v be_v transact_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o memory_n and_o many_o more_o within_o a_o century_n last_o pass_v such_o as_o voice_n spectre_n apparition_n stupendous_a recovery_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o lame_a together_o with_o the_o satanical_a power_n of_o fascination_n and_o diabolical_a possession_n if_o these_o i_o say_v however_o sufficient_o attest_v will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o supernatural_a production_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v bury_v on_o by_o a_o establish_a law_n or_o in_o your_o own_o more_o please_a word_n by_o a_o irresistible_a fate_n or_o destiny_n and_o that_o all_o effect_n be_v the_o pure_a result_n of_o matter_n under_o its_o several_a modification_n who_o power_n be_v never_o supersede_v by_o any_o high_a principle_n and_o far_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a print_n of_o a_o divinity_n or_o mark_v of_o wisdom_n conspicuous_a in_o the_o creation_n i_o will_v then_o desire_v you_o with_o as_o much_o attention_n as_o you_o can_v considerate_o to_o examine_v the_o structure_n of_o your_o own_o body_n and_o if_o you_o begin_v with_o a_o survey_n even_o of_o a_o inconsiderable_a part_n thereof_o such_o as_o your_o finger_n in_o each_o of_o these_o as_o be_v well_o remark_v by_o mr._n b_o you_o will_v find_v bone_n and_o cartilage_n ligament_n and_o membrane_n muscle_n and_o tendon_n nerve_n and_o artery_n vein_n and_o skin_n and_o cuticle_n and_o nail_n together_o with_o the_o medulla_n the_o fat_a and_o blood_n and_o other_o nutritious_a juice_n and_o all_o these_o solid_a part_n of_o a_o determinate_a size_n and_o figure_n texture_n and_o situation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o make_v up_o of_o miriads_o of_o little_a fibre_n and_o filament_n not_o discoverable_a to_o the_o naked_a eye_n i_o say_v when_o you_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a part_n must_v constitute_v so_o small_a a_o member_n sure_o you_o can_v look_v upon_o it_o or_o the_o whole_a body_n wherein_o appear_v so_o much_o fitness_n use_n and_o subserviency_n to_o infinite_a function_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o skill_n and_o contrivance_n if_o this_o will_v not_o extort_v a_o
excite_v these_o direful_a effect_n it_o be_v sufficient_a at_o your_o leisure_n that_o you_o consult_v any_o physical_a author_n who_o have_v handle_v this_o subject_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o acute_a and_o very_a sagacious_a willis_n convulsion_n you_o may_v find_v relation_n of_o this_o nature_n sufficient_a to_o evince_v those_o almost_o incredible_a and_o surprise_a phaenomena_n which_o take_v their_o rise_n from_o a_o heterogeneous_a copula_fw-la admit_v into_o the_o nerve_n or_o a_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o spirit_n themselves_o from_o their_o natural_a crasis_n exciting_a very_a strange_a unusual_a explosion_n and_o produce_v oftentimes_o most_o astonish_a effect_n in_o the_o humane_a body_n which_o yet_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o look_v upon_o as_o transact_v by_o a_o infernal_a or_o supernatural_a power_n than_o the_o prodigious_a strength_n of_o some_o lunatic_n their_o long_a protract_a abstinence_n from_o alimentary_a provision_n and_o the_o like_a which_o although_o more_o frequent_a and_o consequent_o less_o regard_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o worthy_a of_o our_o enquiry_n or_o indagation_n i_o remember_v some_o few_o year_n since_o among_o other_o i_o present_v the_o r_o saint_n with_o one_o very_o remarkable_a case_n that_o occur_v to_o my_o observation_n relate_v to_o a_o youth_n bite_v by_o a_o dog_n who_o after_o the_o wound_n be_v cure_v be_v seize_v with_o a_o deliriam_n snap_v at_o every_o thing_n that_o approach_v he_o and_o so_o near_o imitate_v the_o bark_v of_o a_o dog_n in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o paroxysm_n that_o any_o person_n unacquainted_a may_v have_v be_v so_o impose_v on_o as_o to_o imagine_v there_o have_v be_v a_o dog_n bark_v in_o the_o chamber_n and_o i_o make_v it_o no_o question_n have_v the_o infection_n be_v communicate_v by_o some_o indiscernible_a passage_n or_o have_v the_o parent_n be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o wound_n be_v make_v after_o this_o manner_n they_o with_o many_o other_o will_v have_v think_v their_o child_n possess_v and_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o devil_n must_v have_v be_v the_o repute_a author_n of_o his_o surprise_a action_n but_o it_o be_v now_o time_n for_o i_o to_o resume_v the_o thread_n of_o my_o argument_n concern_v god_n particular_a providence_n which_o that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o illustrate_v i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o those_o real_o supernatural_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n or_o the_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n and_o this_o i_o think_v can_v not_o effectual_o be_v do_v without_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o event_n by_o mechanic_n principles_n by_o these_o instance_n you_o may_v the_o more_o ready_o collect_v how_o far_o these_o power_n may_v reach_v and_o distinguish_v the_o truth_n of_o asupernatural_a act_n from_o a_o supposititious_a miracle_n many_o of_o which_o have_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o by_o inconsiderate_a man_n discover_v either_o forgery_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o convulsive_a indisposition_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o vast_a increase_n to_o the_o number_n of_o our_o modern_a sadducee_n and_o nominal_a deist_n who_o if_o they_o condescend_v to_o grant_v that_o god_n almighty_n may_v be_v a_o spirit_n yet_o must_v it_o be_v account_v dissonant_n to_o reason_n a_o imposition_n upon_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o servile_a abject_a mind_n to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o other_o thus_o have_v touch_v upon_o those_o two_o extreme_n of_o such_o who_o on_o the_o one_o side_n will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o surmount_v mechanic_n power_n and_o those_o on_o the_o other_o who_o over_o credulity_n have_v impose_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n upon_o every_o more_o than_o ordinary_a accident_n there_o remain_v a_o three_o sort_n who_o however_o sober_a and_o learned_a they_o may_v appear_v and_o notwithstanding_o the_o fair_a gloss_n put_v upon_o their_o design_n yet_o the_o too_o great_a freedom_n they_o have_v take_v with_o the_o sacred_a write_n their_o cavil_v at_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n particle_n for_o be_v equivocal_a and_o render_v the_o translation_n even_o the_o septuagint_n in_o many_o thing_n uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a give_v we_o ground_n to_o surmise_v that_o they_o let_v their_o own_o reason_n keep_v pace_n with_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o either_o disbelieve_v or_o suspend_v their_o assent_n in_o all_o matter_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v by_o their_o own_o pinciple_n among_o those_o you_o may_v well_o enough_o imagine_v that_o i_o reckon_v our_o late_a malmeiburian_a oracle_n the_o great_a leviathan_n and_o those_o equal_o mischievous_a author_n mr._n b_o and_o g_z who_o with_o some_o other_o have_v be_v so_o fond_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o performance_n as_o to_o deliver_v they_o out_o for_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n and_o so_o profane_o irreligious_a as_o to_o set_v up_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o divine_a revelation_n or_o their_o own_o fantastic_a whimsy_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o before_o i_o leave_v my_o discourse_n of_o miracle_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_a in_o respect_n to_o their_o description_n and_o definition_n to_o acquaint_v you_o that_o not_o only_o those_o event_n which_o do_v result_v from_o a_o supernatural_a concourse_n but_o those_o also_o which_o be_v immediate_o produce_v by_o secondary_a agent_n may_v in_o the_o time_v of_o those_o agent_n and_o continue_v their_o action_n after_o a_o unusual_a manner_n manifest_a unto_o we_o the_o power_n of_o their_o great_a author_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_v by_o we_o for_o unquestionable_a miracle_n there_o be_v a_o learned_a foreigner_n and_o a_o very_a great_a critic_n in_o who_o write_n i_o find_v a_o concur_v testimony_n to_o this_o opinion_n this_o person_n in_o some_o of_o his_o dissertation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n have_v present_v the_o man_n of_o letter_n with_o some_o curious_a thought_n whether_o his_o design_n be_v what_o it_o ought_v i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o determine_v but_o will_v only_o acquaint_v you_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o the_o israelite_n deliverance_n from_o the_o egyptian_a servitude_n by_o their_o wonderful_a passage_n over_o the_o red-sea_n he_o conceive_v contrary_a to_o most_o other_o commentator_n that_o the_o miracle_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o that_o the_o water_n be_v divide_v as_o general_o suppose_v without_o a_o manifest_a cause_n but_o in_o this_o genesis_n that_o upon_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o rod_n god_n raise_v a_o mighty_a and_o impetuous_a wind_n the_o night_n before_o this_o great_a design_n be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n which_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v ebb_v drive_v the_o water_n so_o far_o from_o the_o far_a end_n of_o the_o gulf_n towards_o its_o mouth_n that_o there_o appear_v a_o large_a ford_n over_o against_o the_o israelite_n through_o which_o they_o go_v to_o the_o opposite_a shoar_n and_o that_o the_o wonder_n be_v still_o more_o conspicuous_a in_o this_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o israelite_n be_v safe_o arrive_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o their_o pursuer_n plunge_v in_o the_o wind_n which_o keep_v back_o the_o water_n on_o a_o sudden_a cease_v and_o the_o same_o water_n as_o sudden_o return_v their_o enemy_n be_v overwhelm_v by_o the_o inundation_n the_o same_o person_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o shower_n of_o light_a sulphur_n fall_v down_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d â—abitants_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n we_o have_v already_o say_v he_o show_v that_o this_o tract_n of_o land_n be_v full_a of_o bitumen_n which_o as_o it_o will_v easy_o take_v fire_n be_v soon_o enkindle_v by_o the_o lightning_n and_o the_o flame_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v see_v upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o so_o pierce_v into_o the_o subterranean_a vein_n of_o sulphur_n and_o bitumen_n that_o that_o matter_n be_v destroy_v the_o whole_a earth_n sink_v down_o and_o afford_v a_o receptacle_n to_o the_o water_n flow_v thither_o now_o god_n continue_v he_o be_v not_o bare_o say_v to_o have_v rain_v down_o brimstone_n and_o fire_n but_o brimstone_n and_o fire_n from_o the_o lord_n where_o the_o addition_n of_o from_o the_o lord_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v superfluous_a do_v particular_o describe_v the_o thunderbolt_n which_o by_o the_o hebrew_n and_o other_o nation_n be_v call_v the_o fire_n of_o god_n or_o the_o fire_n from_o god_n and_o far_o though_o moses_n do_v not_o inform_v we_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o thunderbolt_n subvert_v those_o unhappy_a city_n
intellect_n have_v learn_v the_o precept_n of_o geometry_n and_o astronomy_n take_v the_o space_n of_o inaccessible_a place_n and_o their_o height_n the_o floor_n or_o breadth_n of_o any_o superficies_n and_o the_o content_n of_o solid_n yea_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o whole_a earthly_a globe_n measure_n exact_o the_o space_n of_o hour_n and_o day_n the_o time_n of_o the_o year_n the_o tropic_n by_o the_o progress_n only_o of_o a_o shadow_n yea_o it_o measure_v the_o orb_n magnitude_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n for_o a_o long_a time_n to_o come_v calculate_v and_o exact_o foretell_v their_o rise_n and_o set_v motion_n and_o declination_n and_o aspect_n one_o to_o another_o we_o shall_v want_v time_n shall_v we_o set_v about_o to_o enumerate_v the_o several_a portentous_a thing_n either_o of_o the_o practice_n or_o speculation_n in_o the_o mathematics_n then_o if_o pass_v over_o to_o mechanic_n we_o consider_v the_o several_a work_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n wonderful_o make_v there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o humane_a soul_n which_o can_v so_o curious_o understand_v invent_v find_v out_o and_o effect_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v create_v thing_n so_o stupendous_a must_v needs_o be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o brutal_a and_o as_o before_o be_v say_v immortal_a especial_o for_o that_o live_a brute_n obtain_v only_o a_o few_o and_o more_o simple_a notion_n and_o intention_n of_o act_v yea_o and_o those_o always_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n not_o determine_v but_o to_o one_o thing_n altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o right_n or_o law_n of_o political_a society_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o every_o the_o most_o intelligent_a mechanic_n art_n neither_o can_v they_o unless_o teach_v by_o imitation_n till_o how_o to_o number_v three_o since_o therefore_o in_o few_o word_n we_o have_v plain_o detect_v in_o man_n beside_o the_o corporeal_a soul_n such_o as_o be_v common_a with_o brute_n the_o print_n of_o another_o mere_o spiritual_a we_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o same_o immortal_a thus_o sir_n have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o reasonable_a soul_n a_o substance_n independent_a of_o corporiety_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o certain_a that_o unless_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o power_n who_o at_o first_o infuse_v it_o to_o annihilate_v its_o be_v it_o must_v outshine_v the_o extinction_n of_o the_o vital_a flame_n and_o can_v receive_v no_o injury_n in_o its_o substance_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o body_n in_o which_o it_o have_v its_o residence_n the_o argument_n i_o have_v bring_v be_v such_o who_o solidity_n every_o man_n may_v judge_v of_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a little_a reflection_n or_o serious_a application_n of_o mind_n though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o my_o own_o yet_o be_v they_o such_o as_o natural_o arise_v from_o a_o philosophical_a or_o physical_a enquiry_n such_o as_o have_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o such_o who_o evidence_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o withstand_v without_o some_o secret_a reluctancy_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o without_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o be_v not_o true_a the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o matter_n will_v rest_v here_o that_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o man_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o all_o mere_a animal_n and_o superior_a also_o to_o that_o power_n which_o man_n himself_o have_v as_o relate_v to_o those_o creature_n in_o their_o capacity_n to_o be_v sensible_a and_o to_o imagine_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v serious_o what_o that_o power_n can_v be_v and_o in_o what_o subject_a the_o same_o be_v place_v if_o you_o say_v you_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a temperament_n a_o harmony_n or_o you_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o disposition_n result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o composition_n i_o will_v then_o beg_v you_o to_o remove_v my_o doubt_n and_o to_o satisfy_v i_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o brute_n be_v not_o thus_o endow_v with_o the_o same_o for_o if_o this_o high_a prerogative_n of_o reason_n have_v its_o dependence_n as_o sense_n and_o imagination_n have_v upon_o a_o conformation_n or_o mechanic_n structure_n of_o the_o animal_n organ_n most_o certain_o other_o creature_n must_v be_v alike_o dignify_v who_o brain_n bear_v so_o exact_a affinity_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o great_a analogy_n resemblance_n or_o similitude_n for_o here_o your_o anatomical_a disquisition_n will_v inform_v you_o that_o if_o you_o consider_v its_o outward_a cover_n and_o vessel_n they_o have_v at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o the_o like_a membrane_n viz._n the_o dura_n and_o pia_n mater_n the_o like_a vein_n artery_n and_o nerve_n if_o you_o consider_v its_o division_n there_o be_v the_o like_a hemisphere_n or_o lobe_n the_o like_a gyration_n or_o convolution_n in_o its_o surface_n the_o same_o double_a substance_n viz._n cortical_a or_o marrowy_a the_o same_o common_a basis_n the_o medulla_n oblongata_fw-la if_o you_o consider_v its_o inward_a substance_n the_o like_a ventricles_n glandule_n pinealis_fw-la or_o pituitaria_fw-la nates_n and_o testes_fw-la the_o fornix_n the_o infundibulum_fw-la the_o corpora_fw-la striata_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o like_o make_v also_o of_o the_o cerebellum_fw-la where_o sense_n and_o motion_n as_o also_o the_o passion_n and_o instinct_n mere_o natural_a wiâ—â—s_n though_o in_o some_o measure_n they_o depend_v upon_o the_o brain_n be_v more_o proper_o perform_v here_o and_o in_o the_o medulla_n oblongata_fw-la the_o brain_n then_o of_o brute_n thus_o exact_o correspond_v with_o the_o humane_a and_o the_o sensation_n be_v alike_o mechanical_o perform_v in_o both_o since_o the_o former_a show_v we_o not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o capacity_n to_o will_n or_o reason_n which_o be_v so_o eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o latter_a the_o power_n which_o exert_v the_o same_o must_v be_v more_o than_o temperament_n or_o any_o privilege_n of_o conformation_n which_o be_v so_o near_o alike_o in_o both_o and_o which_o in_o its_o great_a latitude_n can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o sense_n imagination_n memory_n and_o appetite_n for_o it_o seem_v say_v the_o learned_a doctor_n that_o the_o imagination_n be_v a_o certain_a undulation_n or_o waver_a of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n begin_v more_o inward_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o expanded_a or_o stretch_v out_o from_o thence_o on_o every_o side_n towards_o its_o circumference_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o act_n of_o the_o memory_n consist_v in_o the_o regurgitation_n or_o flow_v back_o of_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o exterior_a compass_n of_o the_o brain_n towards_o its_o middle_n the_o appetite_n be_v stir_v up_o for_o that_o the_o animal_n spirit_n be_v some_o how_o move_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o brain_n tend_v from_o thence_o outward_o towards_o the_o nervous_a system_n now_o till_o you_o can_v make_v it_o out_o how_o or_o in_o what_o mechanic_n structure_n or_o disposition_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o animal_n organ_n the_o rational_a faculty_n lie_v conceal_v and_o prove_v to_o we_o by_o dissection_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o part_n in_o the_o humane_a brain_n whereof_o the_o more_o perfect_a brute_n be_v destitute_a and_o wherein_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o act_n of_o reason_n shall_v be_v perform_v till_o this_o i_o say_v be_v do_v it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o a_o religionist_n to_o believe_v with_o more_o than_o three_o part_n of_o the_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o unlearned_a world_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n be_v place_v in_o a_o spiritual_a indivisible_a substance_n or_o in_o something_o which_o neither_o depend_v on_o nor_o can_v be_v the_o result_n of_o any_o material_a disposition_n let_v i_o beg_v you_o dear_a sir_n to_o consider_v thorough_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n if_o it_o contain_v a_o truth_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a importance_n and_o i_o must_v solemn_o protest_v to_o you_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o almost_o a_o perfect_a demonstration_n it_o be_v no_o way_n improbable_a but_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v which_o if_o you_o surmise_v or_o believe_v let_v i_o request_v you_o or_o some_o of_o your_o more_o learned_a friend_n the_o a_o it_o be_v to_o furnish_v i_o with_o some_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o mankind_n have_v be_v for_o some_o thousand_o year_n impose_v on_o delude_v and_o abuse_v and_o that_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o will_n and_o reason_n be_v at_o length_n intelligible_o solve_v without_o the_o supposition_n either_o of_o spirituality_n or_o immortality_n i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v some_o man_n interest_n that_o the_o rational_a as_o well_o as_o
all_o true_a religion_n and_o put_v the_o most_o contemptible_a brute_n in_o competition_n with_o he_o we_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n found_v upon_o his_o action_n and_o take_v every_o thing_n from_o he_o commendable_a or_o praiseworthy_a but_o say_v the_o atheist_n we_o will_v have_v have_v he_o place_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o shall_v only_o have_v have_v a_o power_n or_o freedom_n to_o do_v everything_o he_o ought_v but_o never_o to_o have_v have_v the_o liberty_n of_o forfeit_v his_o future_a happiness_n the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o desire_n or_o expectation_n be_v so_o palpable_o conspicuous_a that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v consider_v it_o without_o perceive_v it_o for_o if_o mankind_n have_v be_v compel_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o or_o have_v there_o be_v a_o perfect_a impossibility_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v fall_v into_o infidelity_n in_o what_o i_o pray_v have_v lie_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o religious_a faith_n if_o man_n though_o never_o so_o desirous_a can_v not_o be_v vicious_a where_o have_v be_v the_o benefit_n or_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o have_v never_o the_o power_n of_o degrade_n their_o nature_n and_o fall_v into_o luxury_n epicurism_n and_o sensuality_n who_o have_v ever_o hear_v of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n where_o will_v be_v our_o christian_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n if_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o be_v encounter_v or_o danger_n to_o be_v overcome_v or_o in_o a_o word_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o value_v ourselves_o for_o our_o honesty_n justice_n charity_n patience_n resignation_n if_o all_o these_o stand_v but_o for_o so_o many_o cipher_n or_o empty_a insignificant_a sound_n as_o they_o must_v be_v do_v we_o suppose_v ourselves_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o where_o we_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o some_o unseen_a impulse_n or_o coaction_n independent_a on_o the_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n i_o must_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o place_n or_o text_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o countenance_v this_o opinion_n that_o man_n be_v not_o a_o free_a agent_n or_o invest_v with_o this_o power_n which_o we_o contend_v for_o but_o whoever_o will_v take_v the_o trouble_n of_o collect_v the_o several_a exposition_n not_o only_o of_o divine_n but_o philosopher_n will_v find_v they_o all_o satisfactory_o explain_v their_o scruple_n fair_o remove_v and_o the_o more_o natural_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o they_o demonstrative_o assert_v hobbs_n there_o be_v no_o person_n that_o i_o know_v of_o have_v make_v so_o much_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n about_o liberty_n and_o necessity_n or_o about_o our_o act_n necessary_o as_o mr._n hobbs_n that_o man_n say_v he_o be_v free_a to_o do_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v do_v it_o if_o he_o have_v the_o will_v to_o do_v it_o and_o may_v forbear_v if_o he_o have_v the_o will_v to_o forbear_v and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o will_v to_o do_v it_o the_o action_n be_v necessary_o to_o follow_v and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o will_v to_o forbear_v the_o forbear_n also_o will_v be_v necessary_a the_o question_n therefore_o be_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o he_o can_v write_v or_o forbear_v speak_v or_o be_v silent_a according_a to_o his_o will_n but_o whether_o the_o will_v to_o write_v or_o the_o will_v to_o forbear_v come_v upon_o he_o according_a to_o his_o will_n or_o according_a to_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o his_o own_o power_n i_o acknowledge_v this_o liberty_n that_o i_o can_v do_v if_o i_o will_v but_o to_o say_v i_o can_v will_v if_o i_o will_v i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o absurd_a speech_n again_o say_v mr._n hobbs_n every_o effect_n must_v have_v a_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o that_o cause_n must_v be_v sufficient_a to_o produce_v it_o otherwise_o it_o have_v never_o be_v produce_v if_o that_o cause_n be_v sufficient_a it_o must_v likewise_o be_v necessary_a to_o produce_v it_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v want_v that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o production_n of_o the_o effect_n it_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v and_o thus_o the_o effect_n come_v to_o be_v produce_v necessary_o or_o of_o pure_a necessity_n the_o comparison_n stand_v thus_o the_o will_n of_o man_n must_v have_v some_o cause_n that_o cause_n must_v be_v sufficient_a if_o sufficient_a likewise_o necessary_a ergo_fw-la man_n will_n be_v necessitate_v whoever_o will_v trouble_v himself_o with_o a_o little_a reflection_n may_v easy_o unriddle_v this_o mystery_n and_o prove_v the_o argument_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a sophism_n however_o strenuous_a it_o appear_v at_o the_o first_o view_n the_o judicious_a mr._n e_o d_o have_v do_v it_o already_o to_o my_o hand_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v you_o to_o his_o dialogue_n for_o a_o solution_n in_o the_o interim_n i_o shall_v be_v plain_a with_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a that_o whatever_o applause_n this_o author_n may_v have_v gain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o much_o soever_o extol_v for_o a_o man_n of_o profound_a thought_n or_o a_o deep_a judgement_n i_o see_v nothing_o in_o he_o more_o take_v than_o his_o manner_n of_o expression_n in_o which_o he_o be_v indeed_o so_o peculiar_a and_o singular_o fortunate_a that_o many_o man_n have_v be_v hereby_o so_o soothe_v and_o tickle_v into_o a_o opinion_n of_o his_o judgement_n as_o to_o take_v all_o he_o say_v for_o grant_v and_o to_o believe_v every_o thing_n new_a till_o a_o far_a consideration_n discover_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o so_o than_o his_o stile_n and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o thought_n i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v you_o taint_v with_o this_o man_n principle_n on_o which_o account_n as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o heretical_a opinion_n i_o will_v recommend_v you_o to_o the_o write_n of_o bishop_n lucy_n my_o lord_n c_o n_o mr._n w_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o late_o mention_v e_o d._n when_o man_n have_v degrade_v themselves_o into_o beast_n by_o practice_n they_o will_v have_v it_o think_v by_o any_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a for_o they_o to_o act_v otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v from_o hence_o they_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o pittifulâ—st_n brute_n but_o that_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o more_o lucky_a texture_n and_o modification_n and_o indeed_o the_o brutish_a soul_n will_v very_o well_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n of_o some_o man_n who_o to_o justify_v their_o sensuality_n earnest_o contend_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o indulge_v or_o gratify_v beside_o their_o animal_n inclination_n but_o notwithstanding_o whatever_o these_o man_n think_v this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a verity_n that_o next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v be_v immortal_a be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o all_o true_a happiness_n the_o hinge_v upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o undergo_a some_o present_a inconvenience_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o truth_n whatever_o that_o have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n man_n may_v study_v to_o palliate_v and_o ease_v the_o disquiet_n of_o their_o trouble_a soul_n after_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v some_o lucid_a interval_n which_o will_v discover_v to_o they_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o put_v they_o upon_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o soul_n perpetual_a sleep_n which_o shall_v it_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n will_v prove_v one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n sic_fw-la mihi_fw-la say_v the_o eloquent_a 1._o cicero_n persuasi_fw-la sic_fw-la sentio_fw-la cum_fw-la tanta_fw-la celeritas_fw-la sit_fw-la animorum_fw-la tanta_fw-la memoria_fw-la praeteritorum_fw-la futurorumque_fw-la prudentia_fw-la tot_fw-la art_fw-la tot_fw-la scientiae_fw-la tot_fw-la inuenta_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la eam_fw-la naturam_fw-la quae_fw-la eas_fw-la res_fw-la contineat_fw-la esse_fw-la mortalem_fw-la cumque_fw-la animus_fw-la semper_fw-la agitetur_fw-la nec_fw-la principium_fw-la motus_fw-la habeat_fw-la quia_fw-la ipse_fw-la se_fw-la moveat_fw-la nec_fw-la finem_fw-la quidem_fw-la habiturum_fw-la esse_fw-la motus_fw-la quia_fw-la nunquam_fw-la se_fw-la ipse_fw-la sit_fw-la relicturus_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la simplex_fw-la animi_fw-la sit_fw-la natura_fw-la neque_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o se_fw-la quidquam_fw-la admistum_fw-la dispar_fw-la svi_fw-la atque_fw-la dissimile_n non_fw-la posse_fw-la
cum_fw-la dividi_fw-la quod_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la posset_n non_fw-fr posset_n interire_fw-la there_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a account_n i_o have_v somewhere_o read_v of_o one_o who_o we_o may_v reasonable_o believe_v if_o he_o have_v ever_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o priestcraft_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o its_o infection_n and_o too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o material_a power_n at_o least_o in_o his_o own_o conceit_n to_o admit_v or_o suffer_v a_o imposition_n upon_o his_o reason_n not_o to_o keep_v you_o in_o suspense_n it_o be_v aristotle_n i_o mean_v of_o who_o averro_n one_o of_o his_o commentator_n give_v this_o encomium_n complevit_fw-la art_fw-la &_o scientias_fw-la &_o nullus_fw-la corum_fw-la qui_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la cum_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la tempus_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la mille_fw-la &_o quingentorum_fw-la annorum_fw-la quidquam_fw-la addidit_fw-la nec_fw-la inuenies_fw-la in_o ejus_fw-la verbis_fw-la errorem_fw-la alicujus_fw-la quantitatis_fw-la &_o talem_fw-la esse_fw-la vertutem_fw-la in_o individio_fw-la uno_fw-la miraculosum_fw-la &_o extraneum_fw-la existit_fw-la &_o haec_fw-la dispositio_fw-la cum_fw-la in_o uno_fw-la homine_fw-la reperitur_fw-la dignus_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la divinus_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la humanus_fw-la in_o another_o place_n he_o speak_v thus_o landemus_fw-la deum_fw-la qui_fw-la seperavit_fw-la hunc_fw-la virum_fw-la ab_fw-la aliis_fw-la in_o perfectione_n appropriavitque_fw-la ei_fw-la ultimam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la humanam_fw-la quam_fw-la non_fw-la omnis_fw-la homo_fw-la potest_fw-la in_o quacunque_fw-la aetate_fw-la attingere_fw-la again_o say_v he_o aristotelis_fw-la doctrina_fw-la est_fw-la summa_fw-la veritas_fw-la quoniam_fw-la ejus_fw-la intellectus_fw-la fuit_fw-la finis_fw-la humani_fw-la intellectus_fw-la quare_fw-la bene_fw-la dicitur_fw-la de_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la ipse_fw-la fuit_fw-la creatus_fw-la &_o datus_fw-la nobis_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la ignoremus_fw-la possibilia_fw-la sciri_fw-la yet_o this_o wonderful_a philosopher_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v this_o character_n who_o have_v set_v so_o many_o learned_a man_n contest_v about_o his_o principle_n and_o dive_v into_o his_o opinion_n of_o the_o great_a soul_n of_o man_n notwithstanding_o he_o have_v think_v of_o all_o the_o subtle_a subterfuges_n his_o wit_n can_v devise_v to_o evade_v acknowledge_v its_o distinct_a subsistence_n and_o among_o other_o have_v invent_v for_o he_o own_v himself_o it_o first_o broacher_n that_o impossible_a notion_n of_o the_o world_n eternity_n yet_o be_v it_o report_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o separate_a be_v of_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o immediate_o before_o his_o exit_fw-la he_o be_v say_v earnest_o to_o have_v cry_v out_o to_o this_o purpose_n en_fw-fr dubitans_fw-la vixi_fw-la moriensque_fw-la animae_fw-la quid_fw-la accidet_fw-la sum_fw-la ignotus_fw-la tu_fw-la ergo_fw-la domine_fw-la essentiarum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d miserere_fw-la mei_fw-la i_o hope_v now_o the_o precede_a passage_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n convince_v you_o of_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o it_o have_v be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n of_o particular_a man_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o universal_a belief_n in_o mankind_n that_o their_o soul_n will_v survive_v their_o body_n and_o that_o the_o very_a ethnic_n themselves_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o abstract_a speculation_n and_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n have_v by_o evidence_n from_o natural_a light_n subscribe_v this_o confession_n either_o open_o in_o word_n or_o secret_o by_o their_o apparent_a doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v to_o conclude_v let_v i_o request_v you_o when_o your_o soul_n be_v the_o least_o ruffle_a with_o anxiety_n or_o perturbation_n and_o your_o rational_a faculty_n with_o sensual_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n when_o your_o mind_n be_v most_o serene_a most_o calm_a and_o lucid_a to_o divest_v yourself_o but_o for_o some_o few_o moment_n of_o all_o gross_a idea_n and_o material_a image_n and_o perhaps_o by_o the_o free_a and_o considerate_a exercise_n of_o some_o reflex_n act_n that_o intuitive_a knowledge_n may_v so_o enlighten_v your_o understanding_n as_o i_o hope_v to_o convince_v you_o that_o the_o rational_a and_o think_v part_n of_o you_o which_o enjoy_v this_o great_a prerogative_n must_v be_v infinite_o above_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n under_o whatever_o modification_n and_o that_o your_o capacity_n to_o know_v thing_n by_o this_o kind_n of_o reflection_n which_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n to_o material_a idea_n neither_o yet_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o brain_n by_o any_o corporeal_a image_n be_v perfect_a demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v being_n of_o a_o spiritual_a incorporeal_a nature_n that_o your_o superior_a or_o rational_a soul_n be_v of_o this_o class_n infuâ—â—â—â—â—_n thereinto_o by_o the_o almighty_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n i_o remain_v my_o very_a good_a friend_n most_o affectionate_o you_o london_n jan._n 30._o 1691_o postscript_n that_o the_o precede_a discourse_n may_v be_v the_o more_o entertain_v i_o have_v here_o take_v a_o opportunity_n of_o present_v you_o with_o a_o epitome_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o two_o famous_a men._n the_o hypothesis_n be_v both_o new_a or_o at_o least_o be_v never_o as_o i_o have_v hear_v deliver_v to_o we_o before_o in_o such_o regular_a system_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o mounseur_fw-fr malebranch_n where_o discourse_v of_o our_o sensation_n he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o follow_a notion_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o such_o as_o we_o have_v all_o along_o account_v they_o nor_o do_v they_o at_o all_o reside_v in_o those_o part_n we_o have_v suppose_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o intelligible_o that_o our_o sense_n whether_o of_o heat_n colour_n taste_n sound_n etc._n etc._n be_v nothing_o real_a in_o the_o object_n nor_o yet_o in_o the_o part_n which_o be_v believe_v the_o sentient_a to_o instance_n in_o one_o of_o these_o that_o upon_o the_o approach_n of_o your_o hand_n to_o the_o fire_n the_o heat_v you_o apprehend_v be_v neither_o in_o the_o fire_n nor_o in_o your_o hand_n but_o a_o pure_a modification_n of_o your_o soul_n itself_o which_o be_v thus_o various_o modefy_v by_o the_o supreme_a be_v at_o the_o presentment_n of_o the_o several_a object_n in_o his_o explain_v this_o he_o take_v notice_n to_o we_o that_o in_o this_o approach_n of_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o fire_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o invisible_a motion_n in_o the_o fire_n or_o hand_n in_o the_o former_a by_o the_o continual_a expulsion_n of_o igneous_a particle_n against_o the_o fibre_n of_o the_o hand_n and_o in_o the_o hand_n a_o motion_n or_o division_n of_o the_o same_o fibres_fw-fr by_o the_o intrusion_n of_o the_o fiery_a particle_n and_o thus_o inquirend_n say_v he_o that_o we_o may_v not_o neglect_v the_o care_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o our_o body_n it_o have_v please_v the_o almighty_a maker_n of_o they_o to_o new_a modify_v our_o soul_n after_o so_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n that_o when_o any_o danger_n approach_v which_o will_v prejudice_v their_o make_n or_o structure_n we_o shall_v apprehend_v our_o pain_n and_o disorder_n and_o feel_v they_o as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o danger_n lie_v without_o conceive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o modification_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o this_o will_v hold_v in_o every_o of_o our_o sensation_n which_o be_v nothing_o real_a any_o where_o unless_o in_o the_o soul_n itself_o this_o may_v now_o inform_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o cautious_a in_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n involve_v we_o in_o most_o of_o our_o mistake_v for_o these_o be_v not_o give_v we_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o as_o they_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o body_n that_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v enforce_v with_o a_o far_a perspicuity_n here_o be_v another_o signal_n instance_n of_o the_o general_a error_n into_o which_o among_o the_o other_o sense_n our_o sight_n betray_v we_o in_o reference_n to_o light_n and_o colour_n when_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o sun_n for_o some_o time_n this_o be_v what_o pass_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o these_o be_v the_o error_n we_o fall_v into_o those_o who_o know_v the_o first_o element_n of_o dioptric_n and_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o admirable_a structure_n of_o our_o eye_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v refract_v in_o the_o crystaline_a and_o other_o humour_n and_o that_o they_o meet_v afterward_o upon_o the_o retâ—â—â—_n or_o expansion_n of_o the_o optic_a nerve_n which_o as_o it_o be_v furnish_v with_o hang_n all_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o eye_n even_o as_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o pass_v through_o a_o convex_a glass_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o focus_n at_o two_o three_o or_o four_o finger_n breadth_n distant_a in_o proportion_n to_o its_o convexity_n now_o experience_n show_v that_o if_o one_o
all_o mankind_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o be_v imbue_v with_o the_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v they_o be_v convince_v also_o that_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n at_o present_a towards_o god_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n in_o all_o the_o address_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o god_n they_o constant_o apply_v to_o he_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o defilement_n and_o gild_n in_o all_o their_o transaction_n from_o time_n to_o time_n with_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v be_v study_v how_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o to_o atone_v and_o appease_v he_o now_o sinner_n can_v perform_v nothing_o due_o in_o religion_n towards_o god_n without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o subordination_n we_o be_v create_v in_o at_o first_o to_o he_o his_o right_a and_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v law_n to_o we_o the_o capacity_n we_o be_v in_o both_o of_o know_v and_o keep_v they_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o sin_n enter_v that_o god_n will_v not_o desert_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o that_o ruin_n which_o it_o have_v incur_v by_o its_o own_o folly_n but_o that_o he_o be_v yet_o appeasable_a towards_o we_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o worship_n and_o service_n at_o our_o hand_n with_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o term_n that_o he_o will_v receive_v we_o again_o into_o favour_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o defilement_n we_o labour_v under_o without_o some_o information_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sinner_n to_o apply_v in_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o god_n at_o all_o and_o shall_v they_o attempt_v it_o they_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o prevaricate_v see_v then_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v evidence_v the_o ineffectualness_n of_o natural_a light_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v the_o necessity_n that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a whether_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n be_v certain_o void_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o admission_n for_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o our_o reason_n be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o like_a demonstrative_a evidence_n that_o this_o claim_n be_v also_o most_o undue_o ascribe_v to_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v true_a that_o mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n most_o think_v that_o he_o counterfeit_v in_o his_o pretence_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n he_o do_v so_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a interposure_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o he_o be_v deceive_v himself_o ere_o he_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v other_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o epileptical_a distemper_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a have_v in_o other_o be_v attend_v with_o diabolical_a insinuation_n the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v be_v enthusiastical_o incline_v and_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o arabian_a wit_n together_o with_o the_o subserviency_n of_o ethnic_a idolatry_n which_o remain_v up_o and_o down_o among_o they_o may_v encourage_v satan_n to_o make_v a_o attempt_n that_o way_n among_o that_o people_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o whether_o the_o whole_a be_v single_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o himself_o and_o one_o or_o two_o impostor_n more_o that_o assist_v he_o be_v not_o material_a nor_o make_v to_o the_o business_n itself_o mahometism_n begin_v not_o till_o the_o six_o century_n about_o which_o time_n and_o for_o a_o considerable_a season_n before_o the_o whole_a east_n be_v sore_o infect_v by_o heresy_n and_o rend_v by_o schism_n which_o together_o with_o the_o impure_a life_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o west_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o permit_v this_o deceiver_n to_o accost_v the_o world_n but_o obtrude_a a_o new_a religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o too_o as_o neither_o reason_n nor_o any_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n befriend_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o have_v justify_v his_o mission_n by_o some_o miracle_n or_o other_o as_o to_o what_o he_o go_v about_o and_o these_o himself_n plain_o disclaim_v for_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v such_o to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o disparage_v both_o the_o person_n and_o the_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v bring_v i_o know_v that_o all_o person_n who_o have_v speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v not_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o always_o needful_a especial_o when_o they_o only_o call_v man_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o so_o attest_v before_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v spare_v of_o miracle_n and_o indeed_o be_v thereby_o better_o provide_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o doctrine_n as_o be_v either_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n new_a and_o also_o more_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v wrought_v wonder_n in_o attestation_n of_o every_o ordinary_a messenger_n or_o familiar_a truth_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o none_o of_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v report_v to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n save_v moses_n the_o giver_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o promulger_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o every_o herald_n of_o heaven_n have_v not_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n yet_o no_o one_o come_v inspire_v by_o god_n who_o have_v not_o some_o testimony_n or_o other_o bear_v to_o he_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o a_o impostor_n either_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v be_v of_o that_o sublimeness_n that_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v have_v invent_v they_o and_o yet_o when_o discover_v be_v so_o correspondent_a to_o our_o rational_a desire_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o our_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v due_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v what_o i_o look_v for_o but_o can_v not_o find_v or_o else_o they_o make_v know_v some_o present_a matter_n which_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n such_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o declare_v some_o fact_n do_v either_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o with_o that_o secrecy_n that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v it_o or_o else_o they_o foretell_v some_o future_a contingent_a soon_o after_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o according_o fell_a out_o in_o every_o circumstance_n nor_o be_v it_o unlikely_a but_o that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n prophet_n have_v their_o mission_n confirm_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o something_o future_a which_o humane_a prudence_n can_v not_o foresee_v or_o else_o they_o be_v bear_v witness_n to_o by_o the_o prevalency_n and_o immediate_a success_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o prevent_v some_o impendent_a judgement_n or_o in_o the_o procure_n some_o needful_a mercy_n for_o thereby_o be_v declare_v either_o their_o foresight_n of_o what_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o the_o interest_n favour_n and_o power_n they_o have_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o without_o probability_n that_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n justify_v their_o mission_n by_o some_o such_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o mahomet_n though_o he_o not_o only_o pretend_v to_o speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n but_o withal_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n real_o new_a yet_o he_o come_v authorise_v by_o no_o miracle_n sign_n or_o badge_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o impostor_n yea_o whereas_o he_o own_v that_o both_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o his_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a beside_o it_o have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o by_o heathen_n and_o that_o agreeable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o prophetic_a illapse_n never_o befall_v impure_a and_o unclean_a soul_n and_o that_o god_n never_o make_v a_o unhallowed_a person_n his_o oracle_n at_o least_o that_o never_o any_o such_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o divine_a amannenses_n now_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o alcoran_n by_o this_o prophetic_a text_n we_o find_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o person_n lustful_a and_o tyrannical_a make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o blood_n and_o dirt_n gross_o sensual_a and_o
prodigious_o cruel_a which_o plain_o demonstrate_v how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o prophetic_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o steal_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misname_v time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o miserable_o corrupt_v and_o as_o wild_o blend_v together_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o impossible_a blasphemous_a or_o absurd_a the_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o foolish_a the_o whole_a be_v at_o first_o invent_v out_o of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n propagate_v by_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v establish_v profound_a ignorance_n sensual_a bait_n and_o force_v of_o arm_n give_v it_o its_o first_o promotion_n and_o do_v still_o maintain_v its_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o the_o mean_a reason_n if_o due_o exercise_v be_v able_a manifest_o to_o disprove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n this_o business_n of_o revelation_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o curious_o handle_v by_o the_o b_o of_o c_o that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o recommend_v to_o you_o a_o perusal_n of_o those_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n where_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o believe_v you_o will_v find_v but_o little_o want_v to_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reveal_v religion_n of_o a_o possibility_n for_o the_o almighty_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o last_o not_o only_o the_o probability_n but_o the_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o revelation_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o testament_n for_o the_o â—leing_n all_o which_o truth_n viz._n the_o possibility_n expedience_n usefulness_n necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o have_v offer_v such_o evidence_n rational_a natural_a traditionary_a and_o supernatural_a as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o unprejudiced_a infidel_n and_o will_v be_v find_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v make_v void_a or_o overthrow_v by_o the_o subtle_a of_o the_o hellish_a tribe_n our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n do_v indeed_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v must_v precede_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n i_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o own_o their_o truth_n but_o even_o to_o infidel_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o naked_a testimony_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n nature_n and_o quality_n that_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o author_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o arrive_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o a_o assurance_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o its_o effect_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n mere_a testification_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n it_o bring_v only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o again_o those_o who_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mere_a report_n to_o principle_n of_o education_n the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n or_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v their_o alcoran_n if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o repugnant_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o one_o another_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o enthusiast_n and_o pretend_a inspirato_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o such_o person_n can_v have_v of_o its_o divinity_n but_o 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v no_o man_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o enlighten_v he_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o its_o proceed_n from_o god_n be_v evidence_v and_o establishâ—_n there_o be_v no_o conviction_n beget_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherways_o than_o by_o rational_a evidence_n satisfy_v our_o understanding_n through_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n that_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o 2._o no_o man_n particular_a assurance_n obtain_v thus_o in_o way_n of_o illumination_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o another_o than_o by_o propose_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v erect_v the_o way_n of_o such_o man_n evidence_n be_v communicable_a to_o none_o unless_o they_o can_v kindle_v the_o same_o ray_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o which_o have_v irradiate_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o other_o by_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o conviction_n not_o plead_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o that_o another_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o weight_n and_o momentousness_n of_o the_o reason_n themselves_o not_o on_o the_o manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o so_o that_o in_o short_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionate_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n our_o reason_n be_v here_o just_o to_o be_v magnify_v as_o high_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v this_o i_o say_v our_o reason_n can_v do_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o the_o almighty_a to_o satisfy_v they_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadaequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bias_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n
ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v in_o consequence_n of_o this_o principle_n say_v the_o treatise_n author_n that_o the_o whole_a tenure_n of_o the_o scripture_n declare_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v not_o according_a to_o our_o belief_n but_o according_a to_o our_o work_n witness_v abundance_n of_o passage_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n particular_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a religion_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o bare_o embrace_v this_o or_o that_o opinion_n however_o orthodox_n neither_o yet_o in_o associate_a ourselves_o with_o this_o or_o that_o sect_n of_o professor_n in_o admire_v or_o follow_v this_o or_o that_o doctor_n though_o even_o he_o be_v a_o paul_n a_o apollo_n or_o a_o cephas_n but_o its_o important_a work_n be_v to_o draw_v we_o from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o consider_v the_o heat_n and_o animosity_n which_o be_v spring_v up_o in_o the_o world_n from_o difference_n in_o opinion_n in_o what_o we_o call_v article_n of_o faith_n every_o man_n will_v have_v his_o own_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o nay_o some_o alas_o too_o many_o be_v so_o barbarous_a that_o they_o not_o only_o condemn_v other_o to_o death_n but_o deliver_v they_o also_o by_o their_o anathema_n '_o be_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o damnation_n for_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o some_o metaphisical_a speculation_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o certain_a that_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v tie_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n so_o indispensable_o to_o the_o particular_a belief_n of_o any_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n as_o some_o of_o the_o present_a doctor_n of_o his_o church_n now_o do_v we_o read_v that_o our_o lord_n himself_o pronounce_v st._n peter_n bless_v upon_o the_o bare_a declaration_n that_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n st._n philip_n in_o like_a manner_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n upon_o no_o other_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n than_o in_o the_o term_n of_o this_o short_a symbol_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n john_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o to_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v a_o certain_a characteristical_a mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o st._n paul_n explain_v himself_o in_o this_o point_n yet_o more_o particular_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o believe_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a we_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o simplicity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o those_o article_n of_o belief_n which_o they_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n may_v just_o raise_v our_o astonishment_n at_o the_o imprudence_n of_o those_o man_n who_o have_v perplex_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n with_o so_o many_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n not_o content_a with_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v of_o christianity_n they_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o a_o wordy_a philosophy_n thereby_o to_o refine_v their_o notion_n and_o adorn_v they_o with_o the_o lustre_n of_o seem_o mysterious_a expression_n insomuch_o that_o a_o great_a palav_n cardinal_n have_v not_o stick_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o aristotle_n we_o shall_v have_v want_v many_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o aggravate_v yet_o more_o the_o extravagance_n of_o these_o dogmatiser_n be_v that_o they_o themselves_o acknowlenge_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o undertake_v to_o explain_v with_o such_o critical_a exactness_n as_o if_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o very_a council_n and_o fathom_v the_o depth_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n we_o may_v therefore_o without_o danger_n shake_v off_o the_o tyranny_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o have_v possess_v we_o the_o name_n of_o orthodox_n and_o heretic_n be_v too_o partial_a and_o illusory_a any_o long_a to_o deceive_v we_o they_o have_v these_o many_o age_n be_v make_v use_n of_o with_o so_o much_o irregularity_n interest_n and_o passion_n that_o the_o ordinary_a application_n of_o they_o can_v at_o this_o day_n be_v any_o just_a ground_n either_o of_o assurance_n or_o fear_n we_o may_v undoubted_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o man_n will_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o the_o gild_n of_o any_o criminal_a heresy_n so_o long_o as_o we_o sincere_o believe_v what_o he_o have_v express_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o if_o peradventure_o we_o understand_v not_o clear_o the_o whole_a sense_n of_o every_o expression_n in_o which_o those_o thing_n have_v be_v declare_v we_o ought_v certain_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n so_o much_o the_o less_o presume_v to_o alter_v they_o or_o affect_v new_a form_n of_o explain_v ourselves_o and_o least_o of_o all_o to_o impose_v upon_o other_o any_o doubtful_a inference_n draw_v from_o such_o dark_a and_o intricate_a premise_n but_o with_o submission_n to_o this_o great_a master_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o reply_v this_o that_o as_o i_o can_v think_v every_o thing_n a_o fundamental_a in_o religion_n which_o some_o man_n will_v persuade_v we_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v more_o require_v to_o salvation_n than_o some_o other_o seem_v to_o intimate_v i_o can_v well_o enough_o comply_v with_o that_o opinion_n 1._o which_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o essential_a in_o christianity_n to_o wit_n the_o belief_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n provide_v they_o take_v in_o the_o genuine_a consequence_n and_o the_o natural_a result_v of_o such_o a_o faith_n such_o as_o his_o divinity_n his_o miraculous_a incarnation_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o his_o come_n to_o judge_n the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n without_o these_o attendant_n upon_o this_o one_o fundamental_a the_o system_fw-la of_o christianity_n will_v be_v lame_a and_o incoherent_a and_o it_o can_v indeed_o be_v know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o say_v jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n a_o man_n may_v say_v so_o much_o and_o have_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o he_o than_o the_o jew_n have_v who_o expect_v he_o a_o temporal_a prince_n but_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v raise_v our_o body_n and_o judge_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o all_o the_o other_o fundamental_o which_o the_o apostle_n mention_n hebr._n 6.1_o 2._o if_o we_o believe_v he_o such_o a_o messiah_n as_o the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o such_o part_n of_o our_o belief_n will_v have_v beside_o the_o explain_n of_o our_o faith_n a_o great_a influence_n on_o the_o end_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o make_v we_o good_a man_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v jesus_n only_o a_o temporal_a prince_n to_o govern_v he_o in_o this_o world_n will_v never_o think_v himself_o so_o much_o oblige_v to_o conform_v his_o very_a thought_n and_o desire_n to_o his_o law_n as_o he_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o will_v one_o day_n judge_v he_o in_o another_o again_o we_o ought_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o divinity_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v one_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o worship_v he_o according_o we_o neglect_v a_o gospel_n duty_n and_o if_o we_o do_v worship_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o one_o god_n we_o be_v idolater_n as_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v of_o that_o importance_n that_o without_o it_o he_o that_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v no_o notion_n for_o what_o he_o be_v anoint_v and_o send_v or_o of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o these_o i_o say_v must_v all_o go_v along_o with_o that_o one_o fundamental_a and_o to_o our_o belief_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v than_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o holy_a writ_n where_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v authentic_a we_o must_v believe_v it_o our_o duty_n not_o to_o dispute_v the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o that_o we_o consent_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o what_o be_v there_o plain_o deliver_v as_o to_o these_o point_n although_o we_o be_v altogether_o unskile_v in_o the_o metaphysic_n and_o unable_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o hypostatic_a union_n the_o
divine_a light_n we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o credit_v they_o as_o in_o their_o pretend_a revelation_n the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v neither_o be_v the_o author_n of_o absurdity_n or_o incoherency_n in_o discourse_n neither_o yet_o of_o repugnancy_n in_o opinion_n difference_n between_o each_o other_o and_o palpable_a confusion_n among_o they_o all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n will_v see_v a_o necessity_n not_o only_o to_o be_v act_v by_o but_o to_o think_v more_o reverent_o of_o the_o true_a revelation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o outward_a suffering_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a now_o whatever_o these_o people_n may_v insinuate_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o their_o belief_n there_o be_v notwithstanding_o several_a dangerous_a heresy_n get_v in_o among_o they_o they_o do_v most_o of_o they_o at_o the_o bottom_n set_v up_o their_o own_o light_n and_o private_a inspiration_n to_o the_o write_a word_n which_o their_o calling_n a_o dead_a letter_n food_n for_o child_n of_o little_a use_n to_o the_o regenerate_v or_o such_o as_o be_v grow_v in_o grace_n do_v plain_o intimate_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o speak_v slight_o of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n ridicule_fw-la the_o notion_n of_o original_a sin_n and_o disparage_v or_o discredit_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o translation_n they_o have_v none_o of_o they_o any_o other_o infallible_a criterion_n or_o stand_v rule_n of_o faith_n than_o a_o mistake_a conscience_n which_o they_o nickname_n the_o divine_a light_n this_o be_v plain_o evident_a by_o their_o wild_a enthusiams_n the_o gross_a immorality_n among_o some_o of_o they_o and_o the_o intestine_a jangle_n among_o they_o all_o they_o do_v consult_v the_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n but_o alas_o their_o high_a pretence_n and_o conceit_n be_v foil_v and_o quash_v so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o compare_v they_o and_o notwithstanding_o their_o strenuous_a plea_n with_o their_o seem_a assurance_n that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o be_v equal_o inspire_v with_o the_o divine_a penman_n i_o defy_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o qu_n sm_n to_o produce_v i_o one_o single_a instance_n of_o any_o one_o of_o their_o prophet_n that_o can_v ever_o give_v the_o proof_n and_o attestation_n of_o their_o inspiration_n with_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o come_v to_o this_o they_o most_o wretched_o prevaricate_v and_o cry_v out_o with_o mahomet_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o sign_n and_o wonder_n believe_v i_o sir_n add_v he_o this_o late_a pretence_n to_o inspiration_n be_v both_o the_o most_o egregious_a cheat_n that_o be_v ever_o put_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a fallacy_n that_o ever_o the_o grand_a deceiver_n can_v have_v invent_v or_o contrive_v weigh_v all_o thing_n fair_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v all_o impartial_o and_o give_v the_o great_a scope_n you_o can_v to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o argument_n you_o will_v find_v all_o as_o pure_a deception_n and_o as_o certain_o false_a as_o the_o divine_a illumination_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v most_o conspicuous_a and_o demonstrative_o true_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o tendency_n of_o this_o notion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o shall_v the_o world_n but_o once_o comply_v with_o or_o countenance_v the_o same_o the_o fundamental_o of_o government_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a will_v present_o be_v unhinged_a we_o shall_v have_v one_o revelation_n in_o opposition_n to_o another_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o divine_a system_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v be_v trample_v under_o soot_n we_o shall_v be_v expose_v in_o our_o fortune_n to_o the_o state_n of_o leveller_n in_o our_o mind_n to_o diabolical_a illusion_n or_o phansiful_a suggestion_n our_o religion_n will_v soon_o grow_v volatile_a and_o fly_v away_o into_o air_n and_o spirit_n a_o profound_a sign_n oâ—_n lamentable_a expiration_n will_v be_v all_o we_o shall_v have_v to_o do_v whilst_o clothe_v with_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o our_o religious_a duty_n for_o want_v of_o the_o support_n of_o a_o establish_a form_n will_v quick_o leave_v we_o our_o help_n to_o devotion_n such_o as_o watch_n fast_n and_o servant_n prayer_n will_v be_v quick_o lay_v aside_o and_o in_o a_o little_a timâ—_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o destructive_a ignorance_n and_o barbarous_a confusion_n i_o can_v the_o more_o ready_o presage_v this_o have_v be_v much_o pester_v with_o these_o people_n in_o some_o of_o the_o town_n of_o new-eng_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o germany_n have_v be_v with_o the_o frantic_a anabaptist_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n to_o you_o in_o one_o word_n more_o that_o when_o ever_o you_o may_v happen_v to_o discourse_v these_o people_n upon_o almost_o any_o single_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n you_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o two_o of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o explanatory_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o great_a that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o settle_a creed_n or_o general_o establish_v system_n they_o will_v unavoidable_o clash_v and_o jar_n with_o one_o another_o indeed_o so_o far_o as_o i_o perceive_v they_o be_v capable_a of_o argue_v nothing_o solid_o but_o the_o principle_n of_o deism_n and_o even_o their_o grand_a notion_n of_o the_o light_n be_v as_o yet_o unprincipled_a and_o as_o mr._n norris_n say_v unphilosophic_a notwithstanding_o the_o two_o learnede_a prop_n of_o their_o cause_n have_v set_v it_o out_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n their_o learning_n can_v â—nable_v they_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o judicious_a who_o will_v talk_v to_o the_o purpose_n for_o some_o little_a time_n but_o there_o be_v no_o keep_v they_o close_o to_o their_o argument_n the_o want_n of_o catechistical_a exercise_n to_o instil_v their_o principle_n into_o those_o under_o their_o care_n have_v render_v their_o religion_n rude_a and_o ill-shapen_a and_o to_o i_o this_o seem_v none_o of_o the_o least_o cause_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v so_o very_o unknowing_a in_o divinity_n that_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o for_o themselves_o but_o this_o that_o they_o have_v a_o feel_a sense_n of_o a_o inward_a light_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v they_o thus_o end_v my_o friend_n discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v leave_v with_o this_o short_a remark_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n his_o idea_n seem_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o rational_a his_o judgement_n sound_n and_o set_v aside_o a_o little_a heat_n his_o discourse_n in_o the_o main_a to_o consist_v with_o truth_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o common_a observation_n whoever_o consult_v antiquity_n or_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o time_n may_v find_v many_o history_n of_o this_o wild_a enthusiasm_n and_o the_o extravagancy_n that_o have_v attend_v this_o whimsical_a pretence_n to_o inspiration_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o six_o 184._o one_o la_n pucel_v a_o french_a maid_n be_v burn_v at_o rouen_n she_o declare_v that_o she_o be_v send_v from_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o her_o country_n to_o expel_v the_o english_a in_o the_o year_n 1591._o and_o the_o 34_o the_o of_o queen_n elizabeth_n be_v reign_v be_v memorable_a the_o prodigious_a carriage_n of_o one_o hackett_n bear_v at_o oundle_n in_o northamptonshire_n a_o mean_a fellow_n of_o no_o learning_n who_o first_o prank_n be_v this_o that_o when_o in_o show_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o one_o with_o who_o he_o have_v veen_fw-mi at_o variance_n he_o embrace_v he_o he_o bite_v off_o his_o nose_n 181._o and_o the_o man_n desire_v to_o have_v it_o again_o that_o it_o may_v be_v sew_v on_o whilst_o the_o wound_n be_v fresh_a he_o most_o villainous_o eat_v it_o up_o and_o swallow_v it_o before_o his_o face_n after_o this_o on_o a_o sudden_a he_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o show_n of_o wonderful_a holiness_n do_v nothing_o almost_o but_o hear_v sermon_n get_v scripture_n by_o heart_n counterfeit_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a call_v thus_o he_o grow_v to_o be_v magnify_v by_o certain_a zealous_a minister_n especial_o of_o one_o edward_n coppinger_n a_o gentleman_n of_o a_o good_a house_n and_o one_o arthington_n a_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o geneva_n discipline_n insomuch_o that_o they_o account_v he_o as_o send_v from_o heaven_n and_o a_o great_a prophet_n than_o moses_n and_o john_n baptist_n and_o final_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n himself_o come_v with_o a_o fan_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n this_o they_o proclaim_v in_o cheapside_n give_v out_o that_o hackett_n participate_v of_o christ_n glorify_a body_n by_o his_o especial_a
2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_a revelation_n and_o lâ—stly_o that_o the_o say_a book_n shut_v up_o all_o revelation_n with_o itself_o so_o that_o none_o other_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v beyond_o it_o 1696._o i_o grant_v say_v he_o that_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a in_o itself_o for_o god_n to_o reveal_v himself_o at_o some_o time_n hereafter_o as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o have_v reveal_v himself_o heretofore_o but_o he_o that_o will_v assert_v the_o futurity_n of_o this_o must_v have_v more_o to_o prove_v it_o than_o a_o possibility_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o revelation_n from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o like_a certainty_n for_o a_o revelation_n after_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o after_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o there_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n itself_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o although_o i_o be_o not_o positive_a but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o particular_a revelation_n or_o inspiration_n with_o respect_n to_o some_o especial_a case_n yet_o it_o may_v arise_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v from_o bare_a imagination_n and_o if_o not_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a caution_n and_o circumspection_n may_v end_v in_o the_o whim_n and_o frenzy_n of_o a_o bridget_n a_o catharina_n or_o a_o mother_n juliana_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o it_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o disannul_v the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o to_o the_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a inspiration_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o above_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o evidence_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v there_o needs_o on_o other_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v to_o that_o revelation_n for_o want_n of_o evidence_n in_o this_o our_o saviour_n life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o innocence_n and_o wherever_o he_o wâ—â—â—_n the_o divine_a power_n go_v along_o with_o he_o which_o he_o extend_v wherever_o he_o come_v and_o as_o occasion_v serve_v to_o the_o confusion_n if_o not_o the_o conviction_n or_o conversion_n of_o his_o adversary_n and_o all_o which_o at_o last_o conclude_v in_o his_o own_o resurrection_n his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o begin_v on_o pentecost_n but_o like_o a_o torrent_n run_v through_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o bear_v down_o all_o manner_n of_o competition_n and_o what_o then_o can_v any_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o beyond_o it_o or_o where_o can_v there_o be_v any_o that_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o produce_v the_o like_a evidence_n for_o its_o veracity_n but_o again_o the_o scripture_n conclude_v all_o with_o this_o revelation_n and_o because_o we_o have_v none_o other_o beside_o that_o write_a revelation_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o revelation_n beyond_o it_o and_o much_o less_o derogatory_n to_o it_o or_o that_o shall_v direct_v we_o to_o any_o other_o way_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v save_v then_o that_o we_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o be_v therein_o record_v as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o personal_n and_o occasional_a revelation_n which_o may_v be_v conceive_v only_o to_o serve_v to_o a_o more_o spiritual_a manifestation_n of_o the_o revelation_n already_o make_v i_o will_v not_o altogether_o deny_v this_o because_o i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o some_o person_n may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v enlighten_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n nor_o what_o particular_a direction_n they_o may_v receive_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n in_o some_o special_a case_n with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o to_o other_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v like_o a_o special_a providence_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n but_o now_o as_o a_o man_n must_v govern_v himself_o by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o not_o by_o particular_a and_o because_o he_o have_v sometime_o meet_v with_o deliverance_n supply_n and_o direction_n beyond_o all_o his_o own_o foresight_n and_o reason_n must_v not_o forsake_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o care_n and_o whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v here_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o a_o person_n may_v have_v some_o occasional_a revelation_n some_o divine_a inspiration_n at_o a_o especial_a season_n or_o in_o some_o special_a case_n but_o if_o he_o forsake_v the_o ordinary_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a &_o expect_v a_o revelation_n in_o every_o case_n because_o he_o have_v have_v it_o in_o some_o particular_n he_o will_v as_o much_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o err_v no_o less_o dangerous_o than_o if_o he_o whole_o rely_v upon_o divine_a providence_n and_o forsake_v all_o other_o mean_n whatever_o and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o way_n much_o liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v to_o mislead_v person_n and_o be_v very_o suspicious_a as_o also_o dangerous_a it_o be_v a_o case_n liable_a to_o imposture_n and_o abuse_v forasmuch_o as_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o such_o a_o conception_n be_v not_o always_o if_o at_o all_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v all_o transact_v within_o and_o the_o imagination_n may_v be_v so_o much_o influence_v by_o the_o body_n and_o by_o a_o agitation_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n from_o a_o enthusiastical_a and_o even_o devout_a temper_n by_o prepossession_n and_o fore-conceived_n principle_n and_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n that_o it_o may_v be_v whole_o natural_a as_o natural_a as_o dream_n or_o the_o delirium_n of_o a_o fever_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o ebullition_n of_o the_o humour_n and_o such_o like_a ordinary_a cause_n it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o abundance_n of_o person_n have_v be_v impose_v on_o and_o take_v the_o effect_n of_o imagination_n for_o inspiration_n and_o divine_a illumination_n i_o be_o far_o from_o condemn_v all_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o design_n to_o deceive_v like_o maria_n vesitationis_fw-la in_o portugal_n i_o will_v rather_o think_v more_o charitable_o that_o very_o often_o they_o have_v think_v themselves_o thus_o move_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n and_o the_o opinion_n other_o have_v have_v of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v afterward_o evident_a that_o all_o have_v be_v far_o short_a of_o divine_a infusion_n or_o illumination_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o teresa_n who_o life_n be_v full_a of_o her_o vision_n and_o revelation_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o do_v but_o alter_v the_o place_n and_o for_o the_o nunnery_n conceive_v she_o to_o be_v in_o a_o hospital_n we_o may_v take_v it_o to_o be_v what_o the_o author_n in_o a_o transport_v sometime_o call_v it_o a_o frenzy_n what_o a_o legend_n of_o dream_n will_v the_o world_n be_v furnish_v with_o if_o the_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v bundle_v up_o together_o as_o the_o miracle_n of_o repute_a saint_n have_v sometime_o be_v but_o they_o be_v true_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v also_o of_o imposture_n and_o that_o because_o we_o read_v so_o little_a of_o this_o way_n in_o scripture_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o nothing_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o afterward_o we_o read_v nothing_o there_o of_o the_o 16._o union_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o the_o divine_a essence_n of_o its_o be_v absorb_v and_o drown_v over_o head_n and_o ear_n and_o ingulph_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o divinity_n so_o that_o it_o become_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o god_n by_o a_o true_a deification_n we_o read_v there_o spare_o of_o some_o ecstasy_n as_o one_o of_o st._n peter_n one_o or_o two_o of_o st._n paul_n but_o with_o how_o much_o reserve_n do_v the_o holy_a apostle_n speak_v and_o with_o how_o much_o modesty_n when_o he_o come_v to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o utter_v 2_o cor._n 12.1_o etc._n etc._n now_o what_o can_v be_v great_a if_o these_o of_o teresa_n be_v true_a and_o where_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o be_v more_o entertain_v with_o the_o relation_n of_o such_o rapâ—s_n than_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v there_o so_o unusual_a and_o here_o so_o frequent_a that_o even_o society_n be_v embody_v from_o they_o and_o form_v it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o the_o rather_o see_v that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a mean_n of_o judge_v and_o of_o distinguish_a imagination_n from_o revelation_n be_v lay_v aside_o which_o be_v reason_n and_o when_o all_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o person_n single_a testimony_n we_o be_v require_v in_o all_o case_n to_o search_v and_o try_v which_o do_v suppose_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o where_o this_o
their_o purpose_n man_n wisdom_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n thus_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n we_o must_v shake_v hand_n with_o our_o reason_n resign_v up_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n and_o become_v a_o sort_n of_o idiot_n or_o insensible_a statue_n and_o thus_o all_o religion_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o spiritual_a delirium_fw-la or_o dotage_n a_o senseless_a stupidity_n whilst_o the_o learned_a man_n and_o the_o divine_a the_o christian_a and_o the_o philosopher_n must_v be_v account_v term_n incompatible_a whether_o the_o name_n enthusiast_n be_v derive_v from_o they_o or_o any_o other_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n be_v not_o material_a but_o certain_o as_o they_o be_v a_o people_n who_o above_o all_o other_o religionist_n have_v abound_v in_o prophetic_a rapt_n prediction_n lamentable_a expiration_n and_o denunciation_n of_o public_a woe_n calamity_n and_o judgement_n so_o have_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o be_v miserable_o benight_a and_o overshadow_a with_o darkness_n and_o there_o have_v be_v those_o among_o they_o who_o when_o the_o cloud_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o their_o imagination_n free_v from_o the_o obscurity_n have_v confess_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deception_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o delusion_n it_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o remarkable_a it_o seem_v of_o mr._n m_o l_o that_o he_o scarce_o ever_o speak_v among_o they_o but_o in_o a_o sort_n of_o frantic_a or_o wild_a transport_n he_o be_v deliver_v his_o prophecy_n and_o prognosticate_a the_o certainty_n of_o impend_a judgement_n and_o indeed_o mr._n k_o the_o sometime_o ago_o take_v notice_n to_o i_o that_o among_o many_o hundred_o he_o have_v hear_v he_o utter_v not_o one_o have_v ever_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o speak_v not_o this_o out_o of_o any_o personal_a prejudice_n neither_o yet_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v ridicule_n and_o contemn_v they_o i_o have_v i_o must_v needs_o say_v too_o certain_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o honesty_n fair_a deal_v and_o integrity_n of_o some_o in_o that_o persuasion_n to_o tax_v their_o moral_n and_o as_o for_o their_o divinity_n their_o fundamental_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n if_o they_o know_v right_o to_o explain_v it_o or_o to_o account_v for_o the_o same_o either_o rational_o or_o intelligible_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o believe_v it_o may_v prove_v both_o serviceable_a and_o solid_a the_o rest_n of_o their_o principle_n have_v be_v deliver_v too_o loose_o to_o pass_v for_o any_o regular_a system_n and_o it_o may_v be_v think_v design_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o clash_n and_o disagree_v their_o late_a intestine_a jangle_n their_o division_n and_o feud_n with_o their_o separation_n into_o party_n give_v we_o reason_n without_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n to_o portend_v the_o likelihood_n of_o their_o extinction_n and_o as_o they_o start_v up_o at_o first_o almost_o imperceptible_o so_o may_v they_o very_o probable_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o another_o century_n dwindle_v into_o nothing_o again_o however_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v this_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o the_o people_n they_o be_v at_o their_o first_o rise_n at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o their_o quit_v some_o of_o the_o mark_n and_o badge_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o their_o gradual_a conformity_n to_o the_o habit_n and_o custom_n of_o other_o people_n which_o they_o now_o seem_v to_o think_v indifferent_a be_v a_o argument_n of_o this_o and_o true_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v not_o err_v if_o i_o take_v three_o part_n of_o the_o young_a people_n among_o they_o to_o be_v but_o nominal_a or_o to_o act_v only_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_v of_o their_o governor_n on_o which_o account_n i_o be_o induce_v to_o surmise_v q_o sm_n may_v be_v but_o little_a long_o live_v than_o the_o support_v of_o their_o several_a party_n and_o division_n it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o reason_n that_o i_o impute_v your_o present_a scepticism_n to_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o circumstance_n attend_v your_o education_n we_o do_v not_o often_o find_v that_o when_o man_n shake_v of_o their_o first_o imbibe_v principle_n they_o stick_v to_o any_o other_o the_o first_o remove_n be_v very_o common_o to_o infidelity_n and_o although_o i_o can_v think_v you_o be_v to_o be_v discommend_v for_o quit_v what_o you_o find_v neither_o consonant_n to_o right_a reason_n nor_o true_a religion_n yet_o in_o this_o you_o be_v extreme_o unblamable_a and_o i_o hope_v may_v live_v to_o see_v the_o danger_n that_o from_o the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o some_o you_o shall_v take_v the_o measure_n of_o divinity_n in_o general_n and_o hereupon_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o pious_a fraud_n the_o people_n of_o other_o church_n even_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o meet_v together_o you_o say_v habit_v fit_a for_o the_o theatre_n than_o a_o place_n of_o devotion_n they_o have_v their_o prayer_n book_n bring_v after_o they_o they_o fall_v upon_o their_o knee_n cry_v lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o they_o they_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n they_o have_v do_v those_o thing_n etc._n etc._n they_o proceed_v and_o say_v they_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n and_o cry_v out_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o this_o be_v over_o nay_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o repeat_v their_o prayer_n and_o petition_n be_v view_v each_o other_o dress_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o fashion_n and_o reflect_v upon_o each_o other_o deportment_n the_o elder_a sort_n be_v think_v of_o their_o worldly_a business_n who_o will_v be_v their_o best_a chapman_n and_o how_o to_o dispose_v of_o their_o several_a commodity_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o all_o be_v over_o instead_o of_o retire_v into_o their_o closet_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o private_a devotion_n or_o contemplation_n they_o enter_v into_o consult_v where_o be_v the_o best_a wine_n what_o friend_n to_o visit_v and_o to_o make_v merry_a or_o where_o to_o walk_v that_o they_o may_v spend_v their_o time_n as_o they_o call_v it_o in_o some_o recreation_n or_o diversion_n all_o this_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v evade_v it_o be_v indeed_o as_o just_a as_o miserable_a a_o complaint_n and_o therefore_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o extenuate_v the_o error_n or_o impiety_n of_o these_o person_n so_o neither_o do_v there_o seem_v to_o want_v any_o other_o reply_v than_o this_o that_o religion_n in_o itself_o be_v no_o more_o sully_v by_o the_o scandal_n of_o pretend_a devotee_n or_o irreligious_a proselyte_n than_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o science_n by_o the_o imposition_n and_o cheat_n of_o a_o in-intruding_a impostor_n you_o must_v consider_v the_o people_n you_o be_v speak_v of_o have_v no_o more_o religion_n than_o yourself_o they_o go_v to_o church_n with_o their_o neighbour_n who_o they_o think_v will_v otherwise_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o censure_v they_o but_o for_o their_o own_o part_n their_o principle_n be_v to_o choose_v they_o never_o embrace_v any_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_o convince_v of_o their_o truth_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o plead_v for_o their_o sometime_o frequent_v a_o religious_a assembly_n such_o as_o their_o parish_n church_n more_o than_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n and_o the_o necessity_n that_o there_o be_v of_o secure_v their_o reputation_n i_o question_v not_o however_o but_o you_o may_v find_v some_o sincere_o religious_a and_o true_o affect_v with_o the_o divine_a service_n man_n who_o piety_n be_v as_o conspicuous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o action_n as_o in_o their_o word_n and_o expression_n such_o who_o heart_n be_v fervent_o affect_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o who_o whole_a delight_n it_o be_v as_o well_o as_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o live_v godly_o righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o present_a world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o secure_n of_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o a_o world_n to_o come_v in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o i_o have_v far_o to_o say_v with_o reference_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o complete_a and_o settle_a standard_n of_o divine_a faith_n be_v this_o that_o how_o diffident_a soever_o you_o may_v be_v at_o present_a of_o its_o authority_n let_v not_o the_o same_o by_o any_o mean_n suffer_v from_o your_o impious_a reflection_n you_o be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o disprove_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o may_v be_v true_a and_o you_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v so_o however_o in_o the_o end_n i_o may_v secure_o predict_v this_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o much_o less_o trouble_n to_o you_o your_o never_o look_v into_o those_o sacred_a volume_n than_o your_o search_a they_o with_o the_o foolish_a patron_n of_o irreligion_n only_o to_o furnish_v yourself_o with_o
we_o discern_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o he_o that_o give_v those_o perfection_n unto_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o perfection_n in_o himself_o by_o the_o be_v then_o of_o god_n i_o mean_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o that_o make_v all_o thing_n what_o they_o be_v and_o endow_v they_o with_o all_o their_o different_a power_n and_o virtue_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a my_o own_o existence_n be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n no_o reflection_n can_v give_v unto_o a_o philosopher_n any_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o own_o existence_n than_o the_o intimate_a persuasion_n that_o every_o ploughman_n have_v of_o his_o without_o study_n or_o meditation_n now_o the_o idea_n that_o man_n have_v of_o themselves_o be_v twofold_a material_a and_o immaterial_a the_o material_a part_n of_o man_n be_v his_o body_n which_o be_v evident_o subject_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o material_a being_n the_o immaterial_a part_n be_v his_o mind_n which_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o capacity_n of_o think_v and_o reason_v for_o thought_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o matter_n that_o therefore_o which_o think_v viz._n the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o material_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n nor_o liable_a to_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o matter_n but_o capable_a of_o a_o subsistence_n notwithstanding_o any_o alteration_n or_o dissolution_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n this_o immateriality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v understand_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o reflection_n and_o ratiocination_n long_o before_o the_o evidence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o give_v of_o it_o unto_o mankind_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n that_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v a_o notion_n discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n because_o they_o who_o have_v no_o other_o light_n can_v not_o otherways_o have_v discover_v it_o the_o relation_n that_o man_n stand_v in_o towards_o one_o another_o be_v chief_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a necessity_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o one_o another_o assistance_n and_o succour_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o subsist_v at_o all_o but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o subsist_v comfortable_o without_o borrow_a help_n from_o other_o these_o be_v the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v place_v in_o these_o circumstance_n by_o god_n almighty_a the_o universal_a cause_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v lead_v unto_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o duty_n impose_v on_o we_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o god_n towards_o who_o we_o stand_v first_o relate_v as_o to_o a_o benefactor_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v our_o be_v together_o with_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o our_o capacity_n of_o any_o far_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o next_o as_o to_o a_o lawgiver_n or_o governor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o certain_a rule_n or_o ordinance_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v subject_v we_o if_o we_o consider_v single_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o result_v from_o thence_o for_o our_o conduct_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o degenerate_a from_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o must_v therefore_o bridle_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o appetite_n and_o passion_n that_o arise_v from_o our_o corporeal_a constitution_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o those_o noble_a faculty_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o judgement_n wherewith_o our_o maker_n have_v endow_v our_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o one_o another_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o indespensable_o to_o truth_n equity_n charity_n benevolence_n and_o to_o every_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o settlement_n of_o society_n or_o to_o the_o general_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n great_a interest_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o observance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o general_a good_a be_v every_o particular_a man_n duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v transgress_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lesser_a or_o private_a advantage_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o god_n his_o law_n require_v our_o acknowledgement_n gratitude_n love_n dependence_n submission_n or_o in_o one_o word_n our_o humble_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o rule_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o say_a law_n of_o god_n the_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n a_o offence_n against_o the_o lawmaker_n or_o a_o sin_n law_n be_v of_o no_o vigour_n unless_o inforce_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n by_o mâ—n_z who_o bodily_a action_n depend_v upon_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o his_o mind_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o machinal_a act_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o voluntary_a motion_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o such_o observance_n and_o transgression_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v confer_v or_o inflict_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o that_o after_o the_o full_a course_n of_o his_o action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o general_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o they_o according_a to_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o tendency_n consist_v all_o true_a religion_n whatsoever_o else_o be_v introduce_v into_o any_o religion_n either_o national_a or_o practical_a i_o say_v whatever_o do_v not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o some_o of_o these_o branch_n or_o tend_v to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o rather_o the_o product_n of_o design_n and_o folly_n every_o man_n than_o be_v answerable_a unto_o god_n the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n for_o his_o own_o particular_a conduct_n in_o every_o branch_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o god_n to_o his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o himself_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o pure_a language_n of_o impartial_a reason_n unassisted_a by_o revelation_n and_o they_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a inference_n which_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o true_o rational_a proposition_n whatever_o false_a deduction_n or_o conclusion_n some_o man_n false_a judgement_n have_v invent_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o wretched_a cause_n the_o fallacy_n be_v soon_o detect_v and_o a_o strict_a inquisition_n will_v soon_o lay_v open_a the_o grand_a absurdity_n of_o their_o mischievous_a opinion_n but_o true_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o though_o some_o man_n may_v be_v repute_v a_o sort_n of_o reason_v atheist_n yet_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v infidel_n by_o imitation_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v the_o certainty_n of_o reveal_v religion_n or_o their_o own_o immortality_n that_o they_o scarce_o ever_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v serious_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n these_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o religion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o truth_n not_o be_v firm_o enough_o establish_v but_o their_o pique_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o fear_v it_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o put_v a_o check_n to_o their_o exorbitant_a desire_n and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n to_o conclude_v if_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v however_o rational_a or_o true_a you_o will_v notwithstanding_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v yourself_o that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a dream_n or_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o excellent_a be_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v create_v and_o to_o preserve_v we_o lecture_n but_o that_o all_o about_o we_o be_v dark_a senseless_a matter_n drive_v on_o by_o the_o blind_a impulse_n of_o fatality_n that_o man_n at_o first_o spring_v up_o out_o
even_o by_o their_o own_o weapon_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o show_v my_o own_o good_a like_n of_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a and_o unprofitable_a argumentation_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o no_o disserviceable_a office_n to_o religion_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n that_o some_o man_n have_v leave_v both_o the_o atheist_n and_o his_o friend_n the_o deist_n without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o condemnation_n heighten_v by_o their_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a unprejudiced_a light_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o divine_a faith_n your_o character_n of_o mr._n b_o l_o i_o think_v no_o whit_n too_o large_a nor_o do_v i_o dislike_v your_o thought_n of_o his_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n as_o a_o demonstrative_a and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a world_n that_o the_o large_a portion_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o solid_a knowledge_n a_o man_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o clear_a prospect_n he_o enjoy_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unlikely_a but_o impossible_a to_o philosophise_v as_o become_v reasonable_a man_n without_o think_v venerable_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a christian_a vertuoso_fw-la be_v indeed_o not_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o whether_o the_o character_n of_o a_o practical_o religious_a man_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o very_a great_a philosopher_n suit_v any_o man_n so_o well_o as_o it_o do_v the_o decease_a b_o l_o may_v very_o well_o be_v make_v a_o question_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o the_o less_o value_n the_o attempt_n or_o endeavour_n of_o man_n philosophise_v about_o religion_n be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o sincere_o pious_a convert_v make_v thereby_o religion_n want_v not_o the_o rhetorical_a flourish_n of_o fine_a language_n airy_a notion_n and_o school_n distinction_n render_v she_o but_o confuse_a and_o be_v real_o blemish_n to_o her_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n her_o path_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a in_o her_o natural_a dress_n she_o be_v all_o over_o amiable_a and_o want_v not_o the_o embellishment_n of_o philosophic_a lustre_n there_o be_v argument_n enough_o already_o from_o the_o storehouse_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o silence_v the_o complaint_n of_o atheism_n it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o will_v satisfy_v the_o unreasonable_a infidel_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v there_o no_o mortification_n or_o self-denial_n in_o the_o case_n no_o restraint_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o brutish_a appetite_n the_o truth_n we_o plead_v for_o will_v be_v clear_a enough_o to_o the_o unbeliever_n the_o depth_n of_o their_o philosophy_n lie_v here_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n because_o he_o have_v not_o make_v they_o irrational_a or_o brute_n creature_n which_o since_o they_o come_v not_o such_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o maker_n they_o resolve_v to_o make_v themselves_o so_o and_o then_o foolish_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o childish_a expectation_n of_o escape_v divine_a judgement_n because_o they_o have_v so_o long_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v act_v by_o what_o they_o call_v the_o irresistible_a impulse_n of_o their_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o wilful_o indulge_v passion_n what_o every_o good_a man_n glory_n in_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o a_o capacity_n to_o shun_v the_o evil_a and_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a be_v the_o great_a misery_n of_o these_o man_n who_o find_v themselves_o able_a to_o dishonour_v their_o creator_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o religion_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n since_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n for_o they_o leave_v to_o blaspheme_v their_o god_n to_o trample_v upon_o all_o thing_n sacred_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o hereupon_o immediate_o destroy_v by_o the_o divine_a anger_n and_o indignation_n they_o grow_v harden_v in_o their_o vice_n their_o continue_a habit_n be_v at_o length_n weave_v into_o their_o constitution_n and_o they_o act_v indeed_o but_o little_a different_o from_o irrational_a agent_n right_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n will_v do_v but_o little_a good_a with_o such_o the_o reformation_n if_o at_o all_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o skill_n of_o man_n to_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n we_o may_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o some_o speculative_a notion_n we_o may_v confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n as_o find_v ourselves_o unable_a to_o resist_v or_o to_o hold_v out_o any_o long_o but_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o must_v complete_a our_o conviction_n and_o cooperate_v with_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o firm_o persuade_v you_o will_v find_v no_o sincere_o pious_a or_o true_a practical_a christian_a of_o a_o differ_a opinion_n the_o worldly_a wise_a man_n may_v despise_v and_o contemn_v we_o the_o libertine_n may_v scoff_n at_o we_o and_o impute_v all_o to_o our_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o fancy_n or_o prepossession_n let_v they_o mock_v on_o and_o mark_v the_o end_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o will_v recompense_v to_o we_o these_o indignity_n if_o we_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n i_o commit_v you_o to_o his_o protection_n and_o remain_v your_o faithful_a friend_n to_o serve_v you_o a._n h._n postscript_n i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v well_o of_o those_o you_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v it_o become_v any_o man_n to_o dogmatise_v concern_v the_o creation_n or_o to_o ridicule_n the_o mosaic_a history_n if_o we_o can_v content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v there_o deliver_v it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v please_v ourselves_o with_o new_a theory_n of_o our_o own_o erect_n but_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v out_o any_o such_o as_o mankind_n will_v comply_v with_o or_o perhaps_o such_o as_o will_v please_v ourselves_o much_o better_a than_o that_o of_o the_o historian_n in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o we_o find_v fault_n with_o because_o in_o some_o thing_n disagreeable_a to_o modern_a discovery_n in_o these_o thing_n every_o man_n may_v think_v as_o he_o please_v provide_v he_o think_v not_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o let_v no_o man_n publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n the_o uncertain_a even_o very_o uncertain_a conjecture_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n i_o have_v not_o be_v long_o acquaint_v with_o this_o reverend_n divine_a before_o his_o fatal_a distemper_n deprive_v i_o with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o least_o respect_n i_o can_v pay_v his_o memory_n in_o public_a to_o acknowledge_v my_o own_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o undissembled_a piety_n strict_o holy_a and_o devout_a in_o his_o life_n and_o converse_n laborious_a and_o painful_a in_o his_o ministry_n of_o very_o easy_a access_n and_o ready_a to_o succour_v all_o man_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o capacity_n he_o be_v a_o man_n universal_o respect_v by_o person_n of_o different_a persuasion_n and_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o surmise_v that_o he_o die_v as_o general_o lament_v he_o always_o express_v himself_o with_o a_o more_o than_o common_a earnestness_n and_o have_v something_o in_o his_o air_n and_o mein_fw-ge so_o sober_o grave_a and_o modest_a yet_o withal_o so_o pleasant_a that_o i_o never_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o person_n he_o have_v nothing_o of_o affectation_n of_o a_o precise_a or_o reserve_a temper_n and_o so_o little_o regard_v a_o courtly_a demeanour_n or_o ceremonial_a deportment_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v it_o object_v as_o the_o great_a of_o his_o fault_n that_o he_o be_v ungenteel_a and_o too_o negligent_a in_o his_o manner_n of_o address_n but_o least_o this_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o his_o full_a character_n which_o make_v so_o small_a and_o even_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o part_n thereof_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o present_a leave_n it_o whilst_o i_o pursue_v my_o argument_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n to_o the_o completion_n of_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n something_o more_o particular_o relate_v to_o which_o theme_n i_o find_v so_o pertinent_o handle_v by_o the_o author_n of_o reason_n interest_n in_o religion_n that_o i_o care_v not_o to_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o take_v notice_n and_o consider_v upon_o the_o same_o as_o nothing_o say_v this_o author_n but_o charm_v lust_n religion_n false_a delusion_n carnal_a interest_n foolish_a prejudices_fw-la indulge_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o attend_v to_o the_o titillation_n of_o the_o
they_o nor_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o be_v it_o that_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o the_o spirit_n assist_v we_o in_o the_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o thing_n be_v either_o through_o its_o immediate_a indwel_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v or_o through_o the_o communication_n of_o new_a principle_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ablation_n of_o every_o thing_n extraneous_a a_o dissipation_n of_o those_o fuliginous_a vapour_n that_o both_o obnubilate_v the_o mind_n and_o do_v imbuere_fw-la objectum_fw-la colore_fw-la svo_fw-la by_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o understanding_n be_v clarify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o subject_n be_v elevate_v and_o adapt_v to_o the_o object_n the_o divine_a grace_n render_v the_o mind_n idoneous_a for_o and_o consimilar_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o far_o there_o be_v a_o suggest_v of_o media_n for_o elucidate_v the_o truth_n there_o be_v also_o frequent_o a_o irradiation_n of_o the_o word_n itself_o a_o attire_v and_o clothing_n it_o with_o a_o garment_n of_o light_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a the_o soul_n both_o feel_v and_o be_v transform_v into_o what_o it_o know_v its_o apprehension_n be_v no_o long_o dull_a and_o languid_a but_o vigorous_a and_o affective_a this_o mystical_a union_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o true_a believer_n with_o jesus_n christ_n however_o difficult_a it_o may_v appear_v and_o hard_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o natural_a understanding_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v debate_v or_o disinherit_v by_o we_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o ignorance_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o do_v assent_v to_o the_o continuity_n and_o adhesion_n of_o one_o part_n of_o matter_n to_o another_o notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n that_o encounter_v we_o about_o its_o mode_n and_o though_o there_o be_v not_o yet_o any_o philosophic_a hypothesis_n that_o can_v resolve_v we_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o one_o part_n more_o indiscerptible_o cleave_v to_o another_o than_o if_o they_o be_v fasten_v together_o by_o adamantine_a chain_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n shall_v any_o way_n obstruct_v or_o weaken_v our_o belief_n of_o it_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o divine_a revelation_n can_v give_v we_o concern_v our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o evident_a object_n of_o sense_n or_o to_o that_o which_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v by_o reason_n though_o there_o occur_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n which_o be_v unconceivable_a so_o the_o quod_fw-la sit_fw-la and_o reality_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v attest_v by_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v it_o become_v we_o to_o embrace_v it_o with_o all_o steddiness_n of_o belief_n though_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o quo_fw-la modo_fw-la or_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o through_o our_o maker_n leave_v we_o pose_v and_o nonplus_v about_o the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o certain_a natural_a phaeâ—omena_n he_o intend_v to_o train_v we_o up_o to_o a_o mancipation_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o article_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o be_v once_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v declare_v they_o though_o the_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o they_o be_v to_o we_o unaccountable_a nor_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n the_o only_a difficulty_n in_o nature_n relate_v to_o union_n that_o perplex_v and_o baffle_v our_o reason_n but_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o mystical_a incorporation_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n with_o the_o humane_a body_n do_v every_o way_n as_o much_o entangle_v and_o leave_v we_o desperate_a as_o the_o former_a that_o man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o amphibious_a creature_n ally_v in_o his_o constituent_a part_n both_o to_o the_o intellectual_a and_o material_a world_n and_o that_o the_o several_a species_n of_o being_n in_o the_o macrocosm_n be_v combine_v in_o he_o as_o in_o a_o system_fw-la reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n instruct_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n we_o be_v full_o assure_v by_o its_o density_n extension_n impenetrability_n and_o all_o the_o adjunct_n and_o affection_n of_o matter_n and_o that_o we_o have_v a_o immaterial_a spirit_n we_o be_v demonstrative_o convince_v by_o its_o reacting_a on_o itself_o its_o consciousness_n of_o its_o own_o be_v and_o operation_n not_o to_o mention_v other_o medium_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v elsewhere_o and_o that_o those_o two_o be_v unite_v together_o to_o make_v up_o the_o composition_n of_o man_n be_v as_o plain_a from_o the_o influence_n that_o the_o body_n have_v upon_o the_o soul_n in_o many_o of_o its_o perception_n and_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o blood_n with_o all_o that_o ensue_v and_o depend_v thereupon_o nor_o can_v the_o affection_n and_o adjunct_n of_o the_o material_a nature_n nor_o the_o attribute_n and_o property_n of_o the_o immaterial_a be_v indifferent_o predicate_v of_o man_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n unite_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o man_n person_n but_o now_o how_o this_o can_v be_v be_v a_o knot_n too_o hard_o for_o humane_a reason_n to_o untie_v how_o a_o pure_a spirit_n shall_v be_v cement_v to_o a_o earthly_a clod_n or_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n coalesce_v with_o bulk_n be_v a_o riddle_n that_o no_o hypothesis_n of_o philosophy_n can_v resolve_v we_o about_o 1._o the_o aristotelick_n substantial_a uniter_fw-la will_v not_o do_v for_o beside_o its_o repugnancy_n to_o reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o substantial_a ingredient_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n save_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o unâ—â—ion_n of_o itself_o with_o the_o soul_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v material_a or_o with_o the_o body_n admit_v it_o to_o be_v incorporeal_a will_v remain_v unintelligible_a and_o to_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o affection_n and_o adjunct_n of_o both_o be_v that_o which_o our_o reasonable_a faculty_n will_v never_o allow_v we_o to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o body_n and_o spirit_n have_v no_o alliance_n the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o and_o to_o style_v it_o a_o substantial_a mode_n be_v to_o wrap_v up_o repugnancy_n in_o its_o very_a notion_n for_o though_o all_o modes_n be_v the_o modification_n of_o substance_n yet_o they_o be_v predicamental_a accident_n and_o how_o essential_a soever_o this_o or_o that_o modification_n may_v be_v to_o a_o body_n of_o such_o a_o species_n yet_o it_o be_v whole_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a to_o matter_n itself_o in_o brief_a the_o voluminous_a discourse_n of_o the_o aristotelian_n both_o about_o union_n in_o general_n and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n to_o the_o organical_a humane_a body_n in_o particular_a resolve_v themselves_o either_o into_o idle_a tattle_n and_o insignificant_a word_n or_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o contradiction_n and_o nonsense_n 2._o to_o preclude_v all_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n on_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v distinct_a constituent_a part_n of_o man_n be_v plain_o to_o despair_v of_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n for_o not_o to_o dispute_v whether_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v in_o philosophic_a rigour_n be_v call_v part_n or_o whether_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o may_v be_v style_v a_o compositum_fw-la it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o one_o be_v not_o the_o other_o but_o that_o they_o be_v different_a principle_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o consider_v separate_o be_v the_o man._n though_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v perfect_a substance_n in_o themselves_o and_o though_o the_o soul_n can_v operate_v in_o its_o disjunct_a state_n and_o in_o its_o separation_n will_v be_v no_o less_o a_o person_n than_o soul_n and_o body_n now_o together_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o operation_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o conjunct_a state_n of_o which_o it_o be_v incapable_a in_o the_o separate_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n predicable_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o which_o can_v be_v affirm_v of_o they_o asunder_o how_o close_o and_o intimate_v soever_o the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v and_o how_o great_a soever_o in_o their_o mutual_a dependency_n in_o most_o of_o their_o operation_n upon_o one_o another_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o intellectual_a spirit_n and_o the_o due_o organise_v matter_n remain_v even_o in_o their_o consociation_n classical_o different_a their_o essence_n affection_n and_o operation_n admit_v a_o diversity_n as_o well_o as_o a_o distinction_n but_o there_o be_v some_o operation_n belong_v to_o each_o of_o they_o upon_o which_o the_o other_o have_v no_o influence_n for_o as_o the_o mind_n be_v author_n of_o many_o cogitation_n
be_v reject_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n pretend_v but_o far_a it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a when_o man_n exalt_v their_o own_o private_a revelation_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o when_o they_o esteem_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v mean_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o prefer_v this_o way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o inspiration_n above_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o they_o to_o join_v in_o external_n worship_n a_o state_n indeed_o of_o perfection_n that_o be_v above_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v describe_v and_o be_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n receive_v and_o which_o there_o need_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n for_o the_o want_n of_o which_o increase_v the_o suspicion_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o all_o this_o beyond_o their_o own_o simple_a affirmation_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o without_o good_a evidence_n can_v believe_v that_o those_o rapturous_a lady_n such_o as_o santa_n teresa_n and_o donna_n marina_n d'escobar_fw-la do_v in_o molinos_n '_o s_o phrase_n hear_v and_o talk_v with_o god_n hand_n in_o hand_n when_o he_o read_v the_o interlocutory_a matter_n that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o revelation_n have_v so_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n over_o the_o soul_n especial_o of_o such_o woman_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a dream_n but_o they_o will_v christen_v with_o the_o name_n of_o vision_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o credulous_a world_n have_v be_v much_o impose_v on_o this_o way_n the_o pretence_n abovesaid_a of_o maria_n visitationis_fw-la be_v a_o instance_n beyond_o all_o exception_n who_o impose_v upon_o her_o confessor_n no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o lewis_n granada_n the_o inquisition_n and_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o she_o pretend_v to_o somewhat_o more_o than_o internal_a for_o her_o converse_n with_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n be_v at_o last_o detect_v of_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o most_o of_o the_o visionary_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o pretend_v not_o to_o so_o much_o and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o external_n evidence_n attempt_v by_o they_o nor_o that_o we_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o intuition_n to_o see_v into_o their_o inward_a and_o self-evidence_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v otherwise_o of_o such_o illumination_n introversion_n and_o interlocution_n than_o at_o best_a the_o effect_n of_o a_o distemper_a brain_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o be_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o these_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o easy_a of_o belief_n because_o it_o may_v be_v very_o dangerous_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o for_o if_o instead_o of_o a_o star_n it_o shall_v prove_v a_o igâ—is_fw-la fatuus_fw-la whether_o may_v not_o person_n be_v lead_v under_o the_o delusion_n of_o it_o and_o what_o will_v not_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v lawful_a nay_o a_o duty_n which_o revelation_n shall_v warrant_v and_o where_o will_v this_o end_n if_o once_o it_o be_v credit_v and_o that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o implicit_o and_o blind_o to_o such_o a_o uncertain_a guide_n 1695._o now_o if_o a_o person_n come_v under_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n with_o a_o message_n to_o other_o and_o require_v they_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o salvation_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o such_o certificate_n as_o may_v give_v authority_n to_o it_o it_o be_v like_o one_o that_o shall_v take_v on_o he_o the_o style_n and_o character_n of_o a_o ambassador_n without_o any_o credential_n to_o give_v he_o authority_n and_o deserve_v no_o better_a acceptance_n it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n that_o a_o prophet_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n a_o inspiration_n to_o be_v a_o inspiration_n and_o by_o these_o character_n may_v we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o both_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o inspiration_n where_o the_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a there_o be_v never_o want_v one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o and_o though_o john_n do_v no_o miracle_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o people_n acknowledge_v 41._o for_o say_v they_o all_o thing_n john_n speak_v of_o this_o man_n jesus_n be_v true_a there_o may_v it_o be_v likely_a be_v inspiration_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a evidence_n but_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o other_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o the_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o as_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o be_v the_o obligation_n now_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a which_o rest_v sole_o on_o humane_a authority_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n or_o affirmation_n of_o the_o pretender_n to_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a the_o work_v i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o so_o that_o inspiration_n be_v as_o to_o other_o no_o inspiration_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v it_o may_v for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v no_o other_o than_o delusion_n or_o imposture_n let_v therefore_o the_o imagination_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a the_o confidence_n never_o so_o great_a the_o intent_n never_o so_o good_a the_o question_n be_v whence_o be_v this_o what_o evidence_n do_v the_o person_n bring_v of_o his_o mission_n from_o god_n upon_o what_o do_v it_o rest_n into_o what_o be_v it_o resolve_v what_o do_v he_o produce_v more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o imagination_n it_o may_v all_o be_v a_o fit_a of_o enthusiasm_n and_o if_o a_o person_n will_v pretend_v to_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v it_o a_o age_n for_o it_o much_o more_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o it_o after_o inspiration_n hâ—s_v cease_v he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o fortify_v it_o by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o he_o from_o who_o the_o inspiration_n come_v if_o it_o be_v divine_a the_o case_n than_o be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n and_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o measure_n here_o lay_v down_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o venture_v the_o whole_a cause_n of_o revelation_n upon_o it_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v towards_o the_o justification_n of_o its_o veracity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o pretence_n for_o apply_v the_o same_o term_n of_o evidence_n and_o sincerity_n to_o imagination_n as_o to_o inspiration_n or_o to_o imposture_n whether_o enthusiastic_a or_o diabolical_a as_o be_v to_o revelation_n for_o when_o be_v it_o know_v that_o imagination_n or_o nature_n vulgar_o so_o call_v do_v ever_o empower_v person_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o to_o discourse_v ready_o at_o once_o with_o the_o parthian_n mede_n and_o elamites_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n when_o do_v nature_n or_o imagination_n enable_v person_n without_o any_o skill_n to_o cure_v disease_n natural_o incurable_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o humane_a learning_n to_o talk_v like_o philosopher_n of_o the_o sublimest_n argument_n and_o with_o as_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o foreign_a nation_n they_o instruct_v far_o what_o imagination_n nature_n or_o art_n can_v inspirit_v moses_n with_o such_o a_o supernatural_a power_n as_o to_o turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o to_o devour_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o by_o a_o stroke_n of_o it_o to_o fetch_v water_n out_o of_o a_o rock_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mighty_a current_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o imagination_n can_v form_v such_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o inspire_v a_o joseph_n or_o a_o daniel_n to_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o correspond_v event_n when_o do_v imagination_n give_v life_n to_o a_o fly_n or_o do_v the_o least_o act_n out_o of_o itself_o when_o do_v that_o or_o nature_n or_o imposture_n real_o and_o true_o raise_v the_o dead_a with_o elisha_n call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n with_o elijah_n or_o foretell_v what_o shall_v happen_v a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o or_o so_o much_o as_o what_o a_o person_n shall_v think_v to_o morrow_n here_o we_o may_v challenge_v all_o the_o magician_n all_o the_o man_n of_o art_n and_o science_n all_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o talk_v as_o the_o person_n real_o inspire_v do_v talk_v to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n as_o they_o