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and_o almost_o necessary_a transition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o too_o many_o sorrowful_a instance_n for_o as_o this_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v always_o remarque_v for_o a_o grave_n serious_a and_o religious_a genius_n be_v never_o so_o general_o taint_v with_o atheism_n as_o now_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o chargeable_a with_o such_o a_o general_n neglect_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o for_o several_a age_n after_o the_o reformation_n be_v due_o frequent_v and_o devout_o celebrate_v till_o by_o the_o prevalence_n of_o our_o restless_a sect_n and_o faction_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gradual_o weaken_v and_o at_o last_o total_o destroy_v in_o the_o happy_a day_n before_o which_o the_o family_n of_o each_o parish_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o worship_n
doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o other_o english_a treatise_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o incomparable_a one_o of_o our_o most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o chester_n on_o the_o creed_n a_o book_n which_o next_o to_o the_o bible_n i_o thankful_o acknowledge_v myself_o more_o beholden_a to_o for_o my_o instruction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o any_o one_o i_o ever_o read_v i_o have_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o the_o bare_o necessary_a explication_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v i_o but_o where_o that_o renown_a pen_n have_v insist_v more_o cursory_o as_o for_o instance_n on_o the_o particular_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a mediator_n i_o have_v most_o enlarge_v myself_o though_o even_o there_o i_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n pretermit_v some_o thing_n i_o intend_v less_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a appertain_v to_o the_o argument_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o can_v true_o say_v that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o have_v herein_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o as_o the_o most_o faithful_a comment_n on_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v all_o along_o careful_o consult_v in_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o have_v stick_v so_o long_o in_o hand_n the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v in_o consult_v the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o christianity_n about_o it_o be_v as_o i_o may_v true_o say_v at_o least_o double_a to_o that_o of_o compose_v it_o and_o in_o follow_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o in_o its_o faith_n government_n and_o discipline_n i_o believe_v in_o my_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o method_n i_o have_v choose_v which_o be_v to_o deduce_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n from_o one_o general_a head_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediator_n it_o be_v the_o most_o convenient_a i_o can_v think_v of_o for_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o represent_v at_o once_o to_o the_o reader_n view_v all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n in_o their_o natural_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n on_o one_o another_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o beautiful_a contexture_n and_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o by_o see_v how_o regular_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o one_o common_a principle_n and_o conspire_v in_o one_o common_a end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o incoherency_n as_o some_o have_v injurious_o represent_v it_o that_o consider_v it_o mere_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n abstract_v from_o all_o that_o external_a evidence_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o very_a art_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o the_o proportion_n symmetry_n and_o correspondence_n of_o its_o part_n their_o subserviency_n to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o all_o together_o to_o the_o common_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v apparent_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o divine_a mind_n for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v form_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o picture_n must_v not_o contemplate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o separately_z but_o survey_v they_o all_o together_o and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o proportion_n and_o correspondency_n with_o each_o other_o so_o he_o who_o will_v frame_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v scatter_v and_o divide_v into_o single_a part_n and_o proposition_n but_o consider_v they_o in_o contexture_n and_o as_o they_o be_v connect_v all_o together_o into_o one_o body_n or_o hypothesis_n for_o it_o be_v in_o their_o apt_a juncture_n their_o mutual_a dependency_n and_o admirable_a coherency_n with_o one_o another_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a consist_v and_o therefore_o to_o do_v right_a to_o christianity_n and_o enable_v the_o reader_n to_o contemplate_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a in_o a_o view_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o together_o in_o a_o harmonious_a union_n and_o connexion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o mean_a opinion_n which_o some_o witty_a man_n have_v entertain_v of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a apprehension_n of_o it_o they_o understand_v it_o piecemeal_o and_o take_v it_o asunder_o into_o single_a proposition_n which_o they_o consider_v separately_z and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o without_o ever_o put_v they_o together_o into_o one_o regular_a system_n and_o present_v they_o to_o their_o thought_n in_o that_o orderly_a connexion_n wherein_o the_o holy_a oracle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o for_o i_o can_v scarce_o imagine_v how_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v contemplate_v christianity_n all_o together_o and_o thorough_o consider_v the_o harmonious_a coherence_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a without_o be_v captivate_v with_o the_o beauty_n and_o elegancy_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v nothing_o further_a to_o add_v concern_v this_o treatise_n but_o only_o to_o entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o be_v too_o severe_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o for_o though_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o apologise_v for_o it_o because_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v force_v as_o i_o be_v to_o compose_v it_o by_o snatch_n and_o in_o the_o more_o quiet_a interval_n of_o a_o busy_a and_o uneasy_a life_n i_o very_o much_o suspect_v the_o exactness_n both_o of_o the_o style_n and_o method_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o favour_n i_o desire_n be_v this_o that_o where_o i_o have_v improper_o or_o obscure_o express_v myself_o i_o may_v be_v construe_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n and_o that_o wherever_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v confuse_v or_o immethodical_a it_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o those_o frequent_a interruption_n which_o the_o disorder_n of_o my_o body_n have_v give_v to_o my_o thought_n and_o these_o be_v request_n so_o very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o i_o be_o confident_a none_o will_v be_v so_o peevish_a as_o to_o deny_v i_o but_o they_o who_o read_v book_n only_o to_o carp_v and_o find_v fault_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o edify_v their_o own_o understanding_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v consider_v that_o the_o argument_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o wretched_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o be_v either_o so_o disingenuous_a to_o i_o or_o uncharitable_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o peruse_v with_o such_o a_o spiteful_a design_n that_o which_o i_o sincere_o intend_v for_o his_o good_a and_o which_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o for_o ever_o the_o content_n chapter_n i._n humane_a action_n of_o three_o sort_n page_n 1_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v those_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n or_o such_o as_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v by_o positive_a law_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a good_a explain_v sect._n 1._o p._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a in_o humane_a action_n prove_v in_o five_o proposition_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o the_o various_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a in_o six_o particular_n sect._n 2._o p._n 28_o to_o p._n 53._o action_n moral_o good_a be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect._n 3._o p._n 53_o 54_o 55._o this_o demonstrate_v by_o six_o argument_n from_o scripture_n p._n 55_o to_o p._n 71._o four_o reason_n why_o god_n principal_o require_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a p._n 71_o to_o p._n 91._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o natural_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v p._n 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o 96._o and_o of_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 97_o 98_o 99_o 100_o a_o definition_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o conjunction_n p._n 101_o 102._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n thus_o define_v the_o
that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v their_o parent_n and_o superior_n to_o be_v temperate_a in_o their_o passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o just_a and_o charitable_a towards_o one_o another_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n immutable_o good_a that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o age_n or_o to_o such_o a_o nation_n or_o to_o such_o a_o sect_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n of_o whatsoever_o age_n nation_n or_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o judgement_n that_o all_o that_o conscience_n be_v found_v which_o approve_v of_o or_o condemn_v man_n action_n which_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sense_n or_o feel_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o natural_a to_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasant_a or_o painful_a touch_n to_o their_o body_n since_o therefore_o general_a effect_n must_v spring_v from_o general_a cause_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n which_o man_n mind_n general_o feel_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o bad_a and_o good_a action_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o some_o general_a cause_n and_o what_o else_o can_v that_o be_v but_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o their_o reason_n concern_v the_o immutable_a evil_n of_o the_o one_o and_o good_a of_o the_o other_o i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v by_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a navigator_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v own_o neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n nor_o morality_n but_o consider_v the_o short_a converse_n and_o imperfect_a intercourse_n which_o these_o our_o new_a discoverer_n have_v have_v with_o those_o barbarous_a country_n it_o be_v fair_o supposeable_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n may_v have_v notion_n both_o religious_a and_o moral_a of_o which_o stranger_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o language_n and_o custom_n and_o manner_n can_v make_v little_a or_o no_o discovery_n but_o suppose_v that_o what_o they_o report_v be_v true_a yet_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n these_o wretched_a barbarian_n be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o extreme_o brutish_a that_o they_o discover_v no_o other_o token_n of_o their_o humanity_n but_o their_o shape_n for_o they_o live_v altogether_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o of_o the_o convenience_n of_o their_o life_n and_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o any_o observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n since_o therefore_o all_o knowledge_n be_v acquire_v by_o attention_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a for_o creature_n so_o utter_o supine_n and_o negligent_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n but_o for_o any_o man_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n because_o there_o be_v a_o few_o exception_n from_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v question_v whether_o man_n be_v general_o two-legged_a animal_n because_o there_o have_v be_v some_o monster_n with_o three_o and_o what_o if_o among_o man_n there_o be_v some_o monster_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o humane_a nature_n than_o prodigy_n be_v to_o the_o regularity_n of_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o universal_a nature_n specimen_fw-la naturae_fw-la cujuslibet_fw-la say_v tully_n à _fw-la natura_fw-la optima_fw-la sumendum_fw-la est_fw-la i._n e._n the_o true_a sample_n of_o every_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o best_a nature_n of_o the_o kind_n since_o therefore_o the_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o religion_n who_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n attend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v but_o any_o tolerable_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v universal_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a good_a in_o virtue_n and_o evil_a in_o vice_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n suppose_v it_o true_a which_o be_v very_o questionable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o few_o such_o inhuman_a barbarian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o make_v no_o distinction_n at_o all_o between_o '_o they_o but_o than_o second_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o for_o it_o show_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o if_o he_o be_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v for_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v we_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v we_o for_o some_o end_n and_o if_o he_o make_v we_o for_o any_o end_n he_o must_v esteem_v those_o action_n good_a which_o promote_v it_o and_o those_o evil_n which_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v it_o and_o what_o other_o end_n can_v a_o infinite_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v have_v in_o make_v other_o being_n but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n make_v we_o to_o be_v sure_o those_o action_n must_v be_v good_a in_o his_o esteem_n that_o be_v beneficial_a and_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v implant_v in_o we_o not_o only_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o also_o a_o rational_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o action_n make_v for_o our_o happiness_n and_o what_o not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatsoever_o this_o faculty_n do_v universal_o determine_v to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n for_o we_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a when_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o one_o man_n judge_n contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o another_o there_o must_v be_v a_o disagreement_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n but_o when_o all_o man_n reason_n be_v agree_v that_o this_o be_v good_a and_o that_o evil_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n which_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v possible_o think_v that_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n mercy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v equal_o good_a in_o themselves_o his_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o that_o at_o the_o first_o glance_n and_o reflection_n it_o natural_o distinguish_v they_o into_o good_a and_o evil._n when_o therefore_o god_n have_v create_v we_o with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o judgement_n must_v be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faculty_n which_o make_v it_o that_o therefore_o which_o be_v the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o all_o man_n must_v be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n must_v be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n for_o he_o who_o create_v i_o with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o judge_v this_o good_a and_o that_o evil_a must_v either_o have_v the_o same_o judgement_n himself_o or_o create_v in_o i_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o that_o judgement_n which_o he_o have_v create_v in_o i_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o create_v in_o all_o other_o being_n that_n be_v capable_a of_o judge_v otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v the_o author_n
for_o whether_o we_o bow_v to_o god_n or_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o devil_n so_o long_o as_o our_o soul_n remain_v profane_a and_o indevout_a whether_o we_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n death_n or_o in_o the_o impure_a right_n of_o venus_n and_o priapus_n be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n continue_v putrid_a and_o corrupt_a steam_a with_o unchaste_a desire_n and_o affection_n whether_o we_o celebrate_v the_o christian_a festival_n or_o the_o bloody_a saturnal_n or_o barbarous_a bacchanalia_fw-la be_v no_o great_a matter_n to_o he_o provide_v our_o mind_n be_v but_o canker_a with_o wrath_n and_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n and_o revenge_n these_o be_v the_o sinew_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o band_n of_o our_o allegiance_n to_o his_o throne_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v preserve_v he_o know_v his_o kingdom_n be_v safe_a and_o so_o long_o he_o do_v not_o much_o regard_n what_o our_o outward_a religion_n be_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o high_a gratification_n to_o his_o ambition_n than_o to_o behold_v himself_o serve_v in_o christ_n own_o livery_n and_o worship_v in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n by_o which_o he_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o divide_v empire_n with_o god_n and_o ravish_v the_o better_a share_n from_o he_o of_o behold_v his_o hate_a creator_n mock_v with_o the_o shell_n and_o outside_o of_o a_o worshipper_n whilst_o himself_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o kernol_n and_o inside_n for_o whilst_o we_o continue_v wicked_a under_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n sacrifice_n our_o beast_n to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o to_o the_o devil_n who_o above_o all_o thing_n love_v those_o unnatural_a commixture_n of_o hearer_n and_o slanderer_n worshipper_n and_o deceiver_n communicant_a and_o drunkard_n sacrificer_n and_o oppressor_n by_o which_o we_o only_o exalt_v and_o sublimate_v impiety_n which_o never_o look_v so_o glorious_a as_o when_o it_o be_v gild_a with_o fast_n and_o long_a prayer_n wherefore_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o your_o eternal_a peril_n do_v not_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v yourselves_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o religion_n lest_o when_o you_o have_v superstruct_v your_o hope_n of_o happiness_n on_o a_o rot_a foundation_n it_o shall_v final_o miscarry_v and_o sink_v underneath_o you_o into_o everlasting_a wretchedness_n and_o despair_n chap._n ii_o concern_v religion_n what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n brief_o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o explain_v what_o religion_n be_v that_o so_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v collect_v what_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n which_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n religion_n in_o the_o general_n respect_v god_n as_o the_o object_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o its_o act_n and_o office_n for_o upon_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n as_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o capable_a subject_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o religion_n or_o other_o to_o tie_v and_o oblige_v these_o creature_n to_o that_o god_n for_o by_o god_n we_o mean_v a_o be_v that_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o he_o and_o be_v the_o supreme_a cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o be_v and_o perfection_n and_o such_o a_o be_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v do_v not_o only_o deserve_v the_o worthy_a act_n of_o religion_n that_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v his_o worth_n can_v render_v to_o he_o but_o have_v also_o a_o unalienable_a right_n to_o exact_v and_o require_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o essential_a desert_n for_o whatever_o he_o deserve_v he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o demand_v but_o also_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o right_n he_o have_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o owe_v their_o being_n to_o he_o and_o all_o their_o capacity_n of_o serve_v he_o and_o so_o can_v dispose_v of_o themselves_o without_o manifest_a injury_n to_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n and_o order_n by_o reasonable_a creature_n we_o mean_v being_n that_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v endow_v by_o he_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o understand_v he_o and_o themselves_o and_o such_o creature_n must_v necessary_o stand_v oblige_v to_o render_v he_o such_o act_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o and_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v religion_n which_o word_n according_a to_o lactantius_n lib._n 4._o divin_n institut_n c._n 28._o be_v derive_v a_o religando_fw-la from_o bind_v or_o oblige_v we_o to_o god_n so_o that_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o obligation_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o render_v such_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o which_o definition_n include_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dutuy_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o derive_v its_o tie_n and_o obligation_n from_o some_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o tie_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o some_o duty_n that_o be_v enjoin_v in_o it_o when_o therefore_o i_o call_v religion_n a_o obligation_n i_o include_v in_o that_o term_n all_o those_o doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v god_n his_o nature_n and_o his_o transaction_n with_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o render_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o he_o but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v distinguish_v it_o into_o natural_a and_o reveal_v by_o natural_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o obligation_n which_o natural_a reason_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o render_v to_o god_n all_o that_o worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o it_o discover_v to_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o we_o a_o rational_a faculty_n by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o we_o be_v natural_o lead_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o expect_v we_o shall_v follow_v it_o as_o the_o guide_n and_o directory_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o whatsoever_o this_o faculty_n do_v natural_o and_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n dictate_v to_o we_o be_v as_o much_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n as_o any_o revelation_n for_o whatever_o it_o natural_o dictate_v it_o must_v dictate_v by_o his_o direction_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o who_o have_v frame_v it_o to_o speak_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o pronounce_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o thing_n have_v thereby_o put_v his_o word_n into_o its_o mouth_n and_o do_v himself_o speak_v through_o it_o as_o through_o a_o stand_a oracle_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o our_o breast_n on_o purpose_n to_o convey_v and_o deliver_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o natural_a reason_n right_o exercise_v teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o do_v as_o effectual_o bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o he_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v immediate_o reveal_v by_o he_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o powerful_a and_o good_a that_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o being_n the_o disposer_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o arbitrator_n of_o our_o fate_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o by_o these_o doctrine_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v he_o to_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o to_o trust_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o this_o be_v natural_a religion_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o natural_a reason_n teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o his_o nature_n and_o providence_n and_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o it_o infer_v from_o those_o doctrine_n and_o enforce_v by_o they_o and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o religion_n upon_o which_o it_o find_v its_o duty_n be_v eternal_a verity_n as_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v be_v all_o deduce_v from_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n
all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o must_v be_v moral_o that_o be_v eternal_o good_a and_o reasonable_a because_o those_o doctrine_n be_v the_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v and_o by_o which_o they_o oblige_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n must_v oblige_v for_o ever_o because_o it_o oblige_v by_o a_o eternal_a reason_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o abrogate_a till_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v cancel_v and_o reverse_v and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v convert_v into_o lie_n in_o short_a therefore_o natural_a religion_n have_v only_o natural_a reason_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n deduce_v all_o those_o eternal_a reason_n by_o which_o it_o distinguish_v our_o action_n into_o honest_a and_o dishonest_a decorous_a and_o filthy_a good_a and_o evil_n necessary_a and_o sinful_a for_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o judge_v they_o so_o but_o if_o it_o judge_v true_o it_o judge_n of_o they_o as_o it_o find_v they_o and_o unless_o it_o find_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o upon_o some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o they_o its_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a so_o that_o the_o objective_a goodness_n or_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o action_n themselves_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o our_o natural_a reason_n judge_v true_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o refusal_n of_o they_o for_o be_v our_o action_n never_o so_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o itself_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o so_o and_o unless_o we_o judge_v it_o so_o we_o can_v reasonable_a choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v it_o good_a or_o evil_n upon_o a_o eternal_a reason_n we_o stand_v oblige_v by_o that_o judgement_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v it_o so_o that_o right_a reason_n pronounce_v such_o action_n good_a and_o such_o evil_a be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o it_o so_o pronounce_v they_o be_v the_o creed_n of_o nature_n both_o which_o together_o make_v natural_a religion_n and_o by_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o world_n govern_v at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n till_o by_o long_a and_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o restrain_v the_o wild_a extravagancy_n of_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o than_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a pity_n to_o lose_a and_o degenerate_a mankind_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o in_o the_o large_a acceptation_n of_o it_o include_v all_o natural_a religion_n as_o well_o the_o credenda_fw-la as_o agenda_fw-la the_o doctrine_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o it_o have_v superad_v sundry_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o supernatural_a religion_n but_o strict_o speak_v revealed_z religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o natural_a consist_v of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n as_o be_v knowable_a and_o discoverable_a only_o by_o revelation_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v and_o infer_v by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n from_o any_o necessary_a or_o natural_a principle_n but_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o where_o thing_n depend_v entire_o upon_o god_n will_n and_o their_o be_v or_o not_o be_v lie_v whole_o in_o his_o free_a disposal_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o natural_a reason_n shall_v ever_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o some_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n concern_v they_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o where_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o free_a reason_n without_o revelation_n have_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o probable_a cause_n and_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o and_o therefore_o can_v make_v neither_o certain_a conclusion_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a guess_n concern_v they_o but_o must_v necessary_o remain_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o it_o which_o way_n his_o will_n be_v determine_v and_o of_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o consist_v all_o reveal_v religion_n strict_o so_o call_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v sundry_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n yet_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v subsequent_a thereunto_o which_o from_o that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o adam_n upon_o his_o fall_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n to_o the_o last_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o great_a theme_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o else_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v but_o only_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n shine_v through_o a_o cloud_n of_o type_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n and_o what_o be_v all_o the_o succeed_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n still_o shine_v clear_a and_o clear_a till_o at_o last_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o its_o meridian_n brightness_n and_o be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v that_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n from_o moses_n to_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o prophet_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v the_o gradual_a discovery_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o mediation_n so_o that_o reveal_v religion_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o always_o the_o same_o though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o reveal_v with_o the_o same_o perspicuity_n but_o clear_v up_o by_o degree_n from_o a_o obscure_a twilight_n to_o a_o perfect_a day_n wherefore_o christianity_n which_o in_o strictness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n together_o with_o its_o appendant_a duty_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o new_a religion_n of_o 1600._o year_n date_n for_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o fall_n and_o be_v then_o preach_v to_o adam_n in_o that_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a promise_n after_o which_o it_o be_v a_o little_a more_o clear_o repeat_v though_o very_o obscure_o still_o in_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o again_o after_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o ample_o reveal_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o yet_o like_o paint_a glass_n in_o a_o window_n do_v under_o their_o pompous_a show_n still_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o holy_a mystery_n within_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o judaisme_n be_v only_a christianity_n veil_v and_o christianity_n be_v only_a judaisme_n reveal_v thus_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mediator_n you_o see_v be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o without_o revelation_n natural_a reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v deposit_v such_o inestimable_a blessing_n for_o we_o or_o no_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o mediator_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o his_o free_a determination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o no_o nor_o any_o probable_a one_o neither_o that_o humane_a reason_n can_v ever_o have_v discover_v that_o can_v incline_v or_o determine_v he_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o so_o that_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o be_v leave_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o guess_v by_o this_o therefore_o be_v strict_o the_o reveal_v religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a but_o since_o together_o with_o reveal_v religion_n god_n have_v put_v forth_o a_o second_o edition_n of_o natural_a which_o be_v almost_o lose_v and_o grow_v out_o of_o print_n through_o the_o wretched_a negligence_n and_o stupidity_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o
not_o their_o reason_n but_o their_o will_n that_o make_v they_o so_o and_o if_o so_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o urge_v their_o reason_n with_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n be_v since_o if_o they_o will_v not_o listen_v to_o those_o that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o great_a volume_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o even_a miracle_n themselves_o which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o wherefore_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o this_o pestilential_a disease_n which_o in_o these_o late_a age_n have_v be_v so_o fatal_o propagate_v among_o all_o degree_n and_o order_n of_o man_n i_o conceive_v the_o most_o proper_a way_n be_v to_o discover_v and_o remove_v those_o fault_n in_o their_o will_n which_o have_v such_o a_o malevolent_a influence_n on_o their_o understand_n and_o the_o principal_a one_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o nine_o head_n 1._o a_o perverse_a opposition_n of_o will_n to_o the_o will_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n 2._o superstitious_a misapprehension_n concern_v god_n 3._o precipitant_a rashness_n in_o prescribe_v to_o and_o prejudging_a the_o divine_a providence_n 4._o vain_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n in_o opinion_n 5._o custom_n of_o droll_v on_o and_o ridicul_v the_o most_o serious_a thing_n 6._o take_v up_o our_o religion_n or_o opinion_n in_o religion_n without_o examination_n 7._o measure_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o make_v high_a pretence_n to_o it_o 8._o place_v religion_n in_o the_o little_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v the_o sect_n and_o party_n we_o be_v engage_v in_o 9_o profane_a and_o careless_a neglect_n of_o public_a worship_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v the_o perverse_a opposition_n of_o man_n will_n to_o the_o will_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v infinite_o remove_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o all_o inclination_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o according_o in_o all_o those_o declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n they_o find_v he_o express_v a_o high_a detestation_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o wickedness_n and_o command_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a penalty_n which_o they_o know_v he_o have_v both_o right_a and_o power_n to_o inflict_v when_o he_o please_v notwithstanding_o which_o presume_v on_o his_o goodness_n and_o a_o future_a repentance_n they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v tempt_v and_o seduce_v into_o wickedness_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o toll_v they_o on_o from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o till_o their_o will_n be_v captivate_v by_o custom_n to_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o sin_v so_o that_o now_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o almighty_a displeasure_n be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o master_v the_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o will_n only_o serve_v to_o fret_v and_o disturb_v they_o to_o raise_v terror_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o therewithal_o to_o embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o so_o long_o as_o this_o sense_n remain_v alive_a in_o their_o bosom_n they_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o sin_v quiet_o for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o they_o have_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o either_o to_o part_v with_o that_o or_o their_o sin_n for_o while_o thy_o retain_v their_o sin_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n will_v grow_v a_o intolerable_a vexation_n to_o they_o unless_o by_o sophisticate_a their_o belief_n with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v temper_v it_o into_o a_o amicable_a compliance_n with_o their_o lusts._n and_o this_o be_v usual_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o dull_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o understanding_n be_v more_o easy_o impose_v on_o viz._n to_o intermingle_v with_o their_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v render_v it_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o their_o lusts._n and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v foist_v into_o christianity_n from_o the_o desire_n which_o man_n have_v to_o accommodate_v the_o difference_n between_o their_o conscience_n and_o their_o wicked_a will_n and_o reconcile_v their_o natural_a sense_n of_o god_n to_o their_o sin_n but_o alas_o these_o artifices_fw-la be_v all_o so_o thin_a and_o transparent_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n of_o wit_n to_o impose_v they_o on_o their_o understanding_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o equal_a goodwill_n to_o these_o wicked_a doctrine_n with_o the_o dull_a sort_n of_o sinner_n yet_o their_o reason_n be_v too_o sharp-sighted_a to_o be_v chouced_a and_o deceive_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o usual_o they_o go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v and_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o can_v never_o enjoy_v their_o sin_n in_o quiet_a while_o they_o be_v awe_v with_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o yet_o obstinate_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v enjoy_v they_o they_o have_v no_o other_o expedient_a but_o to_o muster_v up_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o reason_n to_o dispute_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o be_v stiff_o resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n to_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o observe_v and_o punish_v they_o and_o then_o facilè_fw-la credunt_fw-la quod_fw-la volunt_fw-la they_o easy_o believe_v what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o the_o slender_a probability_n will_v sway_v their_o understanding_n to_o vote_n on_o the_o side_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o when_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a atheism_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o refuge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v many_o time_n force_v to_o fly_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n to_o avoid_v the_o clamour_n and_o persecution_n of_o their_o conscience_n have_v these_o man_n live_v in_o those_o good_a pagan_a day_n wherein_o they_o may_v have_v riot_v with_o devotion_n sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n in_o drunken_a bowl_n and_o worship_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o strumpet_n no_o man_n will_v have_v be_v more_o religious_a than_o they_o and_o can_v they_o now_o but_o compound_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o alone_o to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o let_v he_o alone_o to_o enjoy_v his_o be_v but_o because_o their_o sense_n of_o he_o fret_v and_o gall_v they_o they_o first_o grow_v impatient_a under_o it_o and_o then_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o and_o either_o to_o laugh_v or_o dispute_v it_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o according_o plato_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o sort_n of_o atheist_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o in_o consequence_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v void_a of_o god_n have_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o intemperance_n of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n be_v otherwise_o person_n of_o great_a memory_n and_o quick_a understanding_n de_fw-fr leg._n lib._n 10._o but_o alas_o how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n for_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o their_o interest_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v true_a can_v man_n put_v out_o the_o sun_n with_o wink_v or_o extinguish_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o a_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v very_o justifiable_a for_o those_o man_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o but_o alas_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v unalterable_a and_o will_v be_v what_o they_o be_v whatsoever_o our_o opinion_n be_v about_o they_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o will_v be_v one_o whether_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o believe_v it_o or_o no_o and_o though_o when_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n require_v it_o we_o may_v possible_o dispute_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v out_o of_o his_o be_v we_o may_v indeed_o secure_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o vengeance_n by_o dispute_v ourselves_o into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o we_o can_v never_o secure_v ourselves_o by_o it_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o what_o a_o senseless_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o a_o unavoidable_a danger_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v frighten_v by_o it_o and_o when_o he_o may_v shun_v god_n vengeance_n by_o dread_v it_o instead_o thereof_o to_o shun_v the_o
have_v a_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o play_v the_o brute_n with_o more_o skill_n and_o sagacity_n and_o indeed_o set_v god_n aside_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o brute_n by_o be_v rational_a that_o we_o be_v rather_o so_o much_o the_o more_o wretched_a and_o despicable_a than_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n which_o whole_o consist_v of_o sensual_a good_a the_o sense_n and_o appetite_n we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o with_o these_o we_o may_v relish_v it_o as_o well_o without_o our_o reason_n as_o with_o it_o we_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o brute_n with_o as_o much_o gust_n and_o savour_n as_o we_o do_v now_o with_o our_o reason_n for_o if_o we_o be_v brute_n we_o shall_v do_v as_o brute_n do_v we_o shall_v weary_v ourselves_o no_o long_o with_o vain_a pursuit_n nor_o vex_v ourselves_o with_o fruitless_a expectation_n nor_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o disappointment_n but_o even_o take_v our_o pleasure_n when_o our_o appetite_n crave_v they_o and_o they_o free_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o though_o our_o reason_n do_v sometime_o cook_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o give_v they_o a_o high_a relish_n and_o and_o luxury_n yet_o this_o advantage_n be_v very_o much_o outweigh_v by_o the_o many_o regret_v and_o remorse_n and_o sting_a reflection_n it_o intermingle_v with_o our_o pleasure_n so_o that_o have_v we_o only_o the_o faculty_n of_o brute_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v we_o shall_v more_o sincere_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o brutal_a nature_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v bear_v our_o misery_n with_o much_o more_o ease_n and_o cheerfulness_n for_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n our_o reason_n can_v afford_v we_o no_o solid_a support_n under_o any_o calamity_n the_o main_a argument_n of_o comfort_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v take_v away_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v bear_v our_o misery_n without_o our_o reason_n much_o better_a than_o with_o it_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v terrify_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o they_o nor_o torment_v with_o despair_n under_o they_o then_o we_o shall_v neither_o multiply_v they_o with_o false_a opinion_n nor_o enrage_v they_o with_o bitter_a reflection_n on_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o but_o whenever_o they_o happen_v bear_v they_o as_o beast_n do_v without_o any_o other_o pain_n or_o uneasiness_n than_o what_o they_o necessary_o impress_v on_o our_o sense_n which_o will_v render_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o tolerable_a to_o we_o than_o all_o our_o argument_n can_v do_v suppose_v we_o have_v no_o god_n nor_o providence_n to_o argue_v from_o so_o that_o be_v that_o true_a which_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v for_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o reason_n in_o a_o man_n serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o render_v he_o more_o wretched_a and_o despicable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n indeed_o our_o rational_a faculty_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n as_o have_v a_o object_n commensurate_a to_o their_o wide_a capacity_n and_o every_o way_n fit_a and_o worthy_a to_o employ_v and_o exercise_v they_o a_o infinite_a truth_n for_o our_o understanding_n to_o dive_v into_o and_o a_o infinite_a good_a for_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o pursue_v and_o embrace_v but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o we_o but_o what_o be_v carnal_a and_o sensual_a our_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v our_o ornament_n and_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v the_o plague_n and_o disgrace_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o for_o any_o nature_n to_o have_v more_o faculty_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o happiness_n be_v monstrous_a and_o therefore_o have_v we_o nothing_o to_o enjoy_v but_o the_o happiness_n of_o brute_n it_o will_v be_v a_o deformity_n to_o our_o nature_n to_o have_v the_o faculty_n of_o angel_n because_o these_o faculty_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a there_o be_v no_o adequate_a object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o employ_v and_o entertain_v they_o so_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o atheist_n true_a it_o will_v cashier_v our_o reason_n for_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a faculty_n a_o thing_n that_o serve_v our_o nature_n to_o little_a other_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v it_o and_o what_o man_n that_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o reverence_n for_o himself_o will_v ever_o be_v fond_a of_o a_o belief_n that_o thus_o sink_v and_o depreciate_n he_o and_o lay_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o dust_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o man_n be_v a_o most_o despicable_a creature_n that_o his_o reason_n upon_o which_o he_o so_o much_o value_v himself_o be_v a_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a faculty_n a_o faculty_n that_o can_v serve_v he_o to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o only_o to_o be_v a_o cook_n and_o a_o tailor_n to_o his_o body_n to_o study_v sauce_n and_o fashion_n for_o it_o and_o that_o while_o it_o serve_v he_o in_o this_o disserve_v he_o in_o a_o thousand_o other_o instance_n in_o mingle_v his_o pleasure_n with_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n with_o fear_n and_o impatience_n anxiety_n and_o remorse_n and_o in_o aggravate_v and_o put_v sting_n into_o his_o grief_n and_o calamity_n so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v reasonable_a be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infifinite_a perfection_n to_o be_v know_v and_o love_v and_o imitate_v and_o adore_v by_o he_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o this_o bless_a be_v be_v infinite_o to_o undervalue_v ourselves_o and_o to_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o that_o by_o be_v partial_a to_o atheism_n we_o be_v partial_a to_o our_o own_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n and_o industrious_o consult_v the_o reproach_n and_o infamy_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v affix_v a_o black_a scandal_n on_o our_o reason_n than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o as_o it_o lay_v the_o great_a reproach_n upon_o our_o nature_n so_o it_o also_o render_v we_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a of_o all_o being_n for_o there_o be_v certain_a affection_n interweave_v with_o humane_a nature_n which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v shameful_o ridiculous_a such_o as_o the_o dread_a of_o invisible_a power_n the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o anxious_a expectation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v all_o which_o be_v so_o deep_o inlay_v in_o our_o being_n as_o that_o with_o all_o our_o art_n and_o reason_v we_o can_v total_o erase_v they_o and_o even_o the_o atheist_n themselves_o who_o have_v try_v all_o possible_a way_n of_o extinguish_v they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o damp_n and_o stupefy_v they_o at_o present_a but_o that_o in_o despite_n of_o they_o they_o will_v revive_v and_o awake_v again_o when_o death_n or_o danger_n approach_v they_o now_o how_o ridiculous_a be_v these_o affection_n in_o humane_a nature_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o a_o god_n for_o upon_o this_o supposal_n we_o have_v passion_n that_o have_v no_o object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n to_o move_v and_o affect_v they_o but_o wild_a chimaera_n fly_v dragon_n and_o castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o whereas_o all_o other_o being_n have_v real_a object_n in_o nature_n correspond_v to_o their_o several_a instinct_n and_o affection_n for_o so_o the_o hare_n have_v a_o natural_a dread_n of_o a_o dog_n the_o sheep_n of_o a_o wolf_n the_o mouse_n of_o a_o cat_n the_o toad_n of_o a_o spider_n all_o the_o object_n of_o which_o dread_n have_v a_o real_a existence_n poor_a silly_a man_n suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n natural_o tremble_v at_o a_o invisible_a nothing_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o imagination_n so_o that_o if_o the_o atheist_n opinion_n be_v true_a the_o ape_n that_o look_v pale_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o snail_n and_o fly_v as_o if_o he_o fear_v lest_o that_o slow_a creature_n shall_v overtake_v and_o devour_v he_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n less_o ridiculous_a than_o timorous_a man_n who_o nature_n be_v thus_o hag_v with_o frightful_a imagination_n of_o invisible_a power_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o what_o man_n
and_o celebrate_a passage_n of_o epictetus_n ch._n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n know_v that_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o piety_n be_v this_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n well_o and_o just_o and_o according_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o god_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o psalm_n 9.10_o i_o e._n they_o who_o have_v make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o by_o observe_v as_o i_o have_v do_v the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o thy_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v form_v in_o their_o mind_n right_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n concern_v thou_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o place_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o thou_o which_o be_v equal_o true_a of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v as_o much_o influence_n our_o mind_n to_o love_n and_o adore_v he_o to_o praise_v he_o and_o submit_v to_o he_o as_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o hence_o st._n paul_n ascribe_v all_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o their_o not_o like_v to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n i._n e._n to_o their_o wicked_a aversion_n to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a notion_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.28_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o form_n of_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n three_o to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n concern_v he_o sect_n i._o in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a in_o general_n whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o render_v man_n true_o religious_a must_v be_v derive_v from_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o religion_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o divine_a service_n must_v itself_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o without_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regulate_v our_o religion_n by_o it_o now_o to_o the_o right_a conduct_n and_o due_a regulation_n of_o our_o religion_n it_o be_v requisite_a first_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v right_o inform_v what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o god_n second_o that_o we_o proceed_v upon_o a_o true_a principle_n in_o serve_v he_o three_o that_o we_o direct_v our_o service_n to_o a_o right_a end_n four_a that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o the_o want_n of_o either_o of_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o irreparable_a flaw_n in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a not_o only_o infirm_a but_o defective_a in_o its_o very_a constitution_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a first_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o god_n second_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v serve_v he_o three_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o true_a end_n for_o whieh_o we_o must_v serve_v he_o four_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o proper_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o i._o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v we_o what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o god_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a nothing_o can_v be_v please_v to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o original_n from_o whence_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o religion_n be_v transcribe_v unless_o therefore_o we_o know_v what_o his_o perfection_n be_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v know_v what_o service_n be_v agreeable_a to_o '_o they_o if_o you_o will_v serve_v a_o prince_n grateful_o and_o acceptable_o you_o must_v inform_v yourself_o beforehand_o what_o his_o nature_n and_o disposition_n be_v that_o so_o you_o may_v accommodate_v yourself_o thereunto_o and_o compose_v your_o action_n and_o behaviour_n according_o that_o you_o may_v furnish_v he_o with_o fresh_a pleasure_n if_o he_o be_v soft_a and_o voluptuous_a or_o blow_v he_o up_o with_o flattery_n if_o he_o be_v proud_a and_o vainglorious_a that_o if_o he_o be_v covetous_a and_o tyrannical_a you_o may_v sponge_n and_o oppress_v his_o people_n and_o drain_v their_o wealth_n into_o his_o coffer_n if_o just_a and_o beneficent_a you_o may_v assist_v and_o forward_o he_o in_o right_v the_o injury_n correct_v the_o miscarriage_n and_o alleviate_a the_o burden_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o thus_o if_o you_o will_v serve_v the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o you_o must_v study_v his_o nature_n and_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v yourselves_o which_o way_n his_o infinite_a perfection_n do_v incline_v he_o that_o so_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o comport_v yourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o to_o render_v he_o such_o service_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n but_o only_o that_o of_o his_o nature_n by_o which_o you_o can_v certain_o conclude_v what_o will_v please_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v tell_v you_o by_o express_a revelation_n what_o service_n he_o expect_v and_o what_o will_v please_v he_o yet_o without_o recur_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o nature_n you_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a either_o that_o what_o he_o tell_v you_o be_v true_a or_o that_o what_o he_o tell_v you_o be_v please_v to_o he_o then_o be_v still_o please_v to_o he_o now_o for_o how_o can_v you_o be_v secure_a either_o that_o he_o tell_v you_o true_o what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o he_o but_o only_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o veracity_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o that_o the_o service_n which_o be_v please_v to_o he_o then_o be_v please_v to_o he_o now_o but_o from_o the_o stability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o what_o be_v please_v to_o god_n we_o can_v depend_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o consult_v his_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o security_n but_o also_o the_o test_n of_o his_o word_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o can_v be_v god_n word_n which_o contradict_v his_o nature_n and_o what_o plausible_a pretence_n soever_o any_o doctrine_n may_v make_v to_o divine_a revelation_n if_o it_o teach_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v apparent_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o ought_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o conclude_v it_o a_o imposture_n it_o be_v much_o more_o possible_a that_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n shall_v be_v false_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o all_o our_o inquiry_n what_o be_v please_v to_o god_n our_o last_o appeal_n must_v be_v to_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v what_o be_v please_v and_o displease_v to_o he_o whilst_o therefore_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n nature_n or_o possess_v with_o wrong_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o it_o we_o must_v necessary_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o neither_o know_v what_o to_o do_v nor_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o for_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v what_o will_v please_v or_o displease_v a_o dark_a and_o unknown_a nature_n who_o bent_n and_o inclination_n we_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o but_o if_o we_o be_v under_o false_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n they_o must_v necessary_o mislead_v we_o in_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o false_a way_n of_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o thus_o if_o we_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v a_o froward_a and_o testy_a be_v that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v please_v and_o displease_v with_o trifle_n in_o conformity_n to_o our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o shall_v offer_v he_o a_o trifle_a service_n a_o service_n make_v up_o of_o pageantry_n and_o compliment_n of_o pompous_a show_n and_o ceremonious_a respect_n and_o empty_a formality_n for_o such_o a_o trifle_a worship_n be_v in_o itself_o most_o proper_a for_o such_o a_o humorous_a divinity_n so_o if_o we_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o imperious_a and_o tyrannical_a nature_n that_o govern_v himself_o
a_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a nature_n himself_o to_o believe_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o snatch_v poor_a infant_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n that_o never_o actual_o offend_v he_o and_o hurl_v they_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o consider_v the_o stern_a and_o inflexible_a temper_n of_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o horrible_a decree_n though_o otherwise_o a_o rare_a and_o admirable_a person_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o transcribe_v his_o own_o nature_n into_o his_o doctrine_n and_o model_v his_o divinity_n by_o his_o temper_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o but_o a_o man_n of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n that_o love_v beyond_o all_o reason_n and_o invincible_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n of_o his_o own_o darling_n can_v ever_o imagine_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v his_o favourite_n without_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o not_o only_o to_o overlook_v all_o their_o fault_n but_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o his_o own_o eye_n with_o the_o mantle_n of_o another_o righteousness_n that_o so_o how_o ill_o soever_o they_o behave_v themselves_o he_o may_v never_o see_v cause_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o from_o these_o and_o other_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o measure_v his_o nature_n by_o our_o own_o for_o first_o our_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o make_v we_o magnify_v our_o own_o fault_n into_o perfection_n and_o then_o whatsoever_o we_o reckon_v a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o so_o many_o time_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o image_n of_o ourselves_o which_o narcissus-like_o we_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o reflect_v our_o own_o sweet_a likeness_n as_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o wrong_v god_n in_o our_o own_o thought_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o he_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o but_o what_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o impartial_a reason_n and_o because_o our_o self-love_n be_v apt_a to_o bribe_v our_o own_o reason_n into_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o whatever_o be_v our_o own_o we_o ought_v to_o admit_v nothing_o of_o our_o own_o into_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v vote_v a_o perfection_n by_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n iii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n for_o while_o man_n be_v vehement_o addict_v to_o any_o sinful_a course_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o sit_v very_o uneasy_o on_o their_o mind_n because_o it_o will_v be_v always_o quarrel_v with_o they_o suggest_v argument_n against_o they_o and_o alarm_v they_o with_o dreadful_a thought_n and_o dire_a abodeing_n of_o a_o vengeance_n to_o come_v for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a conception_n of_o god_n nature_n but_o what_o be_v pregnant_a with_o some_o powerful_a argument_n against_o disobedience_n to_o his_o will_n so_o that_o while_o we_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o he_o our_o reason_n can_v true_o conceive_v of_o he_o without_o wage_n war_n against_o our_o lust_n and_o while_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o at_o variance_n with_o himself_o and_o one_o end_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v at_o war_n with_o the_o other_o so_o that_o he_o can_v gratify_v his_o affection_n without_o affront_a his_o reason_n nor_o comply_v with_o his_o reason_n without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o affection_n he_o can_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n within_o till_o either_o he_o have_v force_v his_o affection_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o reason_n or_o his_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o affection_n but_o while_o a_o man_n reason_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n before_o it_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o his_o sinful_a affection_n against_o which_o whenever_o he_o cool_o reflect_v it_o must_v necessary_o dictate_v bitter_a invective_n and_o denounce_v horrible_a sentence_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v obstinate_o resolve_v to_o side_n with_o his_o sinful_a affection_n he_o must_v either_o be_v content_a patient_o to_o endure_v the_o clamour_n and_o fury_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o uneasy_a penance_n in_o the_o world_n or_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v and_o sophisticate_a his_o notion_n of_o god_n with_o such_o opinion_n as_o countenance_v his_o lusts._n and_o this_o consider_v the_o mighty_a influence_n which_o man_n affection_n have_v on_o their_o reason_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v for_o the_o least_o show_n of_o probability_n back_v with_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o a_o opinion_n be_v of_o great_a force_n with_o corrupt_a mind_n than_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n against_o it_o so_o that_o if_o the_o opinion_n be_v but_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o man_n lust_n that_o will_v engage_v his_o affection_n on_o its_o side_n and_o then_o the_o opinion_n have_v once_o retain_v those_o powerful_a orator_n in_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o very_a favourable_a trial_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n where_o in_o all_o probability_n only_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n will_v be_v weigh_v and_o judgement_n will_v be_v give_v upon_o hear_v the_o argument_n for_o it_o without_o admit_v any_o evidence_n against_o it_o thus_o when_o man_n be_v hunt_v and_o pursue_v through_o their_o wicked_a course_n by_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o if_o they_o resolve_v to_o go_v on_o to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o false_a one_o where_o their_o conscience_n and_o will_n their_o reason_n and_o affection_n may_v dwell_v quiet_o together_o and_o 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immorality_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o form_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n by_o uncommand_v severity_n and_o affect_a singularity_n by_o contend_v for_o opinion_n and_o stickle_v for_o party_n and_o be_v pragmatical_o zealous_a about_o the_o border_n and_o fringe_n of_o religion_n other_o there_o be_v that_o to_o quiet_a their_o anxious_a mind_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n at_o least_o be_v all_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n without_o the_o least_o allay_n of_o righteous_a severity_n or_o vindictive_a justice_n and_o be_v thus_o persuade_v they_o sin_v on_o secure_o and_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o mercy_n affront_v his_o authority_n without_o any_o disturbance_n other_o again_o that_o to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n have_v irrevocable_o determine_v the_o everlasting_a fate_n of_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o do_n and_o that_o those_o who_o he_o will_v save_v he_o will_v save_v 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