or_o write_v such_o character_n as_o shall_v convey_v into_o the_o ear_n or_o eye_n of_o other_o corporeal_a impression_n from_o which_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o thought_n which_o be_v a_o great_a way_n about_o and_o much_o more_o unintelligible_a though_o we_o be_v very_o sure_o it_o be_v true_a then_o that_o a_o spirit_n shall_v communicate_v its_o thought_n to_o our_o understanding_n which_o it_o may_v either_o do_v by_o such_o outward_a impression_n on_o our_o sense_n as_o bring_v the_o thought_n of_o other_o man_n to_o our_o knowledge_n or_o without_o these_o outward_a object_n may_v make_v the_o same_o impression_n on_o our_o brain_n and_o like_v to_o this_o be_v the_o impression_n make_v on_o we_o in_o sleep_n in_o which_o we_o imagine_v we_o converse_v with_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o final_o without_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o corporeal_a phantasm_n a_o spirit_n especiaal_o the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a spirit_n may_v immediate_o convey_v to_o our_o 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with_o what_o bacchic_a fury_n many_o heathen_a priest_n deliver_v some_o of_o their_o imposture_n and_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v what_o strange_a appearance_n of_o inspiration_n be_v in_o hysterical_a person_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v accompany_v with_o such_o other_o extraordinary_a character_n as_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o forgery_n of_o juggler_n nor_o the_o vapour_n of_o the_o spleen_n or_o mother_n and_o these_o be_v miracle_n or_o prophecy_n which_o be_v certain_a indication_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a presence_n with_o the_o inspire_a person_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v help_v i._n k._n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n for_o the_o ascertain_a mankind_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o obedience_n that_o god_n require_v and_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o great_a objection_n which_o deist_n and_o other_o enemy_n to_o revelation_n bring_v against_o it_o but_o i_o now_o follow_v he_o to_o his_o four_o proposition_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chap._n iu._n it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n have_v prove_v convince_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n j._n k._n go_v on_o in_o his_o series_n of_o truth_n and_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o the_o atheism_n that_o have_v of_o late_o break_v out_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o upon_o we_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o excellent_a pen_n of_o all_o the_o party_n and_o division_n of_o christendom_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o closeness_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o may_v be_v just_o a_o problem_n whether_o that_o pestiferous_a contagion_n have_v not_o occasion_v as_o much_o good_a to_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o many_o admirable_a treatise_n have_v be_v write_v for_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o it_o have_v do_v hurt_v by_o its_o own_o venom_n but_o to_o see_v i._o k._n manage_v so_o glorious_a a_o cause_n so_o poor_o and_o so_o faint_o after_o all_o that_o light_n which_o these_o book_n offer_v do_v just_o raise_v indignation_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o be_v afraid_a to_o bring_v out_o the_o strong_a proof_n for_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o can_v be_v for_o the_o roman_a but_o i._o k._n be_v resolve_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o will_v manage_v this_o cause_n faint_o that_o he_o may_v maintain_v the_o other_o more_o strong_o and_o so_o it_o seem_v care_v not_o with_o how_o slender_a evidence_n â—e_v assert_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v but_o as_o undisputed_a his_o great_a argument_n for_o its_o truth_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v miraculous_o propagate_v which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n and_o these_o be_v manifest_a proof_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o confirm_v now_o since_o christian_a religion_n though_o it_o contain_v mystery_n far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o severity_n contrary_a to_o humane_a inclination_n yet_o have_v be_v propagate_v without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o man_n of_o themselves_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o have_v overcome_v other_o religion_n which_o be_v both_o well_o establish_v and_o preach_v liberty_n and_o pleasure_n then_o this_o be_v either_o do_v with_o miracle_n or_o without_o they_o if_o with_o they_o it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v miracle_n if_o without_o they_o such_o a_o propagation_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i._n k._n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o this_o alone_a can_v satisfy_v a_o consider_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o believe_v any_o religion_n that_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v very_o great_a and_o far_o above_o we_o so_o that_o miracle_n can_v determine_v my_o belief_n since_o there_o must_v go_v somewhat_o previous_a to_o that_o therefore_o moses_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o though_o a_o prophet_n 1._o by_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n do_v amuse_v they_o and_o upon_o that_o persuade_v they_o to_o go_v after_o other_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o prophet_n but_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o 9_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v another_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v anathematise_v so_o that_o miracle_n or_o other_o extraordinary_a apparition_n do_v not_o prove_v a_o prophet_n therefore_o the_o first_o and_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n which_o be_v all_o so_o congruous_a to_o the_o common_a impression_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o this_o must_v prove_v as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v we_o that_o his_o miracle_n be_v true_a one_o and_o not_o wrought_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n since_o his_o doctrine_n 31._o be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a of_o his_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n and_o our_o saviour_n also_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v most_o common_o from_o this_o topick_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_v but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o himself_o nor_o his_o own_o honour_n but_o his_o father_n again_o our_o saviour_n assert_n his_o authority_n from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o inspire_v person_n of_o that_o dispensation_n who_o prediction_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v all_o agree_n to_o he_o and_o receive_v completion_n in_o he_o and_o from_o these_o our_o saviour_n often_o silence_v the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v to_o we_o still_o a_o strong_a argument_n that_o these_o book_n which_o the_o enemy_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v still_o keep_v as_o sacred_a and_o have_v among_o they_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n do_v give_v such_o clear_a and_o evident_a character_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o their_o messiah_n as_o must_v needs_o convince_v every_o serious_a and_o sober_a enquirer_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o the_o mighty_a work_n he_o do_v be_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o wonderful_a assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o for_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o i._n k._n will_v resolve_v all_o our_o certainty_n concern_v they_o into_o a_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a way_n to_o prove_v they_o then_o if_o christian_n religion_n have_v not_o be_v so_o
of_o those_o age_n and_o the_o chief_a preservative_n of_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n so_o as_o they_o have_v it_o among_o they_o it_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a engine_n of_o hell_n for_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o sense_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o some_o priest_n among_o they_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o but_o those_o be_v very_o few_o it_o do_v give_v but_o a_o small_a allay_n to_o the_o gross_a corruption_n which_o even_o many_o grave_n and_o pious_a writer_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n complain_v of_o and_o condemn_v shall_v i_o here_o mention_v the_o give_a absolution_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n upon_o confession_n before_o any_o part_n of_o the_o penance_n be_v perform_v the_o trifle_a penance_n be_v often_o enjoin_v the_o take_a confession_n from_o person_n unknown_a the_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v only_o recite_v their_o sin_n without_o any_o compunction_n and_o for_o contrition_n they_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a now_o the_o generality_n of_o that_o church_n be_v persuade_v that_o if_o they_o confess_v with_o a_o little_a attrition_n and_o be_v absolve_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o stand_v clear_a and_o innocent_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n whatever_o their_o former_a life_n have_v be_v or_o their_o present_a temper_n may_v be_v be_v not_o here_o a_o very_a sure_a way_n to_o defeat_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n when_o man_n be_v teach_v so_o eadie_a a_o way_n of_o get_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n without_o repent_v of_o and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n confession_n be_v no_o severity_n but_o a_o thing_n very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o last_o particular_a i._n k._n instance_n be_v the_o prohibition_n of_o priest_n to_o marry_o true_o if_o to_o reckon_v that_o impure_a which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v honourable_a in_o all_o without_o exception_n be_v a_o great_a sublimity_n they_o may_v well_o glory_n in_o it_o our_o saviour_n recommend_v cellbate_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o but_o the_o roman_a church_n will_v force_v all_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v it_o whether_o they_o can_v or_o not_o and_o though_o s._n paul_n make_v it_o one_o of_o the_o character_n of_o a_o person_n fit_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n that_o he_o have_v be_v marry_v and_o educate_v his_o child_n well_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o stretch_v so_o far_o as_o either_o the_o greek_a or_o the_o russian_a church_n do_v now_o and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o command_v he_o to_o abandon_v she_o and_o have_v elsewhere_o condemn_v that_o in_o all_o person_n without_o exception_n except_o it_o be_v for_o a_o time_n in_o order_n to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n 5._o and_o conform_v to_o this_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v not_o require_v the_o clergy_n to_o abandon_v their_o wife_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v condemn_v such_o as_o do_v yet_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v most_o tyrannical_o impose_v this_o on_o all_o the_o clergy_n and_o although_o we_o read_v that_o god_n will_v judge_v whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n but_o no_o where_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o marry_a yet_o they_o have_v be_v very_o gentle_a to_o these_o cry_a scandal_n which_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o have_v allow_v the_o concubinate_a when_o they_o condemn_v the_o marriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o which_o they_o show_v they_o prefer_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v examine_v this_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n 1._o k._n make_v between_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o i_o have_v be_v long_o than_o i_o intend_v but_o as_o short_a as_o the_o particular_n he_o name_v do_v allow_v when_o he_o bring_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o &c._n &c._n i_o doubt_v not_o it_o shall_v appear_v they_o be_v a_o sequel_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a consideration_n will_v clear_v but_o i_o must_v follow_v his_o next_o step_n that_o the_o roman_a religion_n have_v be_v propagate_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o stranger_n who_o convert_v many_o from_o paganism_n that_o allow_v liberty_n to_o their_o religion_n that_o teach_v severity_n and_o mortification_n to_o all_o which_o i_o reply_v that_o since_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v still_o christian_a i_o deny_v not_o but_o god_n may_v bless_v the_o honest_a endeavour_n of_o a_o great_a many_o of_o that_o communion_n so_o that_o their_o labour_n may_v have_v great_a success_n on_o infidel_n in_o convert_v they_o to_o christianity_n herein_o god_n bless_v they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o hebrew_n midwife_n who_o charitable_a tender_a heart_n god_n reward_v build_v they_o house_n pass_v over_o their_o lie_n but_o i._o k._n must_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o as_o a_o good_a argument_n otherways_o he_o will_v be_v drive_v into_o great_a absurdity_n do_v not_o the_o arrian_n by_o ulphilas_n his_o mean_n who_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o goth_n that_o be_v a_o barbarous_a cruel_a and_o yet_o vast_o numerous_a people_n convert_v they_o both_o to_o christianity_n and_o arrianism_n at_o once_o from_o whence_o we_o find_v the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n very_o soon_o overrun_v by_o arrianism_n upon_o the_o incursion_n of_o the_o goth_n vandal_n and_o longobard_n philostorgius_n do_v also_o inform_v we_o that_o theophilus_n a_o arrian_n convert_v the_o indian_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o the_o greek_a church_n when_o it_o be_v break_v from_o the_o roman_a convert_v many_o nation_n the_o bulgar_o the_o muscovite_n and_o many_o other_o northern_a kingdom_n in_o fine_a what_o will_v i._o k._n answer_v according_a to_o his_o own_o argument_n to_o the_o great_a progress_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o luther_n and_o zuinglius_fw-la who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n they_o meet_v and_o all_o the_o persecution_n their_o follower_n suffer_v yet_o do_v so_o strange_o propagate_v their_o doctrine_n that_o before_o half_a a_o age_n go_v about_o the_o great_a half_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n fall_v off_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o that_o see_v to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o hold_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o more_o and_o instead_o of_o all_o the_o juggle_n the_o roman_a priest_n have_v bring_v in_o teach_v man_n a_o easy_a way_n to_o heaven_n do_v preach_v all_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o as_o they_o teach_v a_o severe_a course_n of_o life_n to_o all_o christian_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a severity_n of_o some_o order_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o what_o must_v be_v the_o necessary_a condition_n upon_o which_o all_o may_v hope_v for_o salvation_n so_o they_o advance_v this_o without_o arm_n and_o under_o great_a persecution_n and_o here_o i._o k._n must_v think_v how_o he_o will_v answer_v his_o own_o dilemma_n that_o either_o this_o be_v do_v with_o miracle_n or_o without_o they_o if_o with_o they_o the_o doctrine_n must_v be_v true_a that_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n if_o without_o they_o that_o propagation_n be_v a_o great_a miracle_n and_o thus_o i._n k._n will_v find_v it_o hard_o to_o avoid_v the_o dint_n of_o his_o own_o argument_n beside_o when_o i._o k._n speak_v of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n he_o must_v not_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n by_o person_n of_o that_o religion_n though_o the_o same_o instrument_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v engage_v their_o new_a convert_v to_o the_o particular_a conceit_n of_o that_o church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o god_n blessing_n the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o labour_n so_o that_o they_o make_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n that_o have_v so_o much_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n all_o the_o world_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o strange_a if_o those_o so_o convert_v see_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a do_v either_o in_o humble_a gratitude_n to_o their_o charitable_a instructor_n pay_v they_o all_o the_o return_n of_o acknowledgement_n and_o obedience_n or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o new_a to_o they_o do_v easy_o receive_v and_o imbibe_n any_o particular_a opinion_n they_o may_v infuse_v in_o they_o and_o so_o at_o the_o same_o time_n become_v votary_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o rome_n but_o if_o i._n k._n will_v deal_v fair_o and_o satisfy_o he_o must_v
person_n of_o eminence_n and_o authority_n but_o this_o have_v not_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o roman_a conversion_n which_o begin_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o alliance_n with_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o advantage_n in_o the_o change_n do_v upon_o that_o oblige_v his_o subject_n to_o it_o not_o without_o severe_o punish_v sometime_o such_o as_o refuse_v it_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v persecute_v for_o it_o if_o any_o one_o be_v by_o a_o fury_n or_o tumult_n kill_v that_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n nor_o make_v it_o a_o persecution_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o for_o all_o the_o noise_n the_o roman_a church_n make_v of_o their_o conversion_n they_o have_v manage_v they_o in_o a_o method_n very_o different_a from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n how_o base_o and_o barbarous_o it_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o west_n indies_n the_o bishop_n of_o guatimala_n do_v inform_v the_o world_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o 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and_o endless_a wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n in_o matter_n of_o philosophy_n in_o which_o man_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o game_n of_o dispute_v and_o subtilise_v about_o nothing_o and_o go_v from_o those_o study_n to_o divinity_n and_o carrying_z that_o same_o temper_n and_o fiery_a edge_n along_o with_o they_o they_o make_v all_o that_o work_n about_o it_o which_o have_v now_o so_o long_o divide_v the_o world_n they_o be_v also_o by_o a_o long_a practice_n habituate_v to_o many_o maxim_n and_o axiom_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o deny_v come_v real_o to_o believe_v those_o be_v true_a and_o to_o carry_v they_o along_o with_o they_o to_o all_o their_o theological_a debate_n all_o which_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o compare_v their_o philosophical_a and_o theological_a work_n from_o which_o many_o of_o their_o strange_a inference_n and_o position_n do_v take_v their_o rise_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a do_v still_o receive_v their_o nourishment_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o several_a prejudices_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o apprehend_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o moral_a philosophy_n will_v concur_v to_o teach_v all_o man_n that_o before_o their_o mind_n can_v be_v right_o qualify_v for_o the_o understanding_n any_o intellectual_a truth_n but_o most_o chief_o divine_a truth_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o all_o those_o figure_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o sense_n present_a to_o we_o and_o rise_v above_o all_o grosser_n phantasm_n it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a that_o our_o thought_n be_v serene_a and_o free_a of_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v free_o and_o at_o leisure_n consider_v what_o lie_v before_o we_o without_o the_o bias_n of_o preconceive_a opinion_n or_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o rational_a with_o these_o that_o we_o have_v modest_a mind_n not_o 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along_o with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o inquiry_n which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v want_v if_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o sincere_a &_o well_o prepare_v mind_n not_o bias_v nor_o prepossess_v and_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v both_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n for_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o whoso_o seek_v shall_v find_v so_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o assist_v all_o that_o sincere_o seek_v after_o life_n and_o happiness_n but_o if_o any_o come_v to_o this_o study_n without_o he_o be_v due_o prepare_v he_o have_v himself_o to_o thank_v if_o he_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o next_o thing_n a_o exact_a searcher_n into_o religion_n must_v labour_v in_o be_v once_o to_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o small_a game_n of_o some_o particular_a and_o obscure_a passage_n but_o to_o observe_v through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n what_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o do_v and_o his_o disciple_n testify_v and_o write_v if_o once_o we_o comprehend_v this_o a_o right_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thread_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o particular_a disquisition_n for_o as_o there_o be_v many_o natural_a truth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v though_o philosophy_n offer_v we_o some_o argument_n against_o they_o in_o the_o answer_v which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o divine_a truth_n very_o certain_o make_v out_o to_o we_o and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v so_o to_o contradict_v those_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v be_v well_o answer_v again_o a_o serious_a enquirer_n will_v see_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v plain_a evident_a and_o clear_a since_o they_o be_v at_o first_o direct_v to_o man_n of_o very_a ordinary_a part_n and_o of_o no_o profound_a understanding_n and_o learning_n therefore_o he_o may_v well_o conclude_v those_o strange_a superstructure_n some_o have_v rear_v up_o for_o amuse_v the_o world_n can_v be_v none_o of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o as_o the_o first_o convert_v be_v honest_a simple_a man_n so_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a stile_n therefore_o all_o these_o force_a criticism_n and_o inference_n by_o which_o some_o more_o ingenious_a than_o candid_a writer_n will_v expound_v they_o in_o a_o sense_n favourable_a to_o their_o opinion_n aâ—e_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v since_o these_o do_v often_o represent_v the_o divine_a discourse_n rather_o like_o the_o little_a trick_n of_o double-dealing_n and_o sophistry_n for_o which_o a_o honest_a tutor_n will_v severe_o chide_v his_o pupil_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o plain_a meaning_n and_o not_o as_o logic_n or_o a_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n may_v distort_v and_o throw_v they_o if_o then_o a_o man_n will_v in_o this_o method_n which_o no_o honest_a man_n can_v except_v against_o go_v to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o mind_n prepare_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v he_o can_v fail_v of_o find_v out_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o salvation_n nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v doubtful_o anxious_a concern_v the_o true_a book_n for_o none_o deny_v but_o the_o church_n care_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o great_a conveyance_n of_o this_o the_o many_o various_a translation_n of_o all_o age_n and_o language_n nay_o and_o different_a religion_n agree_v in_o all_o material_a point_n and_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o those_o book_n which_o we_o find_v in_o a_o series_n of_o author_n who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o they_o be_v write_v agree_v likewise_o with_o the_o book_n themselves_o together_o with_o many_o ancient_a manuscript_n which_o do_v yet_o 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faithful_a preserve_n and_o transcribe_v they_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v receive_v the_o church_n testimony_n as_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o convey_v these_o book_n to_o we_o but_o a_o authority_n sacred_a and_o solemn_o declare_v be_v require_v in_o a_o judge_n and_o this_o no_o church_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v as_o divine_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o judge_n since_o all_o its_o jurisdiction_n be_v derive_v from_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v but_o because_o there_o be_v person_n of_o a_o mean_a condition_n and_o not_o educate_v so_o as_o to_o make_v all_o the_o inquiry_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o so_o important_a a_o business_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o short_a method_n for_o such_o
dispose_v have_v run_v so_o together_o by_o chance_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v unequal_a and_o unconstant_a so_o that_o man_n formation_n must_v owe_v its_o original_a to_o a_o wise_a be_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o mother_n every_o one_o know_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v some_o unseen_a wise_a be_v that_o create_v the_o universe_n and_o do_v not_o only_o at_o first_o set_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o in_o those_o channel_n wherein_o they_o still_o run_v but_o do_v continue_v to_o mould_v this_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o eternal_a mind_n all_o this_o receive_v a_o further_a confirmation_n from_o the_o many_o sudden_a change_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o command_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o have_v force_v she_o out_o of_o her_o common_a method_n and_o operation_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n there_o be_v somewhat_o superior_a to_o matter_n and_o motion_n which_o can_v over-rule_v and_o govern_v it_o this_o have_v appear_v often_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o discern_a and_o impartial_a witness_n who_o have_v both_o confess_v and_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o as_o little_a to_o question_v the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v do_v in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o what_o he_o will_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o consider_v upon_o what_o true_a and_o solid_a ground_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v rest_v which_o be_v indeed_o such_o that_o we_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o any_o little_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n to_o maintain_v they_o they_o require_v only_o a_o serious_a and_o think_v temper_n to_o examine_v and_o weigh_v thing_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o rational_a way_n without_o either_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n or_o the_o partiality_n of_o lust_n and_o interest_n chap._n ii_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a religion_n the_o next_o step_n i._o k._n make_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o define_v a_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v man_n in_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v by_o they_o and_o in_o what_o matter_n he_o will_v be_v obey_v by_o they_o now_o he_o prove_v this_o for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a god_n we_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v by_o and_o obey_v he_o in_o what_o matter_n he_o will_v be_v obey_v by_o we_o as_o subject_n and_o servant_n reverence_n and_o â—bey_v their_o sovereign_n and_o master_n therefore_o if_o god_n be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a of_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o servant_n for_o certain_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o this_o he_o think_v none_o who_o grant_v a_o true_a god_n can_v deny_v and_o this_o way_n of_o worship_n must_v be_v assign_v by_o god_n and_o man_n must_v know_v it_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i._n k._n say_v on_o this_o head_n which_o be_v so_o extreme_o weak_a and_o ill_o prove_v that_o i_o be_o amaze_v he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o for_o he_o must_v remember_v he_o only_o pretend_v there_o be_v a_o be_v best_a of_o all_o other_o now_o though_o that_o be_v true_a it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o that_o that_o i_o must_v worship_n or_o obey_v god_n much_o less_o that_o i_o be_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n all_o that_o will_v follow_v be_v only_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o esteem_v he_o the_o best_a of_o all_o being_n but_o why_o adore_v or_o obey_v he_o and_o why_o be_o i_o his_o servant_n or_o subject_a adoration_n and_o obedience_n can_v only_o be_v exact_v as_o act_n either_o of_o justice_n gratitude_n or_o interest_n if_o any_o have_v a_o right_n to_o my_o worship_n or_o obedience_n they_o be_v due_a to_o he_o in_o justice_n or_o if_o he_o have_v put_v such_o obligation_n on_o i_o that_o these_o be_v but_o a_o proportion_a return_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o than_o they_o be_v due_a in_o gratitude_n or_o if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o confer_v extraordinary_a favour_n or_o inflict_v most_o severe_a punishment_n than_o the_o avoid_v his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o procure_v his_o favour_n be_v necessary_a on_o the_o account_n of_o my_o own_o interest_n and_o so_o i_o must_v study_v to_o please_v he_o by_o worship_n and_o obedience_n but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v follow_v if_o it_o be_v only_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o best_a of_o being_n which_o be_v all_o i._o k._n attempt_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o epicurean_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o deity_n as_o he_o think_v he_o have_v prove_v yet_o they_o deny_v both_o creation_n providence_n and_o another_o state_n do_v throw_v off_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o superstition_n and_o i._n k._n define_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n teach_v we_o to_o worship_n and_o obey_v god_n so_o as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v go_v to_o prove_v there_o must_v be_v a_o religion_n because_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v be_v worship_v and_o obey_v so_o as_o please_v he_o now_o this_o be_v his_o definition_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o one_o with_o it_o he_o prove_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o religion_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o sophistical_a a_o way_n of_o procedure_v this_o be_v common_a sense_n not_o to_o say_v logic_n do_v make_v appear_v and_o thus_o he_o be_v again_o unhappy_a in_o this_o his_o second_o step_n but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a section_n i_o judge_v it_o ne-necessary_a to_o substitute_v some_o better_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n than_o he_o give_v so_o i_o shall_v now_o offer_v â—ome_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v there_o must_v be_v a_o religion_n and_o first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n as_o be_v already_o prove_v then_o we_o be_v his_o subject_n by_o that_o right_n of_o creation_n and_o owe_v our_o nature_n reason_n and_o life_n whole_o to_o he_o therefore_o as_o in_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o by_o our_o thankful_a praise_n and_o adoration_n so_o we_o ought_v by_o the_o same_o justice_n to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o he_o and_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o impression_n of_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o as_o be_v before_o prove_v the_o great_a and_o best_a nay_o and_o often_o the_o worst_a part_n of_o mankind_n feel_v on_o their_o heart_n which_o with_o the_o check_n and_o pang_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n show_v how_o religion_n be_v natural_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o proportion_v to_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o god_n create_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o he_o must_v uphold_v preserve_v and_o govern_v his_o own_o workmanship_n which_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o daily_a production_n of_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a from_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a interruption_n and_o change_n which_o by_o his_o great_a power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a providence_n that_o watch_v over_o all_o humane_a thing_n and_o from_o who_o care_n all_o the_o blessing_n oâ—_n this_o life_n flow_v upon_o we_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v return_n suitable_a to_o such_o favour_n and_o likewise_o implore_v the_o continuance_n of_o they_o final_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o make_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n â—e_n must_v be_v both_o so_o good_a and_o so_o just_a as_o to_o protect_v and_o reward_v all_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o there_o must_v be_v some_o discrimination_n between_o those_o that_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o and_o those_o that_o do_v not_o so_o now_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o this_o life_n for_o often_o those_o who_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o be_v in_o great_a misery_n pain_n and_o trouble_n and_o live_v and_o die_v most_o uncomfortable_o whereas_o those_o who_o dishonour_n and_o disobey_v he_o be_v often_o in_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o outward_a advantage_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o visible_a discrimination_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o that_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n it_o must_v certain_o be_v do_v at_o some_o time_n
or_o other_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o life_n it_o must_v be_v in_o another_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v our_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v this_o state_n when_o likewise_o we_o consider_v that_o matter_n in_o all_o its_o subtle_a refining_n and_o nimble_a motion_n give_v no_o discovery_n of_o sense_n or_o cogitation_n and_o yet_o we_o feel_v a_o think_v be_v within_o we_o which_o we_o plain_o perceive_v to_o be_v a_o be_v different_a from_o matter_n both_o in_o its_o act_n and_o nature_n we_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o we_o that_o must_v not_o necessary_o die_v at_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v confirm_v from_o innumerable_a story_n of_o the_o apparition_n of_o some_o rational_a being_n separate_v from_o body_n which_o in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n have_v abound_v and_o be_v as_o certain_o attest_v as_o ever_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v such_o their_o subtle_a reason_n both_o metaphysical_a and_o mathematical_a do_v demonstrate_v their_o survive_v this_o body_n be_v also_o gather_v from_o their_o frequent_a ascent_n above_o material_a figure_n and_o phantasm_n in_o their_o conception_n and_o inference_n which_o show_v they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o matter_n as_o not_o to_o outlive_v their_o union_n with_o it_o in_o fine_a the_o common_a apprehension_n which_o all_o think_v man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v own_v and_o which_o appear_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a at_o their_o death_n show_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v among_o those_o common_a notice_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o the_o soul_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v fair_o assume_v that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n survive_v their_o union_n with_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o own_o interest_n touch_v we_o or_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a reward_n or_o punishment_n work_v on_o our_o fear_n or_o hope_n we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v all_o dishonour_n disobey_v or_o offend_v this_o god_n and_o with_o the_o same_o care_n we_o must_v study_v to_o acknowledge_v our_o being_n be_v of_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n for_o which_o we_o must_v thank_v he_o and_o adore_v his_o bless_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n we_o must_v dedicate_v our_o whole_a life_n to_o his_o service_n that_o so_o we_o may_v still_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n here_o and_o in_o the_o next_o life_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o thus_o upon_o good_a and_o solid_a foundation_n i_o have_v build_v up_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a religion_n chap_n iii_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a reveal_v religion_n j._n k._n go_v on_o to_o prove_v this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v which_o he_o perform_v thus_o how_o can_v we_o know_v god_n will_n unless_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o for_o natural_a religion_n teach_v only_o in_o general_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o obey_v god_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o particular_a manner_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o worship_n and_o obedience_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o revelation_n yea_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v this_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o one_o yet_o at_o least_o that_o must_v be_v reveal_v in_o this_o reason_v i._o k._n have_v forget_v a_o very_a necessary_a distinction_n of_o revelation_n into_o that_o which_o be_v communicate_v natural_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o which_o be_v superad_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n or_o inspiration_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v a_o revelation_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o be_v not_o what_o i._n k._n drive_v at_o now_o he_o must_v be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o philosopher_n believe_v there_o be_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n such_o inscription_n of_o truth_n that_o if_o all_o shall_v purify_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o defilement_n lust_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o they_o shall_v then_o clear_o discern_v every_o thing_n that_o the_o deity_n enjoin_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o inspiration_n as_o a_o degree_n of_o madness_n which_o be_v only_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n who_o imaginative_a power_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o their_o reason_n and_o indeed_o they_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o juggle_n of_o their_o oracle_n that_o no_o wonder_n they_o study_v to_o detract_v from_o their_o authority_n all_o they_o can_v now_o i_o desire_v i._n k._n will_v review_v his_o discourse_n and_o see_v what_o strong_a or_o good_a reason_n it_o offer_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n so_o that_o his_o argument_n prove_v only_o that_o god_n must_v reveal_v how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o obey_v if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v do_v to_o all_o man_n by_o those_o common_a notice_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v bear_v with_o their_o soul_n he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o nothing_o to_o prove_v a_o further_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o make_v good_a this_o therefore_o against_o the_o philosopher_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o if_o mankind_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o purity_n wherein_o god_n do_v create_v our_o nature_n their_o reason_n be_v strong_a but_o they_o themselves_o complain_v of_o a_o great_a depravation_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o they_o find_v be_v much_o prevail_v on_o by_o sense_n and_o sensible_a object_n by_o education_n custom_n corporeal_a pleasure_n and_o the_o power_n of_o fancy_n and_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o they_o apprehend_v another_o prior_n state_n wherein_o our_o soul_n for_o some_o trespass_n have_v lose_v their_o wing_n and_o plume_n and_o so_o be_v degrade_v into_o body_n this_o show_v they_o find_v some_o corruption_n on_o their_o nature_n from_o which_o they_o study_v to_o emerge_n and_o do_v indeed_o attempt_v most_o glorious_o the_o recover_v themselves_o to_o their_o first_o original_n this_o be_v then_o confess_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v much_o darken_v and_o that_o our_o body_n appetite_n and_o fancy_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o they_o it_o will_v thence_o very_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v discover_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o our_o way_n of_o apprehend_v of_o divine_a thing_n may_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o much_o of_o a_o body_n and_o gross_a phantasm_n this_o be_v evident_o demonstrate_v in_o that_o numberless_a variety_n of_o opinion_n into_o which_o all_o nation_n be_v divide_v about_o religion_n a_o great_a mixture_n of_o bodily_a phantasm_n and_o gross_a pleasure_n appear_v both_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n about_o religion_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a the_o fate_n of_o the_o rabble_n but_o both_o tully_n and_o varro_n have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a diversity_n be_v among_o philosopher_n about_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o their_o thought_n of_o that_o primitive_a and_o first_o truth_n into_o how_o many_o division_n may_v we_o imagine_v they_o must_v have_v run_v about_o the_o other_o truth_n to_o be_v deduce_v from_o that_o since_o therefore_o man_n do_v so_o grope_v after_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o speculation_n of_o philosopher_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o they_o such_o plenary_a authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v other_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o decision_n thence_o i_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o clear_a and_o certain_a way_n for_o satisfy_v all_o mankind_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a and_o universal_a concern_v the_o speculation_n of_o philosopher_n be_v neither_o certain_a nor_o such_o as_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o man_n of_o weak_a understanding_n the_o only_a way_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o be_v either_o to_o make_v such_o plain_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o pleasure_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a place_n or_o to_o authorise_v some_o man_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o reveal_v god_n will_n to_o mankind_n now_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inspiration_n for_o if_o we_o make_v know_v our_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o form_v such_o a_o â—ound_n
propagate_v as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v out_o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o so_o what_o must_v have_v be_v the_o strong_a argument_n use_v for_o it_o before_o it_o be_v so_o propagate_v either_o these_o be_v convince_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_a than_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o weak_a and_o unconclude_a argument_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o believe_v it_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v convince_a we_o either_o know_v they_o or_o we_o know_v they_o not_o if_o we_o know_v they_o not_o how_o can_v we_o judge_v they_o be_v convince_a if_o we_o know_v they_o than_o we_o may_v be_v as_o well_o convince_v by_o they_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o propose_v the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n offer_v be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o after_o a_o long_a stay_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n they_o see_v he_o ascend_v with_o great_a glory_n to_o heaven_n of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v witness_n now_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o positive_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o eye-witness_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a probity_n that_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v hire_v or_o bribe_v there_o be_v no_o interest_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o give_v that_o testimony_n but_o only_a truth_n all_o other_o consideration_n deter_v they_o from_o it_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n then_o and_o remain_v so_o still_o to_o believe_v this_o true_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v embrace_v it_o or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v i._n k._n what_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v reject_v their_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v yet_o if_o these_o sacred_a write_n have_v be_v with_o a_o most_o religious_a care_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v we_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n certain_o we_o have_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a trial_n of_o law_n must_v be_v admit_v as_o competent_a witness_n they_o be_v well_o inform_v of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v for_o a_o tract_n of_o three_o or_o four_o year_n they_o be_v plain_a simple_a man_n who_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v suspect_v of_o deep_a design_n or_o contrivance_n they_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v do_v not_o only_o vouch_v private_a story_n that_o be_v transact_v in_o corner_n but_o public_a matter_n see_v and_o know_v of_o many_o hundred_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o the_o fume_n of_o melancholy_n can_v not_o lead_v so_o many_o into_o such_o a_o agreement_n of_o mistake_n their_o testimony_n if_o false_a may_v have_v be_v easy_o disprove_v the_o chief_a power_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o neither_o want_v power_n cunning_a nor_o malice_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n appear_v in_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o it_o from_o which_o neither_o imprisonment_n whip_n torture_n no_o not_o death_n itself_o can_v divert_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o be_v possible_a any_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v true_a and_o this_o discourse_n must_v hold_v good_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v their_o report_n or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o more_o full_o confirm_v by_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o to_o this_o they_o appeal_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o act_n which_o be_v publish_v at_o that_o time_n wherein_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o be_v true_a they_o have_v be_v brand_v as_o bold_a and_o impudent_a impostor_n we_o have_v also_o a_o series_n of_o book_n in_o all_o age_n cite_v the_o write_n wherein_o these_o testimony_n be_v contain_v by_o which_o we_o know_v they_o be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o the_o apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o apology_n appeal_v to_o the_o wonder_n that_o be_v still_o wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o say_v modesty_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v have_v appeal_v to_o proof_n that_o be_v slender_a and_o false_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o great_a confirmation_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o miracle_n be_v make_v good_a by_o another_o way_n of_o proof_n than_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v do_v very_o strong_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o yet_o be_v rather_o a_o consequent_a confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v than_o a_o antecedent_n argument_n for_o prove_v it_o so_o though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o weaken_v this_o way_n of_o confirm_a christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o extraordinary_a propagation_n will_v not_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v it_o be_v do_v by_o miracle_n since_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v these_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n till_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o not_o it_o do_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v make_v out_o abundant_o to_o we_o abstract_v from_o the_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o but_o in_o end_n we_o must_v a_o little_a examine_v what_o this_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o calumny_n and_o lesser_a persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o prejudice_n carnal_a lust_n and_o appetite_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n and_o above_o all_o of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n give_v it_o by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o spare_v no_o cruelty_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o three_o age_n and_o ten_o persecution_n that_o hell_n or_o hellish_a man_n can_v devise_v for_o destroy_v it_o yet_o it_o prevail_v and_o in_o a_o few_o year_n do_v spread_v to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o overthrow_v by_o the_o many_o convert_v be_v daily_o flock_v in_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o these_o very_a religion_n judaisme_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o the_o total_a ruin_n and_o dispersion_n of_o their_o state_n begin_v by_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n and_o complete_v by_o trajan_n and_o hadrian_n nor_o can_v their_o attempt_n though_o cherish_v by_o a_o apostate_n emperor_n succeed_v for_o the_o rebuilding_n their_o temple_n heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v to_o break_v off_o the_o work_n heathenism_n do_v also_o receive_v a_o mortal_a blow_n by_o the_o silence_v the_o oracle_n upon_o the_o 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whether_o occasion_v by_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o their_o own_o carnal_a lust_n or_o by_o the_o outward_a opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v how_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v make_v out_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o atheist_n infidel_n or_o deist_n hitherto_o i_o have_v wait_v on_o i._n k._n in_o the_o survey_n of_o these_o truth_n about_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v and_o i_o hope_v upon_o a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v both_o perform_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o i_o have_v strengthen_v his_o position_n with_o the_o accession_n of_o many_o more_o and_o better_a argument_n than_o any_o he_o bring_v so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n zealous_a for_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n he_o will_v rejoice_v to_o
see_v such_o a_o supplement_n to_o what_o he_o have_v so_o scant_o propose_v but_o i_o be_o afraid_a and_o perhaps_o not_o without_o reason_n that_o he_o know_v how_o weak_a his_o argument_n must_v needs_o be_v for_o the_o two_o position_n that_o follow_v and_o yet_o design_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o reader_n all_o the_o six_o as_o equal_o certain_a he_o will_v needs_o disguise_v the_o first_o four_o and_o propose_v they_o so_o weak_o guard_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o six_o may_v be_v of_o a_o piece_n but_o i_o have_v hitherto_o help_v i._n k._n henceforth_o i_o quit_v that_o part_n and_o go_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o downright_a opposition_n to_o he_o in_o what_o remain_v chap_n v._n it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v true_a j._n k._n now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o all_o along_o and_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a than_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o same_o proof_n that_o it_o have_v at_o least_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v solid_a must_v needs_o be_v true_a since_o then_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o common_a solid_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o its_o truth_n therefore_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n must_v be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v solid_o prove_v by_o the_o like_a propagation_n for_o though_o it_o contain_v very_o hard_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n as_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o very_a hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_v etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o have_v be_v propagate_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o stranger_n who_o have_v convert_v nation_n from_o paganism_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o s._n austin_n the_o monk_n do_v in_o england_n and_o xaverius_n in_o the_o indies_n and_o many_o other_o in_o other_o place_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o history_n nor_o can_v any_o exception_n be_v make_v against_o it_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n may_v not_o make_v against_o the_o same_o proâ—f_n bring_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o use_v s._n augustine_n dilemma_n this_o propagation_n of_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v either_o with_o or_o without_o miracle_n if_o with_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v true_a since_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n if_o without_o they_o than_o no_o miracle_n be_v great_a than_o this_o propagation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v roman_a catholic_n as_o we_o have_v to_o be_v christian_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a enough_o why_o i._o k._n will_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o he_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v his_o design_n but_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a section_n have_v undermine_v this_o fabric_n since_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n be_v neither_o the_o only_a nor_o the_o chief_a proof_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o before_o we_o believe_v even_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v of_o god_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o the_o one_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v all_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o other_o be_v that_o all_o he_o say_v and_o deliver_v agree_v with_o the_o prophecy_n have_v go_v before_o so_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v first_o see_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o then_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o full_o with_o both_o the_o testament_n as_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n do_v with_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o prophet_n if_o this_o method_n be_v take_v i_o be_o afraid_a i._n k._n will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o roman_a doctrine_n what_o a_o sanctuary_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o impiety_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o dispense_v pardon_v and_o give_v indulgence_n for_o all_o sin_n upon_o such_o trifle_a account_n witness_v the_o present_a year_n with_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o such_o as_o go_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o a_o patrociny_n to_o impenitence_n be_v their_o opinion_n of_o a_o simple_a attrition_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a trade_n of_o their_o penance_n and_o absolution_n look_n like_o a_o design_n to_o quiet_a all_o man_n conscience_n let_v they_o lead_v as_o bad_a life_n as_o they_o will_n beside_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o have_v tolerate_v a_o great_a many_o casuist_n who_o have_v find_v out_o distinction_n to_o excuse_v man_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n and_o have_v study_v to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o immoral_a practice_n a_o woman_n that_o entertain_v common_a and_o avow_a prostitute_n will_v never_o be_v think_v a_o honest_a woman_n though_o none_o can_v prove_v herself_o guilty_a of_o any_o base_a act_n so_o that_o church_n that_o not_o only_o entertain_v but_o cherish_v those_o who_o have_v study_v to_o discharge_v mankind_n of_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v never_o pass_v for_o a_o pure_a church_n nor_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v for_o what_o great_a dishonour_n can_v be_v do_v he_o than_o to_o worship_n he_o in_o a_o way_n which_o himself_o have_v so_o often_o condemn_v and_o never_o since_o allow_v by_o the_o representation_n of_o picture_n and_o image_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o address_v their_o adoration_n and_o prayer_n to_o he_o by_o his_o son_n have_v find_v out_o a_o great_a many_o other_o mediator_n both_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sure_o this_o be_v high_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o their_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o his_o bless_a son_n into_o a_o trust_n to_o and_o call_n on_o creature_n and_o when_o instead_o of_o that_o plain_a simple_a and_o rational_a worship_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o please_v to_o he_o the_o mimical_a pageantry_n of_o a_o thousand_o little_a apish_a practice_n and_o a_o unknown_a worship_n be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n if_o we_o likewise_o consider_v and_o measure_v the_o roman_a religion_n by_o the_o second_o great_a topick_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n clear_v himself_o which_o be_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v quick_o find_v good_a reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a there_o since_o they_o study_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suppress_n and_o conceal_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o prove_v it_o a_o incompetent_a rule_n to_o decide_v controversy_n by_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a i._n k._n will_v give_v i_o no_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n a_o unproper_a rule_n for_o decide_v controversy_n and_o that_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o verdict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o may_v not_o with_o more_o strength_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o if_o i_o carry_v this_o consideration_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v it_o must_v necessary_o lead_v i_o to_o compare_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v believe_v he_o for_o all_o his_o mighty_a deed_n which_o in_o that_o case_n may_v just_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o evil_a spirit_n so_o now_o shall_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v anathematise_v even_o though_o he_o wrought_v mighty_a wonder_n therefore_o we_o be_v with_o the_o berean_o to_o examine_v all_o new_a doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o till_o that_o appear_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v as_o miraculous_a and_o thus_o far_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v i._o k._n that_o though_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o from_o that_o follow_v that_o the_o religion_n itself_o must_v be_v true_a but_o i_o go_v next_o to_o convince_v he_o how_o much_o he_o mistake_v himself_o in_o his_o account_n when_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o
roman_a religion_n be_v propagate_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o shall_v first_o examine_v his_o ground_n his_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o comparison_n be_v that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v some_o high_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n so_o do_v the_o roman_a religion_n in_o hold_v transubstantiation_n he_o do_v well_o to_o distinguish_v this_o from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o none_o of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o above_o humane_a reason_n as_o he_o call_v it_o but_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o resurrection_n the_o last_o of_o these_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v not_o be_v rational_o enough_o conceive_v as_o very_o possible_a and_o easy_a to_o divine_a omnipotence_n for_o the_o other_o mystery_n that_o concern_v god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n those_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n since_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o vast_o exalt_v above_o all_o our_o depress_a notion_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a object_n for_o our_o faculty_n so_o no_o wonder_n we_o can_v frame_v such_o clear_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n but_o a_o material_a object_n propose_v to_o our_o sense_n be_v proportion_v to_o our_o faculty_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v the_o clear_a evidence_n our_o faculty_n give_v we_o of_o the_o bread_n and_o of_o the_o wine_n after_o the_o consecration_n or_o turn_v sceptic_n for_o ever_o since_o full_a evidence_n to_o our_o faculty_n be_v all_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v for_o our_o conviction_n and_o if_o that_o in_o any_o case_n fail_v it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n certain_a so_o that_o if_o our_o sense_n fail_v in_o this_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o receive_v any_o thing_n upon_o their_o testimony_n for_o a_o note_a liar_n in_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o nothing_o even_o though_o his_o lie_n have_v be_v discover_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n now_o if_o we_o weaken_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o miracle_n will_v be_v weaken_v for_o these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o so_o far_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n be_v that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n enjoin_v diverse_a severity_n to_o embrace_v cross_n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o mortify_v our_o passion_n so_o also_o the_o roman_a teach_v very_o hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_o to_o which_o i._o k._n add_v a_o etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v indeed_o command_v diverse_a duty_n contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a appetite_n but_o those_o be_v thing_n of_o themselves_o moral_o good_a and_o such_o as_o do_v high_o perfect_v our_o nature_n but_o the_o roman_a religion_n have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o find_v mean_n for_o void_v all_o these_o sacred_a obligation_n and_o to_o set_v a_o great_a many_o little_a trifle_a performance_n instead_o of_o they_o which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o better_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o they_o have_v detract_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o severe_a and_o unalterable_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o lay_v open_a if_o it_o be_v call_v for_o though_o that_o be_v needless_a it_o be_v so_o clear_o do_v by_o many_o better_a pen_n but_o for_o those_o they_o have_v substitute_v in_o their_o room_n let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v these_o i._o k._n mention_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o vow_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o first_o design_n of_o monastery_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v excellent_a but_o it_o quick_o begin_v to_o degenerate_v into_o idleness_n and_o superstition_n which_o s._n jerome_n though_o incline_v enough_o to_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o course_n of_o life_n have_v full_o tell_v we_o but_o how_o they_o do_v afterward_o sink_v into_o all_o the_o corruption_n imaginable_a all_o history_n inform_v we_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o such_o house_n as_o either_o seminary_n for_o the_o church_n or_o sanctuary_n for_o those_o that_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o labour_v in_o it_o yet_o certain_o the_o entanglement_n of_o vow_n be_v a_o yoke_n which_o none_o can_v be_v assure_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o ought_v to_o vow_n and_o pay_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o vow_v nothing_o but_o that_o whereof_o the_o execution_n be_v in_o our_o power_n now_o when_o we_o vow_v to_o serve_v god_n which_o we_o do_v in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n but_o to_o vow_v thing_n which_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a to_o perform_v our_o temper_n be_v so_o liable_a to_o change_v that_o what_o agree_v with_o they_o at_o one_o time_n become_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o snare_n at_o another_o be_v certain_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o headlong_o into_o many_o temptation_n and_o what_o unnatural_a and_o brutal_a lust_n have_v abound_v in_o these_o house_n we_o read_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o repeat_v what_o a_o cheat_n be_v the_o pretence_n to_o poverty_n in_o those_o order_n which_o have_v get_v such_o vast_a riches_n that_o they_o be_v become_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o benedictine_n the_o caâ—â—husians_n and_o the_o jesuit_n and_o for_o the_o beg_a order_n it_o be_v both_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o chrisâ—iâ—n_a religion_n and_o all_o good_a government_n to_o allow_v much_o more_o to_o encourage_v such_o swarm_n of_o idle_a fellow_n who_o shall_v always_o go_v ramble_v and_o beg_v about_o and_o do_v not_o work_v 11._o that_o they_o may_v eat_v and_o for_o 10._o their_o obedience_n what_o a_o rack_n it_o may_v be_v under_o a_o tyrannical_a superior_a and_o what_o a_o engine_n it_o may_v prove_v for_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n i_o leave_v to_o all_o to_o judge_v in_o a_o word_n all_o such_o severity_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v good_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o for_o overcharge_v man_n with_o new_a burden_n which_o signify_v nothing_o but_o to_o create_v a_o perpetual_a trouble_n and_o constant_a scrupulosity_n be_v to_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n without_o cause_n and_o tend_v to_o swell_v they_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o a_o lofty_a opinion_n of_o their_o merit_v by_o such_o practice_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o who_o though_o they_o bear_v none_o of_o these_o voluntary_a assume_v burden_n yet_o be_v more_o meek_a more_o humble_a and_o more_o charitable_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o if_o voluntary_a severity_n be_v a_o character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n the_o worshipper_n of_o diana_n taurica_n the_o ebionite_n the_o montanist_n the_o eâ—cratites_n and_o many_o other_o heresy_n may_v have_v put_v in_o a_o fair_a claim_n since_o they_o abound_v in_o they_o from_o your_o vow_n i_o go_v to_o your_o fast_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v disclaim_v fast_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o much_o recommend_v both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o command_n we_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o powerful_a mean_n both_o for_o mortify_v all_o bodily_a lust_n and_o for_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v these_o to_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o of_o they_o will_v justify_v the_o corruption_n they_o be_v palpable_o guilty_a of_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o fast_n which_o be_v general_o only_o a_o change_n of_o diet_n wherein_o no_o severity_n nor_o strictness_n be_v to_o be_v see_v wine_n be_v liberal_o drink_v the_o most_o delicate_a fish_n with_o the_o most_o exquisite_a way_n of_o dress_v they_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o no_o other_o mixture_n of_o high_a devotion_n appear_v on_o these_o weekly_a or_o annual_a return_n for_o confession_n i_o know_v no_o christian_n that_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o set_n up_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o have_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o church_n the_o primitive_a and_o public_a confession_n with_o all_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a glory_n
a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o visible_a inconvenience_n that_o appear_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o those_o church_n that_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o roman_a communion_n i_o have_v not_o long_o ago_o propose_v a_o great_a many_o query_n to_o one_o of_o i_o k_n brethren_n in_o which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o he_o the_o many_o difficulty_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v involve_v in_o by_o clear_v who_o this_o infallible_a judge_n must_v be_v and_o i_o shall_v here_o repeat_v nothing_o of_o what_o i_o say_v then_o but_o shall_v go_v on_o to_o show_v upon_o what_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n we_o may_v rest_v our_o persuasion_n about_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a truth_n all_o art_n and_o science_n must_v be_v acquire_v by_o some_o rule_n and_o method_n by_o which_o a_o progress_n may_v be_v make_v from_o plain_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o be_v more_o involve_v and_o difficult_a and_o if_o any_o will_v desire_v to_o understand_v any_o theorem_fw-la or_o problem_n in_o geometry_n without_o beginning_n at_o the_o element_n and_o advance_v by_o euclid_n or_o some_o other_o such_o method_n he_o labour_v in_o vain_a so_o also_o if_o any_o will_v without_o more_o ado_n study_v to_o know_v a_o secret_a in_o chemistry_n have_v neither_o learned_a to_o know_v the_o term_n of_o art_n nor_o the_o course_n of_o a_o process_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o wise_a though_o one_o deliver_v he_o their_o best_a secret_n in_o like_a manner_n if_o a_o man_n will_v enter_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n without_o any_o of_o those_o preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a he_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o the_o further_o he_o engage_v he_o be_v the_o more_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v ever_o in_o the_o right_a way_n till_o he_o begin_v afresh_o it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o plain_a a_o thing_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o deliver_v it_o that_o mean_v simple_a people_n poor_a woman_n and_o a_o illiterate_a company_n shall_v have_v understand_v it_o and_o that_o it_o subdue_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n before_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o then_o have_v of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o sermon_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n which_o remain_v to_o this_o day_n and_o though_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o that_o time_n we_o may_v have_v lose_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o some_o phrase_n and_o we_o have_v not_o so_o particular_a a_o history_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n as_o may_v help_v we_o to_o understand_v many_o passage_n that_o seem_v very_o dark_a to_o we_o yet_o for_o the_o main_a of_o those_o book_n they_o seem_v very_o easy_a and_o plain_a we_o have_v also_o still_o so_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o greek_a tongue_n as_o clear_o to_o understand_v they_o but_o after_o all_o this_o christian_a religion_n be_v now_o become_v such_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o secret_a that_o man_n with_o all_o their_o learning_n and_o study_n can_v scarce_o understand_v it_o certain_o we_o must_v have_v either_o change_a religion_n from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o so_o that_o it_o have_v now_o put_v on_o a_o new_a face_n or_o we_o be_v much_o mistake_v in_o our_o method_n of_o inquire_v into_o it_o and_o examine_v what_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n s._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v from_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o renovation_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o its_o natural_a mould_n and_o its_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o spiritual_a temper_n be_v necessary_a as_o well_o for_o the_o understanding_n and_o discern_v as_o the_o obey_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n now_o all_o natural_a man_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o three_o class_n either_o they_o be_v so_o immerse_v in_o sense_n and_o sensible_a thing_n that_o all_o their_o apprehension_n be_v tincture_v with_o the_o figure_n and_o phantasm_n which_o their_o sense_n and_o imagination_n present_a to_o they_o or_o they_o rise_v a_o little_a above_o this_o but_o be_v so_o govern_v by_o the_o heat_n of_o nature_n and_o passion_n that_o either_o their_o mind_n be_v render_v quite_o incapable_a of_o all_o serious_a thought_n or_o so_o distort_v in_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v they_o true_o but_o the_o high_a elevation_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v reason_n which_o have_v a_o fair_a appearance_n and_o if_o right_o manage_v will_v certain_o advance_v he_o to_o a_o spiritual_a temper_n but_o be_v feed_v only_o with_o dry_a notion_n and_o try_v they_o by_o a_o false_a touchstone_n do_v strenghthen_v our_o error_n fortify_v our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o swell_v we_o with_o pride_n and_o fret_v we_o with_o the_o itch_n of_o a_o unsatisfiable_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v ungrateful_a it_o be_v hope_v to_o propose_v the_o great_a hindrance_n all_o these_o several_a modification_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n have_v give_v to_o the_o right_a understanding_n divine_a truth_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o those_o of_o the_o low_a form_n one_o who_o mind_n be_v immerse_v in_o sense_n either_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o his_o sense_n propose_v to_o he_o or_o at_o least_o tincture_n all_o his_o notion_n with_o sensible_a object_n thus_o the_o atheist_n believe_v no_o god_n because_o he_o can_v see_v he_o and_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n over_o who_o the_o power_n of_o their_o sense_n be_v strong_a yet_o not_o such_o as_o to_o overcome_v the_o impression_n of_o a_o deity_n leave_v on_o their_o soul_n do_v believe_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v god_n be_v both_o dazzle_a with_o the_o bright_a splendour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o delight_v with_o the_o faint_a shining_n of_o the_o night_n and_o find_v both_o the_o pleasant_a lightsomness_n the_o warm_a benignity_n and_o fruitful_a usefulness_n of_o their_o beam_n they_o do_v adore_v they_o as_o god_n and_o see_v strange_a effect_n answer_v some_o of_o their_o position_n and_o aspect_n they_o come_v to_o imagine_v all_o humane_a thing_n be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o entire_a theory_n if_o so_o ill_o ground_v a_o thing_n can_v deserve_v that_o name_n of_o astrology_n other_o much_o take_v with_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o brave_a commander_n and_o prince_n and_o have_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n on_o their_o mind_n do_v think_v that_o after_o their_o death_n they_o govern_v this_o inferior_a world_n and_o to_o those_o hero_n they_o assign_v star_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o those_o god_n they_o represent_v either_o by_o some_o symbol_n the_o chief_a whereof_o be_v fire_n or_o by_o some_o statue_n pillar_n or_o other_o piece_n of_o sculpture_n which_o at_o least_o represent_v that_o deity_n to_o their_o sense_n if_o it_o have_v not_o some_o strange_o magical_a and_o divine_a influence_n unite_v or_o affix_v to_o it_o they_o do_v also_o prognosticate_v all_o future_a thing_n either_o by_o the_o flight_n or_o feed_n of_o bird_n or_o by_o the_o inward_o of_o animal_n here_o then_o a_o religion_n entire_o frame_v from_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o its_o low_a depression_n and_o their_o gross_a notion_n of_o religion_n make_v they_o both_o prejudice_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o worship_v nothing_o but_o a_o celestial_a deity_n and_o more_o against_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o call_v atheist_n because_o they_o have_v none_o of_o those_o sensible_a representation_n or_o way_n of_o worship_n but_o their_o faith_n be_v plain_a and_o simple_a but_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v thus_o corrupt_a the_o notice_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o do_v no_o less_o embase_v the_o christian_a religion_n when_o many_o natural_a man_n be_v engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o either_o by_o education_n custom_n or_o interest_n who_o loathe_v its_o simple_a purity_n do_v study_v so_o to_o dress_v it_o up_o that_o it_o may_v gratify_v their_o natural_a mind_n by_o bring_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o decease_a man_n and_o by_o worship_v they_o by_o image_n picture_n relic_n and_o at_o length_n make_v picture_n for_o the_o deity_n itself_o and_o by_o dress_v up_o all_o the_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n so_o as_o to_o amuse_v and_o delight_v the_o sense_n by_o affect_v a_o outward_a grandeur_n in_o procession_n and_o other_o festival_n and_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o priest_n chief_o of_o their_o high_a priest_n all_o which_o be_v visible_o the_o effect_n of_o mind_n deep_o engage_v in_o sensible_a thing_n to_o who_o nothing_o appear_v sacred_a or_o solemn_a without_o it_o have_v be_v adorn_v with_o all_o the_o
exquisite_a decking_n of_o art_n and_o industry_n and_o judge_v of_o piety_n by_o some_o heat_n which_o be_v raise_v in_o the_o fancy_n by_o outward_a object_n present_v to_o it_o study_v to_o fill_v all_o the_o part_n of_o worship_n with_o such_o rite_n as_o may_v make_v either_o a_o glorious_a show_n for_o amuse_v the_o worshipper_n or_o some_o melt_a tender_a impression_n for_o cozen_v they_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o be_v divine_o elevate_v but_o after_o that_o by_o the_o bless_a providence_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o world_n refine_v from_o that_o dross_n yet_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o give_v over_o its_o attempt_n for_o embase_v religion_n many_o still_o continue_v to_o place_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o form_n and_o bestow_v that_o zeal_n which_o shall_v have_v go_v to_o the_o advance_v true_a piety_n holiness_n of_o life_n and_o brotherly_a charity_n to_o the_o adorn_v and_o maintain_v those_o other_o think_v they_o have_v pretty_a well_o escape_v this_o whole_a danger_n be_v get_v into_o a_o extreme_a very_o opposite_a to_o it_o of_o vilify_a all_o form_n but_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v act_n in_o their_o sensitive_a power_n though_o in_o another_o method_n for_o though_o they_o have_v emerge_v out_o of_o the_o dominion_n or_o influence_n of_o their_o outward_a sense_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o their_o inward_a sense_n and_o imagination_n which_o be_v the_o rebound_n of_o sensible_a impression_n upon_o the_o understanding_n prevail_v much_o on_o they_o these_o therefore_o come_v to_o think_v a_o voluble_a way_n of_o pour_v out_o soft_a word_n with_o great_a heave_n of_o the_o natural_a mind_n be_v a_o mighty_a thing_n and_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o this_o so_o that_o the_o conceive_n and_o hear_v long_a prayer_n and_o sermon_n especial_o if_o accompany_v with_o tenderness_n in_o the_o thought_n and_o great_a melt_n in_o the_o fancy_n be_v think_v the_o high_a feat_n and_o elevation_n of_o religion_n though_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o a_o man_n of_o a_o severe_a and_o discern_a reason_n that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o illusion_n of_o the_o fancy_n heat_v by_o some_o fervour_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o yet_o they_o upon_o these_o deceit_n of_o their_o fanciful_a thought_n have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o regular_a form_n of_o worship_n because_o that_o gratification_n of_o new_a word_n be_v necessary_a to_o feed_v their_o devotion_n another_o great_a mischief_n of_o this_o distemper_n be_v that_o such_o person_n judge_v that_o as_o long_o as_o they_o enjoy_v these_o heat_n all_o be_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o and_o this_o will_v ready_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v put_v to_o do_v nothing_o displease_v to_o they_o so_o that_o whatever_o they_o do_v be_v it_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o with_o that_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v up_o these_o heat_n they_o judge_v either_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o at_o all_o a_o sin_n or_o at_o most_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o necessary_a infirmity_n may_v consist_v well_o enough_o with_o grace_n because_o it_o can_v live_v with_o those_o fervour_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n quench_v they_o which_o it_o be_v like_o every_o thing_n that_o displease_v they_o may_v do_v than_o they_o throw_v it_o off_o as_o carnal_a thus_o they_o measure_v all_o thing_n by_o these_o fluctuate_a and_o inconstant_a motion_n and_o as_o that_o temper_n be_v volatile_a and_o of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o subject_a to_o change_v so_o the_o inequality_n they_o be_v in_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o flow_n and_o ebbing_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o the_o heat_n they_o feel_v sometime_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n every_o thought_n which_o drop_v into_o their_o mind_n when_o under_o these_o actuation_n be_v take_v for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o follow_v and_o give_v out_o for_o such_o and_o 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