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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n argument_n author_n great_a 160 3 2.0926 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A63913 A phisico-theological discourse upon the Divine Being, or first cause of all things, providence of God, general and particular, separate existence of the human soul, certainty of reveal'd religion, fallacy of modern inspiration, and danger of enthusiasm to which is added An appendix concerning the corruption of humane nature, the force of habits, and the necessity of supernatural aid to the acquest of eternal happiness : with epistolary conferences between the deceased Dr. Anthony Horneck and the author, relating to these subjects : in several letters from a gentleman to his doubting friend. Turner, John, b. 1649 or 50.; Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697. 1698 (1698) Wing T3313; ESTC R5343 198,836 236

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characterise_v the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v whether_o the_o master_n of_o its_o composition_n retain_v the_o same_o sentiment_n at_o his_o death_n concern_v the_o reason_v principle_n within_o he_o i_o have_v not_o inform_v myself_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o thought_n more_o ready_o indulge_v that_o the_o loose_a scheme_n of_o religion_n may_v serve_v turn_n and_o that_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n may_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o restraint_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o post_n mortem_fw-la aliquid_fw-la how_o the_o learned_a s_o m_z come_v in_o among_o this_o gang_n be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o letter_n of_o mr._n b_o it_o be_v in_o which_o be_v enclose_v a_o epitome_n of_o deism_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o excellent_a physician_n be_v taint_v with_o these_o principle_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v never_o understand_v but_o that_o he_o die_v far_o from_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o firm_o persuade_v of_o a_o future_a retribution_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v now_o live_v although_o they_o seem_v to_o pride_n themselves_o in_o have_v be_v the_o parent_n of_o those_o monstrous_a birth_n which_o they_o have_v bold_o set_v their_o name_n to_o and_o deliver_v to_o the_o giddy_a world_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n it_o may_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o happy_a a_o reformation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o will_v shine_v still_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n the_o more_o powerful_o they_o be_v assault_v and_o flourish_v under_o the_o scandal_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o malicious_a adversary_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o see_v the_o argument_n 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have_v in_o general_n agree_v to_o but_o as_o intend_a to_o
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place_n and_o not_o only_o assent_v unto_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o even_o of_o those_o also_o which_o though_o not_o contrary_a to_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o surmount_v our_o apprehension_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o perception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o that_o general_a light_n or_o capacity_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v impart_v to_o all_o mankind_n all_o the_o certainty_n say_v the_o pious_a father_n malebranch_n which_o we_o can_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n depend_v upon_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v one_o inestimable_a advantage_n derive_v to_o we_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o powerful_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n only_o we_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v if_o you_o expect_v any_o definition_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n i_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o very_a ingenious_a reason_n man_n that_o by_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o steady_a uniform_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n that_o divine_a touchstone_n or_o test_n by_o which_o all_o man_n be_v enable_v so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o congruity_n and_o incongruity_n of_o proposition_n and_o thereupon_o to_o pronounce_v they_o true_a or_o false_a there_o be_v indeed_o different_a degree_n of_o clearness_n in_o the_o intellectual_a perception_n of_o different_a man_n occasion_v 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proof_n of_o it_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o as_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o in_o method_n conformable_a to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a light_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o religion_n i_o understand_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o those_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o and_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v some_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o cause_n be_v i_o call_v it_o god_n and_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o this_o powerful_a ●●cing_n arise_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o innumerable_a perfection_n that_o
of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o that_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o they_o call_v soul_n be_v only_o various_a action_n and_o repercussion_n of_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n keep_v a_o while_n move_v by_o some_o mechanism_n or_o clockwork_n which_o final_o cease_v and_o perish_v by_o death_n if_o contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n in_o your_o own_o understanding_n you_o can_v listen_v with_o complacency_n to_o these_o horrid_a suggestion_n if_o you_o can_v willing_o and_o with_o joy_n let_v go_v your_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n and_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o perdition_n with_o triumph_n and_o exultation_n if_o you_o can_v glory_v in_o debase_v and_o villanise_v the_o rest_n of_o mandind_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o brute_n beast_n and_o permit_v your_o folly_n to_o baffle_v all_o argument_n to_o be_v proof_n against_o the_o clear_a or_o most_o perspicuous_a demonstration_n what_o will_v you_o have_v we_o think_v better_o or_o more_o favourable_o than_o this_o that_o you_o resolve_v to_o carry_v your_o atheism_n with_o you_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o that_o the_o infernal_a horror_n and_o despair_n must_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n or_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o error_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o in_o this_o but_o to_o intimate_v my_o request_n to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v with_o that_o attention_n which_o become_v the_o subject_a and_o if_o you_o can_v object_v nothing_o against_o the_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n let_v not_o the_o argument_n here_o borrow_v by_o any_o mean_n suffer_v from_o any_o disorderly_a management_n commit_v by_o london_n febr._n 20._o 1691_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o appendix_n concern_v the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a grace_n etc._n etc._n to_o mr._n there_o remain_v my_o friend_n as_o a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o what_o have_v be_v so_o late_o deliver_v that_o we_o make_v a_o short_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n i_o mean_v that_o we_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o supernatural_a accession_n of_o aid_n or_o assistance_n to_o the_o security_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n or_o if_o with_o pelagius_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v ourselves_o able_a by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o the_o free_a exertion_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n exclusive_a of_o this_o extraordinary_a co-operation_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o and_o that_o grace_n according_a to_o this_o heretical_a opinion_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o the_o mediator_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o persuasion_n only_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v with_o god_n ordinary_a concurrence_n if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o necessary_a which_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o neglect_v their_o practice_n but_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o consonant_a to_o the_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v then_o as_o i_o imagine_v scarce_o conceivable_a that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o verity_n of_o religion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o his_o faith_n require_v or_o deflect_v out_o of_o the_o path_n which_o he_o know_v will_v conduct_v he_o to_o his_o great_a happiness_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v think_v every_o man_n who_o believe_v do_v practice_n according_o and_o that_o whatever_o verbal_a confession_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o of_o their_o creed_n yet_o if_o they_o act_v not_o steady_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o same_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a diffidence_n intermix_v with_o their_o faith_n a_o sort_n of_o disbelief_n or_o at_o the_o least_o a_o distrust_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religious_a truth_n which_o they_o think_v may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o empty_a notion_n but_o this_o opinion_n seem_v so_o direct_o opposite_a both_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o admit_v it_o we_o must_v exclude_v the_o whole_a creation_n from_o any_o just_a claim_n to_o future_a happiness_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o religious_a man_n or_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v vast_a number_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v as_o convince_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o their_o soul_n be_v incorruptibility_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n whatever_o so_o may_v we_o safe_o assert_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o of_o these_o who_o have_v not_o at_o certain_a time_n be_v a_o actual_a transgresor_fw-la or_o a_o trespasser_n against_o his_o faith_n and_o far_o that_o in_o whatever_o state_n of_o purity_n the_o first_o man_n be_v create_v yet_o since_o the_o lapse_n or_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n from_o its_o primitive_a perfection_n there_o be_v no_o man_n able_a without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divinium_n aliquid_fw-la we_o be_v treat_v of_o to_o live_v in_o a_o real_a contempt_n of_o the_o present_a world_n or_o to_o disregard_n its_o manifold_a temptation_n it_o be_v beside_o my_o intention_n to_o make_v a_o scrutinous_a enquiry_n how_o the_o first_o man_n come_v to_o fall_v from_o original_a righteousness_n or_o how_o this_o degeneracy_n come_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o to_o his_o posterity_n it_o seem_v hard_o indeed_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v immediate_o contaminate_v with_o this_o sin_n but_o be_v so_o necessary_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o become_v capable_a of_o sin_v so_o that_o according_a to_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o damage_n we_o have_v sustain_v proceed_v from_o our_o first_o parent_n unhappy_a forfeiture_n of_o immortality_n since_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o divine_a assistance_n for_o mankind_n thus_o propagate_v in_o the_o constant_a method_n of_o nature_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o fall_v and_o from_o render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o know_v the_o atheist_n do_v here_o wonderful_o pride_n himself_o in_o have_v find_v out_o a_o objection_n impossible_a to_o be_v resolve_v by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n for_o say_v he_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o co-operation_n of_o man_n will_n to_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o election_n why_o do_v not_o god_n so_o constitute_v mankind_n as_o that_o all_o shall_v cooperate_a to_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v elect_v to_o everlasting_a bliss_n to_o this_o i_o say_v when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o no_o other_o reply_n than_o that_o s●ch_n be_v god_n eternal_a will_n they_o present_o attack_v the_o divine_a be_v and_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n immediate_o displace_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n and_o government_n it_o be_v here_o likewise_o that_o the_o deist_n strut_v and_o exalt_v the_o lucky_a hit_n of_o his_o fancy_n 89._o think_v himself_o more_o know_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o in_o that_o he_o have_v now_o find_v out_o the_o juggle_v as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o christianity_n it_o be_v first_o say_v he_o unnecessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mediator_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o justice_n two_o god_n must_v appoint_v this_o mediator_n and_o so_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n before_o and_o three_o a_o mediator_n derogate_v from_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n equal_o as_o a_o image_n do_v from_o his_o spirituality_n and_o thus_o the_o mighty_a monster_n lay_v his_o plot_n against_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n look_v big_a upon_o the_o contrivance_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o with_o these_o three_o stroke_n he_o do_v the_o christian_n business_n his_o next_o onset_n be_v upon_o our_o immortality_n or_o separate_a existence_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o gradual_o lessen_v by_o insinuate_v that_o brute_n be_v ejusdem_fw-la rationis_fw-la participantes_fw-la or_o endow_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o man_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n indeed_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v debase_v mankind_n at_o this_o ridiculous_a rate_n shall_v be_v look_v upon_o otherwise_o than_o the_o more_o sensible_a beast_n or_o
humane_a understanding_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v in_o what_o you_o dissent_v herefrom_o as_o likewise_o your_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n conscience_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o but_o little_a short_a of_o a_o absurdity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o other_o sense_n preside_v in_o the_o soul_n over_o all_o her_o action_n than_o what_o be_v communicate_v from_o the_o supreme_a be_v moreover_o i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v whether_o any_o man_n have_v the_o power_n as_o of_o himself_o hearty_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o at_o sometime_o he_o confess_v with_o his_o mouth_n the_o rehearsal_n of_o a_o creed_n be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n but_o a_o solid_a conviction_n that_o what_o we_o do_v rehearse_v be_v apparent_o clear_a to_o we_o as_o mathematical_a demonstration_n be_v very_o rare_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v sure_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n who_o limit_n his_o faith_n within_o the_o narrow_a bound_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o submit_v a_o entire_a assent_n to_o those_o proposition_n which_o though_o perhaps_o necessary_a to_o be_v credit_v he_o himself_o can_v account_v for_o i_o have_v often_o think_v this_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o supplicant_n in_o holy_a writ_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o lord_n i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n for_o it_o be_v otherways_o very_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o vicious_a life_n can_v consist_v with_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a existence_n and_o our_o own_o separate_a being_n six_o what_o you_o think_v of_o inquiry_n into_o nature_n whether_o they_o prove_v not_o to_o some_o the_o cause_n of_o modern_a deism_n and_o to_o other_o of_o pure_a scepticism_n i_o have_v be_v often_o apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a phaenomena_n which_o may_v not_o admit_v a_o solution_n from_o those_o two_o grand_a principle_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n or_o by_o axiom_n deduce_v from_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v our_o rest_n 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such_o like_a unaccountable_a chimaera_n which_o they_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n of_o a_o all-powerful_a infinite_a and_o intelligent_a be_v last_o i_o desire_v you_o will_v send_v i_o your_o thought_n of_o the_o especial_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o your_o opinion_n of_o mr._n b_o late_a draught_n of_o the_o q_o r_n principle_n in_o some_o few_o day_n after_o the_o receipt_n of_o my_o letter_n the_o good_a doctor_n be_v please_v to_o return_v his_o answer_n in_o these_o word_n sir_n let●●r_n i_o do_v charitable_o believe_v etc._n etc._n but_o wave_v the_o introduction_n he_o proceed_v a_o pious_a life_n and_o holy_a conversation_n be_v without_o peradventure_o the_o principal_a thing_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o since_o we_o be_v there_o tell_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a heresy_n the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n which_o all_o christian_a church_n have_v believe_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n sincere_o and_o 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great_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n shall_v be_v redicule_v by_o they_o and_o esteem_v little_a otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o senseless_a notion_n the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n run_v so_o smooth_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n that_o so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o unwilling_a to_o look_v far_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o make_v their_o reason_n the_o positive_a and_o adequate_a rule_n both_o of_o their_o morality_n and_o divinity_n but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v with_o they_o this_o mysterious_a co-operation_n or_o divine_a concurrence_n provide_v they_o can_v but_o show_v i_o any_o true_a practical_a christian_a one_o who_o be_v so_o in_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o word_n who_o have_v espouse_v their_o opinion_n i_o may_v be_v free_a to_o say_v i_o know_v nothing_o like_o one_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o meet_v with_o a_o sincere_o 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