signify_v that_o the_o report_n and_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o though_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o another_o state_n yet_o not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o see_v how_o all_o thing_n be_v there_o 2._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o may_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n and_o free_v we_o from_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o persuade_v a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o venture_v his_o great_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o security_n that_o we_o have_v of_o another_o world_n for_o 1._o we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n that_o will_v desire_v more_o future_a and_o invisible_a thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n but_o we_o have_v the_o great_a rational_a evidence_n for_o they_o and_o in_o this_o every_o reasonable_a man_n ought_v to_o acquiesce_v 2._o we_o have_v as_o much_o as_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v every_o man_n discretion_n who_o for_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n hazard_n or_o part_n with_o the_o poor_a and_o transitory_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o most_o important_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v all_o conduct_v only_o by_o moral_a demonstration_n man_n every_o day_n venture_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n only_o upon_o moral_a assurance_n for_o instance_n man_n who_o never_o be_v at_o the_o east_n or_o west_n indies_n or_o in_o turkey_n or_o spain_n yet_o do_v venture_v their_o whole_a estate_n in_o traffic_n thither_o though_o they_o have_v no_o mathematical_a demonstration_n only_o moral_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o man_n every_o day_n eat_v and_o drink_v though_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o euclid_n or_o apollonius_n that_o his_o baker_n or_o brewer_n or_o cook_n have_v not_o convey_v poison_n into_o his_o meat_n or_o drink_n and_o that_o man_n that_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o cautious_a as_o not_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v this_o to_o himself_o i_o know_v no_o other_o remedy_n for_o he_o but_o that_o in_o great_a gravity_n and_o wisdom_n he_o must_v die_v for_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o urge_v that_o though_o man_n in_o temporal_a affair_n proceed_v upon_o moral_a assurance_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a assurance_n require_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v heaven_n and_o avoid_v hell_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a for_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o thing_n as_o will_v make_v man_n circumspect_a and_o careful_a to_o avoid_v a_o lesser_a danger_n aught_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o awaken_v man_n much_o more_o to_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a such_o a_o assurance_n as_o will_v sharpen_v man_n desire_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o lesser_a good_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o animate_v man_n more_o powerful_o and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o great_a vigour_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_o great_a for_o why_o the_o same_o assurance_n shall_v not_o operate_v as_o well_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n as_o in_o a_o less_o in_o a_o great_a good_a as_o in_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n unless_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o danger_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o good_a and_o happiness_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o use_v i._o the_o use_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o conceit_n with_o sin_n 2._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v true_o religious_a first_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o challenge_v wicked_a man_n for_o their_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n this_o conviction_n of_o the_o great_a imprudence_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n shall_v shame_v man_n out_o of_o irreligion_n wicked_a man_n be_v in_o scripture_n describe_v by_o this_o character_n they_o be_v those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n which_o argue_v monstrous_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n for_o to_o have_v a_o understanding_n and_o not_o to_o know_v god_n be_v in_o intellectual_a thing_n just_a such_o a_o absurdity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o natural_a thing_n to_o have_v eye_n and_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o light_n for_o as_o light_n be_v primum_fw-la visibile_fw-la the_o first_o object_n of_o our_o sight_n so_o god_n be_v primum_fw-la intelligibile_fw-la the_o plain_a and_o most_o obvious_a object_n of_o our_o understanding_n he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n every_o thing_n represent_v he_o to_o we_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v ourselves_o we_o be_v encounter_v with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o man_n be_v without_o excuse_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1._o 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o man_n as_o know_v not_o god_n can_v have_v no_o apology_n to_o make_v for_o themselves_o their_o ignorance_n be_v utter_o inexcusable_a or_o if_o man_n do_v understand_v or_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n not_o to_o consider_v this_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o know_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o obnoxiousness_n to_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n in_o case_n we_o neglect_v contemn_v and_o disobey_v he_o not_o to_o know_v the_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o who_o have_v make_v we_o and_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n in_o we_o and_o title_n to_o we_o and_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o be_v therefore_o our_o supreme_a lawgiver_n because_o he_o have_v power_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v we_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v our_o high_a interest_n to_o please_v he_o to_o know_v his_o will_n and_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v gross_a ignorance_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o stupidity_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o that_o observe_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n will_v very_o think_v that_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o when_o god_n look_v down_o upon_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n he_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v without_o understanding_n deut._n 32._o 28._o when_o god_n have_v reckon_v up_o the_o rebellion_n and_o perversness_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n he_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o nation_n void_a of_o counsel_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n in_o they_o in_o the_o 14_o psalm_n at_o the_o beginning_n the_o psalmist_n represent_v god_n as_o look_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o when_o he_o see_v how_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o what_o abominable_a work_n they_o do_v cry_v out_o have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n not_o that_o wicked_a man_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o have_v it_o as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o they_o have_v understanding_n but_o they_o do_v not_o use_v they_o which_o in_o effect_n and_o by_o interpretation_n be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o they_o have_v none_o nay_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o if_o they_o have_v they_o not_o for_o than_o they_o will_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n nor_o accountable_a to_o he_o as_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o this_o ignorance_n be_v wilful_a and_o affect_v man_n be_v not_o blind_a but_o they_o wink_v and_o shut_v their_o eye_n they_o can_v understand_v and_o will_v not_o or_o if_o they_o do_v understand_v any_o thing_n they_o imprison_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o detain_v they_o in_o unrighteousness_n they_o thrust_v light_a into_o a_o dungeon_n and_o hide_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v in_o they_o under_o a_o bushel_n they_o do_v not_o suffer_v those_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v to_o have_v a_o due_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o ignorance_n that_o will_v be_v
and_o thing_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o mastery_n in_o all_o language_n and_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n measure_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o tell_v the_o star_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o order_n and_o motion_n can_v discourse_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n the_o intrigue_n of_o all_o court_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n can_v speak_v of_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar_n tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o unto_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o of_o beast_n also_o and_o of_o fowl_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o yet_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o duty_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o impertinent_a vanity_n and_o a_o more_o glitter_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o such_o a_o man_n like_o the_o philosopher_n who_o while_o he_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n will_v but_o sapienter_fw-la descendere_fw-la in_o infernum_fw-la be_v undo_v with_o all_o this_o knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n go_v down_o to_o hell_n 2._o second_o that_o to_o be_v religious_a be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o likewise_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n and_o concernment_n first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v a_o expression_n job_n 22._o 21._o he_o that_o be_v wise_a be_v profitable_a to_o himself_o and_o prov._n 9_o 12._o if_o thou_o be_v wise_a thou_o shall_v be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o intimate_v that_o wisdom_n regard_v a_o man_n own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o concernment_n according_a to_o that_o of_o old_a ennius_n nequicquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la sapientem_fw-la qui_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la prodesse_fw-la non_fw-la quiret_fw-la that_o man_n have_v but_o a_o empty_a title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o be_v not_o real_o wise_a who_o be_v not_o wise_a for_o himself_o as_o self_n preservation_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n so_o care_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o other_o man_n but_o careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o his_o own_o that_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v busy_a but_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a he_o be_v employ_v indeed_o but_o not_o so_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v now_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o direct_v a_o man_n to_o a_o care_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n our_o chief_a end_n and_o high_a interest_n be_v happiness_n now_o this_o be_v happiness_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o if_o it_o may_v be_v however_o from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o enjoy_v if_o it_o may_v be_v all_o good_a however_o the_o chief_a to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o pain_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n but_o from_o anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v so_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o ever_o now_o religion_n design_n our_o great_a and_o long_a happiness_n it_o aim_v at_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a for_o religion_n wise_o consider_v that_o man_n have_v immortal_a spirit_n which_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o because_o they_o be_v immortal_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n now_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o eternity_n be_v infinite_o the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n the_o great_a wisdom_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o loss_n and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o temporal_a and_o inferior_a interest_n therefore_o religion_n direct_v we_o rather_o to_o secure_v inward_a peace_n then_o outward_a ease_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n then_o short_a and_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n more_o than_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v as_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n in_o a_o word_n our_o main_a interest_n be_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o we_o can_v and_o as_o long_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o if_o we_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o we_o must_v be_v either_o in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n or_o else_o whole_o and_o always_o miserable_a the_o best_a wisdom_n be_v to_o choose_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n but_o the_o least_o and_o short_a misery_n upon_o this_o account_n religion_n prefer_v those_o pleasure_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o evermore_o infinite_o before_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n then_o present_a suffering_n this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o cast_v up_o all_o thing_n together_o it_o do_v advise_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o best_a interest_n ii_o the_o second_o way_n of_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v by_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n and_o this_o i_o may_v do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n for_o if_o he_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v the_o wise_a and_o most_o know_a person_n than_o those_o that_o be_v irreligious_a and_o wicked_a be_v neither_o know_v nor_o wise_a but_o because_o this_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o proposition_n the_o just_a contrary_a way_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o in_o the_o same_o method_n but_o proceed_v upon_o other_o head_n to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o such_o person_n now_o all_o that_o be_v irreligious_a be_v so_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n either_o first_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a and_o eternal_a reward_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o do_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n believe_v these_o thing_n or_o else_o second_o man_n be_v irreligious_a because_o though_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v these_o thing_n yet_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v speculative_a the_o latter_a of_o practical_a atheism_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o both_o these_o 1._o speculative_a atheism_n be_v first_o absurd_a in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculation_n which_o argue_v ignorance_n and_o second_o it_o be_v a_o imprudent_a opinion_n both_o because_o it_o be_v against_o our_o present_a interest_n and_o be_v also_o unsafe_a in_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o it_o which_o argue_v folly_n i._o it_o be_v absurd_a in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculation_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o five_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o give_v no_o probable_a account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n we_o see_v a_o world_n of_o creature_n and_o a_o vast_a frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n attribute_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n i_o e._n to_o a_o be_v endue_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o be_v a_o very_a likely_a cause_n to_o produce_v a_o world_n for_o what_o more_o likely_a to_o communicate_v be_v to_o so_o numerous_a a_o progeny_n of_o goodly_a creature_n then_o infinite_a goodness_n what_o more_o likely_a to_o create_v so_o vast_a a_o world_n that_o be_v to_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n
temper_n or_o education_n can_v wear_v it_o out_o and_o set_v any_o considerable_a number_n of_o man_n free_a from_o it_o into_o what_o can_v we_o resolve_v this_o strong_a inclination_n of_o mankind_n to_o this_o error_n and_o mistake_v how_o come_v all_o nation_n to_o be_v thus_o seduce_v it_o be_v altogether_o unimaginable_a but_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o among_o all_o difference_n of_o person_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o constant_a but_o no_o one_o and_o constant_a reason_n of_o this_o can_v be_v give_v but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o understanding_n which_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n bear_v with_o it_o and_o stamp_v upon_o it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n that_o in_o the_o free_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o itself_o it_o will_v find_v out_o god_n and_o what_o more_o reasonable_a then_o to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n he_o shall_v set_v this_o mark_n of_o himself_o upon_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o they_o may_v know_v to_o who_o they_o belong_v and_o may_v acknowledge_v the_o author_n of_o their_o being_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o credible_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o now_o what_o do_v the_o atheist_n resolve_v this_o into_o he_o be_v not_o at_o one_o with_o himself_o what_o account_n to_o give_v of_o it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v he_o shall_v for_o he_o that_o will_v overlook_a the_o true_a reason_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v but_o one_o may_v easy_o find_v many_o false_a one_o error_n be_v infinite_a but_o there_o be_v three_o which_o he_o principal_o rellye_n upon_o fear_v tradition_n and_o policy_n of_o state_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v these_o first_o he_o will_v fain_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o this_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n do_v spring_n from_o a_o infinite_a jealousy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o endless_a fear_n of_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v according_a to_o that_o divine_a say_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o he_o can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v primus_fw-la in_fw-la orbe_fw-la deos_fw-la fecit_fw-la timor_fw-la fear_v first_o make_v go_n so_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n do_v universal_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n or_o that_o this_o fear_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n imagine_v there_o be_v a_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v impress_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o all_o man_n shall_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o fear_n shall_v create_v a_o universal_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n in_o man_n that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o whence_o shall_v this_o fear_v come_v it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o without_o from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o who_o first_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o then_o our_o fear_n believe_v it_o or_o else_o it_o must_v arise_v from_o within_o viz._n from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v dreadful_a and_o terrible_a thing_n if_o from_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o who_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o question_n return_v who_o tell_v they_o so_o and_o will_v never_o be_v satisfy_v till_o the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o report_n be_v find_v out_o so_o that_o this_o account_n of_o fear_n resolve_v itself_o into_o tradition_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v to_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o fear_n arise_v from_o within_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v dreadful_a thing_n this_o likewise_o be_v liable_a to_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n for_o first_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o fear_n be_v something_o that_o be_v dreadful_a that_o be_v something_o that_o threaten_v man_n with_o harm_n or_o danger_n and_o that_o in_o god_n must_v either_o be_v power_n or_o justice_n and_o such_o a_o object_n as_o this_o fear_v indeed_o may_v create_v but_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o justice_n now_o how_o shall_v fear_v put_v man_n upon_o fancy_v a_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a no_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o such_o a_o be_v as_o such_o so_o that_o the_o atheist_n must_v join_v another_o cause_n to_o fear_n viz._n hope_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o create_v this_o imagination_n of_o a_o god_n and_o what_o will_v the_o product_n of_o these_o two_o contrary_a passion_n be_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o be_v which_o we_o shall_v fear_v will_v do_v we_o as_o much_o harm_n as_o we_o can_v hope_v it_o will_v do_v we_o good_a which_o will_v be_v quid_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la and_o which_o our_o reason_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o lay_v aside_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v fancy_v it_o because_o it_o will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o but_o second_o suppose_v fear_v alone_o can_v do_v it_o how_o come_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a fear_n the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n will_v say_v it_o always_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v to_o affirm_v and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n the_o epicurean_a atheist_n if_o he_o will_v speak_v consonant_o to_o himself_o must_v say_v that_o there_o happen_v in_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o first_o man_n such_o a_o contexture_n of_o atom_n as_o do_v natural_o dispose_v man_n to_o these_o panic_n fear_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o when_o the_o first_o man_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o afterward_o break_v loose_a from_o their_o root_n find_v themselves_o weak_a and_o naked_a and_o unarm_v and_o meet_v with_o several_a fierce_a creature_n strong_a than_o themselves_o they_o be_v put_v to_o such_o a_o fright_n as_o do_v a_o little_a distemper_n their_o understanding_n and_o let_v loose_v their_o imaginatian_n to_o endless_a suspicious_a and_o unbounded_a jealousy_n which_o do_v at_o last_o settle_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v infinite_o powerful_a and_o able_a to_o do_v they_o harm_n and_o be_v full_o possess_v with_o this_o apprehension_n nothing_o be_v moâ—e_n ordinary_a then_o for_o craze_a person_n to_o believe_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o become_v religious_a and_o afterward_o when_o mankind_n begin_v to_o be_v propagate_v in_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n than_o religion_n oblige_v they_o to_o instill_v these_o principle_n into_o their_o child_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n that_o so_o they_o may_v make_v the_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o course_n have_v be_v continue_v ever_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n have_v be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o epicurus_n his_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o original_a of_o man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n think_v fit_a to_o say_v thus_o i_o can_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o confute_v he_o three_o whether_o man_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n such_o timorous_a and_o fanciful_a creature_n or_o happen_v to_o be_v make_v so_o in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o thing_n it_o seem_v however_o that_o this_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v a_o foundation_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a ought_v we_o not_o rather_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o these_o fear_n and_o that_o nature_n have_v not_o plant_v they_o in_o we_o to_o no_o purpose_n then_o that_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a there_o be_v no_o principle_n that_o aristotle_n the_o grand_a assertor_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n do_v more_o frequent_o inculcate_v then_o this_o that_o nature_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o epicurus_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o so_o will_v every_o man_n who_o attentive_o consider_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n that_o although_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n yet_o they_o have_v happen_v as_o well_o as_o if_o the_o great_a wisdom_n have_v have_v the_o order_n and_o contrive_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o wisdom_n will_v never_o have_v plant_v such_o a_o vain_a principle_n as_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n second_o if_o fear_v be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o this_o universal_a consent_n the_o atheist_n think_v it_o may_v very_o probable_o be_v resolve_v into_o universal_a tradition_n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v liable_a
a_o good_a tradesman_n but_o a_o bad_a christian_a for_o christianity_n be_v more_o our_o proper_a call_v and_o profession_n than_o the_o very_a trade_n we_o live_v upon_o and_o just_o such_o be_v every_o sinner_n who_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o understanding_n be_v he_o wise_a who_o neglect_v and_o disoblige_v he_o who_o be_v his_o best_a friend_n and_o can_v be_v his_o shrewd_a enemy_n who_o with_o one_o weak_a troop_n go_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o who_o she_o be_v a_o small_a danger_n and_o run_v upon_o a_o great_a just_o so_o do_v every_o wicked_a man_n who_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v god_n who_o can_v save_v or_o destroy_v he_o who_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n and_o with_o the_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a force_n of_o a_o man_n take_v the_o field_n against_o the_o mighty_a god_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o fear_v not_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o just_o such_o be_v he_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n venture_v to_o grieve_v god_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o run_v away_o from_o man_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n he_o fly_v from_o a_o temporal_a danger_n and_o leap_v into_o hell_n be_v he_o wise_a who_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n neglect_v opportunity_n never_o to_o be_v retrieve_v who_o stand_v upon_o the_o shore_n and_o see_v the_o tide_n make_v haste_n towards_o he_o apace_o and_o that_o he_o have_v but_o a_o few_o minute_n to_o save_v himself_o yet_o will_v lay_v himself_o to_o sleep_v there_o till_o the_o cruel_a sea_n rush_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o overwhelm_v he_o just_o so_o do_v he_o who_o trifle_n away_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n and_o foolish_o adjourn_v the_o work_n of_o repentance_n &_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o die_a hour_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o question_n be_v he_o wise_a who_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n nay_o by_o mean_n that_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n just_o such_o be_v every_o wicked_a man_n who_o hope_n for_o blessedness_n hereafter_o without_o holiness_n here_o to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o offend_v he_o and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o by_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v to_o find_v a_o pleasure_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o holy_a spirit_n by_o render_v himself_o as_o unsuitable_a and_o unlike_a to_o they_o as_o he_o can_v use_v ii_o the_o second_o use_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v thorough_o and_o serious_o religious_a as_o ever_o they_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o know_v and_o wise_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n be_v confess_v excellency_n among_o man_n eccl._n 2._o 13._o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n there_o be_v some_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n that_o gain_v affection_n from_o man_n as_o truth_n and_o meekness_n and_o kindness_n but_o there_o be_v other_o that_o cause_n admiration_n and_o raise_v wonder_n among_o these_o be_v knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n which_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o eminent_a degree_n will_v cast_v a_o great_a lustre_n and_o glory_n upon_o a_o man_n eccl._n 8._o 1._o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v now_o even_o the_o shadow_n of_o these_o latter_a sort_n of_o excellency_n hit_v the_o vainglorious_a nature_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o former_a because_o proud_a man_n have_v rather_o be_v admire_v then_o love_v and_o that_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v great_a excellency_n appear_v in_o that_o man_n do_v so_o general_o affect_v the_o reputation_n of_o knowledge_n and_o be_v so_o ambitious_a to_o be_v account_v wise_a there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n value_v themselves_o more_o upon_o then_o their_o knowledge_n and_o discretion_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o great_a defect_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o they_o be_v account_v general_o a_o great_a reproach_n and_o disgrace_n to_o a_o man_n then_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n and_o they_o have_v get_v so_o ill_a a_o report_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v account_v knave_n than_o fool_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n general_o pretend_v to_o these_o excellency_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n even_o such_o as_o be_v most_o destitute_a of_o they_o and_o rather_o than_o want_v these_o perfection_n they_o will_v call_v even_o their_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n by_o this_o name_n craft_n and_o silence_n and_o secrecy_n and_o reservedness_n and_o formality_n and_o affect_a gravity_n all_o these_o put_v in_o for_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n so_o ambitious_a be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o this_o excellency_n job_n 11._o 12._o vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a though_o he_o be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n now_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o man_n be_v so_o forward_o to_o counterfeit_v these_o perfection_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o real_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o counterfeit_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o real_a excellency_n common_a and_o ordinary_a thing_n be_v not_o counterfeit_v but_o only_a thing_n of_o price_n and_o value_n as_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n and_o that_o man_n be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o these_o excellency_n so_o loath_a to_o be_v strip_v even_o of_o the_o shadow_n and_o appearance_n of_o they_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o man_n high_o esteem_v they_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o these_o excellency_n be_v in_o great_a dearness_n among_o man_n because_o we_o hold_v they_o so_o fast_o that_o when_o we_o can_v possess_v the_o reality_n of_o they_o yet_o we_o love_v to_o enjoy_v the_o opinion_n of_o they_o and_o rather_o than_o be_v whole_o disseise_v of_o they_o will_v hold_v they_o by_o that_o sleight_n and_o fantastic_a tenure_n of_o imagination_n now_o if_o we_o account_v they_o such_o excellency_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o be_v possess_v of_o they_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n and_o not_o take_v up_o with_o any_o counterfeit_n of_o they_o but_o use_v such_o a_o care_n and_o niceness_n about_o they_o as_o man_n do_v about_o jewel_n and_o precious_a stone_n which_o because_o they_o be_v of_o great_a value_n all_o mistake_n about_o they_o be_v shameful_a and_o intolerable_a i_o have_v show_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o most_o real_a wisdom_n therefore_o every_o man_n that_o value_v his_o understanding_n and_o stand_v upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n aught_o to_o be_v religious_a deut._n 4._o 6._o keep_v therefore_o my_o statute_n for_o this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o nation_n those_o who_o understand_v and_o know_v how_o to_o manage_v the_o petty_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n we_o account_v they_o shrewd_a and_o cunning_a and_o design_v man_n but_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v true_o and_o wise_o of_o thing_n the_o religious_a man_n be_v the_o notable_a man_n he_o that_o contrive_v to_o be_v everlasting_o happy_a and_o lay_v design_n for_o all_o eternity_n he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o deep_a reach_n he_o that_o take_v care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o secure_v his_o eternal_a interest_n he_o be_v a_o shrewd_a man_n that_o man_n who_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n can_v overreach_v his_o own_o deceitful_a heart_n and_o defeat_v all_o the_o art_n and_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o escape_v those_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o save_v himself_o from_o the_o sin_n and_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o a_o untoward_a generation_n he_o be_v a_o cunning_a man_n indeed_o will_v thou_o then_o be_v true_o know_v labour_n to_o know_v god_n and_o thyself_o thy_o interest_n and_o thy_o end_n and_o thy_o happiness_n and_o the_o way_n of_o attain_v it_o will_v thou_o be_v true_o wise_a be_v wise_a for_o thy_o self_n wise_a for_o thy_o soul_n wise_a for_o eternity_n resolve_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n fear_v god_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_a look_v beyond_o thing_n present_a and_o sensible_a unto_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o be_v eternal_a labour_v to_o secure_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o another_o world_n and_o refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o this_o short_a and_o die_a life_n to_o that_o state_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v but_o never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o to_o be_v wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o whatever_o the_o world_n judge_v of_o it_o now_o for_o not_o that_o which_o be_v approve_v of_o man_n now_o but_o what_o shall_v final_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n be_v true_a wisdom_n that_o which_o be_v esteem_v so_o by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o wisdom_n the_o first_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o the_o best_a and_o most_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o many_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o neglect_v religion_n may_v think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o may_v enjoy_v this_o their_o delusion_n for_o a_o while_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a who_o now_o account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o great_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o more_o than_o common_a wit_n and_o understanding_n to_o slight_a god_n and_o baffle_v religion_n and_o to_o level_v all_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o world_n with_o the_o poetical_a description_n of_o the_o fairy_n land_n i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o all_o these_o witty_a fool_n shall_v be_v unhappy_o undeceive_v and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o enjoy_v their_o delusion_n any_o long_o shall_v call_v themselves_o fool_n for_o ever_o but_o why_o do_v i_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o useful_a and_o so_o necessary_a the_o thing_n itself_o i_o be_o press_v you_o to_o have_v allurement_n in_o it_o beyond_o all_o argument_n for_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n i_o can_v offer_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o to_o your_o understanding_n to_o raise_v your_o esteem_n of_o it_o i_o can_v present_v nothing_o beyond_o this_o to_o your_o affection_n that_o may_v be_v attractive_a of_o your_o love_n and_o desire_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v to_o set_v the_o thing_n before_o man_n and_o to_o offer_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n and_o if_o man_n natural_a desire_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v argument_n if_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o beauty_n will_v not_o charm_v man_n affection_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v a_o like_n and_o to_o urge_v and_o push_v forward_o a_o a_o match_n to_o the_o make_v whereof_o consent_n be_v necessary_a religion_n be_v matter_n of_o our_o free_a choice_n and_o if_o man_n will_v obstinate_o and_o wilful_o set_v themselves_o against_o it_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n pertinatiae_fw-la nullum_fw-la remedium_fw-la posuit_fw-la deus_fw-la if_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o befool_v and_o to_o be_v miserable_a all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v this_o god_n will_v leave_v such_o person_n to_o in_o herit_v their_o own_o choice_n to_o enjoy_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la leviathan_n part_n 3._o c._n 34._o 34._o leviathan_n part_n 1._o c._n 6._o
the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n by_o john_n tillotson_n preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n bateman_n maior_n martis_n quinto_fw-la decimo_fw-la die_fw-la martii_fw-la 1663._o annoque_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n sexto_fw-la decimo_fw-la it_o be_v order_v that_o mr._n tillotson_n be_v desire_v to_o print_v his_o sermon_n late_o preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n before_o the_o lord_n maior_n and_o alderman_n of_o this_o city_n weld_n perlegi_fw-la hanc_fw-la concionem_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la sancti_fw-la pauli_n habitam_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a in_o quâ_fw-la nihil_fw-la reperio_fw-la doctrinae_fw-la disciplinaeve_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la anglicanae_n aut_fw-la bonis_fw-la moribus_fw-la contrarium_fw-la plurima_fw-la tamen_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la praecipuum_fw-la religionis_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la tutandum_fw-la et_fw-la ad_fw-la prodigiosam_fw-la atheorum_fw-la huius_fw-la seculi_fw-la vanitatem_fw-la redar_fw-mi guendam_fw-la egregiè_fw-la sunt_fw-la accommodata_fw-la quapropter_fw-la dignissimam_fw-la censeo_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o utilitatem_fw-la publicam_fw-la typis_fw-la mandetur_fw-la joh._n hall_n rev._n in_o christo_n pat._n humfredo_n episc_n lond._n â_fw-la sac_fw-la dome_a maij._fw-la 13._o 1664._o london_n print_v for_o sa_n gellibrand_n 1664._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n anthony_n bateman_n lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o alderman_n there_o right_o honourable_a in_o obedience_n to_o your_o order_n i_o here_o present_v you_o with_o a_o sermon_n which_o you_o former_o hear_v i_o know_v not_o how_o acceptable_a discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v very_o seasonable_a in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n in_o which_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n be_v grow_v so_o impudent_a and_o notwithstanding_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n and_o law_n do_v appear_v with_o so_o bold_a a_o face_n in_o the_o world_n when_o man_n arrive_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o confidence_n as_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o 34._o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o fear_v and_o fancy_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o ignorance_n and_o melancholy_a the_o true_a cause_n of_o devotion_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o 6._o the_o fear_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n feign_v by_o the_o mind_n or_o imagine_v from_o tale_n public_o allow_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v count_v brave_a to_o defy_v god_n and_o every_o dabbler_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o mathematics_n or_o politic_n shall_v set_v up_o for_o a_o atheist_n sure_o than_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o resist_v this_o grow_a evil_n for_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v enlarge_v that_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n which_o be_v more_o immediate_o level_v against_o atheism_n beyond_o what_o the_o limit_n of_o time_n will_v allow_v i_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o and_o in_o hope_n that_o it_o may_v do_v some_o service_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v now_o humble_o offer_v to_o you_o by_o your_o honour_n most_o humble_a servant_n john_n tillotson_n the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a job_n 28._o 28._o and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n job_n discourse_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o secret_a and_o unaccountable_a operation_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o of_o the_o unsearchable_a perfection_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o inquire_v at_o the_o 12_o verse_n where_o this_o wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v find_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o he_o put_v the_o question_n again_o ver_fw-la 20._o whence_o then_o come_v wisdom_n and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o understanding_n see_v it_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o live_n to_o which_o he_o return_v a_o answer_n ver_fw-la 23._o god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o for_o he_o look_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o see_v under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n to_o make_v the_o weight_n for_o the_o wind_n etc._n etc._n the_o result_n of_o which_o discourse_n be_v that_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o author_n of_o it_o no_o less_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n then_o that_o which_o make_v the_o world_n and_o contrive_v this_o vast_a and_o regular_a frame_n of_o nature_n can_v thorough_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n of_o it_o and_o give_v a_o perfect_a account_n of_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o operation_n but_o there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o man_n and_o lie_v level_a to_o a_o humane_a understanding_n which_o be_v suit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o end_n and_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n which_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_n word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n prov._n 3._o 7._o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n prov._n 16._o 6._o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_a usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v for_o one_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a acceptation_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o subsequent_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n by_o i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_n by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a prov._n 30._o 3._o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o mal._n 3._o 16._o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o eccles_n 12._o 13._o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n psal_n 36._o 1._o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n eccles_n 12._o 1._o remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o
youth_n that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n psal_n 9_o 17._o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o rom._n 8._o 28._o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n ephes_n 6._o 24._o now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n act._n 2._o 21._o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n heb._n 11._o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n isa_n 59_o 15._o and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_n make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n the_o prophet_n complain_v of_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n by_o 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o very_o great_a influence_n which_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o man_n desire_v his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v and_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hidin_fw-mi every_z man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_v shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_o still_o retain_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o pain_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o fear_n rely_v upon_o a_o natural_a love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v complicate_v with_o a_o necessary_a desire_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o religion_n usual_o make_v its_o first_o entrance_n into_o we_o by_o this_o passion_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n more_o than_o once_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o phrase_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o fitness_n of_o it_o to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o negative_a and_o positive_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o that_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o active_a principle_n and_o busy_a and_o will_v be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v be_v do_v something_o if_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o evil_a he_o will_v do_v good_a now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strait_a connexion_n between_o these_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v express_v by_o either_o of_o they_o but_o most_o fit_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n because_o that_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o sin_n virtus_fw-la est_fw-la vitium_fw-la fugere_fw-la &_o sapientia_fw-la prima_fw-la stultitiâ_fw-la caruisse_fw-la virtue_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o vice_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o fool._n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n which_o mention_n these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v constant_o put_v depart_v from_o evil_a first_o psal_n 34._o 14._o and_o psal_n 37._o 27._o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a isa_n 1._o 16_o 17._o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o isa_n 55._o 7._o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n ephes_n 4._o 23_o 24._o we_o be_v first_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o then_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 3._o 11._o let_v he_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v do_v good_a to_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v this_o further_a consideration_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n consist_v most_o of_o prohibition_n thou_o shall_v not_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n our_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v most_o fit_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o evil_n which_o yet_o include_v obedience_n likewise_o to_o the_o positive_a precept_n imply_v in_o those_o prohibition_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v the_o proposition_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v this_o viz._n doctr._n that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n or_o thus_o he_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v the_o most_o wise_a and_o know_a person_n i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v attempt_v these_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n 3._o by_o vindicate_a religion_n from_o those_o common_a imputation_n which_o seem_v to_o charge_v it_o with_o ignorance_n or_o imprudence_n i._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o because_o religion_n comprehend_v two_o
thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v speculative_a may_n more_o proper_o be_v call_v knowledge_n and_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v practical_a may_v be_v call_v wisdom_n or_o prudence_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v distinct_o to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n 1._o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n commend_v its_o self_n to_o we_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a 2._o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v first_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a to_o be_v know_v and_o those_o be_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n god_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v delightful_a to_o know_v the_o creature_n because_o they_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n there_o be_v particular_a excellency_n scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o the_o creature_n which_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o contemplate_v but_o in_o god_n all_o perfection_n in_o their_o high_a degree_n and_o exaltation_n meet_v together_o and_o be_v unite_v how_o much_o more_o delightful_a than_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o such_o a_o object_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o beauty_n and_o brightness_n what_o be_v amiable_a and_o what_o be_v excellent_a what_o will_v ravish_v our_o affection_n and_o raise_v our_o wonder_n please_v we_o and_o astonish_v we_o at_o once_o and_o that_o the_o finite_a measure_n and_o capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o able_a to_o take_v in_o and_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o detract_v from_o the_o delightfulness_n of_o the_o knowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n for_o a_o finite_a understanding_n to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o its_o object_n and_o to_o view_v unlimited_a excellency_n which_o have_v no_o shore_n nor_o bound_n then_o to_o look_v upon_o those_o perfection_n of_o which_o we_o can_v see_v the_o end_n and_o utmost_a as_o it_o be_v more_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o have_v a_o endless_a prospect_n then_o to_o be_v terminate_v for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o proper_o cause_v admiration_n when_o we_o discover_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o a_o object_n which_o we_o understand_v to_o be_v excellent_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o more_o beyond_o that_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v full_o reach_v and_o comprehend_v and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v excellent_a and_o desirable_a so_o likewise_o to_o know_v he_o in_o those_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o above_o all_o though_o it_o be_v little_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o obscure_a degree_n of_o its_o discovery_n in_o those_o time_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o stupendous_a manifestation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o recovery_n which_o be_v such_o a_o mystery_n and_o so_o excellent_a a_o piece_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_a so_o likewise_o of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n a_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a for_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o goodness_n and_o pity_v and_o patience_n and_o clemency_n in_o pardon_v injury_n and_o pass_v by_o provocation_n in_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o and_o be_v please_v withal_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o perfection_n and_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v deserve_o account_v a_o piece_n of_o excellent_a knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n we_o live_v in_o and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n we_o live_v under_o how_o much_o more_o to_o know_v the_o statute_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o law_n of_o eternity_n those_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n and_o universal_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o this_o make_v david_n to_o admire_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o that_o strange_a rate_n he_o do_v in_o the_o 119_o psalm_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o above_o all_o other_o knowledge_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a second_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o its_o end_n and_o use_v and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o serve_v the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o the_o more_o necessary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o a_o end_n the_o better_a it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a end_n which_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n curious_a speculation_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o we_o and_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o nor_o serve_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n be_v but_o a_o more_o specious_a and_o ingenious_a sort_n of_o idleness_n a_o more_o pardonable_a and_o creditable_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n that_o man_n that_o do_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o use_n and_o necessity_n for_o he_o to_o know_v be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a man_n whatever_o he_o may_v know_v beside_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n be_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v happy_a joh._n 17._o 3._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o it_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n to_o know_v our_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v it_o except_o we_o know_v it_o so_o that_o whatever_o other_o knowledge_n a_o man_n may_v be_v endue_v withal_o he_o be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a person_n who_o do_v not_o know_v god_n the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v the_o preserver_n and_o protector_n of_o his_o life_n his_o sovereign_n and_o his_o judge_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n his_o sure_a refuge_n in_o trouble_n his_o best_a friend_n or_o worst_a enemy_n the_o present_a support_n of_o his_o life_n his_o hope_n in_o death_n his_o future_a happiness_n and_o his_o portion_n for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v his_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o duty_n that_o he_o owe_v he_o and_o the_o way_n to_o please_v he_o who_o can_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o his_o peace_n and_o the_o way_n how_o to_o get_v his_o sin_n pardon_v and_o himself_o reconcile_v to_o a_o offend_a god_n who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n by_o a_o vast_a and_o imperious_a mind_n and_o a_o heart_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o solomon_n can_v command_v all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o art_n of_o word_n
to_o great_a exception_n for_o whence_o come_v this_o tradition_n it_o must_v begin_v some_o time_n it_o must_v have_v its_o original_n from_o some_o body_n and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worth_a our_o know_n who_o that_o man_n be_v that_o first_o raise_v this_o spirit_n which_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n can_v never_o conjure_v down_o since_o where_o do_v he_o live_v and_o when_o in_o what_o country_n and_o in_o what_o age_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v his_o name_n or_o his_o son_n name_n that_o we_o may_v know_v he_o this_o the_o atheist_n can_v give_v no_o punctual_a account_n of_o only_o he_o imagine_v it_o not_o improbable_a that_o some_o body_n long_o ago_o no_o body_n know_v when_o beyond_o the_o memory_n of_o all_o age_n do_v start_v such_o a_o notion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o have_v pass_v for_o currant_n ever_o since_o but_o whatever_o he_o imagine_v that_o be_v very_o improbable_a which_o rely_v upon_o no_o strong_a argument_n than_o his_o own_o conceit_n but_o beside_o if_o this_o tradition_n be_v grant_v so_o very_o ancient_a as_o to_o have_v be_v before_o all_o book_n and_o to_o be_v elder_a than_o any_o history_n it_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o body_n can_v tell_v have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o than_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o notion_n which_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o bear_v with_o he_o than_o a_o tradition_n transmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n through_o all_o generation_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o consent_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o certain_a tradition_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v among_o they_o but_o two_o or_o three_o age_n before_o three_o but_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v satisfactory_a he_o have_v one_o way_n more_o which_o although_o it_o signify_v little_a to_o man_n of_o sober_a and_o severe_a reason_n yet_o it_o very_o unhappy_o hit_v the_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a humour_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o every_o body_n but_o especial_o their_o superior_n and_o governor_n have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o end_n in_o short_a it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o noise_n about_o a_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a state_n engine_n and_o a_o politic_a device_n invent_v at_o first_o by_o some_o great_a prince_n or_o minister_n of_o state_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n and_o if_o so_o from_o hence_o say_v the_o atheist_n we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o from_o such_o a_o original_a it_o may_v be_v general_o propagate_v and_o become_v universal_o currant_n have_v the_o stamp_n of_o public_a authority_n upon_o it_o beside_o that_o people_n have_v always_o be_v find_v easy_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o from_o hence_o likewise_o we_o may_v see_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o notion_n have_v continue_v so_o long_o for_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n to_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o instrument_n of_o government_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o will_v always_o be_v cherish_v and_o keep_v up_o and_o now_o he_o triumph_v and_o think_v the_o business_n be_v very_o clear_a thus_o it_o be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o most_o probable_o towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n when_o all_o mankind_n be_v under_o one_o universal_a monarch_n some_o great_a nabuchadnezzar_n set_v up_o this_o image_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o command_v all_o people_n and_o nation_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v it_o and_o this_o be_v find_v a_o successful_a device_n to_o awe_v people_n into_o obedience_n to_o government_n it_o have_v be_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n and_o be_v like_a to_o last_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o fine_a conjecture_n i_o have_v these_o four_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o that_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o supposition_n he_o can_v bring_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o proof_n or_o evidence_n for_o any_o one_o tittle_n of_o it_o 2._o this_o supposition_n grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o support_n of_o government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n so_o that_o the_o atheist_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n if_o there_o be_v but_o probable_a argument_n for_o it_o not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o slight_a reason_n against_o it_o and_o to_o prosecute_v all_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v man_n to_o atheism_n as_o the_o great_a disturber_n of_o the_o world_n and_o pest_n of_o humane_a society_n 3._o this_o supposition_n can_v have_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n in_o it_o unless_o this_o be_v true_a that_o whoever_o make_v a_o politic_a advantage_n of_o other_o man_n principle_n be_v presume_v to_o contrive_v those_o principle_n into_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o common_a because_o more_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n of_o those_o principle_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o put_v into_o man_n but_o find_v there_o so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n of_o a_o god_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o probability_n of_o this_o conjecture_n which_o the_o atheist_n applaud_v himself_o most_o in_o it_o will_v be_v conclude_v in_o the_o affirmative_a it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o because_o politician_n reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o more_o ready_a submission_n to_o government_n from_o man_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o they_o find_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n prepossess_v to_o their_o hand_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n then_o that_o they_o plant_v it_o there_o and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o reap_v where_o they_o do_v not_o sow_v and_o to_o gather_v where_o they_o do_v not_o strew_v 4._o we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o supposition_n as_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arcanum_n imperii_fw-la a_o secret_a of_o government_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n among_o the_o people_n when_o the_o governor_n themselves_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n of_o which_o we_o have_v any_o record_n and_o of_o other_o age_n we_o can_v possible_o judge_v that_o prince_n have_v not_o be_v more_o secure_a from_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o another_o world_n nay_o many_o of_o they_o more_o subject_a to_o these_o than_o other_o man_n as_o i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n and_o those_o no_o mean_a one_o what_o make_v caligula_n creep_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v what_o make_v tiberius_n that_o great_a master_n of_o the_o craft_n of_o government_n complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o grievous_a sting_n and_o lash_v he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o move_v that_o great_a emperor_n charles_n the_o five_o to_o quit_v his_o kingdom_n and_o retire_v into_o a_o monastery_n to_o prepare_v for_o another_o world_n what_o make_v cardinal_n wolsey_n one_o of_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n have_v i_o be_v as_o diligent_a to_o please_v my_o god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o please_v my_o king_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o my_o gray_a hair_n what_o reason_n for_o such_o action_n and_o speech_n if_o these_o great_a man_n have_v know_v that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o cheat_n now_o if_o such_o great_a and_o politic_a person_n as_o the_o three_o last_o of_o these_o be_v know_v nothing_o of_o this_o secret_a i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o court_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o politician_n and_o a_o juggle_v of_o state_n to_o cozen_v the_o people_n into_o obedience_n and_o now_o from_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a cause_n then_o fear_v or_o tradition_n or_o state_n policy_n viz._n to_o this_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v stamp_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o so_o weave_v it_o
therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o about_o they_o and_o to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n concern_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o these_o be_v not_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_o and_o superficial_o think_v upon_o much_o less_o as_o the_o way_n of_o atheistical_a man_n be_v to_o be_v play_v and_o jest_v withal_o there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o light_n and_o inconsiderate_a person_n then_o profane_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n for_o he_o jest_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o play_v with_o life_n and_o death_n and_o make_v nothing_o of_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v the_o very_a madman_n that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o prov._n 26._o 18._o who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n and_o say_v be_o i_o not_o in_o sport_n to_o examine_v severe_o and_o debate_v serious_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v turn_v religion_n into_o raillery_n and_o confute_v it_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bold_a jest_n this_o man_n do_v not_o render_v religion_n but_o himself_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o considerate_a man_n because_o he_o sport_n with_o his_o own_o life_n if_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o they_o concern_v we_o so_o near_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o evident_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o vain_a and_o frothy_a man_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a personage_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v abuse_v by_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n coat_n and_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a poem_n may_v be_v debase_v and_o make_v vile_a by_o be_v turn_v into_o burlesque_fw-la so_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o trifle_v away_o his_o soul_n and_o fool_n himself_o into_o irrecoverable_a misery_n with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o patient_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o many_o have_v miscarry_v about_o these_o thing_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o evidence_n enough_o for_o they_o but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v patience_n enough_o to_o consider_v they_o second_o consider_v these_o thing_n impartial_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o a_o party_n against_o religion_n some_o lust_n or_o interest_n engage_v they_o against_o it_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o slight_v the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o and_o to_o cry_v up_o very_o weak_a one_o against_o it_o man_n do_v general_o and_o without_o difficulty_n assent_v to_o mathematical_a truth_n because_o it_o be_v no_o body_n interest_n to_o deny_v they_o but_o man_n be_v slow_a to_o believe_v moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n because_o the_o lust_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n do_v prejudice_v they_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o more_o virtuous_o any_o man_n live_v and_o the_o less_o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o any_o lust_n the_o more_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n therefore_o when_o you_o be_v examine_v these_o matter_n do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o sensual_a or_o worldly_a interest_n but_o deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o with_o yourselves_o let_v not_o temporal_a and_o little_a advantage_n sway_v you_o against_o a_o great_a and_o more_o durable_a interest_n think_v thus_o with_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o make_n of_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a but_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v already_o fix_v and_o settle_v and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v already_o either_o determinate_o true_a or_o false_a before_o you_o think_v of_o they_o either_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o there_o be_v not_o either_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a or_o they_o be_v not_o one_o of_o these_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a and_o they_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v alter_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o comply_v with_o your_o conceit_n and_o bend_v itself_o to_o your_o interest_n therefore_o do_v not_o think_v what_o you_o will_v have_v to_o be_v but_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v will_v be_v whether_o you_o will_v or_o no._n do_v not_o reason_n thus_o i_o will_v fain_o be_v wicked_a and_o therefore_o be_v be_v my_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o will_v show_v all_o the_o favour_n i_o can_v to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o will_v bend_v my_o understanding_n and_o wit_n to_o strengthen_v the_o negative_a and_o will_v study_v to_o make_v it_o as_o true_a as_o i_o can_v this_o be_v fond_a because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o cheat_v thyself_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v do_v if_o thou_o like_v it_o we_o may_v cozen_v ourselves_o as_o often_o as_o we_o please_v but_o res_fw-la nolunt_fw-la decipi_fw-la the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o if_o then_o thou_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v thou_o will_v reason_v thus_o with_o thyself_o my_o high_a interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n therefore_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o consideration_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o yield_v to_o that_o 2._o second_o the_o practical_a atheist_n who_o be_v wicked_a and_o irreligious_a notwithstanding_o he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n he_o be_v likewise_o guilty_a of_o prodigious_a folly_n the_o principle_n of_o the_o speculative_a atheist_n argue_v more_o ignorance_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o other_o argue_v great_a folly_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n for_o which_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n but_o it_o be_v the_o high_a madness_n when_o a_o man_n do_v believe_v these_o thing_n to_o live_v as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o according_a as_o he_o demean_v himself_o towards_o he_o he_o will_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o yet_o to_o live_v so_o as_o if_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o contrary_a and_o as_o no_o man_n in_o reason_n can_v live_v but_o he_o that_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a say_n of_o the_o old_a monk_n that_o two_o kind_a of_o prison_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o offender_n in_o the_o world_n a_o inquisition_n and_o a_o bedlam_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o inquisition_n as_o be_v a_o desperate_a heretic_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v profess_v to_o believe_v these_o and_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o know_a wickedness_n such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o bedlam_n because_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n then_o for_o a_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o act_v against_o his_o best_a reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o by_o his_o life_n to_o contradict_v his_o belief_n such_o a_o man_n do_v vivus_fw-la vidensque_fw-la perire_fw-la perish_v with_o his_o eye_n open_a and_o know_o undo_v himself_o he_o run_v upon_o the_o great_a danger_n which_o he_o clear_o see_v to_o be_v before_o he_o and_o precipitate_v himself_o into_o those_o evil_n which_o he_o profess_v to_o believe_v be_v real_a and_o intolerable_a and_o wilful_o neglect_v the_o obtain_n of_o that_o unspeakable_a good_a and_o happiness_n which_o he_o be_v persuade_v be_v certain_a and_o attainable_a but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n iii_o the_o three_o way_n of_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v by_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v religion_n from_o those_o common_a imputation_n which_o seem_v to_o charge_v it_o with_o ignorance_n or_o imprudence_n the_o profane_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n cast_v upon_o religion_n these_o three_o imputation_n 1._o of_o credulity_n 2._o of_o singularity_n 3._o of_o make_v a_o foolish_a bargain_n first_o credulity_n say_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o consequent_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o good_a
assurance_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n thing_n which_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o do_v experience_n nor_o ever_o speak_v with_o any_o body_n that_o do_v now_o it_o seem_v to_o argue_v too_o great_a a_o facility_n and_o easiness_n of_o belief_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o insufficient_a ground_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o a_o god_n and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n it_o can_v as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o reason_n be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n believe_v such_o a_o be_v as_o have_v all_o perfection_n among_o which_o this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o invisible_a and_o can_v be_v see_v he_o that_o believe_v another_o life_n after_o this_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o state_n of_o which_o in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v have_v no_o trial_n and_o experience_n 2._o we_o have_v the_o best_a evidence_n for_o these_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o at_o present_a suppose_v they_o be_v 3._o those_o who_o deny_v these_o principle_n must_v be_v much_o more_o credulous_a that_o be_v believe_v thing_n upon_o incomparable_o less_o evidence_n of_o reason_n the_o atheist_n look_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v religious_a as_o a_o company_n of_o credulous_a fool_n well_o meet_v but_o he_o for_o his_o part_n pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o company_n he_o can_v entertain_v thing_n upon_o those_o slight_a ground_n which_o move_v other_o man_n if_o you_o will_v win_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n you_o must_v give_v he_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n for_o it_o now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o this_o man_n of_o reason_n this_o rigid_a exactor_n of_o demonstration_n for_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o but_o by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n more_o credulous_a that_o he_o beg_v more_o principle_n take_v more_o thing_n for_o grant_v without_o offer_v to_o prove_v they_o and_o assent_v to_o more_o strange_a conclusion_n upon_o weak_a ground_n than_o those_o who_o he_o so_o much_o accuse_v of_o credulity_n and_o to_o evidence_n this_o i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o atheist_n creed_n and_o present_v you_o with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o his_o faith_n or_o rather_o unbelief_n he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o possible_o can_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o unwise_a of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v mistake_v except_o himself_o and_o a_o few_o more_o he_o believe_v that_o either_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v fright_v with_o a_o apparition_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o that_o they_o have_v most_o unnatural_o conspire_v together_o to_o cozen_v themselves_o or_o that_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v a_o trick_n of_o policy_n though_o the_o great_a prince_n and_o politician_n do_v not_o at_o this_o day_n know_v so_o much_o nor_o have_v do_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n he_o believe_v either_o that_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o have_v no_o original_a cause_n of_o their_o be_v or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n and_o happen_v he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o in_o this_o last_o shuffle_n of_o matter_n all_o thing_n have_v by_o great_a good_a fortune_n fall_v out_o as_o happy_o and_o as_o regular_o as_o if_o the_o great_a wisdom_n have_v contrive_v they_o but_o yet_o he_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o they_o he_o believe_v that_o that_o which_o be_v possible_a be_v impossible_a and_o that_o that_o be_v not_o which_o can_v but_o be_v he_o believe_v that_o mere_a matter_n can_v understand_v and_o will_v and_o most_o dextrous_o perform_v all_o those_o fine_a and_o free_a operation_n which_o the_o ignorant_a attribute_n to_o spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o immortal_a spirit_n or_o a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n or_o everlasting_a life_n this_o be_v his_o creed_n and_o serious_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v find_v any_o person_n pretend_v to_o reason_n or_o wit_n that_o can_v say_v amen_o to_o such_o a_o heap_n of_o absurdity_n which_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a that_o they_o may_v be_v feel_v so_o that_o i_o think_v it_o will_v fall_v to_o the_o atheist_n share_v to_o be_v the_o most_o credulous_a person_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v thing_n upon_o the_o slight_a reason_n ii_o the_o second_o imputation_n be_v singularity_n the_o affectation_n whereof_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o wise_a man_n to_o this_o charge_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o by_o religion_n be_v mean_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o there_o be_v reward_n to_o be_v expect_v after_o this_o life_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v singular_a opinion_n that_o they_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n even_o of_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n as_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o testify_v insomuch_o that_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n do_v not_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o name_n of_o above_o three_o or_o four_o at_o most_o who_o deny_v a_o god_n and_o lucretius_n acknowledge_v that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o who_o do_v oppose_v those_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n primùm_fw-la grajus_n homo_fw-la etc._n etc._n meaning_n epicurus_n 2._o if_o by_o religion_n be_v mean_v a_o live_n up_o to_o those_o principle_n that_o be_v to_o act_v conformable_o to_o our_o best_a reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o live_v as_o it_o do_v become_v those_o who_o do_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v even_o by_o those_o who_o live_v otherwise_o to_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o be_v the_o very_a madness_n of_o folly_n and_o height_n of_o distraction_n nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o man_n who_o live_v wicked_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o 3._o though_o according_a to_o the_o common_a course_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v somewhat_o singular_a for_o man_n true_o and_o thorough_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o singularity_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o any_o man_n prudence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a commendation_n of_o it_o in_o two_o case_n singularity_n be_v very_o commendable_a 1._o when_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n great_a interest_n and_o happiness_n i_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a account_n for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v why_o he_o do_v not_o live_v as_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v that_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o die_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o perish_v with_o they_o he_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o company_n he_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o have_v his_o last_o end_n like_o they_o who_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o commendable_a to_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o excellency_n and_o i_o have_v show_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a excellency_n to_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v not_o a_o disparagement_n but_o a_o praise_n every_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v thus_o singular_a iii_o the_o three_o imputation_n be_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o foolish_a bargain_n because_o they_o who_o be_v religious_a hazard_n the_o part_n with_o a_o present_a and_o certain_a happiness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v future_a and_o uncertain_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n blessed_n be_v he_o who_o have_v believe_v and_o not_o see_v and_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v