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capable_a of_o great_a performance_n and_o to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v what_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o seem_v to_o show_v such_o a_o superiority_n of_o sense_n or_o courage_n as_o easy_o tempt_v man_n to_o affect_v this_o character_n without_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o support_v it_o thus_o be_v man_n confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o atheism_n by_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a or_o wise_a than_o other_o and_o be_v think_v master_n of_o fine_a and_o more_o extraordinary_a talent_n either_o of_o wit_n or_o reflection_n as_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o another_o instance_n in_o which_o man_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v very_o much_o influence_v by_o these_o motive_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v a_o groundless_a unreasonable_a diffidence_n and_o jealousy_n of_o be_v put_v or_o impose_v upon_o call_v every_o thing_n trick_n or_o imposture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o any_o body_n 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they_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o kind_n of_o learning_n the_o less_o they_o have_v employ_v and_o exercise_v their_o rational_a faculty_n and_o still_o the_o less_o common_a natural_a sense_n they_o have_v be_v bear_v with_o the_o strong_a more_o confident_a and_o more_o unscrupulous_a atheist_n have_v they_o be_v 2._o second_o as_o we_o be_v satisfy_v from_o the_o character_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o atheist_n that_o they_o be_v whole_o determine_v to_o their_o opinion_n by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a unequal_a motive_n of_o judge_v so_o be_v we_o further_o confirm_v in_o this_o persuasion_n by_o the_o manner_n and_o process_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o they_o common_o believe_v first_o before_o they_o enter_v upon_o any_o examination_n or_o proof_n of_o their_o principle_n what_o they_o understand_v of_o the_o matter_n all_o the_o argument_n or_o objection_n they_o be_v furnish_v with_o be_v find_v out_o afterward_o not_o to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v 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examine_v fair_o into_o the_o first_o rise_n and_o original_a of_o his_o faith_n he_o will_v find_v it_o be_v a_o hasty_a effort_n occasion_v by_o high_a blood_n and_o a_o raise_a imagination_n or_o some_o bold_a strain_n of_o wit_n that_o strike_v he_o when_o he_o be_v right_o dispose_v to_o be_v please_v with_o it_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v examine_v into_o these_o thing_n more_o particular_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o all_o irreligious_a opinion_n be_v first_o take_v up_o in_o company_n and_o that_o no_o man_n receive_v the_o first_o impression_n of_o atheism_n alone_o from_o his_o own_o calm_a and_o sedate_v reflection_n and_o thus_o as_o irreligion_n spring_v from_o prejudice_n so_o be_v it_o nourish_v and_o feed_v the_o same_o way_n by_o a_o constant_a application_n to_o such_o book_n and_o company_n as_o give_v it_o any_o countenance_n or_o colour_n of_o defence_n with_o a_o industrious_a avoid_n and_o ridicul_v the_o contrary_a pick_v out_o such_o
reign_a corruption_n of_o this_o age_n it_o be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o bear_v with_o equal_a force_n against_o all_o the_o principle_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o support_v irreligion_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o downright_a atheism_n be_v so_o manifest_a and_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o so_o visible_a in_o themselves_o and_o beside_o have_v be_v so_o just_o and_o large_o expose_v already_o in_o many_o late_a discourse_n that_o no_o body_n will_v dare_v to_o own_o the_o title_n or_o character_n of_o atheist_n whatever_o his_o private_a sentiment_n may_v be_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v such_o a_o proof_n of_o religion_n as_o will_v overthrow_v all_o the_o loose_a principle_n and_o objection_n now_o common_o make_v use_n of_o to_o evacuate_v the_o practical_a force_n and_o power_n of_o it_o all_o which_o may_v proper_o be_v rank_v under_o the_o style_n of_o 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carry_v our_o observation_n to_o the_o far_a end_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o different_a point_n of_o distance_n from_o we_o which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n for_o except_o we_o be_v able_a to_o take_v a_o full_a and_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o all_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o bear_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v ill_o contrive_v in_o it_o except_o we_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n we_o can_v condenm_fw-la the_o present_a course_n of_o humane_a affair_n as_o unequal_a or_o fortuitous_a and_o except_o we_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o another_o world_n the_o just_a proportion_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o exact_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o we_o hereafter_o we_o 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most_o perfect_a model_n of_o it_o there_o lay_v down_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n etc._n etc._n heb._n xi_o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o religion_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o possession_n so_o powerful_a have_v be_v its_o influence_n and_o so_o universal_a its_o authority_n so_o near_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o all_o it_o promive_v or_o threaten_v and_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n attend_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o its_o pretension_n that_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o the_o man_n of_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o thing_n dare_v dispute_v a_o title_n so_o well_o own_v and_o attest_v the_o denial_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o which_o if_o it_o have_v at_o first_o be_v false_a they_o have_v no_o possible_a mean_n leave_v of_o 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if_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v to_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n who_o have_v hitherto_o find_v nothing_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o and_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o conviction_n which_o nothing_o but_o unpromise_v irresistible_a grace_n can_v effect_v as_o the_o secure_n and_o confirm_v other_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o since_o the_o increase_n and_o propagate_a a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n be_v my_o principal_a design_n and_o not_o a_o learned_a triumph_n over_o a_o adversary_n i_o have_v suit_v my_o method_n according_o and_o consequent_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o one_o which_o in_o the_o general_a management_n be_v different_a though_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o it_o must_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o that_o of_o other_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n be_v what_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v religion_n all_o together_o in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o notion_n and_o shall_v not_o insist_v whole_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n as_o a_o first_o cause_n mover_n or_o eternal_a be_v but_o so_o far_o only_o as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o these_o obligation_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o relation_n the_o one_o stand_v in_o to_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v chief_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v take_v from_o what_o we_o know_v of_o ourselves_o be_v best_a perceive_v by_o we_o and_o entertain_v with_o the_o least_o resistance_n or_o suspicion_n all_o nice_a and_o philosophical_a reason_n i_o shall_v forbear_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v but_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o particular_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v satisfy_v require_v a_o more_o speculative_a and_o metaphysical_a proof_n of_o thing_n i_o shall_v choose_v out_o such_o argument_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o will_v give_v the_o understanding_n the_o least_o difficulty_n to_o comprehend_v and_o shall_v avoid_v all_o such_o which_o though_o convince_a to_o some_o that_o be_v already_o well_o use_v to_o speculation_n may_v chance_v to_o be_v suspect_v by_o other_o of_o too_o much_o fineness_n and_o so_o will_v probable_o though_o very_o unjust_o create_v in_o they_o a_o disgust_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v a_o due_a care_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o such_o notion_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v 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that_o can_v be_v know_v may_v as_o easy_o be_v suppose_v to_o effect_v whatever_o he_o design_n by_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a mean_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o what_o other_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v we_o frame_v for_o a_o intelligent_a be_v of_o infinite_a happiness_n to_o act_v upon_o but_o his_o own_o free_a pleasure_n and_o who_o can_v hinder_v the_o almighty_a from_o do_v what_o he_o will_v but_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o such_o being_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n to_o grant_v they_o the_o enjoyment_n shall_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o his_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n we_o be_v not_o i_o believe_v dispose_v to_o doubt_n and_o this_o complete_v the_o account_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o the_o
here_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n whether_o god_n have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o our_o obedience_n upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n but_o that_o of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v voluntary_o upon_o any_o other_o reason_n or_o motive_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o whether_o happiness_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o ultimate_a ground_n of_o all_o obligation_n or_o only_o a_o subordinate_a but_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a consideration_n if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v upon_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o satisfy_v i_o shall_v no_o far_o dispute_v because_o i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o whatever_o other_o ground_n or_o motive_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n may_v be_v imagine_v by_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o act_v upon_o more_o noble_a and_o disinterest_v principle_n than_o that_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n it_o be_v 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he_o do_v live_v after_o that_o manner_n he_o shall_v approve_v himself_o for_o so_o do_v and_o if_o he_o live_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o find_v himself_o necessary_o determine_v to_o approve_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o live_v and_o to_o condemn_v the_o contrary_a must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v according_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v draw_v this_o inference_n that_o therefore_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o must_v be_v more_o for_o his_o happiness_n to_o act_v this_o way_n than_o any_o other_o because_o be_v it_o not_o his_o free_a unbiased_a judgement_n can_v not_o upon_o a_o fair_a balance_n of_o all_o the_o several_a reason_n and_o motive_n of_o action_n approve_v he_o when_o he_o do_v so_o act_n and_o condemn_v he_o when_o he_o do_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o different_a motive_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o can_v determine_v the_o mind_n to_o these_o different_a act_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o oblige_v to_o act_v as_o he_o judge_v he_o ought_v to_o act_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v give_v we_o such_o a_o nature_n by_o which_o we_o be_v neceflary_o determine_v to_o judge_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o that_o end_n and_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v exercise_v and_o employ_v those_o other_o faculty_n and_o power_n he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o suitable_o hereunto_o and_o that_o consequent_o what_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v we_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o propose_v those_o prevail_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n they_o have_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o what_o god_n have_v make_v to_o appear_v reasonable_a or_o unreasonable_a to_o we_o to_o do_v will_n according_o conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n or_o misgry_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n oblige_v we_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v and_o far_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v under_o this_o head_n that_o god_n purposely_o create_v we_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o a_o design_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o such_o and_o such_o performance_n not_o only_o from_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o make_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o from_o many_o other_o token_n and_o indication_n of_o such_o a_o end_n or_o design_n plain_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o by_o god_n be_v what_o we_o call_v our_o religion_n three_o i_o shall_v positive_o and_o direct_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o that_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n or_o obligation_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v will_v certain_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o consider_v only_o in_o his_o present_a condition_n as_o include_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o life_n four_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o do_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o to_o prefer_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v before_o another_o upon_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o great_a and_o more_o powerful_a can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o from_o all_o which_o consideration_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v plain_o and_o full_o evince_v 1._o first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v which_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o prefer_v to_o any_o other_o so_o that_o upon_o a_o clear_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o pure_a natural_a reason_n we_o can_v but_o like_v approve_v or_o be_v please_v with_o this_o way_n of_o act_v and_o dislike_n condemn_v or_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o contrary_a and_o far_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v or_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o thus_o like_a or_o approve_v we_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v and_o what_o we_o dislike_v or_o condemn_v we_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o do_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v real_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_a to_o such_o judgement_n because_o it_o must_v be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n so_o to_o act_v that_o there_o be_v some_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n or_o some_o such_o certain_a distinction_n found_v in_o or_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v alter_v or_o destroy_v by_o any_o arbitrary_a agreement_n or_o institution_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o these_o be_v perceivable_a by_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o same_o way_n that_o any_o other_o part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v be_v truth_n which_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v constant_o own_v however_o they_o may_v have_v differ_v in_o assign_v which_o they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o they_o now_o to_o put_v these_o matter_n beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o contest_v concern_v they_o i_o only_o desire_v this_o may_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o clear_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n that_o a_o man_n can_v deny_v or_o withhold_v his_o assent_n to_o they_o and_o that_o wherever_o this_o happen_v there_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n ought_v or_o
be_v convince_v that_o we_o can_v help_v have_v those_o sentiment_n we_o feel_v upon_o such_o occasion_n that_o we_o do_v not_o reason_v ourselves_o into_o they_o and_z if_o by_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o our_o temper_n or_o any_o other_o way_n we_o shall_v want_v these_o sentiment_n of_o gratitude_n reverence_n or_o the_o like_a we_o shall_v find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o reason_v ourselves_o into_o the_o same_o outward_a behaviour_n as_o will_v have_v follow_v if_o we_o have_v be_v so_o affect_v and_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o convince_v that_o our_o happiness_n be_v real_o concern_v in_o such_o a_o behaviour_n all_o our_o action_n will_v come_v slow_a be_v perform_v with_o more_o constraint_n and_o less_o conformity_n to_o one_o another_o than_o if_o they_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o lively_a natural_a sense_n till_o habit_n which_o be_v another_o additional_a help_n to_o reason_n have_v give_v we_o great_a ease_n and_o dispatch_v and_o thus_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o original_o make_v and_o dispose_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o our_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o these_o natural_a and_o original_a inclination_n and_o propension_n to_o some_o action_n and_o restraint_n from_o and_o aversion_n to_o other_o which_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o without_o be_v conscious_a of_o any_o previous_a deliberation_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n or_o unreasonableness_n of_o what_o we_o do_v or_o after_o judgement_n of_o this_o nature_n make_v we_o look_v upon_o as_o certain_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n carry_v we_o on_o to_o act_v according_a to_o such_o judgement_n with_o more_o ease_n quickness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n than_o we_o shall_v have_v do_v upon_o the_o bare_a conviction_n of_o our_o reason_n without_o they_o all_o these_o disposition_n i_o say_v and_o sentiment_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n and_o assist_v we_o conformable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o reason_n in_o discharge_v what_o we_o call_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v design_n we_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o duty_n and_o consequent_o that_o a_o obedient_a compliance_n with_o this_o design_n will_v contribute_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o our_o disobedience_n can_v which_o be_v a_o far_a proof_n that_o we_o be_v actual_o under_o obligation_n to_o god_n or_o that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n which_o obligation_n together_o with_o god_n right_a of_o oblige_v we_o be_v constant_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o by_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o several_a relation_n in_o it_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o chief_a mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o in_o society_n these_o take_v up_o a_o large_a share_n in_o their_o thought_n and_o discourse_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o action_n be_v influence_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o notion_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o they_o all_o which_o do_v lead_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v under_o high_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n than_o we_o can_v be_v to_o any_o humane_a governor_n whatsoever_o for_o whether_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o as_o servant_n child_n or_o subject_n or_o any_o other_o way_n inferior_a to_o other_o whatever_o reason_n we_o allege_v for_o our_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o master_n parent_n or_o prince_n or_o for_o their_o right_n of_o command_v we_o they_o will_v conclude_v more_o strong_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o with_o relation_n to_o god_n now_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o man_n and_o of_o their_o right_n of_o oblige_v we_o be_v power_n goodness_n and_o property_n when_o a_o person_n have_v a_o power_n of_o contribute_v to_o my_o happiness_n or_o misery_n and_o i_o do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o belong_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v call_v he_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o or_o act_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o if_o beside_o his_o have_v this_o power_n and_o property_n i_o consider_v he_o as_o more_o inclinable_a to_o do_v i_o good_a than_o ill_a i_o conceive_v myself_o under_o high_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o god_n have_v all_o these_o title_n to_o our_o obedience_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n possible_a for_o by_o give_v we_o our_o entire_a be_v and_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o great_a power_n of_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o any_o man_n can_v have_v but_o also_o a_o great_a property_n in_o we_o by_o this_o act_n of_o creation_n or_o production_n than_o can_v accrue_v to_o any_o man_n by_o conquest_n purchase_n covenant_n generation_n or_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o man_n come_v to_o have_v a_o property_n in_o one_o another_o and_o that_o he_o have_v more_o goodness_n towards_o we_o or_o be_v more_o inclinable_a to_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n than_o misery_n be_v manifest_a from_o his_o own_o nature_n enjoy_v happiness_n and_o that_o other_o character_n of_o it_o his_o wisdom_n in_o design_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a end_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o also_o from_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o he_o the_o inference_n i_o draw_v he_o from_o hence_o be_v that_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o tell_v we_o what_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v and_o natural_a inclination_n and_o aversion_n prevent_v or_o second_v our_o reason_n but_o always_o conformable_o to_o it_o which_o dispose_v we_o to_o action_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n with_o a_o design_n of_o engage_v we_o to_o act_v according_o so_o be_v we_o put_v into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n with_o regard_n to_o one_o another_o that_o the_o necessary_a relation_n result_v from_o society_n may_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a peculiar_a action_n consequent_a upon_o it_o so_o that_o by_o a_o constant_a traditional_a education_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o subjection_n of_o different_a sort_n to_o one_o another_o we_o shall_v be_v lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o a_o superior_a be_v more_o easy_o than_o if_o every_o man_n have_v be_v leave_v to_o himself_o to_o find_v they_o out_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o faculty_n only_o without_o these_o particular_a occasion_n of_o set_v his_o reason_n and_o inclination_n on_o work_n all_o which_o consideration_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o society_n be_v at_o least_o very_a probable_a argument_n that_o we_o be_v actual_o oblige_v by_o god_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o live_v as_o we_o call_v religion_n and_o consequent_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o careful_a practice_n of_o religion_n all_o thing_n consider_v will_v contribute_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o a_o neglect_n or_o transgression_n of_o it_o because_o the_o same_o god_n who_o design_n we_o for_o happiness_n design_n we_o also_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n though_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o perceive_v a_o immediate_a connexion_n betwixt_o religion_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v 3._o in_o the_o three_o place_n than_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o that_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n or_o obligation_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v will_v certain_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o consider_v only_o in_o his_o present_a condition_n as_o include_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v plain_o percieve_v upon_o a_o short_a transient_a view_n and_o comparison_n of_o the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n that_o man_n be_v make_v and_o design_v by_o god_n for_o happiness_n and_o we_o be_v more_o near_o and_o necessary_o convince_v by_o the_o irresistible_a desire_n of_o happiness_n and_o aversion_n to_o misery_n we_o experience_v in_o ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o constant_a unalterable_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o pure_a most_o unallay_v happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o must_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o all_o our_o action_n since_o therefore_o god_n have_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o and_o design_v we_o for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o we_o find_v ourselves_o necessary_o determine_v to_o
aim_v at_o this_o end_n since_o the_o only_a way_n of_o attain_v this_o end_n be_v by_o our_o action_n and_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o experience_n that_o all_o our_o action_n do_v not_o lead_v to_o this_o end_n but_o misery_n as_o well_o as_o happiness_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o our_o action_n it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o must_v be_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v which_o if_o steady_o pursue_v will_v certain_o procure_v we_o great_a happiness_n than_o we_o can_v possible_o attain_v by_o any_o other_o and_o far_o if_o we_o be_v design_v for_o happiness_n and_o this_o happiness_n be_v attainable_a only_o by_o one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o design_v we_o for_o such_o a_o end_n must_v design_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v act_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n as_o will_v conduct_v we_o thither_o in_o conformity_n to_o which_o design_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o and_o necessary_a determination_n towards_o our_o end_n he_o must_v have_v give_v we_o also_o sufficient_a token_n and_o indication_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o and_o upon_o examination_n we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v so_o by_o frame_v our_o mind_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o approve_v some_o action_n and_o to_o condemn_v other_o and_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o do_v what_o we_o approve_v and_o to_o avoid_v what_o we_o condemn_v by_o give_v we_o such_o natural_a propension_n and_o aversion_n agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o by_o a_o sudden_a and_o unperceivable_a influence_n dispose_v we_o to_o and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o action_n which_o reason_n prescribe_v and_o by_o put_v we_o into_o such_o a_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o life_n with_o respect_n to_o one_o another_o where_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o government_n and_o subjection_n and_o the_o notion_n and_o action_n result_v from_o thence_o unavoidable_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n superiority_n power_n and_o right_o of_o oblige_v and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o all_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o duty_n in_o which_o we_o conceive_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o any_o govern_v relation_n among_o man_n but_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_a manner_n as_o become_v the_o mighty_a inequality_n between_o god_n and_o man._n from_o whence_o we_o be_v far_o lead_v to_o conclude_v that_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o obligation_n we_o apprehend_v ourselves_o under_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o god_n the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o power_n and_o right_o be_v over_o all_o thing_n original_a and_o independent_a and_o all_o other_o power_n and_o right_n be_v derive_v from_o and_o dependent_a upon_o he_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o obligation_n make_v all_o our_o action_n that_o be_v due_o influence_v by_o it_o term_v religious_a though_o god_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v sufficient_a mark_n and_o evidence_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v require_v we_o to_o act_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v actual_o oblige_v to_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o those_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o come_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v from_o more_o certain_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o fair_a appearance_n religion_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o frame_n and_o constitution_n that_o no_o high_a assurance_n can_v be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o we_o have_v have_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o a_o concurrence_n of_o our_o reason_n natural_a inclination_n and_o external_a condition_n and_o that_o we_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o assent_v to_o such_o testimony_n so_o upon_o far_a experience_n and_o obserxation_n take_v from_o ourselves_o and_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n with_o relation_n to_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o suit_v and_o suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o propertion_v to_o the_o original_a disposition_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o by_o a_o proper_a tendency_n and_o esicacy_n to_o promote_v his_o happiness_n this_o appear_v first_o by_o what_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o what_o just_a and_o impartial_a reason_n approve_v we_o find_v a_o pleasure_n in_o approve_v inclination_n superad_v to_o judgement_n heighten_v the_o please_a sentiment_n act_v what_o nature_n incline_v to_o and_o reason_n warrant_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o new_a and_o high_a satisfaction_n all_o which_o we_o repeat_v and_o enjoy_v over_o again_o upon_o reflection_n and_o if_o any_o pain_n or_o uneasiness_n mix_v with_o the_o pleasure_n or_o attend_v it_o that_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o same_o thought_n or_o action_n that_o this_o do_v but_o from_o a_o contrary_a application_n of_o mind_n in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o which_o oppose_v and_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n or_o from_o some_o other_o extrinsical_a caeuse_n that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o or_o connexion_n with_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o any_o religious_a action_n be_v never_o proper_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v to_o he_o that_o perform_v it_o however_o in_o some_o instance_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o but_o in_o order_n to_o be_v far_o satisfy_v of_o the_o natural_a connexion_n betwixt_o religion_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o perceive_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o another_o generation_n of_o men._n live_v together_o in_o a_o constant_a regular_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v behold_v such_o a_o glorious_a scene_n of_o happiness_n rise_v before_o we_o that_o consider_v the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o our_o mortal_a condition_n we_o can_v not_o possible_o imagine_v or_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n beyond_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o state_n of_o universal_a peace_n safety_n tranquillity_n and_o love_n where_o there_o will_v be_v no_o injury_n nor_o tear_n no_o envy_n nor_o distrust_n where_o every_o man_n will_v find_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o friendship_n in_o the_o company_n of_o every_o man_n and_o feel_v his_o own_o agreeable_a thought_n towards_o other_o redouble_v by_o know_v that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o sentiment_n for_o he_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o all_o the_o natural_a appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v satisfy_v without_o a_o painful_a eagerness_n in_o the_o pursuit_n or_o satiety_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o irregular_a imaginary_a desire_n to_o create_v the_o uneasiness_n of_o disappointment_n then_o every_o man_n will_v be_v please_v with_o all_o he_o do_v and_o have_v his_o satisfaction_n heighten_v by_o a_o full_a and_o entire_a assurance_n that_o his_o action_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o world_n and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v true_a religion_n so_o universal_o and_o exact_o practise_v among_o man_n they_o will_v engage_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n in_o their_o favour_n by_o the_o honour_n respect_n and_o obedience_n they_o pay_v he_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o humane_a strength_n and_o skill_n by_o a_o mutual_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o society_n and_o by_o a_o equal_a regular_a conduct_n and_o management_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a capacity_n and_o power_n they_o will_v preserve_v themselves_o in_o the_o fit_a and_o proper_a condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o agreeable_a satisfaction_n god_n have_v put_v within_o their_o reach_n and_o prolong_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o by_o continue_v their_o life_n to_o the_o utmost_a term_n they_o can_v by_o any_o endeavour_n of_o their_o own_o carry_v they_o to_o whoever_o take_v a_o full_a and_o distinct_a view_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o its_o power_n and_o extent_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o it_o where_o its_o influence_n be_v free_o dispense_v without_o check_n or_o opposition_n from_o contrary_a cause_n and_o what_o great_a happiness_n than_o this_o can_v we_o
without_o a_o large_a date_n of_o present_a life_n or_o a_o prospect_n of_o another_o conceive_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o or_o at_o least_o be_v attainable_a by_o any_o other_o action_n beside_o those_o of_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v all_o but_o a_o imaginary_a scene_n a_o bare_a idea_n or_o pattern_n draw_v by_o the_o mind_n which_o never_o be_v and_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o religion_n as_o now_o they_o do_v those_o few_o that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o live_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o i_o recept_n of_o it_o shall_v enjoy_v more_o happiness_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n much_o less_o such_o who_o practice_n be_v inconstant_a and_o defective_a which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o careful_a observer_n of_o those_o measure_n of_o act_v which_o religion_n prescribe_v however_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v just_o be_v infer_v that_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n productive_a of_o happiness_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o consequent_o be_v design_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v obtain_v this_o effect_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o direct_v and_o dispose_v to_o seek_v it_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o these_o mean_n be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a but_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o without_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o use_v they_o render_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o present_a from_o hence_o i_o say_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o god_n who_o in_o his_o great_a wisdom_n have_v order_v all_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o order_v they_o in_o vain_a or_o with_o a_o intention_n of_o deceive_a but_o have_v contrive_v it_o so_o that_o some_o time_n or_o other_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o all_o point_n shall_v be_v obtain_v and_o therefore_o if_o a_o full_a and_o exact_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o there_o will_v be_v reward_n answerable_a to_o the_o high_a performance_n and_o expectation_n we_o have_v reason_n also_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o course_n be_v sometime_o interrupt_v with_o voluntary_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v they_o will_v notwithstanding_o by_o some_o favour_n or_o grace_n procure_v they_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n will_v put_v a_o mighty_a distinction_n betwixt_o such_o as_o do_v but_o sometime_o deviate_v from_o those_o religious_a measure_n they_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o those_o who_o constant_o act_v by_o different_a principle_n 4._o the_o proof_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v the_o four_o thing_n i_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n here_o than_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o general_a and_o regular_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o defect_n do_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o to_o prefer_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o life_n before_o another_o upon_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o great_a and_o more_o powerful_a can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o religion_n be_v not_o universal_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o society_n of_o man_n make_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o govern_n principle_n of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a likewise_o that_o those_o few_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v they_o do_v in_o many_o instance_n neglect_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o happen_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n than_o our_o mortal_a condition_n will_v otherwise_o subject_v we_o to_o so_o it_o oftentimes_o fall_v to_o the_o religious_a man_n lot_n to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v all_o the_o trouble_v and_o uneasiness_n he_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o impression_n mix_v with_o and_o obstruct_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o carry_v he_o to_o contrary_a action_n though_o very_o much_o be_v owe_v to_o this_o cause_n but_o a_o great_a many_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o wicked_a man_n pure_o for_o his_o be_v religious_a so_o that_o do_v he_o perfect_o and_o complete_o fulfil_v all_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v his_o misery_n will_v be_v proportionable_o increase_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v it_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v some_o other_o state_n of_o happiness_n for_o such_o as_o live_v exact_o according_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n here_o which_o will_v be_v so_o full_a and_o sufficient_a a_o recompense_n for_o all_o the_o misery_n they_o have_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n as_o to_o justify_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o term_n for_o if_o god_n design_v man_n for_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v and_o appoint_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o it_o as_o manifest_o appear_v from_o his_o annex_v pleasure_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o unmixed_a practice_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o from_o several_a other_o indication_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o end_n to_o be_v defeat_v after_o a_o due_a and_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o derive_v dependent_a power_n and_o contrivance_n of_o other_o being_n and_o order_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o diligent_a and_o exact_a in_o observe_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o act_v shall_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n meet_v with_o the_o least_o success_n shall_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v a_o few_o perfect_o religious_a afflict_a and_o torment_v by_o wicked_a man_n bare_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o if_o they_o be_v what_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v mighty_a blessing_n in_o store_n for_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o their_o present_a suffering_n be_v as_o nothing_o from_o hence_o also_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o exact_a and_o universal_a performance_n and_o yet_o who_o be_v render_v more_o miserable_a by_o the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n than_o they_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o degree_n of_o religion_n they_o come_v up_o to_o it_o be_v reasonable_a i_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o will_n some_o time_n or_o other_o receive_v more_o happiness_n or_o less_o misery_n than_o other_o proportionable_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o affliction_n now_o for_o according_a as_o they_o have_v pursue_v the_o mean_n so_o will_v their_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n be_v or_o if_o no_o reward_n be_v due_a but_o to_o a_o full_a discharge_v of_o all_o obligation_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o who_o have_v perform_v some_o part_n of_o what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o and_o endeavour_v at_o general_a obedience_n shall_v be_v punish_v as_o high_a as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a or_o of_o a_o total_a neglect_n contempt_n or_o volation_n of_o their_o duty_n however_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o god_n according_a to_o all_o the_o indication_n he_o have_v give_v to_o mankind_n of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n preferable_a to_o that_o of_o other_o who_o act_n by_o contrary_a measure_n which_o it_o will_v not_o always_o be_v be_v there_o no_o other_o state_n of_o life_n after_o this_o be_v end_v from_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o man_n will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o by_o different_a degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o different_a regard_n they_o have_v to_o religion_n in_o this_o life_n the_o certainty_n
of_o which_o state_n we_o be_v far_o convince_v of_o by_o the_o general_n want_v misery_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a nature_n which_o proceed_v from_o some_o principle_n or_o disposition_n within_o we_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o religion_n which_o principle_n or_o disposition_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o universal_a wickedness_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n do_v mankind_n enjoy_v all_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v otherwise_o capable_a of_o in_o this_o mortal_a condition_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o capacity_n and_o desire_n of_o great_a unknown_a degree_n of_o pleasure_n which_o from_o the_o present_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o hope_n or_o prospect_n of_o and_o feel_v a_o uneasiness_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o part_v with_o those_o enjoyment_n they_o be_v possess_v of_o by_o the_o unalterable_a decree_n of_o death_n which_o they_o know_v themselves_o subject_a to_o be_v they_o i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n they_o will_v have_v great_a reason_n from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v design_n they_o for_o some_o other_o more_o perfect_a state_n where_o their_o whole_a capacity_n will_v be_v fill_v all_o their_o desire_n satisfy_v and_o no_o kind_n of_o pain_n or_o uneasiness_n check_v or_o allay_v the_o fullness_n of_o that_o joy_n not_o that_o they_o have_v then_o any_o cause_n of_o complaint_n as_o if_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v kind_o by_o they_o in_o grant_v they_o lesser_a degree_n of_o happiness_n than_o what_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o be_v suppose_v their_o capacity_n and_o desire_n will_v be_v give_v they_o in_o vain_a which_o do_v not_o seem_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o moreover_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o define_v what_o be_v impossible_a and_o the_o painful_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o what_o be_v certain_a which_o they_o will_v then_o experience_n will_v appear_v inconsistent_a with_o god_n design_n of_o make_v man_n for_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o observation_n we_o have_v make_v upon_o his_o other_o work_n to_o suppose_v that_o have_v this_o life_n be_v the_o extent_n of_o man_n be_v and_o happiness_n god_n will_v not_o have_v give_v he_o a_o sense_n or_o prospect_n of_o any_o other_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n as_o this_o it_o be_v high_o rational_a to_o think_v that_o constant_a even_a contentment_n will_v have_v bound_v all_o his_o thought_n that_o his_o soul_n will_v always_o have_v remain_v at_o the_o same_o equal_a poise_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v live_v without_o desire_v more_o than_o he_o enjoy_v and_o die_v without_o any_o previous_a fear_n of_o lose_v that_o and_o if_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o state_n of_o future_a happiness_n though_o man_n enjoy_v all_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o here_o according_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o condition_n because_o their_o happiness_n here_o be_v not_o complete_a by_o reason_n of_o some_o pain_n and_o uneasiness_n mix_v with_o it_o and_o because_o their_o capacity_n and_o desire_n exceed_v all_o their_o actual_a enjoyment_n how_o much_o more_o reasonable_a be_v it_o to_o make_v the_o same_o conclusion_n now_o when_o we_o every_o way_n fall_v so_o short_a of_o the_o happiness_n the_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n will_v allow_v we_o as_o will_v plain_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o draught_n and_o representation_n we_o have_v before_o give_v of_o humane_a life_n under_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v now_o not_o only_o conscious_a in_o general_n of_o large_a capacity_n of_o happiness_n than_o what_o we_o enjoy_v but_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o within_o our_o knowledge_n and_o seem_o within_o our_o reach_n and_o power_n which_o with_o all_o the_o endeavour_n we_o can_v use_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o attain_v and_o the_o more_o want_v we_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o the_o better_a and_o more_o particular_o we_o know_v what_o they_o be_v the_o strong_a be_v our_o desire_n and_o the_o great_a the_o uneasiness_n of_o defeat_n and_o disappointment_n which_o experience_v assuras_fw-la we_o be_v very_o frequent_a the_o satisfaction_n we_o meet_v with_o be_v common_o very_o short_a and_o mix_v with_o pain_n and_o we_o have_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n to_o fear_v beside_o death_n but_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v be_v insist_v upon_o and_o too_o large_a a_o subject_n to_o be_v particular_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o purpose_n to_o remark_n in_o general_n what_o i_o think_v may_v very_o safe_o be_v affirm_v that_o if_o what_o fall_v to_o every_o man_n share_n be_v fair_o compute_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v outweigh_v their_o happiness_n if_o therefore_o man_n be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o happiness_n and_o be_v so_o frame_v that_o he_o can_v enjoy_v complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n without_o a_o mixture_n of_o uneasiness_n and_o yet_o have_v capacity_n and_o desire_n of_o great_a than_o he_o can_v conceive_v belong_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o it_o here_o and_o far_o if_o mankind_n be_v now_o involve_v in_o such_o a_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o life_n in_o which_o they_o all_o actual_o enjoy_v much_o less_o happiness_n than_o they_o find_v themselves_o by_o nature_n capable_a of_o here_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o have_v a_o large_a share_n of_o the_o trouble_n than_o the_o advantage_n of_o life_n from_o hence_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v true_o and_o certain_o infer_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n of_o pure_a complete_a happiness_n answerable_a at_o least_o to_o the_o high_a notion_n and_o conception_n we_o be_v able_a to_o frame_v of_o it_o but_o since_o as_o have_v before_o be_v prove_v god_n have_v not_o absolute_o and_o unconditional_o determine_v all_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a but_o have_v make_v happiness_n and_o misery_n to_o depend_v upon_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o have_v annex_v happiness_n to_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o state_n will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o and_o those_o only_a who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n here_o and_o this_o i_o believe_v no_o body_n be_v dispose_v to_o doubt_v of_o that_o own_v a_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v spend_v no_o time_n in_o a_o unnecessary_a proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v find_v that_o exact_o discharge_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o shall_v by_o the_o especial_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o some_o such_o way_n or_o manner_n as_o to_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v seem_v fit_a be_v render_v capable_a of_o future_a happiness_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v miserable_a and_o none_o obtain_v happiness_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o mark_n and_o indication_n of_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o make_v man._n grant_v therefore_o what_o i_o think_v have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v under_o this_o head_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o all_o man_n will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a as_o they_o have_v behave_v themselves_o here_o with_o regard_n to_o what_o we_o call_v religion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v allow_v it_o manifest_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o act_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o pursue_v any_o other_o measure_n whatever_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o suffer_v in_o this_o life_n for_o so_o do_v because_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a state_n will_v so_o far_o outweigh_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o enjoy_v it_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o our_o labour_n be_v very_o well_o worth_a all_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n we_o find_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o whole_a extent_n and_o duration_n of_o our_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o live_v religious_o than_o otherwise_o then_o be_v we_o in_o the_o high_a and_o strict_a sense_n oblige_v to_o live_v so_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v nay_o further_o
themselves_o the_o trouble_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o mathematics_n may_v think_v all_o the_o demonstration_n there_o pretend_v to_o false_a and_o the_o whole_a science_n a_o cheat_n without_o call_v in_o question_n any_o other_o part_n of_o knowledge_n they_o have_v happen_v to_o be_v conversant_a in_o and_o much_o more_o conceivable_a be_v it_o that_o such_o as_o never_o due_o and_o fair_o consider_v the_o argument_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v deny_v both_o without_o distrust_v their_o faculty_n upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o all_o that_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o denial_n now_o in_o apply_v myself_o to_o these_o man_n i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o allege_v that_o the_o proof_n i_o have_v give_v of_o these_o great_a truth_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o draw_v from_o such_o principle_n as_o they_o own_o and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o other_o matter_n though_o this_o may_v certain_o be_v affirm_v to_o allege_v this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o they_o may_v have_v that_o easy_a answer_n ready_a which_o all_o people_n give_v that_o be_v fond_a of_o their_o opinion_n and_o impatient_a of_o enquiry_n into_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o have_v otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o now_o believe_v they_o thus_o i_o say_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o answer_v that_o argument_n draw_v out_o to_o any_o length_n be_v very_o uncertain_a there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o deduction_n and_o consequence_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o their_o first_o principle_n may_v not_o have_v all_o their_o force_n and_o strength_n convey_v to_o they_o and_o so_o though_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o the_o proof_n seem_v specious_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o quit_v such_o opinion_n they_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o for_o other_o that_o they_o certain_o perceive_v to_o be_v false_a though_o they_o be_v set_v out_o so_o plausible_o that_o they_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o assign_v the_o particular_a falsehood_n of_o they_o since_o therefore_o the_o person_n that_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o what_o they_o deny_v have_v very_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o look_v into_o they_o or_o consider_v the_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o but_o yet_o be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v so_o well_o persuade_v of_o and_o to_o act_v by_o it_o can_v but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o discourse_v with_o they_o concern_v their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o suppose_v their_o principle_n true_a consider_v they_o in_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o examine_v into_o the_o genuine_a consequence_n of_o they_o and_o if_o when_o i_o have_v give_v a_o true_a idea_n and_o representation_n of_o irreligion_n they_o will_v own_v this_o to_o be_v their_o faith_n still_o i_o desire_v no_o better_a witness_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v urge_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o religion_n and_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v and_o act_n as_o our_o reason_n prescribe_v we_o shall_v upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n these_o two_o thing_n do_v necessary_o and_o immediate_o follow_v 1._o that_o all_o man_n be_v equal_a and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o superiority_n right_o or_o authority_n of_o any_o kind_n 2._o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o act_v as_o he_o himself_o shall_v judge_v most_o convenient_a for_o his_o own_o particular_a happinef_n 1._o that_o all_o man_n be_v equal_a be_v very_o plain_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o original_a capacity_n and_o power_n of_o human_a nature_n without_o any_o external_a advantage_n of_o birth_n education_n and_o society_n nor_o do_v these_o difference_n without_o a_o god_n cause_n any_o such_o inequality_n betwixt_o particular_a man_n as_o to_o make_v one_o man_n subject_n to_o another_o or_o lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o the_o one_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o other_o be_v will._n there_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o but_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n whatsoever_o his_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v can_v have_v such_o a_o certain_a uncontrollable_a power_n over_o another_o as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o approve_v or_o prefer_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v which_o he_o prescribe_v for_o whatever_o a_o man_n promise_n or_o threaten_v be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a in_o either_o kind_n may_v by_o some_o sudden_a unforeseen_a accident_n be_v hinder_v from_o take_v effect_n even_o in_o the_o moment_n of_o execution_n beside_o whatever_o be_v promise_v or_o threaten_v be_v certain_o of_o no_o long_a continuance_n than_o life_n be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a in_o itself_o it_o may_v not_o oftentimes_o countervail_v some_o other_o motive_n the_o person_n thus_o accost_v be_v govern_v by_o there_o may_v be_v some_o particular_a enjoyment_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o which_o his_o imagination_n have_v so_o heighten_v or_o habit_n have_v make_v so_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o nothing_o pleasant_a or_o grievous_a in_o life_n can_v be_v of_o weight_n enough_o to_o determine_v he_o to_o a_o contrary_a choice_n thus_o have_v we_o see_v man_n of_o no_o religion_n sacrifice_v all_o they_o have_v and_o bear_v all_o that_o can_v be_v inflict_v upon_o they_o rather_o than_o renounce_v their_o ambition_n or_o revenge_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o think_v will_v stain_v the_o reputation_n or_o glory_n their_o former_a action_n have_v procure_v they_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o without_o a_o god_n no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o true_a right_n of_o oblige_v another_o the_o right_n of_o oblige_v be_v found_v in_o such_o a_o power_n of_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o another_o as_o his_o reason_n must_v necessary_o submit_v to_o when_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o may_v indeed_o so_o happen_v sometime_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o a_o man_n may_v propose_v to_o i_o to_o act_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n upon_o such_o probable_a motive_n and_o reason_n as_o i_o may_v judge_v it_o very_o likely_a that_o it_o shall_v conduce_v more_o to_o my_o happiness_n to_o act_v thus_o than_o otherwise_o but_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v any_o particular_a man_n or_o kind_n of_o man_n a_o right_a to_o my_o obedience_n because_o i_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o their_o power_n of_o enforce_v these_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o i_o do_v find_v the_o world_n at_o present_a so_o constitute_v that_o man_n of_o such_o a_o character_n or_o relation_n have_v more_o probable_a opportunity_n of_o contribute_v to_o my_o happiness_n or_o misery_n than_o other_o i_o be_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o have_v any_o right_a or_o authority_n over_o i_o but_o such_o who_o will_n and_o counsel_n i_o follow_v often_o than_o those_o of_o other_o because_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o for_o my_o interest_n so_o to_o do_v but_o when_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o for_o my_o particular_a interest_n to_o follow_v my_o own_o or_o any_o other_o man_n then_o be_o i_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o have_v as_o true_a a_o right_n of_o my_o own_o or_o the_o person_n who_o advice_n i_o take_v have_v as_o much_o right_a and_o authority_n over_o i_o as_o my_o father_n master_n or_o prince_n all_o which_o title_n and_o relation_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v use_v to_o imply_v government_n and_o subjection_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v false_a impose_v name_n and_o if_o any_o advantage_n have_v be_v take_v in_o our_o infancy_n to_o convey_v any_o notion_n of_o authority_n duty_n or_o obligation_n by_o they_o we_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la as_o well_o as_o those_o concern_v god_n and_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o no_o doubt_n for_o the_o better_a impress_v and_o enfore_v these_o upon_o we_o we_o must_v discard_v likewise_o those_o other_o false_a notion_n of_o right_n and_o property_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o which_o some_o man_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o large_a share_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o necessary_a support_v and_o advantage_n of_o life_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o ground_n in_o reason_n for_o all_o man_n be_v equal_a they_o have_v all_o a_o equal_a right_n and_o title_n to_o every_o thing_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v or_o possess_v nor_o can_v any_o priority_n of_o possession_n any_o pain_n or_o labour_n of_o acquisition_n any_o promise_n contract_n or_o agreement_n whatsoever_o be_v sufficient_a to_o found_v a_o right_n or_o property_n in_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o any_o other_o man_n which_o will_v
the_o soul_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v material_a and_o mortal_a we_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v require_v we_o to_o act_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v we_o in_o another_o life_n according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o no_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a nature_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o from_o what_o we_o certain_o by_o infallible_a consciousness_n know_v of_o ourselves_o and_o what_o by_o evident_a demonstration_n we_o collect_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n that_o own_v such_o a_o be_v must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o examine_v the_o pretence_n of_o those_o adversary_n of_o religion_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o establish_v new_a principle_n and_o hypothesis_n to_o explain_v the_o state_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n by_o and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o utmost_a that_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v possible_a that_o those_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o we_o infer_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n may_v be_v otherwise_o account_v for_o without_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v our_o scheme_n or_o upon_o a_o just_a comparison_n in_o all_o point_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o more_o rational_a system_n but_o most_o of_o the_o professor_n and_o favourer_n of_o irreligion_n we_o have_v now_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o deal_v with_o be_v such_o as_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n they_o come_v by_o their_o opinion_n much_o easy_o and_o maintain_v they_o with_o less_o expense_n of_o argument_n some_o loose_a unconsidered_a objection_n against_o any_o notion_n or_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o turn_n they_o never_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o just_a inference_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o or_o what_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o it_o but_o immediate_o condemn_v all_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o little_a remote_a consequence_n their_o imagination_n represent_v to_o they_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o 3._o some_o of_o the_o principal_a of_o which_o objection_n i_o shall_v answer_v very_o brief_o and_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o business_n i_o propose_v to_o myself_o under_o the_o three_o of_o those_o head_n into_o which_o i_o divide_v my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n the_o chief_a and_o most_o common_a objection_n against_o religion_n be_v these_o mystery_n inconsistency_n and_o absurdity_n in_o scripture_n extravagant_a notion_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n maintain_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n varitey_v of_o opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o one_o another_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n and_o argue_v from_o they_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a argument_n bring_v by_o some_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o true_a opinion_n the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o among_o other_o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o education_n religion_n a_o mere_a politic_a contrivance_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o objection_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o weaken_v the_o credibility_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o expose_v the_o weakness_n of_o it_o by_o show_v the_o argument_n bare_o with_o its_o consequence_n which_o be_v this_o such_o a_o passage_n in_o scripture_n i_o can_v understand_v or_o reconcile_v to_o another_o or_o such_o a_o story_n or_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o my_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n therefore_o this_o passage_n or_o account_n be_v false_a therefore_o the_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v find_v be_v false_a therefore_o all_o the_o several_a book_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n which_o be_v write_v by_o several_a man_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o several_a time_n during_o the_o space_n of_o about_o two_o thousand_o year_n be_v all_o false_a therefore_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o no_o obligation_n of_o obey_v he_o if_o there_o be_v or_o no_o future_a state_n most_o of_o the_o particular_a cavil_n against_o scripture_n have_v be_v full_o answer_v by_o those_o who_o have_v purposely_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o revelation_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a at_o present_a to_o show_v that_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n prove_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n in_o general_n much_o less_o against_o the_o first_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o next_o thing_n object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v several_a absurd_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n propose_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o warm_o contend_v for_o by_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o maintain_v they_o some_o man_n place_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o show_n and_o pageantry_n their_o worship_n be_v all_o theatrical_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o discipline_n extravagant_a and_o romantic_a therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v priest-craft_n and_o all_o scripture_n legend_n say_v the_o atheist_n but_o socrates_n and_o plato_n will_v not_o have_v argue_v thus_o those_o wise_a heathen_n though_o they_o laugh_v at_o the_o god_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o their_o time_n do_v not_o therefore_o turn_v atheist_n but_o employ_v their_o whole_a reason_n to_o search_v out_o high_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o more_o rational_a religion_n bigotry_n and_o superstition_n have_v oftentimes_o produce_v as_o dreadful_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o country_n or_o nation_n as_o the_o wild_a liberty_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o atheism_n can_v do_v but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o religion_n which_o suffer_v equal_o both_o way_n and_o be_v no_o more_o the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o cruelty_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o action_n tend_v to_o the_o mischief_n or_o destruction_n of_o mankind_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n when_o exercise_v by_o a_o superstitious_a zealot_n as_o when_o practise_v by_o a_o atheist_n though_o the_o former_a cover_v they_o with_o that_o name_n and_o the_o latter_a do_v not_o and_o therefore_o true_a religion_n be_v very_o unjust_o and_o unreasonable_o condemn_v upon_o this_o account_n another_o foolish_a objection_n be_v that_o variety_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o peremptory_a censure_n of_o one_o another_o for_o hold_v false_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n what_o a_o strange_a disagreement_n be_v there_o among_o man_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n say_v those_o that_o have_v none_o at_o all_o some_o believe_v one_o thing_n and_o some_o another_o some_o expound_v scripture_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o some_o in_o that_o creed_n be_v set_v up_o against_o creed_n and_o altar_n against_o altar_n what_o one_o man_n think_v his_o duty_n another_o apprehend_v damnation_n from_o suppose_v then_o we_o have_v our_o opinion_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v we_o take_v the_o strong_a side_n what_o the_o most_o or_o what_o we_o think_v the_o wise_a believe_v or_o shall_v we_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o side_n impartial_o without_o prejudice_n and_o let_v our_o judgement_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a appearance_n of_o evidence_n no_o we_o will_v do_v none_o of_o all_o this_o but_o without_o examine_v their_o several_a plea_n we_o will_v take_v up_o opinion_n different_a from_o all_o of_o they_o and_o because_o one_o man_n deny_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o we_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v free_a from_o those_o error_n they_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o and_o deny_v what_o no_o body_n else_o do_v what_o all_o the_o different_a party_n subscribe_v to_o and_o agree_v in_o these_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v this_o to_o make_v unity_n of_o consent_n the_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o yet_o allow_v no_o opinion_n to_o be_v true_a but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o condemn_v all_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o weak_a defence_n and_o patronage_n of_o some_o of_o its_o professor_n what_o if_o the_o atheist_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o defeat_v some_o trifle_a argument_n of_o ignorant_a well-meaning_a honesty_n
natural_o desire_v society_n and_o society_n can_v possible_o subsist_v without_o religion_n as_o the_o objection_n itself_o suppose_v then_o be_v religion_n as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o his_o happiness_n as_o conversation_n and_o live_v together_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o other_o man_n have_v religion_n the_o atheist_n will_v find_v it_o very_o uncomfortable_a live_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a plea_n defence_n and_o objection_n common_o urge_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o which_o have_v not_o be_v here_o particular_o consider_v they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o answer_n as_o those_o that_o be_v here_o mention_v or_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o account_v for_o out_o of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o without_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o make_v little_a cavil_n and_o groundless_a suspicion_n look_v considerable_a by_o a_o formal_a examination_n and_o answer_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v pass_v to_o the_o 4._o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o great_a important_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o that_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o now_o upon_o a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a review_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v offer_v or_o advance_v in_o this_o cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o several_a proposition_n contain_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n by_o a_o direct_a deduction_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o deduction_n in_o most_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n any_o consequential_a truth_n can_v have_v and_o in_o the_o other_o as_o much_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o be_v and_o such_o as_o the_o mind_n full_o assent_v to_o without_o be_v able_a to_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o a_o mistake_n though_o it_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o error_n it_o will_v likewise_o appear_v that_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a branch_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v for_o the_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n consider_v their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n and_o further_o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a at_o least_o if_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o happiness_n every_o particular_a man_n absolute_o speak_v be_v capable_a of_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o regular_a discharge_n of_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o proportionable_o to_o a_o man_n behaviour_n in_o this_o respect_n while_o he_o live_v shall_v his_o reward_n be_v in_o another_o state_n but_o in_o every_o proportion_n great_a than_o can_v be_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v by_o we_o now_o and_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o will_v it_o be_v further_a manifest_a that_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o go_v the_o same_o way_n and_o if_o testimony_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n here_o that_o far_o the_o most_o and_o great_a be_v on_o this_o side_n beside_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o satisfy_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o positive_a direct_a proof_n but_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o contrary_a hypothesis_n prove_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a or_o where_o any_o thing_n possible_a be_v advance_v we_o shall_v perceive_v it_o less_o probable_a in_o itself_o and_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o it_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o libertinism_n and_o irreligion_n do_v evident_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n they_o now_o be_v in_o and_o will_v very_o probable_o if_o not_o certain_o render_v every_o particular_a person_n that_o own_v or_o act_n by_o these_o principle_n inconceivable_o more_o miserable_a in_o another_o state_n of_o life_n and_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n have_v none_o of_o these_o ground_n of_o credibility_n nor_o be_v or_o can_v be_v defend_v by_o any_o of_o these_o way_n or_o method_n by_o which_o 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that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o but_o that_o the_o strong_a effort_n of_o human_a invention_n that_o way_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o a_o offer_n at_o explain_v the_o common_a appearance_n the_o original_a order_n course_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n without_o a_o god_n independent_o of_o he_o or_o with_o exclusion_n to_o those_o particular_a consequence_n respect_v man_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o most_o any_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v amount_v to_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a thing_n may_v be_v after_o that_o particular_a manner_n they_o be_v explain_v to_o be_v these_o be_v the_o different_a ground_n and_o proof_n of_o religion_n and_o irreligion_n which_o if_o we_o careful_o compare_v together_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v as_o more_o or_o less_o rational_a but_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n the_o conception_n or_o proof_n of_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o the_o world_n be_v subsist_v without_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v no_o manner_n of_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o absurd_a to_o deny_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o but_o allow_v there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o say_v for_o irreligion_n so_o as_o to_o render_v it_o something_o probable_a to_o be_v believe_v yet_o if_o the_o positive_a direct_a proof_n for_o religion_n stand_v good_a without_o consider_v those_o which_o pretend_v to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n of_o a_o contrary_a scheme_n the_o former_a can_v stand_v upon_o so_o sure_a and_o firm_a a_o bottom_n as_o the_o latter_a nor_o be_v advance_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o credibility_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o give_v our_o assent_n on_o that_o side_n where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o probability_n but_o suppose_v the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n equal_a such_o different_a consequence_n do_v attend_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o madness_n and_o folly_n to_o prefer_v the_o party_n of_o irreligion_n which_o beside_o the_o present_a particular_a pain_n trouble_n and_o disadvantage_n it_o be_v say_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o person_n that_o make_v this_o choice_n and_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n mankind_n will_v certain_o suffer_v from_o one_o another_o upon_o this_o account_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v threaten_v with_o eternal_a inexpressible_a misery_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n so_o concern_v and_o dreadful_a that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vast_a preponderancy_n of_o proof_n that_o can_v justify_v our_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o which_o i_o be_o
sure_a be_v more_o than_o any_o man_n that_o make_v the_o venture_n can_v pretend_v to_o i_o do_v not_o here_o argue_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o prefer_v religion_n before_o irreligion_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v safe_o so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n a_o man_n shall_v not_o suffer_v any_o thing_n in_o another_o state_n by_o such_o a_o choice_n whereas_o he_o that_o choose_v irreligion_n have_v only_o his_o own_o opinion_n for_o his_o security_n and_o be_v threaten_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n with_o eternal_a misery_n after_o death_n i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o alone_a a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v a_o man_n choice_n to_o one_o side_n against_o all_o other_o argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v threaten_v out_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o evil_n threaten_v be_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v full_a as_o probable_a that_o it_o shall_v happen_v as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o which_o be_v the_o case_n now_o suppose_v he_o act_v very_o rational_o and_o wise_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o undergo_v some_o lesser_a inconvenience_n at_o present_a than_o put_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o great_a now_o that_o the_o misery_n annex_v to_o irreligion_n be_v very_o considerable_a can_v be_v deny_v it_o be_v suppose_v great_a than_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o conceive_v by_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a it_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v by_o such_o principle_n as_o not_o must_v be_v allow_v whatever_o hypothesis_n be_v true_a for_o if_o chance_n make_v the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o character_n of_o wisdom_n we_o behold_v in_o it_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o happen_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n and_o that_o those_o we_o call_v irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o it_o and_o the_o religious_a happy_a it_o look_v indeed_o like_o wisdom_n and_o so_o do_v the_o regularity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o constant_a discrimination_n make_v there_o why_o shall_v the_o wind_n blow_v down_o the_o rot_a fruit_n and_o leave_v the_o sound_n why_o shall_v the_o plague_n sweep_v away_o some_o and_o leave_v other_o in_o the_o same_o city_n or_o house_n but_o there_o be_v natural_a reason_n and_o cause_n for_o these_o thing_n so_o there_o may_v be_v for_o the_o other_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o wicked_a may_v be_v peculiar_o dispose_v to_o be_v miserable_a the_o same_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a may_v to_o be_v miserable_a also_o when_o they_o live_v again_o and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o chance_n for_o their_o live_n again_o as_o for_o their_o first_o be_v but_o if_o all_o thing_n exist_v by_o necessity_n than_o a_o future_a state_n may_v be_v necessary_a too_o and_o the_o wicked_a necessary_o miserable_a in_o it_o for_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o this_o hypothesis_n to_o the_o contrary_n where_o every_o thing_n be_v suppose_v casual_a or_o every_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n why_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v suture_a shall_v or_o shall_v not_o exist_v or_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v after_o such_o or_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v equal_o probable_a nothing_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o determine_v the_o mind_n one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o another_o state_n than_o that_o he_o will_v at_o least_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v produce_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o probable_a in_o every_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o irreligious_a will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a they_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n they_o be_v of_o than_o the_o other_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n and_o account_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n must_v not_o act_v at_o all_o or_o if_o he_o do_v prefer_v act_v one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v the_o safe_a side_n shall_v determine_v he_o but_o moreover_o it_o be_v not_o only_o as_o probable_a that_o the_o irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o a_o future_a state_n allow_v any_o of_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o their_o own_o way_n of_o proof_n it_o appear_v that_o our_o hypothesis_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a as_o any_o advance_v by_o they_o nothing_o further_a than_o a_o possibility_n of_o they_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o do_v moreover_o pretend_v by_o many_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n to_o evince_v the_o certainty_n of_o we_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o show_v all_o they_o to_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a wherefore_o if_o upon_o a_o equal_a probability_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o safe_a measure_n much_o more_o be_v we_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v when_o reason_n and_o happiness_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o side_n nay_o far_o he_o that_o prefer_v that_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o eternal_a misery_n in_o another_o state_n be_v denounce_v against_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o have_v more_o ground_n of_o probability_n of_o his_o side_n but_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o conviction_n he_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v from_o certain_a direct_a principle_n that_o his_o own_o opinion_n be_v right_a or_o that_o the_o contrary_a be_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a because_o the_o consequence_n be_v of_o that_o vast_a importance_n that_o the_o present_a inconvenience_n we_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v by_o act_v a_o contrary_a way_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o hazard_n or_o likelihood_n of_o misery_n that_o attend_v this_o thus_o do_v we_o of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n defend_v ourselves_o against_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o peremptory_o condemn_v we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n for_o be_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o they_o without_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o return_v from_o we_o and_o then_o urge_v we_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n thus_o i_o say_v do_v we_o answer_v do_v we_o believe_v their_o opinion_n or_o censure_n probable_a the_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o we_o perhaps_o seem_v as_o probable_a or_o more_o so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v false_a we_o will_v then_o allow_v some_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n but_o we_o do_v not_o now_o go_v over_o to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o safety_n because_o we_o not_o only_o think_v our_o opinion_n certain_a and_o they_o impossible_a absurd_a or_o irrational_a and_o be_v full_o persuade_v we_o have_v prove_v they_o so_o but_o suppose_v ourselves_o to_o err_v in_o all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o we_o think_v it_o demonstrable_a from_o common_a principle_n own_a on_o both_o side_n that_o none_o of_o these_o error_n which_o upon_o due_a care_n for_o better_a information_n be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o truth_n can_v expose_v we_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n if_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o atheist_n and_o irreligious_a can_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o himself_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o suppose_a consequence_n of_o irreligion_n seem_v as_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o knowledge_n own_v by_o he_o as_o the_o popish_a tenet_n do_v to_o a_o protestant_n or_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o unwarrantable_a as_o the_o vision_n resvery_n or_o prediction_n of_o every_o little_a enthusiast_n or_o fortune-teller_n to_o a_o man_n of_o calm_a sedate_v sense_n and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o good_a in_o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o reason_v then_o may_v he_o despise_v our_o threaten_n and_o laugh_n at_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n secure_o but_o to_o deny_v all_o these_o important_a concern_v truth_n without_o offer_v at_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o falsehood_n to_o say_v they_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a point_n and_o yet_o to_o act_v with_o the_o same_o assurance_n and_o security_n as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_o false_a to_o refuse_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o for_o want_v of_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a proof_n without_o confute_v the_o argument_n already_o advance_v or_o produce_v strong_a on_o the_o contrary_a side_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o prove_v they_o first_o to_o be_v vain_a
or_o resistible_a to_o contradict_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o world_n without_o make_v any_o new_a discovery_n or_o observation_n to_o lay_v aside_o a_o whole_a scheme_n and_o system_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o establish_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a branch_n and_o connexion_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o some_o little_a remote_a consequence_n and_o to_o venture_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o a_o seem_a possibility_n of_o a_o escape_n which_o very_o few_o perceive_v or_o allow_v these_o be_v all_o egregious_a instance_n of_o the_o absurd_a faith_n and_o foolish_a conduct_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o act_v upon_o contrary_a ground_n and_o measure_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o atheist_n common_o discover_v his_o folly_n in_o and_o that_o be_v the_o publish_n and_o propagate_a his_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v more_o the_o atheist_n interest_n that_o other_o people_n shall_v have_v religion_n than_o it_o be_v the_o religious_a man_n for_o his_o whole_a happiness_n be_v in_o this_o life_n the_o more_o other_o people_n be_v restrain_v and_o the_o better_a they_o be_v persuade_v he_o act_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o do_v the_o large_a will_v his_o liberty_n and_o advantage_n be_v and_o the_o less_o he_o will_v suffer_v from_o their_o design_n and_o pursuit_n whereas_o the_o religious_a man_n reversion_n be_v not_o endanger_v but_o confirm_v by_o what_o he_o lose_v or_o suffer_v here_o other_o proof_n likewise_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o irreligion_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n both_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v profess_v favourer_n of_o it_o such_o as_o their_o credulity_n and_o readiness_n of_o belief_n in_o common_a indifferent_a matter_n and_o sometime_o embrace_v 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of_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n by_o without_o those_o troublesome_a consequence_n of_o duty_n sin_n and_o punishment_n the_o atheist_n will_v not_o scruple_n this_o philosophy_n and_o lucretius_n himself_o will_v easy_o grant_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v immortal_a to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o reunite_v again_o will_v you_o allow_v he_o that_o conclusion_n that_o neither_o separate_v nor_o reunite_v it_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o remembrance_n of_o what_o be_v do_v before_o the_o separation_n god_n shall_v also_o enjoy_v the_o fullness_n of_o perfection_n he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o all_o the_o magnificent_a attribute_n that_o man_n can_v conceive_v so_o his_o whole_a employment_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v not_o unnecessary_o trouble_v to_o take_v account_n of_o our_o action_n this_o be_v the_o dreadful_a
thing_n as_o minister_v most_o occasion_n for_o raillery_n and_o magnify_v every_o bold_a thing_n that_o be_v say_v by_o any_o man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o other_o opinion_n or_o the_o consequence_n even_o of_o that_o that_o be_v like_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o it_o real_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o religion_n or_o no_o so_o it_o be_v think_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n to_o bear_v hard_a either_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n or_o any_o remote_a acccessional_a doctrine_n own_v by_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o present_a atheism_n be_v a_o promiscuous_a miscellany_n of_o all_o the_o bold_a notion_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v vent_v by_o those_o they_o style_v free-thinker_n where_o whatever_o seem_v to_o be_v level_v against_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n be_v embrace_v as_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o rational_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o thing_n but_o those_o part_n of_o religion_n 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action_n here_o this_o be_v the_o common_a general_n use_v of_o these_o word_n but_o by_o a_o atheist_n i_o think_v may_v proper_o and_o just_o be_v mean_v not_o only_o he_o that_o absolute_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o whosoever_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o judge_v the_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o have_v appoint_v law_n and_o rule_n for_o man_n to_o act_v by_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o who_o man_n be_v accountable_a for_o all_o their_o action_n and_o by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v in_o a_o future_a state_n according_a to_o their_o behaviour_n here_o and_o in_o general_a whoever_o hold_v such_o a_o opinion_n which_o exempt_v he_o from_o all_o obligation_n of_o duty_n to_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o cut_v off_o the_o expectation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a thereupon_o for_o atheism_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v