yea_o have_v maintain_v false_a problem_n even_o in_o the_o mathematics_n themselves_o and_o will_v any_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v all_o lie_v and_o falsity_n this_o principle_n will_v destroy_v all_o knowledge_n and_o lead_v man_n to_o deny_v and_o disbelieve_v every_o thing_n there_o have_v be_v no_o doubt_n heretic_n and_o schismatic_n in_o all_o age_n who_o have_v espouse_v many_o error_n and_o mistake_a opinion_n about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o will_v any_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v imposture_n certain_o this_o be_v very_o bad_a argue_v and_o will_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o height_n of_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n again_o what_o though_o man_n differ_v about_o some_o thing_n will_v it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o agree_v in_o nothing_o and_o if_o as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v their_o disagreement_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o some_o thing_n why_o be_v not_o their_o agreement_n as_o good_a 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religion_n stand_v inquire_v what_o other_o think_v of_o it_o who_o by_o their_o pretence_n seem_v best_a to_o understand_v it_o and_o because_o man_n action_n be_v the_o best_a discovery_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n they_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o think_v in_o these_o matter_n by_o what_o they_o see_v they_o do_v so_o that_o when_o they_o see_v such_o man_n practice_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n and_o find_v they_o act_v as_o as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v this_o make_v they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o cunning_a device_n make_v use_v of_o by_o some_o man_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n this_o no_o doubt_n have_v draw_v many_o into_o atheism_n and_o harden_v other_o in_o it_o the_o many_o vile_a trick_n that_o have_v be_v play_v under_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n the_o gild_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o hide_v faction_n and_o sedition_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o reformation_n have_v make_v many_o suspect_n the_o whole_a for_o a_o contrivance_n and_o to_o cast_v it_o off_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o lie_n and_o imposture_n but_o be_v it_o a_o true_a and_o safe_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o no_o a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o crooked_a one_o for_o though_o the_o hypocrite_n that_o play_v this_o game_n shall_v dear_o rue_v hereafter_o for_o all_o the_o evil_n do_v by_o this_o mean_n though_o his_o portion_n of_o misery_n and_o damnation_n will_v be_v heavy_a and_o hot_a than_o other_o for_o lay_v such_o a_o stumble_a block_n in_o their_o way_n by_o which_o so_o many_o fall_n to_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o excuse_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o as_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v miss-led_n and_o betra'y_v by_o it_o nor_o justify_v such_o atheistical_a conclusion_n draw_v from_o it_o example_n you_o know_v be_v a_o false_a and_o fallacious_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o for_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n leave_v the_o way_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v walk_v to_o follow_v they_o or_o infer_v our_o duty_n from_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o to_o go_v astray_o but_o they_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n they_o say_v not_o from_o the_o loose_a and_o debauch_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o religion_n but_o from_o the_o strict_a sort_n that_o make_v the_o high_a pretension_n to_o it_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o deep_a impression_n of_o it_o and_o if_o these_o make_v it_o evident_a by_o their_o life_n that_o they_o believe_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o it_o what_o can_v we_o think_v of_o it_o but_o as_o a_o mere_a delusion_n but_o do_v not_o man_n act_v sometime_o against_o their_o own_o persuasion_n and_o be_v not_o too_o many_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o sway_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o corrupt_a design_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o man_n sometime_o know_o and_o wilful_o commit_v great_a sin_n and_o cover_v vile_a enormity_n under_o a_o cloak_n of_o great_a sanctity_n be_v a_o matter_n indeed_o to_o be_v lament_v but_o can_v reasonable_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o argument_n against_o religion_n will_v any_o think_v that_o a_o cheat_n because_o some_o that_o do_v ill_a thing_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o and_o if_o these_o act_n so_o bad_a a_o part_n shall_v any_o be_v encourage_v by_o it_o to_o act_v a_o worse_o sure_o this_o be_v very_o bad_a argue_v and_o such_o as_o can_v well_o be_v own_a by_o any_o that_o will_v be_v think_v man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o man_n word_n to_o be_v
better_a than_o their_o action_n and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o do_v as_o they_o say_v and_o not_o as_o they_o do_v this_o direction_n we_o find_v give_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o speak_v many_o good_a thing_n from_o it_o though_o their_o do_n run_v counter_a to_o their_o doctrine_n what_o therefore_o they_o say_v we_o be_v bid_v to_o do_v but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o much_o better_a course_n to_o learn_v from_o other_o bad_a life_n to_o amend_v our_o own_o than_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o grow_v worse_o and_o to_o cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n from_o before_o our_o eye_n beside_o have_v not_o some_o man_n bad_a design_n to_o carry_v on_o and_o do_v they_o stick_v at_o any_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o promote_v they_o may_v not_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n and_o be_v nothing_o true_a or_o good_a because_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o serve_v bad_a end_n now_o though_o these_o false_a trick_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n or_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o vain_a pretence_n yet_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a diamond_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o be_v catch_v in_o this_o snare_n and_o mislead_v by_o such_o a_o apparent_a fallacy_n why_o this_o must_v proceed_v partly_o from_o some_o man_n averseness_n to_o religion_n heighten_v by_o a_o strong_a desire_n to_o follow_v the_o swinge_n of_o their_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o any_o check_n or_o restraint_n it_o may_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o partly_o likewise_o from_o their_o too_o great_a proneness_n to_o atheism_n which_o make_v they_o lay_v hold_v on_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o mean_a that_o may_v give_v any_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n to_o it_o in_o short_a then_o the_o atheist_n great_a aptness_n to_o draw_v such_o bad_a conclusion_n from_o life_n may_v be_v a_o good_a caution_n against_o all_o immorality_n and_o vice_n by_o which_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v but_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v make_v a_o plea_n for_o atheism_n or_o give_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o discard_v religion_n as_o a_o imposture_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o a._n b._n letter_n xiii_o sir_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n letter_n show_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o atheist_n argument_n against_o a_o deity_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o another_o artifice_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o undermine_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o that_o be_v to_o scoff_n at_o and_o deride_v religion_n and_o if_o he_o can_v argue_v it_o to_o endeavour_v to_o laugh_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v do_v by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o know_a man_n and_o wit_n of_o the_o age_n who_o first_o try_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o when_o that_o fail_v fly_v to_o art_n to_o support_v their_o atheism_n and_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o rally_v and_o ridicule_n religion_n this_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n which_o man_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o arrive_v to_o present_o for_o the_o psalmist_n intimate_v that_o they_o must_v walk_v a_o while_n in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n before_o they_o can_v set_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o scorner_n psal_n 1._o 1._o when_o they_o be_v seat_v there_o and_o accustom_a themselves_o to_o this_o vile_a practice_n they_o soon_o lose_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o so_o persuade_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o scorn_v and_o despise_v he_o but_o do_v these_o man_n think_v by_o laughter_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o that_o a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n will_v be_v thus_o play_v or_o droll_v out_o of_o his_o be_v can_v they_o hope_v to_o prevail_v by_o level_v their_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o most_o high_a set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n and_o cause_v their_o tongue_n to_o walk_v through_o the_o earth_n no_o certain_o this_o be_v both_o a_o fruitless_a and_o frivolous_a attempt_n for_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n will_v laugh_v they_o to_o scorn_v the_o lord_n shall_v have_v they_o in_o derision_n what_o end_n then_o can_v these_o man_n propose_v in_o such_o a_o vile_a piece_n of_o wickedness_n why_o this_o be_v do_v first_o to_o gain_v to_o themselves_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v wit_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o do_v by_o expose_v the_o most_o serious_a thing_n the_o life_n and_o picquancy_n of_o wit_n as_o one_o have_v well_o observe_v lie_v in_o the_o surprizingness_n of_o its_o conceit_n and_o expression_n and_o consequent_o to_o ridicule_n thing_n sacred_a which_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v privilege_v from_o it_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o astonish_v and_o surprise_v the_o hearer_n and_o if_o any_o as_o light_n and_o vain_a person_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v be_v thereby_o move_v to_o laughter_n they_o be_v tickle_v with_o the_o conceit_n and_o thereby_o please_v and_o inure_v themselves_o to_o this_o impious_a practice_n this_o way_n the_o dull_a person_n if_o they_o will_v be_v profane_a enough_o may_v be_v easy_o dub_v wit_n by_o venture_v to_o say_v those_o rude_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v presume_v to_o utter_v and_o this_o prove_v a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o many_o who_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v think_v witty_a again_o two_o this_o be_v think_v by_o some_o a_o genteel_a and_o brave_a thing_n to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o those_o fear_n which_o other_o be_v awe_v and_o terrify_v withal_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o sort_n of_o gallantry_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v above_o the_o fright_n that_o possess_v vulgar_a mind_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o those_o fetter_n of_o religion_n with_o which_o the_o generality_n suffer_v themselves_o tame_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o the_o better_a to_o break_v these_o chain_n they_o labour_v to_o break_v their_o jest_n upon_o they_o moreover_o three_o this_o be_v do_v to_o give_v the_o better_a countenance_n to_o their_o sinful_a practice_n and_o immorality_n for_o if_o they_o can_v expose_v virtue_n and_o make_v religion_n ridiculous_a they_o may_v act_v their_o vice_n with_o the_o great_a grace_n and_o follow_v the_o sway_n of_o their_o lust_n without_o shame_n or_o control_v beside_o they_o think_v it_o a_o good_a plea_n for_o their_o wickedness_n that_o they_o do_v not_o therein_o contradict_v any_o principle_n they_o profess_v they_o act_n suitable_o to_o what_o they_o pretend_v and_o therefore_o to_o put_v the_o better_a face_n upon_o their_o vice_n they_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o they_o do_v thus_o by_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o ridicule_n the_o most_o serious_a thing_n they_o bring_v on_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o droll_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n but_o be_v there_o any_o wisdom_n or_o safety_n in_o so_o do_v no_o quite_o otherwise_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o sottish_a or_o dangerous_a for_o all_o such_o mirth_n be_v no_o better_a than_o madness_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o laughter_n will_v short_o end_v in_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o will_v rather_o lose_v their_o friend_n than_o their_o jest_n but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o this_o droll_a humour_n shall_v carry_v any_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v they_o venture_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o best_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o idle_a profane_a jest_n which_o taint_v the_o air_n that_o give_v it_o breath_n and_o either_o grate_v upon_o or_o corrupt_v the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v it_o but_o because_o this_o be_v become_v a_o too_o frequent_a and_o fashionable_a practice_n and_o have_v betray_v many_o into_o atheism_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o and_o first_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o the_o unpardonable_a rudeness_n and_o indecence_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v it_o high_o unbecoming_a any_o person_n of_o sense_n or_o breed_n for_o since_o mankind_n general_o profess_v a_o high_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v a_o
the_o mystery_n of_o atheism_n or_o the_o device_n make_v use_v of_o to_o countenance_n and_o propagate_v it_o together_o with_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o they_o set_a forth_o in_o several_a letter_n to_o a_o friend_n wherein_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o want_n of_o evidence_n but_o sincerity_n that_o make_v man_n atheist_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o phanaticism_n psal_n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n london_n print_v for_o a._n and_o j._n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n and_o sell_v by_o rich._n gravel_n in_o bristal_n 1699._o the_o preface_n if_o any_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o occasion_n of_o these_o letter_n he_o need_v only_o look_v abroad_o and_o may_v soon_o see_v that_o there_o be_v but_o too_o much_o occasion_n for_o they_o for_o atheism_n be_v so_o strange_o increase_v among_o we_o of_o late_a year_n and_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o like_o a_o torrent_n it_o overflow_v the_o bank_n and_o boundary_n of_o law_n and_o have_v almost_o carry_v away_o all_o religion_n before_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o stem_v this_o tide_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o this_o overflow_a of_o vngodlyness_n it_o have_v be_v a_o matter_n hot_o dispute_v in_o former_a time_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v such_o a_o anomalous_a creature_n as_o a_o atheist_n or_o if_o any_o age_n have_v here_o and_o there_o afford_v one_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o monster_n or_o prodigy_n and_o gaze_v upon_o as_o a_o wonderful_a rarity_n but_o our_o age_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o perhaps_o afford_v more_o than_o any_o that_o have_v go_v before_o it_o this_o monster_n be_v now_o grow_v familiar_a and_o may_v every_o day_n and_o almost_o every_o where_o be_v see_v atheism_n in_o old_a time_n be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o to_o venture_v abroad_o without_o a_o mask_n or_o disguise_n but_o it_o be_v now_o become_v barefaced_a and_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o blush_a and_o shame_n and_o where_o as_o the_o fool_n in_o david_n day_n only_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n in_o we_o he_o speak_v out_o and_o say_v with_o his_o tongue_n there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o recount_v here_o the_o extreme_a folly_n and_o danger_n of_o atheism_n which_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v in_o some_o measure_n do_v in_o the_o follow_a letter_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o make_n and_o management_n of_o it_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v what_o a_o vile_a affront_n must_v it_o be_v to_o question_v his_o be_v and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o argue_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o make_v and_o place_v we_o in_o it_o this_o must_v tear_v up_o all_o religion_n by_o the_o root_n subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a society_n and_o destroy_v all_o that_o trust_v and_o confidence_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o he_o and_o one_o another_o yea_o the_o atheist_n be_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o silly_a of_o all_o impostor_n for_o he_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o himself_o and_o not_o only_o exclude_v he_o from_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n he_o may_v hope_v from_o so_o lovely_a a_o be_v but_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o misery_n and_o punishment_n that_o may_v be_v fear_v from_o a_o incense_a deity_n and_o yet_o as_o silly_a as_o this_o be_v he_o be_v not_o only_o willing_a to_o be_v thus_o gross_o deceive_v himself_o but_o be_v very_o busy_a to_o draw_v in_o and_o deceive_v other_o and_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o such_o a_o senseless_a and_o fatal_a imposture_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o infection_n of_o this_o evil_n spread_v daily_o and_o the_o distemper_n be_v well-nigh_o become_v epidemical_a now_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v so_o strong_o in_o our_o day_n and_o this_o spiritual_a wickedness_n be_v again_o seat_v in_o high_a place_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a if_o it_o may_v be_v both_o to_o detect_v and_o dethrone_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o matter_n worthy_a the_o inquiry_n of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o evil_a that_o by_o know_v the_o cause_n they_o may_v the_o better_o apply_v timely_a remedy_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o before_o the_o distemper_n grow_v inveterate_a and_o incurable_a for_o though_o all_o sin_n in_o general_a yet_o a_o atheistical_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o boldness_n in_o sin_v do_v more_o particular_o undermine_v the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_o hasten_v and_o ripen_v it_o for_o destruction_n now_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o latent_fw-la cause_n of_o atheism_n that_o lie_v more_o hide_v and_o out_o of_o sight_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v more_o visible_a and_o apparent_o lead_v to_o this_o great_a evil_n the_o loosen_a the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o government_n have_v certain_o a_o great_a hand_n in_o it_o the_o dissolve_v the_o tie_v of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o the_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n have_v a_o easy_a and_o natural_a tendency_n to_o it_o how_o much_o the_o immodesty_n and_o immorality_n of_o the_o stage_n have_v tend_v this_o way_n have_v be_v late_o show_v by_o a_o excellent_a pen_n what_o mischief_n have_v proceed_v from_o that_o other_o stage_n i_o mean_v the_o conventicle_n sad_a experience_n may_v inform_v we_o and_o how_o much_o religion_n have_v suffer_v by_o a_o new_a set_a of_o reformer_n who_o be_v for_o reform_v all_o fault_n but_o their_o own_o may_v be_v daily_o see_v and_o this_o as_o all_o other_o mystery_n have_v some_o depth_n and_o intrigue_n which_o must_v be_v search_v into_o and_o lay_v open_a before_o the_o evil_n can_v be_v prevent_v it_o be_v foretold_a that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n some_o shall_v put_v on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o likewise_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n both_o these_o prophecy_n we_o may_v see_v accomplish_v in_o our_o day_n in_o which_o we_o find_v some_o act_n very_o vile_a thing_n under_o a_o cloak_n of_o religion_n and_o other_o throw_v off_o all_o pretension_n to_o it_o break_v their_o jest_n upon_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o make_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o serious_a thing_n the_o object_n of_o their_o contempt_n and_o raillery_n and_o both_o these_o though_o steer_v different_a course_n fall_v at_o last_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n in_o which_o many_o be_v swallow_v up_o and_o from_o whence_o few_o return_n in_o a_o word_n atheism_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n in_o which_o they_o all_o centre_n and_o terminate_v so_o that_o this_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n and_o sink_v man_n into_o everlasting_a perdition_n this_o then_o be_v a_o evil_a so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o maker_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o art_n by_o which_o it_o be_v disguise_v and_o propagate_v that_o we_o may_v behold_v this_o monster_n in_o its_o own_o shape_n and_o be_v thereby_o induce_v to_o shun_v and_o detest_v it_o farewell_o the_o content_n letter_n 1._o of_o the_o atheist_n cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o better_a to_o enjoy_v and_o indulge_v his_o lust_n page_n 1_o letter_n 2._o of_o his_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o deity_n p._n 11_o letter_n 3_o of_o his_o endeavour_v to_o stifle_v the_o conviction_n and_o notice_n that_o conscience_n give_v of_o a_o deity_n p._n 24_o letter_n 4._o of_o his_o ascribe_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o easiness_n of_o belief_n and_o fond_a credulity_n p._n 34_o letter_n 5._o of_o his_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n p._n 43_o letter_n 6._o of_o his_o attribute_v to_o fear_n or_o a_o superstitious_a dread_a of_o some_o invisible_a power_n p._n 50_o letter_n 7._o his_o ascribe_v it_o to_o state-policy_n p._n 58_o letter_n 8._o ascribe_v it_o to_o common_a compact_n p._n 64_o letter_n 9_o his_o denial_n of_o the_o notion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o spirit_n p._n 70_o letter_n 10._o of_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o earthly_a thing_n p._n 78_o letter_n 11._o of_o his_o take_a advantage_n from_o the_o dispute_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n p._n 86_o letter_n 12._o his_o make_a use_n of_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o pretender_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o religion_n p._n
worst_a undergo_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o but_o discoverable_a likewise_o by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o great_a light_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o matter_n you_o will_v see_v great_a cause_n to_o dread_v than_o desire_v prosperity_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o many_o and_o great_a danger_n of_o prosperity_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o many_o and_o vast_a advantage_n of_o affliction_n we_o may_v soon_o see_v this_o stumbling-block_n of_o the_o atheist_n to_o vanish_v and_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a and_o affliction_n of_o good_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o both_o i_o be_o sir_n you_o a._n b._n letter_n xi_o sir_n have_v in_o my_o last_o remove_v that_o ancient_a stumbling-block_n of_o atheism_n take_v from_o the_o adversity_n of_o good_a and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a men._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o a_o late_a device_n of_o the_o atheist_n which_o be_v his_o taking_z advantage_n from_o the_o many_o sect_n and_o difference_n in_o religion_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o and_o from_o man_n disagreement_n about_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n to_o settle_v in_o a_o total_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o he_o this_o be_v too_o obvious_a in_o experience_n to_o need_v any_o proof_n for_o may_v we_o not_o daily_o see_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n to_o wear_v off_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o stir_n that_o be_v make_v about_o it_o be_v not_o the_o impression_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n mighty_o deface_v by_o our_o division_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o the_o different_a sect_n and_o opinion_n of_o our_o age_n be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n that_o so_o much_o abound_v in_o it_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o some_o person_n who_o have_v be_v well_o enough_o affect_v to_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o small_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o have_v yet_o by_o fall_v into_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n contract_v that_o giddiness_n and_o instability_n as_o to_o lose_v all_o and_o by_o run_v from_o one_o sect_n to_o another_o have_v run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_n into_o atheism_n and_o other_o perceive_v their_o clash_n and_o inconstancy_n have_v go_v the_o same_o way_n and_o throw_v up_o all_o but_o what_o influence_n have_v difference_n and_o division_n in_o religion_n upon_o the_o produce_v of_o atheism_n why_o great_a sundry_a way_n as_o first_o division_n tend_v to_o expose_v religion_n and_o render_v it_o vile_a and_o despicable_a for_o when_o man_n behold_v it_o to_o set_v one_o another_o by_o the_o ear_n 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manifest_a breach_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a manner_n to_o scoff_n at_o and_o deride_v they_o the_o law_n of_o conversation_n require_v to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o due_a respect_n there_o be_v none_o can_v hear_v with_o patience_n his_o father_n or_o his_o friend_n expose_v to_o scorn_n and_o derision_n and_o what_o a_o unparalleled_a affront_n must_v it_o be_v to_o mankind_n to_o make_v god_n and_o religion_n the_o dear_a thing_n to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n the_o subject_n of_o contempt_n and_o raillery_n again_o two_o the_o mighty_a influence_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o public_a welfare_n may_v convince_v any_o consider_a man_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o deride_v it_o he_o that_o despise_v religion_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o government_n and_o dissolve_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o human_a society_n for_o when_o man_n have_v laugh_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n all_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n be_v 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never_o so_o much_o salt_n can_v be_v savoury_a but_o nauseous_a and_o offensive_a to_o all_o wise_a men._n last_o the_o unspeakable_a hazard_n the_o atheist_n run_v in_o deride_v religion_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o impious_a practice_n for_o if_o the_o atheist_n shall_v find_v at_o last_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o undoubted_o he_o will_v what_o will_v he_o say_v for_o those_o rude_a scoff_v and_o affront_v he_o have_v put_v upon_o he_o what_o account_n can_v he_o give_v for_o all_o this_o impudent_a buffonery_n what_o horror_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n must_v needs_o seize_v they_o when_o the_o maker_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v avenge_v this_o insolence_n upon_o they_o and_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n in_o their_o eternal_a destruction_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n well_o worth_a their_o serious_a and_o timely_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o return_v no_o more_o to_o this_o folly_n otherwise_o if_o 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act_n upon_o slender_a and_o insufficient_a motive_n to_o prove_v which_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o part_v with_o present_a certainty_n for_o uncertain_a futurity_n can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o wisdom_n for_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o great_a evidence_n shall_v sway_v now_o we_o be_v sure_a say_v they_o of_o what_o be_v present_a but_o can_v never_o be_v so_o of_o what_o be_v future_a and_o therefore_o he_o charge_v it_o with_o folly_n to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o present_a pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o few_o vain_a hope_n of_o better_a thing_n in_o another_o which_o perhaps_o may_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o of_o which_o none_o can_v ever_o yet_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a evidence_n this_o though_o own_a indeed_o by_o few_o be_v yet_o the_o sense_n and_o language_n of_o most_o man_n life_n and_o action_n which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v fond_a to_o excess_n of_o these_o earthly_a enjoyment_n but_o to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o 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off_o from_o the_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o lewd_a talk_n and_o example_n of_o bad_a company_n gradual_o wear_v off_o all_o impression_n of_o virtue_n vice_n be_v infectious_a and_o communicate_v its_o venom_n and_o malignity_n to_o such_o as_o come_v near_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o it_o and_o to_o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o five_o to_o be_v arm_v against_o atheism_n we_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o to_o take_v up_o our_o faith_n upon_o trust_n without_o examination_n a_o tree_n you_o know_v that_o be_v not_o well_o root_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v shake_v with_o every_o wind_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o wellgrounded_n in_o their_o religion_n be_v easy_o toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n he_o that_o 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religion_n have_v its_o name_n from_o bind_v and_o its_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o keep_v man_n firm_a to_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n now_o the_o relax_a of_o this_o bond_n let_v man_n loose_a in_o both_o and_o that_o bring_v on_o division_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n and_o corruption_n in_o point_n of_o manner_n both_o which_o natural_o lead_v to_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v best_a see_v in_o prescribe_v good_a law_n to_o prevent_v all_o looseness_n and_o extravagance_n in_o both_o and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o superior_n to_o countenance_n a_o well-established_a religion_n by_o encourage_v the_o observer_n and_o punish_v the_o transgressor_n of_o it_o so_o be_v it_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o subject_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o without_o corrupt_v its_o doctrine_n by_o heresy_n or_o break_v its_o unity_n by_o schism_n and_o division_n seven_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o atheism_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o frequent_v the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o diligent_o observe_v the_o state_v season_n of_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n the_o neglect_n of_o this_o have_v be_v a_o unhappy_a occasion_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o this_o impiety_n for_o the_o many_o press_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n be_v apt_a to_o crowd_n in_o upon_o our_o mind_n to_o engross_v too_o much_o of_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n and_o thereby_o to_o beget_v a_o utter_a forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o another_o life_n to_o prevent_v which_o god_n almighty_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o himself_o for_o our_o own_o good_a have_v appoint_v some_o solemn_a season_n in_o which_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o rest_v from_o all_o our_o worldly_a care_n and_o labour_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n now_o the_o observe_v of_o these_o season_n will_v help_v to_o take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o a_o inordinate_a pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o fix_v they_o on_o a_o better_a it_o will_v recollect_v our_o scatter_a thought_n and_o preserve_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n the_o public_a instruction_n of_o those_o season_n serve_v to_o awaken_v and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o zeal_n be_v increase_v by_o the_o concurrence_n and_o example_n of_o each_o other_o devotion_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o sense_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v still_o keep_v alive_a in_o our_o mind_n whereas_o by_o a_o careless_a neglect_n of_o pulick_n worship_n god_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n exclude_v out_o of_o all_o our_o thought_n we_o become_v whole_o immerse_v in_o the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o so_o natural_o sink_v into_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n so_o that_o to_o continue_v sound_a and_o serious_a in_o religion_n we_o must_v careful_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n and_o be_v mindful_a likewise_o of_o the_o 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name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v not_o deny_v god_n we_o must_v deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n these_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n will_v redound_v not_o only_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v best_a keep_v alive_a both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o in_o other_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o light_n of_o such_o good_a work_n will_v so_o shine_v before_o man_n as_o to_o make_v they_o glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n example_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o great_a force_n than_o precept_n and_o most_o man_n like_o sheep_n be_v apt_a to_o go_v rather_o quaiter_n than_o qua_fw-la eundum_fw-la and_o therefore_o great_a heed_n be_v to_o be_v take_v to_o our_o way_n that_o we_o do_v not_o by_o bad_a example_n draw_v any_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o mislead_v they_o into_o the_o path_n of_o error_n 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