imprimatur_fw-la may_v 16._o 1693._o gul._n lancaster_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n both_z in_o his_o natural_a and_o political_a capacity_n both_o as_o he_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n and_o member_n of_o a_o civil_a society_n with_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o of_o mr._n hobbs'sopinion_n relate_v hereunto_o by_o ja._n loud_a rector_n of_o settington_n in_o yorkshire_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o clare-hall_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v by_o t._n warren_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1694._o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n by_o divine_a providence_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n of_o all_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a and_o one_o of_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n this_o treatise_n with_o all_o duty_n and_o gratitude_n be_v most_o humble_o dedicate_v by_o his_o grace_n most_o obedient_a faithful_a and_o oblige_a servant_n ja._n loud_a the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o though_o undeserved_a reproach_n cast_v upon_o mankind_n as_o if_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v a_o very_a wolf_n or_o tiger_n yet_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a so_o far_o presume_v upon_o the_o falseness_n of_o these_o scandal_n hope_v hereafter_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o real_o be_v so_o as_o free_o to_o expose_v this_o small_a treatise_n to_o thy_o more_o favourable_a reception_n i_o will_v willing_o suppose_v thou_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o good_a and_o gentle_a as_o possible_o i_o can_v so_o far_o as_o with_o truth_n and_o prudence_n i_o may_v do_v it_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o here_o go_v about_o to_o flatter_v thou_o into_o good_a nature_n or_o to_o impose_v upon_o thy_o judgement_n by_o bespeak_v thy_o affection_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n if_o we_o look_v into_o ourselves_o at_o home_n or_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n abroad_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v such_o a_o universal_a love_n and_o benignity_n to_o prevail_v therein_o as_o the_o poet_n describe_v in_o their_o golden_a age_n or_o such_o as_o we_o may_v certain_o have_v experience_v have_v man_n continue_v in_o innocence_n but_o then_o to_o assert_v humane_a nature_n in_o general_a as_o the_o great_a patroness_n of_o all_o vice_n and_o villainy_n because_o it_o be_v now_o fall_v from_o its_o original_a perfection_n and_o adulterate_v with_o some_o vicious_a mixture_n be_v just_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o gold_n in_o the_o mass_n of_o ore_n because_o mix_v with_o great_a quantity_n of_o dross_n or_o sand._n that_o which_o i_o here_o design_n in_o reference_n to_o humane_a nature_n be_v likeness_n rather_o than_o curiosity_n so_o that_o i_o must_v not_o so_o far_o favour_v thou_o as_o to_o represent_v thou_o without_o any_o deformity_n or_o imperfection_n nor_o yet_o be_v so_o injurious_a as_o to_o draw_v both_o mankind_n in_o general_n and_o thou_o in_o particular_a so_o much_o like_o devil_n as_o some_o have_v go_v about_o to_o do_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o make_v any_o apology_n for_o the_o publication_n of_o these_o few_o paper_n nor_o trouble_v thou_o with_o those_o many_o pretend_a reason_n the_o commonness_n whereof_o make_v â—â—m_fw-la suspect_v even_o then_o when_o perhaps_o they_o may_v be_v real_a if_o upon_o thy_o perusal_n thou_o can_v find_v any_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o excuse_n for_o i_o it_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a for_o thou_o to_o make_v than_o for_o i_o to_o plead_v in_o my_o own_o defence_n and_o thus_o to_o thy_o own_o candour_n i_o submit'em_v nor_o do_v they_o go_v about_o to_o enter_v into_o compact_n for_o their_o own_o security_n nor_o be_v they_o so_o solicitous_a about_o their_o own_o preservation_n as_o to_o desire_v any_o one_o common_a reader_n to_o transfer_v his_o right_n of_o judge_v and_o condemn_v too_o if_o he_o so_o think_v fit_a as_o for_o those_o learned_a person_n from_o who_o i_o differ_v in_o some_o particular_n i_o know_v that_o nothing_o unless_o it_o be_v their_o learning_n be_v great_a than_o their_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n therefore_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o attribute_v this_o my_o freedom_n of_o declare_v my_o own_o sentiment_n to_o any_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n or_o to_o any_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o oppose_v they_o but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o truth_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n than_o he_o who_o with_o calmness_n and_o unconcernedness_n far_o from_o passion_n and_o personal_a reflection_n serious_o debate_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o though_o i_o may_v err_v in_o my_o opinion_n or_o mistake_v in_o my_o reason_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v confident_a in_o they_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v still_o reserve_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o change_v my_o mind_n when_o either_o by_o any_o kind_a notice_n from_o other_o or_o by_o my_o own_o mature_a thought_n i_o shall_v be_v better_o inform_v however_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o for_o singularity_n if_o i_o do_v err_v i_o err_v with_o very_o good_a company_n the_o argument_n here_o handle_v have_v already_o be_v various_o treat_v of_o by_o learned_a man_n yet_o the_o subject_n seem_v not_o so_o whole_o exhaust_v but_o that_o other_o yet_o may_v with_o profit_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o employ_v their_o meditation_n hereupon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o human_a nature_n be_v always_o count_v a_o good_a foundation_n both_o of_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o error_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o religion_n itself_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o want_n either_o of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n or_o due_a consideration_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o rational_a and_o of_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o therefrom_o for_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o exhort_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n but_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o as_o suppose_v that_o sufficient_o know_v to_o we_o already_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a force_n even_o if_o possible_a to_o patronize_v vice_n and_o error_n than_o those_o powerful_a name_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n thus_o those_o that_o have_v go_v about_o to_o disparage_v the_o one_o and_o oppose_v the_o other_o have_v yet_o do_v it_o under_o the_o plausible_a pretence_n of_o advance_v both_o thus_o the_o soic_o who_o tenant_n be_v the_o most_o contrary_a to_o human_a nature_n right_o understand_v yet_o do_v they_o prevail_v above_o and_o grow_v more_o numerous_a than_o any_o other_o sect_n and_o that_o probable_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o of_o their_o constant_a boast_n of_o live_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o nature_n thus_o the_o atheist_n of_o our_o age_n oppose_v reason_n to_o religion_n and_o think_v they_o may_v just_o reject_v the_o one_o see_v they_o be_v such_o devout_a proselyte_n or_o at_o least_o such_o great_a pretender_n to_o the_o other_o so_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n though_o otherwise_o differ_v both_o in_o principle_n and_o practice_n do_v more_o agree_v than_o in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a due_a respect_n owe_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o great_a concernment_n therefore_o be_v it_o right_o to_o understand_v both_o these_o lest_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n make_v use_v of_o those_o very_a faculty_n which_o god_n implant_v in_o man_n on_o purpose_n to_o promote_v the_o design_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o the_o carry_v on_o his_o own_o base_a end_n of_o vice_n and_o error_n thus_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v some_o falsity_n in_o the_o citation_n or_o some_o malice_n in_o the_o design_n when_o the_o devil_n quote_v scripture_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v that_o some_o fallacy_n be_v in_o the_o argument_n when_o reason_n and_o nature_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o patronize_v vice_n and_o error_n my_o design_n then_o here_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n and_o innocence_n of_o those_o great_a and_o worthy_a name_n nature_n and_o reason_n from_o the_o bad_a usage_n they_o meet_v withal_o when_o challenge_v by_o those_o unjust_a pretender_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v necessary_o engage_v i_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o some_o of_o mr._n hobbs_n opinion_n which_o i_o shall_v do_v with_o as_o much_o fairness_n and_o impartiality_n as_o possible_o i_o can_v he_o have_v indeed_o make_v several_a ingenious_a observation_n upon_o human_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o that_o wherein_o he_o seem_v very_o often_o to_o fail_v be_v either_o that_o he_o do_v not_o careful_o avoid_v those_o fault_n himself_o which_o he_o
enemy_n can_v invent_v yet_o that_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o mere_a sensual_a man_n may_v imagine_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o intenseness_n of_o their_o thought_n then_o set_v on_o the_o joy_n above_o and_o also_o the_o more_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n strengthen_v and_o assist_v they_o so_o that_o they_o seem_v rather_o pleasant_o to_o enjoy_v than_o painful_o to_o undergo_v the_o flame_n chap._n vi_o religion_n the_o best_a foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n with_o a_o examination_n of_o some_o of_o machiavel_n opinion_n relate_v hereunto_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a how_o that_o it_o be_v that_o order_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n whereby_o all_o rational_a agent_n either_o do_v or_o at_o least_o be_v bind_v to_o act_v in_o observation_n of_o those_o mutual_a respect_n they_o bear_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o other_o how_o that_o it_o be_v that_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o management_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a affair_n thereof_o and_o what_o some_o philosopher_n have_v assert_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o universe_n may_v be_v very_o well_o apply_v to_o religion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n that_o it_o tie_v each_o part_n to_o itself_o and_o to_o one_o another_o and_o dispose_v of_o every_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o every_o part_n this_o consider_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o religion_n shall_v have_v a_o very_a good_a and_o benign_a influence_n upon_o all_o public_a society_n these_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a body_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o this_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o religion_n acknowledge_v in_o their_o most_o malicious_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o viz._n when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a politic_a device_n and_o contrivance_n of_o prince_n by_o which_o they_o may_v better_o govern_v their_o subject_n and_o awe_v they_o into_o obedience_n but_o this_o as_o most_o error_n be_v be_v found_v in_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o false_a scandal_n cast_v upon_o religion_n yet_o it_o suppose_v this_o undeniable_a verity_n that_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o also_o high_o promotive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n now_o the_o consistency_n of_o religion_n with_o government_n in_o general_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o religion_n in_o the_o true_a and_o sincere_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o one_o great_a end_n of_o god_n institute_v a_o government_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o put_v man_n into_o a_o better_a capacity_n of_o perform_v their_o duty_n towards_o god_n themselves_o and_o other_o these_o thing_n be_v first_o grant_v which_o i_o think_v also_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o religion_n shall_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o or_o destructive_a of_o government_n see_v these_o two_o be_v make_v joint_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o one_o common_a end_n of_o humane_a happiness_n thus_o god_n send_v we_o into_o the_o world_n that_o by_o holiness_n we_o shall_v arrive_v at_o happiness_n and_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o government_n over_o we_o that_o under_o it_o we_o shall_v lead_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n therefore_o these_o two_o religion_n and_o government_n be_v certain_o consistent_a with_o each_o other_o otherwise_o it_o will_v charge_v god_n with_o folly_n and_o imprudence_n by_o design_v to_o bring_v about_o a_o end_n by_o incosistent_a mean_n 2._o though_o government_n in_o general_n be_v subordinate_a to_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o ultimate_a end_n eternal_a happiness_n yet_o the_o church_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o private_a power_n and_o authority_n be_v subordinate_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o state_n thus_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o not_o the_o state_n in_o the_o church_n but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a but_o only_o a_o accidental_a subordination_n that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o depend_v upon_o divine_a positive_a institution_n for_o if_o god_n have_v so_o please_v he_o may_v have_v make_v the_o state_n inferior_a to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v make_v the_o church_n subject_n to_o the_o state_n in_o most_o now_o if_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o god_n see_v how_o much_o it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n to_o provide_v for_o and_o secure_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n have_v therefore_o subject_v the_o church_n in_o most_o thing_n always_o except_v those_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o peculiarity_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n which_o i_o always_o suppose_v sacred_a and_o inviolable_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n for_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v thus_o have_v commit_v his_o church_n to_o which_o he_o always_o bear_v such_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o state_n if_o it_o be_v as_o our_o adversary_n suppose_v so_o much_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o state_n to_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n but_o now_o particular_o religion_n lay_v the_o best_a foundation_n of_o government_n these_o four_o way_n 1._o by_o assert_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a power_n to_o be_v true_o divine_a 2._o by_o show_v the_o religious_a obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o sound_v obedience_n neither_o in_o fear_n nor_o interest_n but_o in_o conscience_n 3._o by_o correct_v and_o confute_v all_o those_o false_a opinion_n and_o principle_n which_o be_v so_o destructive_a of_o all_o humane_a society_n and_o civil_a obedience_n 4._o by_o remove_v all_o those_o lust_n and_o passion_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a incendiary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o fomenter_n of_o war_n and_o discord_n 1._o religion_n do_v the_o best_a secure_a government_n by_o assert_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a power_n to_o be_v true_o divine_a here_o i_o shall_v not_o restrain_v my_o assertion_n to_o monarchy_n only_o but_o extend_v it_o also_o to_o all_o regular_a and_o well-settled_n government_n though_o i_o think_v that_o monarchy_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o its_o plea_n for_o a_o more_o particular_a divine_a institution_n so_o far_o as_o example_n and_o primitive_a practice_n can_v give_v any_o right_n thereto_o nor_o do_v i_o here_o assert_v that_o all_o monarchy_n in_o their_o original_a constitution_n be_v absolute_a or_o however_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o some_o indeed_o say_v that_o whatever_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n have_v be_v since_o introduce_v into_o some_o government_n yet_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o these_o be_v the_o encroachment_n of_o after_o age_n and_o the_o people_n usurp_a upon_o the_o prerogative_n or_o else_o the_o grant_n and_o concession_n of_o good-natured_a prince_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v rather_o bare_o assert_v than_o positive_o prove_v yet_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v hence_o that_o the_o people_n be_v the_o original_a proprietor_n of_o all_o civil_a power_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o pilate_n joh._n 19_o 11._o thou_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v thou_o from_o above_o the_o same_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o people_n that_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n as_o some_o imagine_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v it_o of_o themselves_o they_o must_v either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o derive_v it_o from_o god_n so_o that_o they_o give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o king_n the_o power_n will_v be_v still_o true_o divine_a though_o it_o be_v convey_v through_o the_o people_n as_o through_o a_o conduit_n but_o then_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o suppose_v such_o a_o needless_a circuit_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o divine_a providence_n why_o may_v not_o god_n give_v it_o more_o immediate_o himself_o see_v this_o be_v as_o easy_o conceivable_a attend_v with_o few_o inconvenience_n and_o more_o promotive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o government_n than_o the_o other_o thus_o mr._n hobbs_n no_o less_o false_o than_o impious_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n create_v man_n in_o such_o a_o ill-conditioned_a state_n of_o nature_n not_o that_o he_o design_v he_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o but_o that_o he_o may_v mend_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o prudence_n by_o get_v out_o of_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v and_o grotius_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o what_o
good_a fortune_n if_o its_o archer_n chance_v to_o hit_v the_o mark._n 2._o the_o subject-matter_n of_o those_o inquiry_n be_v many_o time_n of_o such_o small_a concernment_n that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n whether_o they_o do_v or_o no_o only_o both_o these_o be_v then_o best_o employ_v when_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o explain_v or_o consirm_v some_o moral_a or_o divine_a truth_n 3._o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o do_v natural_o load_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n 1._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n 2._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n 3._o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1._o thus_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n in_o as_o much_o as_o at_o first_o he_o stamp_v such_o lively_a character_n of_o himself_o upon_o our_o mind_n as_o speak_v their_o author_n thus_o both_o reason_n and_o religion_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n either_o in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a world_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o natural_a notion_n or_o idea_n at_o all_o and_o particular_o this_o of_o god_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o contrary_a hereof_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o discourse_n will_v appear_v both_o pious_o and_o rational_o credible_a god_n at_o first_o create_v we_o after_o his_o own_o image_n or_o similitude_n more_o especial_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o this_o seem_v most_o natural_o to_o suppose_v something_o actual_o existent_a in_o the_o soul_n wherein_o this_o similitude_n or_o resemblance_n shall_v consist_v and_o not_o only_o in_o a_o bare_a capacity_n or_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n afterward_o and_o by_o reslect_v upon_o these_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o image_n and_o superscription_n they_o bear_v thus_o do_v we_o sometime_o more_o perfect_o behold_v the_o sun_n by_o look_v downward_o into_o the_o water_n than_o we_o can_v possible_o do_v with_o a_o direct_a eye_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o that_o argument_n how_o far_o the_o idea_n or_o notion_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n do_v prove_v his_o real_a existence_n this_o be_v already_o so_o excellent_o do_v by_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n in_o his_o orig._n sacrae_fw-la and_o by_o dr._n cudworth_n in_o his_o systeme_n etc._n etc._n only_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o since_o moral_a argument_n do_v not_o as_o mathematical_a one_o do_v force_v assent_n but_o suppose_v certain_a disposition_n of_o the_o subject_a upon_o which_o their_o prevalency_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v therefore_o i_o conceive_v the_o persuasive_a force_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v great_a to_o a_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n within_o himself_o than_o perhaps_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o other_o for_o that_o which_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o agreeable_a this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v to_o all_o his_o faculty_n how_o consistent_a with_o all_o those_o principle_n of_o truâ—h_n and_o goodness_n which_o he_o any_o way_n find_v lodge_v in_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o from_o the_o consonancy_n of_o these_o how_o they_o mutual_o defend_v and_o support_v each_o other_o nay_o how_o there_o can_v scarce_o be_v any_o notion_n at_o all_o either_o of_o truth_n or_o goodness_n without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o god_n hence_o a_o considerate_a and_o ingenuous_a person_n be_v much_o more_o consirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o thing_n thus_o d._n cartes_n be_v more_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o philosophical_a principle_n because_o they_o be_v so_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o give_v such_o easy_a solution_n of_o '_o they_o 2._o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o some_o action_n viz_o those_o of_o cogitation_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o be_v of_o great_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n than_o mere_a matter_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o be_v to_o a_o spirit_n hence_o we_o infer_v first_o the_o immateriality_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n because_o what_o ever_o real_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o that_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n must_v we_o attribute_v to_o god_n here_o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v the_o immateriality_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o then_o make_v good_a the_o consequence_n when_o from_o thence_o we_o infer_v the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 1._o the_o immateriality_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o be_v the_o same_o that_o matter_n can_v think_v and_o this_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v a_o needless_a undertake_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n self-evident_a it_o will_v be_v the_o more_o difficult_a by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o the_o most_o effectual_a if_o not_o the_o only_a way_n to_o do_v it_o be_v to_o show_v the_o strange_a and_o absurd_a consequence_n that_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n there_o seem_v no_o great_a argument_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o matter_n think_v than_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o their_o attempt_n and_o the_o improbability_n of_o their_o way_n and_o method_n who_o have_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v it_o first_o they_o grant_v that_o matter_n itself_o unless_o so_o and_o so_o modify_v can_v think_v and_o it_o be_v altogether_o unconceivable_a how_o either_o the_o tenuity_n of_o the_o part_n or_o the_o most_o vigorous_a motion_n shall_v add_v to_o it_o any_o principle_n of_o perception_n which_o otherwise_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v destitute_a of_o nor_o be_v it_o render_v the_o more_o intelligible_a by_o place_v as_o mr._n hobbs_n do_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o re-action_n this_o be_v only_o such_o a_o particular_a kind_n of_o motion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o term_n à _fw-fr quo_fw-la and_o ad_fw-la quem_fw-la as_o if_o reflection_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o inward_a consciousness_n to_o ourselves_o of_o our_o thought_n and_o action_n be_v the_o same_o with_o or_o can_v be_v any_o way_n explain_v by_o re-actoin_a or_o reflection_n in_o matter_n i_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v thus_o that_o because_o angulus_n reflectionis_fw-la est_fw-la aequalis_fw-la angulo_fw-la incidentiae_fw-la therefore_o if_o matter_n can_v think_v in_o its_o direct_a neither_o can_v it_o in_o its_o reflect_a motion_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n conceivable_a how_o senseless_a atom_n shall_v grow_v into_o great_a wit_n only_o by_o jump_v and_o run_v their_o head_n against_o one_o another_o nor_o will_v organization_n any_o whit_n help_v the_o matter_n for_o suppose_v a_o company_n of_o plenipotentiary_n particle_n send_v from_o the_o material_a universe_n to_o the_o no_o less_o material_a sovereign_n the_o soul_n to_o treat_v about_o some_o grand_a astair_n of_o state_n these_o while_o they_o ride_v on_o brisk_o in_o a_o direct_a road_n may_v perhaps_o have_v their_o head_n full_a of_o intrigue_n and_o politic_n but_o then_o when_o they_o come_v into_o those_o many_o cross_a way_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o meet_v withal_o in_o organise_v body_n they_o will_v then_o probable_o either_o lose_v themselves_o or_o forget_v their_o errand_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o court_n find_v their_o head_n fraught_v with_o nothing_o but_o some_o certain_a cross_a question_n which_o they_o pick_v up_o by_o the_o way_n further_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o the_o patron_n of_o this_o mechanic_n hypothesis_n to_o assign_v the_o respective_a modes_n of_o action_n and_o re-action_n to_o the_o several_a mode_n of_o cogitation_n what_o kind_n of_o motion_n it_o be_v that_o cause_n assent_v what_o dissent_n what_o kind_n of_o agitation_n of_o the_o particle_n be_v require_v to_o cause_n understanding_n and_o how_o distinguish_v from_o that_o of_o the_o will_n and_o then_o suppose_v that_o after_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ill_o place_v pain_n they_o compass_v their_o design_n and_o be_v able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o mode_n of_o cogitation_n as_o des_n cartes_n have_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o colour_n only_o by_o the_o various_a motion_n figure_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o particle_n beside_o the_o improbability_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o great_a certainty_n but_o that_o whatever_o way_n they_o pitch_v upon_o we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n assign_v the_o just_a contrary_n now_o see_v according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n assent_n and_o dissent_n affirmation_n and_o negation_n etc._n etc._n must_v consist_v in_o such_o a_o respective_a
can_v commit_v any_o sin_n provide_v they_o do_v but_o follow_v their_o own_o natural_a inclination_n according_a to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n as_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o natural_a appetite_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o as_o in_o this_o case_n that_o forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v thus_o p._n 260._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o action_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v count_v sin_n praeter_fw-la illas_fw-la à _fw-la quibus_fw-la vel_fw-la omnium_fw-la hominum_fw-la natura_fw-la abhorret_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o certis_fw-la hominibus_fw-la illas_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la naturae_fw-la sunt_fw-la contrariae_fw-la where_o by_o nature_n he_o mean_v nothing_o but_o natural_a affection_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n but_o certain_o a_o man_n must_v have_v a_o new_a nature_n and_o a_o new_a bible_n give_v he_o before_o this_o will_v pass_v either_o for_o reason_n or_o religion_n but_o then_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o place_n before_o cite_v some_o say_v that_o st._n paul_n there_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n bring_v up_o under_o such_o master_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v covet_v as_o it_o include_v the_o inward_a act_n only_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n other_o say_v that_o sin_n be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o give_v of_o moses_n his_o law_n thus_o theophylact_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n how_o be_v the_o deluge_n bring_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o why_o be_v the_o sodomite_n destroy_v by_o fire_n if_o lust_n be_v not_o know_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n before_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o law_n do_v not_o first_o make_v lust_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o do_v more_o express_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v so_o he_o quote_v indeed_o several_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n p._n 254._o si_fw-mi pietatis_fw-la officia_fw-la specialia_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o the_o special_a office_n of_o piety_n be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o there_o must_v be_v some_o certain_a foundation_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v draw_v here_o he_o mention_n three_o 1._o natural_a instinct_n 2._o the_o sanctity_n of_o god_n 3._o divine_a power_n or_o dominion_n as_o for_o the_o first_o natural_a instinct_n this_o indeed_o he_o say_v be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a action_n to_o they_o who_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n it_o must_v be_v to_o they_o who_o only_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o second_o say_v he_o can_v the_o sanctity_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o reason_n he_o there_o give_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a one_o and_o very_o odd_o express_v viz._n because_o god_n act_v nothing_o but_o by_o instinct_n of_o his_o nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n holy_a in_o god_n but_o what_o his_o nature_n desire_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o god_n sometime_o act_n as_o a_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o these_o case_n his_o action_n be_v not_o in_o all_o particular_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o we_o second_o it_o seem_v a_o irreverend_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o say_v that_o god_n act_v out_o of_o instinct_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v common_o and_o proper_o attribute_v to_o mere_a animal_n yet_o grant_v the_o expression_n in_o sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n do_v daily_o alter_v the_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n concern_v the_o same_o object_n three_o yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n so_o far_o as_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o to_o be_v so_o but_o in_o the_o three_o placo_fw-la he_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o be_v just_a and_o good_a but_o that_o only_a which_o he_o command_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a next_o sentence_n p._n 255._o as_o if_o something_o from_o within_o have_v whisper_v better_a thing_n to_o he_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n indeed_o may_v command_v any_o thing_n madò_fw-la dei_fw-la naturae_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la contrarium_fw-la ut_fw-la talia_fw-la siant_fw-la etc._n etc._n provide_v it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a pious_a and_o prudent_a a_o true_a and_o rational_a assertion_n but_o than_o it_o contradict_v the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n some_o thing_n indeed_o may_v be_v more_o evident_o and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o love_v or_o not_o to_o obey_v he_o but_o then_o to_o forbid_v all_o due_a resemblance_n of_o himself_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o command_v all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n in_o rational_a creature_n this_o certain_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o than_o proceed_v as_o he_o say_v to_o examine_v the_o principal_a part_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o order_n to_o see_v whether_o there_o lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o they_o but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o here_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o truth_n and_o those_o duty_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o depend_v mere_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o then_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o those_o other_o moral_a duty_n which_o christianity_n do_v not_o first_o reveal_v but_o only_o further_a illustrate_a and_o confirm_v to_o we_o nor_o shall_v i_o here_o follow_v he_o through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o he_o there_o instance_n in_o i_o shall_v only_o pitch_v upon_o one_o which_o yet_o seem_v of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o of_o justice._n this_o he_o say_v can_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n because_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o nature_n deum_fw-la neminem_fw-la injuriâ_fw-la afficere_fw-la that_o god_n do_v no_o body_n any_o wrong_n for_o he_o say_v that_o if_o that_o be_v injury_n when_o we_o hurt_v those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v any_o such_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n quid_fw-la infant_n in_fw-la deum_fw-la peccaverunt_fw-la wherein_o have_v infant_n sin_v against_o god_n who_o yet_o many_o time_n be_v grievous_o afflict_v by_o he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o i_o before_o premise_v this_o that_o god_n sometime_o act_n as_o a_o sovereign_n or_o lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o this_o case_n some_o action_n may_v be_v injurious_a or_o unjust_a in_o man_n which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o god_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o original_a sin_n may_v give_v easy_a solution_n to_o what_o he_o there_o urge_v but_o because_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o here_o insist_v upon_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o divine_a justice_n to_o inflict_v very_o high_a degree_n of_o affliction_n on_o rational_a creature_n provide_v that_o the_o mercy_n they_o enjoy_v be_v more_o than_o the_o misery_n they_o undergo_v and_o he_o will_v never_o prove_v that_o god_n ever_o inflict_v such_o misery_n upon_o infant_n but_o that_o if_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o election_n they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o undergo_v they_o than_o their_o own_o annihilation_n but_o he_o lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o that_o action_n of_o the_o israelite_n rob_v of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o be_v do_v by_o god_n command_n or_o allowance_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o sin_n therefore_o nothing_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o some_o say_v that_o god_n herein_o act_v as_o the_o universal_a creator_n and_o original_a proprietor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o here_o transfer_v the_o property_n as_o he_o just_o may_v from_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o israelite_n other_o say_v that_o as_o sovereign_a legislator_n he_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n in_o this_o particular_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n positive_a command_n for_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o other_o rationes_fw-la boni_fw-la &_o mali_fw-la more_o sacred_a and_o indispensable_a than_o those_o of_o property_n if_o the_o reader_n here_o object_n that_o my_o style_n
much_o strength_n retort_v upon_o themselves_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o that_o be_v just_o suspect_v as_o false_a in_o religion_n the_o belief_n or_o practice_n whereof_o be_v join_v with_o either_o public_a or_o private_a advantage_n to_o those_o concern_v now_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o for_o this_o be_v one_o main_a foundation_n of_o our_o natural_a religion_n and_o part_v even_o of_o the_o gentile_n creed_n viz._n a_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o that_o he_o have_v join_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n together_o not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o future_a but_o also_o as_o to_o the_o present_a life_n and_o god_n in_o so_o order_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v but_o second_v and_o confirm_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o such_o be_v the_o constitution_n thereof_o that_o good_a and_o convenience_n be_v the_o necessary_a object_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o present_a or_o future_a advantage_n be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v then_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n question_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n because_o man_n necessary_o propound_v some_o kind_n of_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o in_o they_o all_o but_o this_o will_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o scepticism_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o reject_v or_o doubt_v of_o thing_n for_o those_o very_a reason_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v '_o they_o 2._o this_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o advantage_n that_o attend_v religion_n be_v a_o very_a contingent_a and_o accidental_a one_o such_o as_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o christianity_n expose_v its_o professor_n to_o nothing_o but_o persecution_n their_o name_n to_o sandal_n and_o reproach_n their_o estate_n to_o ruin_n and_o their_o body_n to_o martyrdom_n 3._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o objection_n as_o make_v by_o they_o that_o urge_v it_o indeed_o if_o those_o man_n be_v so_o heroical_a in_o their_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o embrace_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o intrinsic_a excellence_n then_o may_v there_o something_o more_o be_v plead_v for_o they_o but_o since_o they_o be_v man_n of_o debauch_a life_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o justify_v their_o own_o wickedness_n will_v insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o a_o secret_a belief_n that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a cheat_n this_o be_v the_o great_a instance_n not_o only_o of_o profaneness_n but_o of_o folly_n too_o because_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n upon_o themselves_o thus_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v therefore_o suspect_v to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v both_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n be_v reject_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n as_o it_o be_v of_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n it_o prove_v as_o much_o against_o themselves_o as_o it_o do_v against_o we_o as_o for_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n include_v in_o it_o a_o contradiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o these_o man_n indeed_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o defend_v their_o cause_n in_o case_n they_o can_v prove_v their_o assertion_n for_o whoever_o grant_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v either_o grant_v that_o he_o real_o be_v or_o else_o will_v be_v force_v to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v reduce_v into_o act._n but_o if_o god_n be_v not_o now_o and_o actual_o be_v not_o existent_a from_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v include_v in_o his_o notion_n ever_o to_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v bradwardine_n argument_n cap._n 1._o p._n 3._o so_o that_o a_o atheist_n must_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v from_o eternity_n impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o neither_o of_o which_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o less_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n as_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v all_o thing_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v nor_o be_v they_o on_o this_o account_n less_o true_a and_o certain_a than_o those_o that_o do_v for_o sometime_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o demonstration_n argue_v some_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n or_o obscurity_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v thus_o indemonstrable_n be_v always_o the_o most_o certain_a therefore_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o less_o certain_a because_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v some_o indeed_o be_v so_o gross_a in_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o make_v the_o invisibility_n of_o spirit_n a_o argument_n against_o their_o existence_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o very_a reason_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v their_o existence_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o visibility_n that_o some_o heathen_n do_v worship_v that_o one_o supreme_a and_o true_a god_n be_v certain_o evident_a both_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o profane_a and_o sacred_a history_n act._n 17._o 23._o who_o therefore_o you_o ignorant_o worship_n he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o so_o that_o the_o athenian_n either_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n or_o st._n paul_n declare_v to_o they_o a_o false_a one_o yet_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o such_o heathen_n may_v be_v and_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n nothing_o therefore_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o papist_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n though_o they_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n but_o the_o christian_a trinity_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o their_o idolatry_n as_o such_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o mitigation_n because_o no_o one_o charge_v they_o with_o any_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v true_o guilty_a of_o some_o protestant_n indeed_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o defence_n that_o the_o papist_n make_v for_o themselves_o that_o be_v that_o they_o only_o give_v a_o inferior_a worship_n to_o saint_n and_o other_o inferior_a daemon_n but_o pay_v the_o supreme_a worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n only_o now_o this_o plea_n seem_v to_o hold_v as_o much_o for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o must_v either_o acquit_v both_o or_o neither_o nor_o can_v the_o papist_n their_o being_n more_o particular_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v any_o mitigation_n of_o their_o offence_n but_o rather_o a_o aggravation_n of_o it_o falsehood_n be_v neither_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n fit_a nor_o be_v it_o ever_o intend_a by_o god_n as_o a_o proper_a mean_n whereby_o to_o defend_v truth_n for_o this_o neither_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o lie_n nor_o can_v it_o real_o be_v defend_v by_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o interest_n or_o prudence_n to_o attempt_v the_o defence_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o weak_a argument_n for_o this_o will_v only_o give_v occasion_n to_o our_o adversary_n when_o they_o see_v that_o they_o can_v easy_o answer_v these_o to_o think_v worse_o of_o our_o cause_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o grant_v that_o some_o argument_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o absolute_o cogent_a and_o conclusive_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o present_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o useless_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o they_o that_o urge_v they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o single_a argument_n as_o if_o the_o cause_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o it_o second_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a concernment_n there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o accumulative_a demonstration_n as_o bishop_n taylor_n tell_v we_o in_o another_o case_n pag._n 124._o lib._n 1._o case_n of_o consc._n therefore_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o his_o attempt_n to_o prove_v
right_a reason_n there_o be_v in_o all_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o discourse_n that_o depend_v hereupon_o for_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o de_n cive_z 2_o ch._n that_o right_a reason_n be_v that_o which_o conclude_v from_o true_a principle_n now_o these_o true_a principle_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o policy_n must_v be_v more_o than_o supposed_o true_a indeed_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v in_o favour_n grant_v to_o a_o hypothesis_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n if_o it_o exact_o answer_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n though_o itself_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o real_a truth_n but_o this_o indulgence_n can_v be_v grant_v to_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a or_o political_a concern_v neither_o second_o be_v it_o a_o good_a hypothesis_n as_o want_v those_o qualification_n which_o be_v require_v to_o any_o hypothesis_n in_o general_n which_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o a_o hypothesis_n must_v be_v possible_a this_o be_v the_o least_o that_o it_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o it_o must_v not_o be_v only_o so_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o possibility_n but_o also_o fair_o possible_a according_a to_o the_o most_o easy_a method_n of_o our_o conception_n that_o be_v probable_a so_o contrive_v that_o we_o may_v be_v thence_o persuade_v that_o that_o be_v the_o way_n that_o god_n and_o nature_n make_v use_v of_o in_o that_o particular_a that_o as_o the_o epicurean_o say_v of_o the_o universe_n that_o though_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o blind_a chance_n yet_o all_o thing_n therein_o have_v happen_v as_o well_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n thus_o a_o hypothesis_n though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o the_o real_a truth_n yet_o it_o shall_v give_v as_o full_a and_o natural_a solution_n of_o thing_n as_o if_o indeed_o it_o be_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v self-consistent_a and_o not_o contain_v principle_n of_o self-dissolution_n within_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o wise_a and_o regular_a method_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n which_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o itself_o 3._o a_o hypothesis_n ought_v to_o employ_v our_o faculty_n in_o the_o search_n of_o true_a and_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o also_o to_o promote_v real_a piety_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o fancy_v to_o ourselves_o such_o a_o hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n as_o exclude_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o assert_n a_o mere_a material_a universe_n now_o here_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v that_o this_o of_o mr._n hobb_n be_v neither_o 1._o possible_a much_o less_o probable_a 2._o not_o consistent_a with_o itself_o 3._o so_o far_o from_o promote_a sound_a knowledge_n and_o true_a piety_n that_o it_o be_v real_o destructive_a of_o both_o whether_o such_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o mr._n hobbs_n describe_v be_v a_o proper_a and_o effectual_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o a_o man_n self-preservation_n may_v be_v just_o question_v and_o indeed_o he_o himself_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v of_o that_o opinion_n see_v he_o make_v his_o natural_a statesman_n to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n of_o their_o condition_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o make_v private_a interest_n the_o great_a and_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n in_o general_a and_o of_o his_o levia_n in_o particular_a as_o be_v that_o wherein_o he_o think_v he_o have_v lay_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o all_o humane_a happiness_n i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o by_o way_n of_o appendix_n to_o this_o chapter_n speak_v something_o in_o general_a concern_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o self-preservation_n it_o be_v the_o natural_a folly_n of_o mankind_n to_o run_v out_o of_o one_o extreme_a of_o vice_n and_o error_n into_o another_o thus_o perhaps_o the_o ignorant_a zeal_n and_o blind_a devotion_n of_o some_o who_o attribute_v too_o little_a may_v first_o give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o sels-preservation_n however_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v it_o its_o due_a regard_n so_o far_o as_o reason_n and_o religion_n admit_v because_o other_o have_v extend_v it_o further_o than_o in_o either_o it_o ought_v i_o shall_v therefore_o free_o grant_v what_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o self-preservation_n can_v with_o any_o just_a ground_n or_o reason_n demand_v and_o hereby_o i_o shall_v gain_v this_o double_a advantage_n 1._o it_o will_v hence_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o prejudice_n or_o heat_n of_o opposition_n that_o i_o contradict_v any_o thing_n even_o in_o that_o opinion_n i_o do_v oppose_v 2._o hereby_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o true_a state_v of_o the_o question_n and_o so_o shall_v be_v better_a able_a to_o defend_v it_o for_o this_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v even_o to_o truth_n itself_o in_o the_o false_a state_v of_o a_o question_n that_o we_o either_o undertake_v to_o oppose_v that_o in_o a_o adversary_n which_o be_v real_o true_a and_o so_o irresragable_a or_o else_o to_o defend_v something_o that_o be_v false_a and_o so_o not_o capable_a of_o be_v defend_v to_o deny_v that_o which_o be_v true_a be_v altogether_o needless_a for_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o prejudice_n to_o a_o good_a cause_n from_o truth_n elsewhere_o because_o all_o truth_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o no_o way_n contrary_a to_o each_o other_o whereas_o the_o denial_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a though_o in_o a_o adversary_n may_v break_v that_o continuity_n of_o truth_n and_o some_o way_n or_o other_o weaken_v our_o own_o cause_n i_o shall_v add_v two_o or_o three_o general_a consideration_n relate_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o god_n have_v imprint_v in_o man_n a_o principle_n of_o self_n preservation_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o very_a subservient_fw-fr for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o prudence_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o will_v have_v reflect_v dishonourable_o either_o upon_o the_o goodness_n or_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o excellent_a creature_n as_o man_n and_o take_v no_o care_n for_o his_o preservation_n so_o far_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o one_o upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n to_o throw_v away_o himself_o and_o so_o destroy_v god_n peculiar_a image_n or_o to_o have_v expose_v he_o to_o all_o the_o danger_n that_o either_o his_o own_o inadvertency_n or_o the_o malice_n of_o other_o may_v have_v bring_v upon_o he_o without_o some_o innate_a inclination_n of_o self_n preservation_n and_o suitable_a principle_n of_o prudence_n to_o enable_v he_o thereunto_o thus_o religion_n itself_o do_v not_o only_o permit_v but_o command_v we_o to_o act_v with_o a_o due_a respect_n to_o those_o two_o grand_a principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n prudence_n and_o innocence_n to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n and_o innocent_a as_o dove_n further_o without_o this_o we_o have_v want_v that_o most_o exact_a and_o easy_a rule_n of_o charity_n to_o other_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o even_o so_o do_v you_o unto_o they_o where_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o charity_n to_o other_o but_o mr._n hobbs_n make_v self_n preservation_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o nature_n and_o charge_v christianity_n with_o folly_n in_o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o so_o little_a regard_v its_o own_o safety_n but_o expose_v its_o professor_n to_o martyrdom_n for_o religion_n sake_n if_o say_v he_o chap._n 42._o we_o be_v command_v by_o our_o lawful_a prince_n to_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v obey_v he_o for_o word_n be_v but_o external_a thing_n and_o do_v no_o more_o express_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o speaker_n than_o any_o other_o external_a action_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a in_o such_o thing_n have_v the_o same_o liberty_n that_o the_o prophet_n give_v to_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a 2_o king_n 5._o 18._o in_o this_o thing_n the_o lord_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n that_o when_o my_o master_n go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n to_o worship_v there_o and_o he_o lean_v on_o my_o hand_n and_o i_o bow_v myself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o rimmon_n the_o lord_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n in_o this_o thing_n and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o go_v in_o peace_n here_o mr._n hobbs_n say_v that_o naaman_n believe_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o heart_n but_o by_o worship_v will_v seem_v not_o to_o believe_v lest_o he_o shall_v offend_v his_o king_n but_o here_o he_o suppose_v but_o prove_v not_o that_o naaman_n here_o
so_o easy_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o go_v about_o mere_o to_o beg_v a_o favourable_a reception_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o mean_a method_n of_o proceed_v see_v it_o may_v just_o challenge_v a_o due_a regard_n and_o veneration_n from_o all_o sober_a and_o considerate_a person_n it_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o precarious_a principle_n in_o its_o own_o defence_n nor_o refuse_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o its_o adversary_n in_o the_o most_o severe_a method_n of_o raciocination_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o translator_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o preface_n that_o it_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o such_o sacred_a truth_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o to_o build_v they_o upon_o unsound_a principle_n or_o defend_v they_o by_o sophistical_a argument_n if_o this_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o follow_a letter_n design_v thereby_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o to_o magnify_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o cogency_n of_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o these_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o mr._n lowth_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o considerate_a person_n to_o the_o contrary_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o author_n hypothesis_n in_o the_o five_o letter_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o he_o absolute_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o very_o much_o question_n the_o authority_n of_o other_o of_o the_o new_a he_o do_v not_o allow_v scripture_n in_o general_n either_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n or_o as_o to_o the_o word_n to_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n except_v only_o some_o few_o particular_a instance_n and_o as_o for_o the_o difficulty_n that_o occur_v therein_o he_o do_v not_o much_o concern_v himself_o about_o they_o but_o take_v this_o more_o easy_a way_n of_o solve_v all_o by_o acknowledge_v when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v object_v that_o the_o holy_a penman_n be_v there_o mistake_v and_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o as_o the_o translator_n in_o his_o preface_n p._n 6._o tell_v we_o the_o use_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o settle_v our_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o basis_n not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o learned_a be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v insuperable_a but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o too_o little_a read_n and_o consider_v the_o best_a author_n and_o too_o great_a a_o tincture_n of_o prejudice_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v sometime_o make_v that_o seem_v a_o insuperable_a difficulty_n which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o itself_o or_o suppose_v there_o be_v some_o such_o in_o scripture_n must_v we_o therefore_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v some_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n vid._n letter_n to_o a_o deist_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o sufficient_a answer_n he_o return_v to_o that_o place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 17._o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o beza_n give_v this_o seasonable_a caution_n dextrè_n hoc_fw-la intelligendum_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-la quis_fw-la divini_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la rectè_fw-la compositos_fw-la &_o verè_fw-la divinos_fw-la afflatus_fw-la comparet_fw-la profanorum_fw-la vatum_fw-la furoribus_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o the_o aforesaid_a author_n come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a import_n of_o the_o phrase_n when_o he_o make_v this_o impulse_n or_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o mere_a result_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o well-disposed_a mind_n act_v only_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o memory_n and_o a_o well-informed_a understanding_n but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o espouse_v such_o a_o dangerous_a and_o unwarrantable_a opinion_n and_o when_o he_o be_v urge_v with_o plain_a and_o express_v place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o seem_v non_fw-la sine_fw-la numine_fw-la and_o as_o it_o be_v purposely_o so_o word_v as_o if_o design_v to_o obviate_v such_o a_o tenent_n for_o he_o then_o to_o tell_v we_o as_o this_o author_n do_v p._n 146._o that_o no_o doctrine_n which_o we_o esteem_v important_a aught_o to_o be_v ground_v bare_o on_o certain_a manner_n of_o speak_v which_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a they_o be_v exact_a because_o the_o sacred_a writer_n not_o affect_v exactness_n of_o style_n may_v have_v use_v that_o manner_n of_o expression_n without_o any_o design_n this_o be_v only_o to_o study_v evasion_n and_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o something_o like_o sceptism_n in_o religion_n for_o after_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v a_o man_n may_v assert_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n have_v first_o thus_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o that_o he_o need_v to_o fear_v no_o danger_n thence_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o p._n 34._o that_o st._n luke_n confess_v himself_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n that_o he_o learn_v not_o that_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o by_o inspiration_n but_o by_o information_n from_o those_o that_o know_v it_o exact_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o divine_a grace_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o the_o sober_a and_o rational_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o very_o easy_a to_o explain_v the_o way_n and_o method_n how_o it_o be_v do_v nor_o be_v such_o a_o inspiration_n as_o be_v here_o assert_v any_o way_n contrary_a to_o those_o subordinate_a mean_n which_o st._n luke_n may_v make_v use_n of_o in_o that_o case_n dubitandum_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la quin_fw-la piam_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la deus_fw-la direxerit_fw-la 2._o st._n luke_n do_v not_o say_v that_o what_o he_o there_o write_v he_o have_v only_o by_o information_n it_o seem_v good_a also_o to_o i_o who_o have_v have_v perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n ab_fw-la initio_fw-la from_o the_o beginning_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d supernè_fw-la coelitus_fw-la from_o above_o thus_o ja._n 1._o 17._o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d io._n 19_o 11._o and_o this_o the_o critic_n say_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n ut_fw-la sit_fw-la adverbium_fw-la loci_fw-la à _fw-la quâ_fw-la significatione_n non_fw-la temerè_fw-la recedendum_fw-la illua_fw-la autem_fw-la à _fw-la principio_fw-la sensum_fw-la angustiorem_fw-la reddit_fw-la &_o includitur_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la quòd_fw-la se_fw-la omne_fw-la consecutum_fw-la e_v &_o scripturum_fw-la ordine_fw-la dicat_fw-la the_o say_a author_n be_v much_o offend_v at_o those_o expression_n in_o psal._n 109._o which_o he_o say_v be_v all_o curse_n and_o imprecation_n but_o he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o those_o woe_n which_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n matt._n 23._o 14._o be_v all_o curse_n too_o whereas_o they_o be_v rather_o tender-hearted_a expression_n and_o commiseration_n for_o those_o evil_n which_o he_o foresee_v they_o will_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o wilful_a wickedness_n and_o what_o he_o say_v further_a in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o opinion_n be_v only_o this_o that_o if_o all_o these_o word_n be_v render_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n to_o avoid_v make_v the_o psalmist_n pronounce_v such_o curse_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o place_n in_o the_o psalm_n where_o the_o version_n will_v need_v to_o be_v reform_v but_o what_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v will_v any_o thing_n of_o absurdity_n or_o inconvenience_n follow_v thence_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o he_o bold_o advance_v his_o own_o opinion_n many_o time_n without_o ever_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o those_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v return_v to_o it_o both_o by_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n thus_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n os_fw-la god_n and_o be_v profitable_a etc._n etc._n but_o p._n 189._o he_o say_v this_o may_v be_v very_o well_o thus_o translate_v all_o scripture_n that_o be_v divincly_a inspire_v be_v profitable_a but_o it_o can_v well_o be_v translate_v thus_o unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v suppose_v some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a canon_n not_o to_o be_v inspire_v otherwise_o theophylact_n confutation_n of_o this_o very_a opinion_n will_v still_o hold_v good_a where_o in_o answer_n to_o his_o way_n of_o read_v the_o word_n omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la que_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la est_fw-la illa_fw-la est_fw-la etiam_fw-la utilis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n oportebat_fw-la eos_fw-la novisse_fw-la quòd_fw-la cum_fw-la suprà _fw-la dixerit_fw-la sacras_fw-la literas_fw-la nosti_fw-la nunc_fw-la ait_fw-la omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la qualis_fw-la de_fw-fr quâ_fw-la disserehat_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr quâ_fw-la dixit_fw-la quòd_fw-la sacra_fw-la est_fw-la omnis_fw-la igitur_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la