it_o be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o science_n be_v only_o a_o chimaera_n no_o body_n dare_v maintain_v it_o but_o it_o be_v just_a thus_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o false_a zeal_n the_o incredulous_a object_n further_o that_o since_o those_o who_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n observe_v not_o the_o most_o important_a precept_n of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o themselves_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n for_o otherwise_o say_v they_o they_o will_v not_o quit_v the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o seeing_z if_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n be_v true_a what_o concern_v practice_n be_v not_o less_o so_o but_o if_o the_o most_o zealous_a be_v not_o persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n what_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o its_o proof_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o prejudice_n that_o be_v very_o difficult_o conquer_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o what_o be_v 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be_v always_o conclude_v from_o their_o carriage_n this_o be_v so_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o certain_a zealot_n may_v act_v very_o disagreeable_o to_o their_o profession_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o their_o persuasion_n from_o their_o manner_n we_o must_v confess_v however_o that_o if_o in_o those_o zealot_n there_o appear_v a_o continual_a series_n of_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o walk_a contrary_n to_o what_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n than_o we_o have_v great_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o design_n of_o cover_v their_o infidelity_n with_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o a_o strong_a and_o sincere_a belief_n shall_v at_o length_n eradicate_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n all_o habit_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o the_o most_o 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general_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o happen_v every_o day_n and_o that_o they_o mistake_v the_o most_o prohibit_v action_n for_o exception_n to_o the_o rule_n 26._o arrian_n upon_o epictetus_n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o a_o famous_a philosopher_n say_v that_o most_o of_o man_n error_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v general_a to_o particular_a idea_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o near_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n occasion_n at_o least_o in_o part_n the_o violation_n of_o many_o law_n which_o be_v all_o the_o while_n think_v just_a and_o wellgrounded_n zeal_n accompany_v with_o very_o great_a ignorance_n and_o the_o great_a as_o the_o ignorance_n be_v grosser_n furnish_v the_o incredulous_a likewise_o with_o another_o pretence_n of_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o blind_a persuasion_n mere_o build_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o have_v least_o 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of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v make_v no_o more_o account_n of_o they_o for_o this_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o quite_o opposite_a persuasion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o ignorance_n can_v excuse_v they_o as_o we_o can_v easy_o show_v second_o if_o man_n not_o of_o such_o ill_a moral_n at_o least_o not_o in_o so_o scandalous_a a_o manner_n shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o pure_a credulity_n as_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o contrary_n be_v they_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o gospel_n a_o proof_n whereof_o be_v that_o those_o people_n ordinary_o change_v from_o black_a to_o white_a according_a as_o they_o alter_v their_o mind_n who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o their_o conscience_n nor_o do_v i_o well_o know_v whether_o such_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v of_o any_o opinion_n for_o they_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o what_o be_v never_o so_o little_o 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in_o a_o sensible_a and_o touch_a way_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o a_o thousand_o other_o occasion_n they_o forthwith_o renounce_v their_o immorality_n and_o zealous_o take_v up_o the_o opposite_a method_n of_o live_v at_o this_o day_n such_o as_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v long_a deduction_n have_v not_o indeed_o the_o same_o advantage_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v and_o the_o other_o disciple_n who_o see_v those_o miracle_n wrought_v which_o convince_v they_o without_o much_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v always_o the_o same_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n recommend_v they_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o quite_o corrupt_v with_o the_o bad_a custom_n of_o the_o age._n we_o see_v every_o day_n the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o practise_v by_o other_o or_o remark_n the_o disorder_n which_o accompany_v all_o way_n of_o live_v opposite_a to_o they_o to_o perceive_v this_o there_o be_v need_v only_o of_o a_o little_a virtue_n and_o good_a sense_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o sole_o tend_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o procure_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o but_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o those_o fountain_n which_o the_o subtlety_n of_o modern_a divine_n have_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o do_v the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o proper_a to_o persuade_v we_o of_o its_o truth_n this_o history_n write_v in_o so_o plain_a and_o natural_a a_o method_n carry_v in_o itself_o all_o the_o character_n of_o sincerity_n insomuch_o that_o in_o read_v of_o it_o one_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n to_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o few_o can_v be_v deceive_v about_o they_o all_o this_o join_v together_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n who_o vice_n or_o i_o know_v not_o what_o science_n false_o so_o call_v have_v not_o blind_v and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o incredulous_a find_v in_o they_o proceed_v rather_o from_o their_o disposition_n of_o mind_n than_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o the_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o judge_n of_o those_o subtle_a and_o perplex_a question_n which_o divide_v the_o divine_n but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o that_o the_o distinct_a belief_n of_o doctrine_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o discreet_a and_o sincere_a man_n that_o love_v virtue_n though_o he_o have_v no_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v affirm_v i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o distinct_a belief_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o love_v the_o truth_n that_o according_a to_o his_o best_a understanding_n embrace_v all_o that_o he_o conceive_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o order_n his_o life_n by_o what_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a he_o can_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n do_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o obtain_v salvation_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o it_o from_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o this_o man_n improve_v the_o talent_n he_o receive_v as_o much_o as_o god_n indispensible_o require_v it_o of_o he_o and_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o he_o what_o jesus_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 25.23_o mat._n 25.23_o thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v object_v to_o i_o further_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_v capable_a to_o see_v in_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o other_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o usefulness_n excellence_n and_o sincerity_n which_o i_o say_v may_v be_v remark_v therein_o and_o nevertheless_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o this_o but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o these_o people_n imitate_v other_o but_o they_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n demand_v it_o be_v not_o calculate_v indeed_o for_o the_o learned_a alone_o but_o no_o more_o be_v it_o for_o brute_n such_o as_o understand_v not_o or_o be_v suppose_v not_o capable_a to_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o shall_v become_v man_n before_o they_o think_v of_o be_v christian_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o savage_n of_o africa_n or_o america_n so_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o incredulous_a do_v calumniate_v the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o accuse_v it_o of_o require_v from_o man_n a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o to_o condemn_v examination_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o false_a by_o reason_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v that_o can_v never_o be_v answer_v chap._n ii_o that_o the_o immorality_n or_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o sometime_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o the_o incredulous_a the_o christian_a religion_n demand_v not_o only_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v true_a but_o also_o that_o this_o belief_n
be_v external_o profess_v and_o that_o a_o man_n let_v no_o opportunity_n slip_v of_o show_v other_o by_o his_o life_n and_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o speculative_a science_n to_o continue_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n without_o bear_v any_o fruit_n out_o of_o it_o and_o without_o appear_v in_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o certain_a ardour_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o it_o command_v that_o the_o true_a christian_n be_v easy_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o earnest_n it_o be_v this_o disposition_n that_o be_v call_v zeal_n from_o a_o greek_a word_n which_o signify_v jealousy_n to_o show_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v less_o ardour_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n than_o a_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v concern_v to_o preserve_v that_o of_o his_o bride_n this_o zeal_n extend_v general_o to_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o some_o of_o they_o only_o we_o ought_v zealous_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n we_o learn_v from_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o betray_v and_o equal_v it_o to_o falsehood_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o manifest_v less_o ardour_n in_o observe_v its_o injunction_n see_v this_o be_v not_o less_o essential_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v be_v join_v for_o christianity_n be_v entire_o ruin_v if_o those_o thing_n be_v separate_v which_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v unite_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o this_o end_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n do_v indispensible_o suppose_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n be_v agree_v about_o this_o principle_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v very_o express_v about_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o prove_v it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o as_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o way_n of_o explain_v they_o in_o their_o country_n be_v frequent_o see_v to_o violate_v the_o clear_a precept_n of_o it_o after_o a_o most_o scandalous_a manner_n as_o if_o this_o ardour_n they_o show_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o men._n there_o be_v some_o people_n for_o instance_n who_o discourse_n breathe_v nothing_o else_o one_o will_v think_v but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o of_o propagate_a it_o among_o men._n they_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o they_o defend_v it_o with_o much_o heat_n against_o opposite_a error_n and_o they_o stick_v at_o no_o difficulty_n to_o make_v truth_n triumph_v over_o falsehood_n nay_o they_o expose_v themselves_o 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observation_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v long_o ago_o to_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n may_v be_v now_o say_v to_o many_o people_n you_o that_o make_v your_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n 2.23_o rom._n 2.23_o by_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_n god_n for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o gentile_n through_o you_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n draw_v a_o consequence_n very_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o see_v those_o who_o pass_v for_o the_o pillar_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v sometime_o the_o best_a employment_n and_o who_o be_v in_o most_o esteem_v be_v such_o ill_a people_n the_o religion_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a artifice_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o cover_v their_o passion_n under_o a_o pretence_n which_o gain_v they_o respect_n for_o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o the_o zealous_a do_v if_o you_o believe_v they_o be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o unbeliever_n come_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n which_o they_o can_v deny_v be_v only_o a_o fine_a idea_n to_o impose_v the_o more_o easy_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o their_o guard_n they_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o say_v they_o but_o the_o most_o zealous_a observe_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v other_o perhaps_o obey_v they_o exact_o that_o they_o may_v get_v by_o it_o but_o as_o for_o themselves_o they_o laugh_v at_o they_o you_o will_v hear_v those_o for_o example_n preach_v charity_n and_o impartiality_n who_o have_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o be_v wonderful_o please_v to_o find_v those_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o not_o selfish_a or_o uncharitable_a because_o it_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n this_o be_v what_o unbeliever_n say_v and_o they_o be_v never_o unfurnish_a with_o example_n to_o cite_v about_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o have_v not_o be_v violate_v by_o some_o zealot_n and_o many_o time_n without_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n because_o this_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n cover_v all_o defect_n the_o fact_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v foresee_v it_o by_o exalt_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v principal_o violate_v by_o this_o false_a zeal_n above_o not_o only_a orthodoxy_n but_o even_o the_o high_a knowledge_n and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n itself_o not_o every_o one_o that_o cry_v unto_o i_o lord_n 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o lord_n say_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v who_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o doctrine_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a admonition_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a example_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o st._n paul_n likewise_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o such_o emphatical_a term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o speak_v more_o home_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o a_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o it_o appear_v plain_o hereby_o that_o the_o carriage_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o unbeliever_n who_o can_v without_o injustice_n confound_v some_o person_n abuse_v of_o religion_n with_o religion_n itself_o if_o any_o pretend_v to_o have_v very_o much_o study_v a_o certain_a science_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o understand_v nothing_o of_o it_o can_v
the_o mahometans_n the_o jew_n and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o true_a christianity_n give_v it_o no_o approbation_n so_o that_o if_o the_o falsity_n of_o these_o religion_n or_o sect_n may_v be_v hence_o conclude_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o can_v reason_v against_o christianity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o it_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o blind_a obedience_n from_o such_o as_o embrace_v it_o and_o that_o it_o express_o condemn_v the_o furious_a zeal_n which_o flow_v from_o this_o spring_n one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n 1.14_o rom._n 10.2_o gal._n 1.14_o add_v that_o it_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o blame_v it_o exceed_o another_o say_v to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 3.14_o jam._n 3.14_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o this_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o blind_a zeal_n then_o be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o attribute_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o education_n of_o the_o ignorant_a populace_n who_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o truth_n by_o its_o proper_a light_n and_o the_o virtue_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o their_o heart_n who_o due_o receive_v it_o defend_v it_o with_o the_o same_o arm_n they_o will_v error_n that_o be_v with_o passion_n and_o fury_n this_o sort_n of_o people_n can_v without_o extreme_a injustice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o model_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o christianity_n since_o it_o clear_o condemn_v their_o conduct_n we_o must_v on_o the_o contrary_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o understand_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o but_o good_a reason_n in_o its_o defence_n and_o that_o to_o procure_v themselves_o love_n and_o respect_n practise_v only_o those_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a virtue_n they_o learn_v from_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o true_a christian_n the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n chap._n iii_o that_o unbeliever_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christiam_fw-la religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o people_n devotion_n since_o christianity_n have_v flourish_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v frequent_o prove_v a_o advantageous_a thing_n to_o show_v great_a zeal_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o although_o this_o make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o truth_n not_o depend_v upon_o the_o interest_n one_o have_v or_o have_v not_o to_o defend_v it_o yet_o the_o incredulous_a be_v sure_a to_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o hence_o of_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v endeavour_n make_v sometime_o to_o gain_v they_o over_o by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o age_n but_o they_o instant_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o those_o man_n do_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o will_v be_v great_a getter_n by_o it_o in_o so_o do_v but_o must_v lose_v infinite_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o indeed_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o cogent_a conclusion_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v defend_v or_o that_o now_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o infidel_n but_o their_o reason_v be_v still_o less_o solid_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o put_v it_o in_o a_o great_a light_n it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v to_o give_v those_o occasion_n of_o say_v that_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n diminish_v the_o force_n of_o their_o objection_n and_o those_o who_o by_o their_o ill_a carriage_n put_v before_o they_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v deserve_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o it_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o revenge_v in_o this_o place_n the_o wrong_n they_o do_v to_o christianity_n moreover_o i_o have_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n propose_v to_o myself_o not_o only_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o entire_o reject_v it_o but_o with_o those_o also_o who_o seem_v to_o embrace_v it_o only_o by_o half_n let_v we_o imagine_v then_o a_o cheat_a priest_n people_n but_o too_o much_o know_v in_o all_o christendom_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o benefice_n if_o he_o have_v none_o already_o or_o aspire_v to_o a_o great_a dignity_n than_o what_o he_o possess_v he_o appear_v humble_a gentle_a moderate_a and_o kind_a he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o disinterestedness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n if_o he_o have_v a_o talon_n for_o the_o pulpit_n he_o there_o principal_o show_v his_o zeal_n against_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o time_n nay_o he_o be_v in_o a_o fury_n against_o scandalous_a clergyman_n and_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n so_o long_o complain_v of_o and_o not_o yet_o reform_v in_o a_o word_n he_o use_v all_o the_o discourse_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o that_o place_n in_o order_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o have_v his_o income_n be_v great_a he_o will_v put_v they_o to_o much_o better_a use_v than_o most_o ecclesiastic_n do_v after_o act_v his_o part_n for_o some_o year_n at_o last_o he_o obtain_v his_o end_n that_o be_v a_o dignity_n and_o income_n that_o render_v he_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o long_o to_o be_v know_v he_o be_v forthwith_o haughty_a hard-hearted_a untractable_a and_o passionate_a towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o think_v his_o inferior_n those_o who_o be_v his_o friend_n before_o and_o upon_o who_o friendship_n too_o he_o value_v himself_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o he_o if_o he_o now_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o look_v the_o obligation_n they_o lay_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o private_a person_n and_o when_o they_o expect_v no_o return_v from_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v he_o think_v they_o be_v all_o due_a to_o his_o merit_n and_o that_o more_o be_v owe_v he_o but_o as_o for_o himself_o he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o body_n and_o do_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n when_o he_o cold_o receive_v the_o incense_n they_o be_v base_a enough_o to_o offer_v he_o if_o he_o prefer_v any_o man_n he_o must_v be_v some_o blockhead_n or_o flatterer_n people_n that_o have_v no_o idea_n almost_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o admire_v any_o thing_n the_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a so_o be_v you_o make_v they_o live_v at_o their_o ease_n this_o man_n so_o disintere_v heretofore_o become_v oftentimes_o insatiable_a and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o best_a benefice_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v his_o avarice_n he_o procure_v therefore_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v never_o too_o many_o if_o he_o be_v natural_o covetous_a all_o that_o he_o preach_v before_o of_o liberality_n be_v quite_o vanish_v all_o the_o invective_n he_o make_v against_o avarice_n be_v lay_v in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n he_o do_v good_a to_o no_o body_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o lay_v up_o treasure_n if_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v a_o voluptuous_a or_o stately_a person_n he_o consume_v his_o great_a income_n in_o keep_v a_o magnificent_a table_n in_o have_v a_o stately_a train_n and_o live_v as_o the_o proud_a man_n or_o the_o most_o addict_v to_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sordid_a avarice_n of_o the_o one_o be_v a_o frugality_n become_v a_o good_a clergyman_n and_o the_o excessive_a luxury_n of_o the_o other_o be_v but_o a_o expense_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o keep_v up_o his_o rank_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o beget_v respect_n in_o the_o laity_n far_o from_o make_v the_o least_o reformation_n in_o the_o clergy_n that_o depend_v upon_o they_o they_o let_v they_o loose_v to_o all_o the_o ill_a custom_n and_o manner_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a on_o condition_n they_o be_v submissive_a to_o they_o and_o meddle_v not_o with_o their_o particular_a method_n of_o live_v when_o unbeliever_n consider_v such_o a_o
great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o immediate_o precede_v it_o that_o this_o matter_n be_v never_o manage_v with_o better_a success_n the_o heathen_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o mahometans_n be_v not_o ill_o confute_v before_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v ever_o so_o well_o prove_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n nevertheless_o that_o there_o be_v still_o one_o thing_n behind_o which_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a have_v either_o not_o touch_v at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o slight_o i_o mean_v the_o secret_a motive_n and_o general_a reason_n which_o the_o incredulous_a have_v of_o not_o believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v their_o internal_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n do_v so_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o reason_n offer_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a themselves_o of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o do_v this_o that_o all_o speak_n to_o they_o be_v in_o vain_a before_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o impose_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 3.20_o joh._n 3.20_o neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v which_o signify_v that_o unbeliever_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o have_v long_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o many_o year_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n 21._o ver._n 21._o that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v easy_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n for_o example_n who_o discover_v several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v false_a judge_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a they_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o thousand_o lie_a miracle_n to_o who_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v join_v but_o find_v the_o modern_a miracle_n to_o be_v imposture_n they_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a one_o than_o another_o all_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o but_o as_o a_o totter_a fabric_n it_o must_v be_v show_v the_o incredulous_a then_o that_o those_o reason_n draw_v from_o without_o which_o
induce_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o after_o this_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v have_v some_o effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n i_o design_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o method_n in_o the_o present_a discourse_n where_o after_o have_v examine_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o show_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o those_o argument_n draw_v from_o without_o by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o i_o begin_v i_o must_v once_o more_o advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o i_o attack_z be_v neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o mahometans_n but_o those_o who_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n conceal_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o real_a thought_n from_o the_o world_n but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o do_v it_o without_o danger_n they_o declare_v to_o their_o friend_n in_o private_a that_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o not_o but_o that_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometans_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o those_o unbeliever_n whereof_o i_o treat_v but_o it_o will_v be_v labour_n in_o vain_a to_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o such_o as_o never_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o who_o because_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o a_o manner_n uncapable_a of_o reason_v right_o i_o write_v mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unbeliever_n among_o christian_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n be_v like_a to_o come_v or_o for_o such_o as_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v seduce_v by_o their_o reason_n beside_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o common_o reject_v whatever_o be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v yet_o another_o kind_n of_o man_n infinite_o more_o numerous_a who_o be_v unbeliever_n by_o half_n and_o to_o who_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n may_v be_v proper_o apply_v these_o own_o in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a but_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o admit_v of_o no_o particular_a therein_o that_o be_v absolute_o incompatible_a with_o their_o own_o inclination_n or_o habit_n such_o doctrine_n they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelic_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o reject_v half_a the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o entire_o renounce_v it_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v thus_o divide_v between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n whilst_o i_o prove_v against_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o their_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n i_o show_v to_o those_o half-vnbelievers_a that_o they_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o in_o receive_v nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o what_o serve_v their_o turn_n final_o i_o do_v 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holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o these_o particular_a objection_n be_v to_o be_v little_o fear_v when_o once_o all_o general_a difficulty_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o understanding_n because_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o answer_v the_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o solve_v the_o other_o or_o at_o least_o prevent_v their_o have_v any_o ill_a effect_n if_o they_o can_v be_v answer_v as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n part_n i._o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n i._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o have_v man_n be_v pure_a intelligence_n sole_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n dispose_v to_o regulate_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v and_o all_o this_o without_o cause_v to_o they_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o thing_n needful_a than_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o reform_v their_o conduct_n but_o only_o to_o demonstrate_v those_o truth_n to_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a before_o and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o live_v not_o according_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o man_n form_n of_o most_o thing_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v contract_v and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o correct_v as_o upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o ratiocination_n such_o as_o be_v accustom_a for_o example_n to_o live_v idle_o never_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o that_o can_v thus_o pass_v away_o their_o time_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o poverty_n these_o i_o say_v look_v upon_o all_o reason_n offer_v for_o painstaking_a or_o study_n to_o be_v only_o the_o discourse_n of_o morose_a people_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n the_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v some_o way_n useful_a to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n appear_v to_o such_o without_o any_o foundation_n though_o other_o judge_v they_o demonstrative_a but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v it_o be_v because_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v get_v of_o live_v in_o idleness_n keep_v they_o from_o attentive_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o they_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o quite_o contrary_a idea_n the_o remembrance_n whereof_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o grateful_a to_o they_o they_o think_v upon_o that_o soft_a indolency_n and_o that_o please_a laziness_n wherein_o they_o spend_v the_o best_a of_o their_o day_n without_o any_o chagrin_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o these_o contemplation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o thing_n less_o agreeable_a as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o good_a and_o ill_a habit_n of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n and_o this_o truth_n every_o person_n have_v learn_v a_o thousand_o time_n from_o experience_n or_o may_v do_v it_o when_o he_o will_n some_o body_n perhaps_o that_o have_v not_o sufficient_o study_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o when_o a_o habit_n be_v find_v to_o be_v evil_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v present_o change_v into_o a_o good_a one_o this_o be_v indeed_o most_o easy_o say_v but_o nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o practice_v when_o a_o man_n be_v use_v to_o a_o certain_a manner_n of_o live_v and_o think_v it_o must_v be_v own_a that_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o all_o habit_n now_o when_o once_o a_o thing_n be_v accompany_v with_o pleasure_n we_o can_v forbear_v love_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o thus_o love_v it_o there_o be_v no_o leave_v of_o it_o without_o great_a struggle_n and_o put_v a_o extreme_a violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n as_o the_o habit_n we_o already_o have_v be_v contract_v by_o degree_n so_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquire_v other_o for_o as_o there_o be_v need_n of_o time_n to_o destroy_v a_o old_a habit_n so_o there_o be_v likewise_o to_o form_v a_o new_a one_o for_o if_o to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o listen_v like_o pure_a spirit_n we_o shall_v in_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o nothing_o make_v time_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o become_v virtuous_a but_o because_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v so_o and_o do_v we_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v quick_o learn_v to_o live_v honest_o and_o happy_o longam_fw-la facit_fw-la
they_o appear_v not_o over-mortifyed_a who_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n nor_o will_v i_o set_v about_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o scepticism_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o no_o body_n stop_v at_o a_o mere_a doubt_n in_o religion_n those_o who_o say_v they_o have_v doubt_n be_v not_o content_a to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o possible_o deceive_v but_o as_o effectual_o so_o they_o consider_v not_o themselves_o as_o person_n who_o may_v well_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o as_o have_v find_v the_o true_a secret_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a pride_n as_o much_o as_o the_o bold_a determination_n let_v they_o have_v a_o great_a care_n therefore_o and_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o to_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v out_o of_o vanity_n be_v expose_v of_o one_o self_n to_o error_n let_v they_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o fallacious_a passion_n or_o at_o least_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o judge_v of_o religion_n we_o require_v not_o this_o of_o they_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o religion_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v or_o which_o they_o reject_v but_o from_o this_o maxim_n of_o common_a sense_n viz._n that_o a_o passion_n such_o as_o pride_n be_v can_v be_v of_o any_o service_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o that_o what_o keep_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a be_v i_o write_v against_o the_o pagan_n jew_n or_o mahometan_n and_o shall_v say_v that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la keep_v they_o wed_v to_o the_o religion_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n then_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o those_o that_o disbelieve_v christianity_n will_v conclude_v i_o in_o the_o right_n but_o as_o i_o write_v against_o man_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o it_o be_v i_o understand_v here_o by_o prejudices_fw-la when_o i_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n perhaps_o why_o unbeliever_n yield_v not_o their_o assent_n to_o it_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o i_o say_v in_o christianity_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v prejudice_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o instruction_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometans_n against_o christianity_n the_o second_o proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o and_o whereof_o it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n these_o people_n do_v easy_o conquer_v sometime_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n but_o after_o slight_o form_v to_o themselves_o other_o notion_n without_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o afterward_o become_v prejudices_fw-la to_o they_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n and_o it_o be_v of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o design_n to_o treat_v upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v form_v because_o they_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o such_o a_o complication_n of_o several_a motive_n and_o to_o circumstance_n so_o different_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v to_o distinguish_v they_o right_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v true_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v hasty_a conclusion_n which_o serve_v they_o afterward_o instead_o of_o a_o principle_n let_v we_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n bear_v in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o very_o gross_a error_n as_o it_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v we_o suppose_v i_o say_v that_o this_o man_n come_v to_o discern_v these_o error_n by_o read_v the_o book_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a party_n he_o be_v present_o cure_v of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o be_v always_o tell_v that_o the_o sentiment_n maintain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n be_v true_a it_o may_v notwithstanding_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n capable_a of_o discover_v these_o error_n can_v go_v back_o to_o the_o very_a spring_n and_o examine_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o itself_o such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o he_o stop_v then_o and_o imagine_v not_o only_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n be_v false_a but_o he_o make_v the_o same_o conclusion_n concern_v all_o religion_n without_o except_v that_o of_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v entertain_v such_o thought_n a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v find_v any_o body_n to_o who_o he_o dare_v open_v his_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v able_a to_o undeceive_v he_o if_o he_o do_v and_o these_o thought_n may_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n at_o length_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n afterward_o to_o eradicate_v they_o if_o the_o man_n too_o be_v any_o thing_n speculative_a he_o may_v in_o this_o condition_n form_v other_o principle_n upon_o on_o which_o he_o shall_v reason_v all_o his_o life_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o false_a these_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la from_o which_o i_o say_v we_o must_v preserve_v ourselves_o and_o that_o may_v contribute_v much_o to_o get_v the_o christian_a religion_n reject_v all_o those_o who_o be_v taint_v with_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o express_v they_o clear_o and_o beside_o they_o dare_v not_o always_o declare_v they_o free_o to_o those_o with_o who_o they_o discourse_v upon_o the_o subject_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a business_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v turn_v to_o their_o advantage_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o all_o judgement_n make_v of_o a_o thing_n from_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o if_o man_n shall_v thus_o hit_v upon_o the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v by_o pure_a chance_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d this_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o search_n oâ—_n all_o sort_n of_o truth_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o a_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v this_o rule_n than_o be_v ground_v upon_o common_a sense_n and_o no_o body_n can_v disagree_v to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o prejudice_n very_o common_a among_o those_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o that_o plain_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v they_o say_v believe_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v because_o they_o never_o see_v any_o miracle_n nor_o ever_o speak_v to_o any_o person_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o like_a they_o can_v any_o better_o imagine_v that_o this_o earth_n whereupon_o we_o live_v have_v a_o beginning_n or_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o animal_n nor_o plant_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o they_o have_v always_o remark_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v never_o speak_v to_o any_o that_o have_v see_v this_o beginning_n i_o maintain_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o general_a maxim_n a_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o whereof_o he_o have_v never_o see_v any_o example_n nor_o speak_v to_o any_o eye-witness_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o can_v give_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o geometrical_a axiom_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o what_o have_v persuade_v some_o people_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v that_o many_o time_n they_o discover_v falsehood_n by_o its_o mean_n some_o ancient_a philosopher_n for_o example_n have_v confute_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n concern_v the_o centaur_n the_o giant_n the_o monster_n chimaera_n and_o the_o like_a fictitious_a thing_n by_o this_o very_a maxim_n what_o have_v be_v now_o be_v incredibil_n palephat_n de_fw-mi reb_fw-mi incredibil_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o future_a i_o agree_v that_o this_o axiom_n may_v be_v of_o use_n when_o such_o as_o affirm_v unheard-of_a thing_n deserve_v no_o credit_n as_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o own_a they_o have_v invent_v a_o great_a part_n of_o what_o they_o say_v but_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o extend_v general_o to_o all_o thing_n or_o that_o it_o can_v pass_v for_o a_o self-evident_a maxim_n when_o a_o possible_a thing_n be_v attest_v by_o
people_n in_o who_o we_o see_v no_o appearance_n of_o dishonesty_n or_o fraud_n this_o maxim_n be_v of_o no_o use_n although_o we_o never_o see_v any_o thing_n like_o that_o which_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o nor_o ever_o hear_v other_o speak_v of_o it_o those_o who_o first_o discover_v america_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o plant_n or_o animal_n they_o have_v find_v there_o and_o which_o be_v stranger_n to_o our_o continent_n be_v worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o like_a before_o nay_o though_o none_o have_v go_v after_o they_o to_o america_n and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o read_v their_o voyage_n till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o their_o decease_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o such_o as_o shall_v count_v their_o relation_n fabulous_a from_o this_o principle_n will_v fall_v themselves_o into_o a_o very_a great_a error_n as_o time_n have_v show_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o what_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o first_o who_o affirm_v they_o have_v be_v with_o our_o antipode_n what_o they_o say_v be_v not_o the_o less_o true_a because_o till_o then_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v of_o and_o have_v the_o art_n of_o navigation_n decay_v so_o much_o after_o their_o return_n that_o none_o have_v since_o undertake_v the_o same_o voyage_n such_o as_o shall_v now_o read_v their_o travel_n can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o they_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a by_o these_o example_n that_o this_o maxim_n can_v pass_v for_o a_o mathematical_a axiom_n that_o admit_v of_o no_o exception_n and_o that_o consequent_o nothing_o can_v be_v mere_o conclude_v from_o it_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o other_o proof_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o call_v in_o question_n see_v there_o be_v no_o body_n such_o a_o fool_n as_o to_o make_v his_o present_a knowledge_n the_o measure_n or_o rule_n of_o true_a and_o false_a in_o all_o matter_n who_o can_v without_o extravagancy_n flatter_v himself_o to_o have_v so_o extensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o possible_a thing_n as_o to_o pronounce_v that_o certain_o false_a which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o his_o own_o stock_n of_o knowledge_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v more_o large_a in_o the_o confutation_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o imagination_n nevertheless_o the_o incredulous_a suppose_v this_o without_o perceive_v it_o as_o a_o geometrical_a principle_n and_o from_o it_o conclude_v that_o what_o be_v say_v for_o instance_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o miracle_n be_v not_o true_a let_v they_o serious_o consider_v the_o point_n and_o they_o will_v find_v that_o from_o a_o prejudice_n so_o little_a reasonable_a they_o draw_v consequence_n which_o they_o think_v clear_a as_o the_o day_n the_o good_a opinion_n they_o conceive_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o knowledge_n join_v to_o experience_n which_o upon_o some_o occasion_n do_v confirm_v this_o maxim_n make_v they_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o this_o account_n as_o i_o say_v without_o perceive_v it_o i_o shall_v bring_v another_o example_n of_o a_o prejudice_n not_o better_a establish_v than_o the_o former_a and_o whereupon_o be_v ground_v notwithstanding_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o unbeliever_n some_o who_o have_v sense_n enough_o to_o quit_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o youth_n which_o they_o draw_v from_o their_o education_n without_o know_v why_o have_v not_o always_o penetration_n and_o exactness_n of_o judgement_n enough_o to_o substitute_v any_o thing_n better_o in_o their_o room_n yet_o they_o can_v forbear_v search_v out_o other_o principle_n for_o none_o can_v absolute_o stop_v there_o as_o i_o can_v easy_o show_v be_v this_o the_o proper_a place_n of_o do_v it_o as_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o learn_v concern_v god_n and_o religion_n so_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o new_a idea_n of_o they_o which_o be_v little_o better_o than_o their_o former_a one_o but_o they_o please_v they_o more_o because_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o meditation_n which_o never_o fail_v of_o delight_v the_o understanding_n that_o be_v their_o parent_n they_o imagine_v for_o example_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v create_v man_n who_o will_v do_v they_o good_a and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n first_o he_o shall_v according_a to_o they_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o all_o mankind_n to_o render_v they_o equal_o happy_a see_v he_o be_v their_o common_a father_n second_o this_o revelation_n shall_v have_v begin_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o so_o be_v continue_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n according_a as_o it_o be_v plant_v with_o man_n see_v it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v now_o than_o to_o those_o of_o the_o age_n past_a three_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v at_o the_o beginning_n so_o clear_a and_o deliver_v with_o circumstance_n so_o convince_a that_o none_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o sense_n or_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v still_o subsist_v that_o every_o one_o may_v examine_v they_o without_o rely_v upon_o the_o relation_n of_o another_o otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v any_o revelation_n it_o be_v useless_a say_v they_o as_o experience_n show_v in_o the_o four_o place_n this_o law_n shall_v have_v be_v proportionated_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v obey_v or_o else_o the_o creator_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o reform_v their_o nature_n to_o the_o end_n it_o shall_v not_o oppose_v itself_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n without_o which_o they_o signify_v almost_o nothing_o and_o be_v unworthy_a a_o wisdom_n that_o know_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o to_o who_o it_o prescribe_v they_o or_o of_o a_o bountiful_a be_v who_o prescribe_v they_o to_o man_n to_o render_v they_o more_o happy_a these_o principle_n appear_v specious_a at_o first_o sight_n because_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o high_a idea_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o divinity_n and_o as_o the_o incredulous_a think_v they_o see_v the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o what_o the_o christian_n say_v of_o revelation_n they_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o they_o imagine_v to_o prove_v it_o the_o better_a against_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o build_v upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n with_o they_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o i_o be_o go_v to_o show_v that_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o prejudice_n which_o be_v manifest_o false_a for_o to_o come_v at_o the_o proposition_n we_o now_o read_v they_o must_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o by_o reason_v we_o may_v exact_o know_v what_o shall_v be_v the_o carriage_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n if_o there_o be_v a_o 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to_o employ_v in_o their_o conversion_n rather_o than_o reason_n this_o make_v nothing_o to_o my_o design_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o bring_v those_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o insidelity_n peculiar_a to_o they_o from_o the_o people_n of_o europe_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o credulous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o very_o serious_o embrace_v a_o great_a number_n of_o incredible_a thing_n whereof_o their_o theology_n be_v make_v up_o their_o incredulity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gospel_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o reason_v almost_o at_o all_o except_o about_o thing_n relate_v to_o life_n and_o that_o nothing_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n except_v from_o experience_n or_o education_n they_o be_v not_o man_n that_o meditate_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o attentive_o consider_v abstract_v idea_n nor_o of_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o to_o draw_v some_o 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they_o will_v prove_v it_o to_o a_o heathen_a they_o design_v to_o proselyte_n to_o judaisme_n for_o if_o they_o bring_v any_o solid_a proof_n for_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v evident_a that_o these_o same_o reason_n be_v incomparable_o strong_a in_o favour_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o in_o favour_n of_o that_o of_o moses_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o book_n who_o title_n you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o margin_n judaeo_n limborch_fw-mi amica_fw-la collat_n cum_fw-la erudit_fw-la judaeo_n now_o then_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o other_o infidel_n by_o reason_n they_o must_v be_v first_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o methodical_o digest_v their_o thought_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o reason_n stric_o upon_o other_o head_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o the_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v but_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o missionary_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v especial_o to_o those_o insidel_n who_o be_v advance_v in_o year_n it_o be_v injustice_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o among_o infidel_n that_o man_n be_v find_v uncapable_a of_o discern_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o who_o upon_o this_o account_n reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v unbeliever_n among_o christian_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o such_o out_o of_o some_o disposition_n engage_v they_o against_o the_o gospel_n but_o likewise_o out_o of_o downright_a stupidity_n and_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o reason_n whereupon_o christianity_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v some_o people_n who_o from_o their_o childhood_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o some_o trade_n or_o other_o constant_a business_n without_o any_o care_n take_v about_o the_o form_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o even_o of_o instruct_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o who_o be_v moreover_o of_o a_o genius_n not_o very_o proper_a for_o conceive_v of_o 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within_o the_o verge_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v they_o rather_o out_o of_o brutality_n and_o stupidity_n than_o as_o deceive_v by_o captious_a reason_n if_o they_o reject_v it_o not_o altogether_o it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o they_o retain_v only_o what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o it_o from_o reason_v and_o knowledge_n because_o the_o proof_n which_o confirm_v a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o show_v the_o whole_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o only_a among_o people_n take_v up_o with_o trade_n and_o business_n that_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o perhaps_o among_o such_o as_o aspire_v to_o great_a preferment_n among_o soldier_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n it_o may_v be_v say_v indeed_o that_o person_n of_o these_o rank_n have_v have_v a_o better_a education_n than_o other_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o employment_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v but_o in_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v as_o common_a a_o thing_n to_o hear_v they_o reason_n as_o wretched_o about_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a among_o the_o populace_n when_o once_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n than_o their_o natural_a vanity_n increase_v with_o their_o age_n render_v they_o more_o obstinate_a and_o not_o seldom_o make_v they_o altogether_o inaccessible_a to_o truth_n you_o propose_v the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n to_o they_o in_o vain_a for_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mere_a sophism_n though_o they_o know_v not_o wherein_o sophistry_n differ_v from_o solid_a reason_v i_o shall_v be_v tell_v perhaps_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n of_o think_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v see_v they_o reason_v not_o so_o
like_a manner_n people_n who_o desire_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v indulge_v those_o desire_n without_o call_v into_o question_n all_o the_o while_n the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o manner_n of_o most_o christian_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o persuasion_n not_o that_o they_o perceive_v not_o this_o opposition_n well_o enough_o and_o condemn_v it_o too_o when_o they_o think_v of_o it_o but_o the_o method_n of_o live_v general_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o passion_n carry_v it_o over_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o example_n already_o allege_v and_o by_o thousand_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v hence_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o our_o inclination_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v it_o rather_o to_o our_o manner_n of_o live_v than_o continue_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v who_o will_v maintain_v that_o a_o prince_n will_v do_v better_o in_o change_v the_o law_n according_a to_o his_o present_a passion_n than_o to_o let_v they_o subsist_v and_o break_v they_o every_o hour_n no_o body_n for_o if_o he_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n as_o he_o shall_v he_o leave_v they_o their_o authority_n however_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o such_o other_o prince_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o observe_v they_o which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o society_n what_o disorder_n will_v it_o cause_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o a_o adulterous_a prince_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o contemn_v their_o authority_n will_v abrogate_v all_o those_o law_n prohibit_v adultery_n 31._o herodot_n l._n 3._o c._n 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o cambyses_n the_o son_n of_o cyrus_n be_v in_o love_n with_o his_o sister_n and_o desirous_a of_o marry_v she_o inquire_v of_o the_o royal_a judge_n who_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n among_o the_o persian_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o brother_n to_o have_v his_o sister_n to_o wife_n they_o answer_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n which_o permit_v it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n that_o permit_v the_o king_n of_o persia_n to_o do_v whatever_o they_o please_v upon_o this_o answer_n cambyses_n marry_v his_o sister_n and_o the_o persian_n have_v not_o from_o that_o time_n scruple_v to_o imitate_v their_o king_n in_o this_o practice_n it_o have_v questionless_a be_v less_o criminal_a and_o much_o less_o hurtful_a to_o the_o society_n if_o cambyses_n have_v marry_v his_o sister_n without_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v his_o incest_n by_o authority_n of_o law_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v then_o which_o carriage_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o unblamable_a that_o of_o such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o that_o of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o reject_v the_o divinity_n of_o these_o law_n because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o latter_a be_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a suppose_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o society_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o whatever_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unbeliever_n can_v however_o excuse_v themselves_o because_o other_o do_v not_o act_v coherent_o see_v they_o neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o import_v they_o most_o to_o know_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v doubtless_o in_o the_o wrong_n herein_o and_o they_o deny_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o the_o incredulous_a be_v much_o more_o to_o blame_v than_o they_o if_o the_o latter_a will_v examine_v themselves_o they_o may_v discover_v perhaps_o some_o other_o source_n of_o this_o negligence_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o it_o be_v that_o general_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a about_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o people_n so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o present_a and_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o discourse_n or_o example_n which_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n not_o to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n although_o they_o seem_v sometime_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o remark_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o their_o passion_n and_o be_v careful_a only_a how_o to_o indulge_v these_o for_o they_o receive_v no_o more_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o their_o desire_n thus_o prince_n and_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n can_v bear_v that_o such_o as_o be_v about_o they_o shall_v ingenuous_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o tell_v beside_o their_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v a_o little_a too_o sincere_a he_o be_v quick_o banish_v from_o their_o presence_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o many_o private_a person_n who_o take_v none_o for_o their_o friend_n but_o such_o as_o flatter_v they_o and_o help_v to_o keep_v they_o up_o in_o the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v conceive_v of_o themselves_o prince_n and_o private_a man_n do_v equal_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n all_o thought_n that_o may_v trouble_v their_o repose_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o quiet_o enjoy_v what_o they_o love_v they_o can_v say_v therefore_o that_o they_o be_v such_o mighty_a lover_n of_o truth_n who_o care_n for_o know_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v please_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o many_o unbeliever_n deal_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o religion_n neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o may_v convince_v they_o out_o of_o a_o secret_a averseness_n they_o have_v of_o search_v into_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o can_v discover_v without_o extreme_o disquiet_v themselves_o so_o s._n paul_n reason_v before_o felix_n of_o justice_n 24.25_o act_n 24.25_o temperance_n and_o future_a judgement_n this_o tremble_a governor_n be_v quick_o weary_a of_o hear_v he_o and_o put_v he_o off_o till_o another_o time_n have_v s._n paul_n entertain_v he_o with_o some_o other_o discourse_n he_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o it_o may_v be_v as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v but_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o this_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v too_o opposite_a to_o his_o manner_n to_o obtain_v a_o long_a audience_n from_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o this_o disposition_n be_v entire_o against_o all_o good_a sense_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v equal_o blame_v flattery_n and_o flatterer_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o wisdom_n than_o wilful_o to_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v disadvantageous_a to_o we_o for_o without_o know_v it_o we_o can_v never_o bring_v a_o remedy_n against_o it_o and_o our_o ignorance_n about_o it_o change_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o contribute_v not_o seldom_o to_o render_v our_o condition_n worse_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o not_o fear_v to_o hazard_v their_o repose_n in_o the_o search_n of_o disquiet_v truth_n they_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o that_o ill_n regulate_v self-love_n which_o flatter_v our_o present_a passion_n and_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v mix_v some_o bitterness_n with_o the_o sweetness_n we_o taste_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o their_o negligence_n of_o inform_v themselves_o about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o great_a part_n from_o this_o dangerous_a disposition_n and_o they_o will_v agree_v to_o it_o no_o doubt_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o examine_v themselves_o do_v we_o see_v unbeliever_n use_v much_o application_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n without_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o thorough_a information_n and_o yet_o not_o quit_v their_o infidelity_n we_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n see_v they_o do_v not_o conclude_v but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o requisite_a discussion_n but_o we_o see_v not_o one_o of_o they_o so_o dispose_v and_o they_o be_v all_o content_v with_o a_o very_a superficial_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o endeavour_v to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o infidelity_n proceed_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o due_a instruction_n chap._n vi_o
upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n i._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v accuse_v but_o which_o nevertheless_o confirm_v they_o in_o these_o disposition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v ill_o do_v of_o they_o to_o forsake_v the_o truth_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o but_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v so_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o this_o second_o part_n where_o grant_v to_o unbeliever_n that_o many_o of_o they_o who_o profess_v christianity_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o several_a thing_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o those_o fault_n which_o we_o remark_n at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o their_o disciple_n the_o occasion_n which_o the_o latter_a give_v unbeliever_n to_o conceive_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o religion_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o person_n or_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o i_o shall_v forthwith_o examine_v those_o which_o the_o person_n give_v and_o afterward_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o common_a scandal_n which_o occasion_n the_o obstinacy_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v that_o they_o see_v a_o world_n of_o people_n who_o be_v christian_n not_o from_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o from_o their_o education_n and_o out_o of_o mere_a credulity_n if_o these_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o asia_n they_o will_v without_o change_v their_o disposition_n be_v idolater_n or_o mahometan_n and_o as_o zealous_o embrace_v the_o idle_a dream_n of_o the_o brahmin_n or_o the_o error_n of_o mahomet_n as_o they_o believe_v in_o europe_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a they_o receive_v fable_n that_o be_v manifest_o ridiculous_a with_o no_o less_o respect_n than_o the_o most_o certain_a history_n and_o they_o believe_v not_o less_o the_o most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n than_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o useful_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n lay_v open_a by_o the_o teacher_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o understanding_n which_o determine_v these_o to_o believe_v they_o true_a or_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o respect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v to_o they_o well_o or_o ill-grounded_a and_o a_o certain_a credulity_n careful_o cherish_v in_o their_o mind_n because_o of_o the_o advantage_n draw_v by_o some_o from_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n deceive_v by_o a_o faint_a resemblance_n they_o call_v their_o credulity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o maintain_v that_o those_o want_v it_o who_o believe_v not_o as_o they_o do_v all_o that_o be_v tell_v they_o by_o their_o preacher_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o man_n see_v it_o promise_v salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v faith_n if_o any_o person_n reason_n about_o religion_n and_o say_v that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v know_v nor_o prove_v without_o reason_v present_o these_o people_n who_o neither_o know_v the_o proof_n nor_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o very_o confuse_o be_v sure_a to_o suspect_v he_o of_o irreligion_n especial_o if_o he_o forsake_v any_o of_o the_o common_a sentiment_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o he_o may_v have_v discover_v by_o his_o application_n and_o study_n these_o people_n so_o much_o persuade_v if_o you_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v believe_v many_o time_n that_o a_o man_n who_o know_v how_o to_o reason_v well_o shall_v embrace_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o they_o be_v alarm_v at_o the_o least_o examination_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o hear_v these_o discourse_n and_o behold_v this_o conduct_n so_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n laugh_v at_o this_o pretend_a faith_n and_o draw_v from_o it_o this_o unhappy_a consequence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v receive_v so_o credulous_o be_v either_o false_a or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v extreme_o suspect_v thus_o the_o heathen_n former_o hear_v the_o christian_n say_v that_o they_o need_v only_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_v 6._o mean_v origen_n count_v cell_n l._n 1_o &_o 6._o laugh_v in_o like_a manner_n at_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o none_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o credulous_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o reason_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o have_v for_o a_o main_a principle_n this_o doctrine_n that_o people_n must_v embrace_v it_o without_o know_v why_o and_o that_o such_o as_o shall_v thus_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o have_v maintain_v this_o i_o say_v the_o preacher_n of_o this_o religion_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o imposture_n and_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o without_o be_v able_a to_o render_v any_o reason_n be_v condemn_v as_o too_o credulous_a to_o speak_v in_o such_o term_n will_v confound_v religion_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o imposture_n which_o be_v only_o establish_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n it_o will_v likewise_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o the_o falsehood_n that_o can_v be_v tell_v if_o belief_n be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o receive_v one_o thing_n without_o examen_fw-la no_o more_o than_o another_o be_v this_o so_o how_o can_v the_o christian_n boast_v of_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o falsity_n of_o other_o since_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o credulity_n but_o it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v assent_v without_o examination_n or_o that_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o blind_a faith_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o such_o as_o receive_v it_o upon_o those_o score_n can_v pass_v for_o christian_n who_o faith_n be_v praiseworthy_a to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o need_v but_o consider_v the_o conduct_n and_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n without_o any_o character_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o impostor_n who_o have_v frequent_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a be_v he_o to_o be_v believe_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n or_o have_v he_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o jew_n will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o reject_v he_o nay_o and_o have_v he_o in_o very_a deed_n be_v send_v of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o offer_v cogent_a proof_n of_o it_o no_o body_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o not_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o then_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a dispose_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o prophet_n god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v to_o they_o can_v not_o without_o hazard_n of_o deceive_v themselves_o acknowledge_v any_o man_n to_o be_v effectual_o a_o prophet_n who_o can_v give_v they_o no_o evident_a mark_n of_o his_o mission_n therefore_o jesus_n christ_n come_v arm_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o he_o wrought_v so_o great_a a_o number_n if_o you_o credit_v the_o evangelist_n that_o he_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v before_o he_o now_o this_o be_v the_o mark_n which_o moses_n teach_v the_o israelite_n shall_v discover_v the_o true_a prophet_n and_o jesus_n christ_n ground_v himself_o upon_o it_o when_o he_o require_v assent_v to_o his_o doctrine_n he_o never_o desire_v any_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o pure_o upon_o his_o word_n as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v by_o
infinite_o more_o considerable_a than_o be_v those_o age_n wherein_o he_o seem_v to_o some_o to_o have_v neglect_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o one_o day_n the_o present_a state_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o earth_n shall_v be_v entire_o change_v and_o that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_o but_o we_o be_v not_o inform_v when_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v and_o such_o as_o think_v it_o shall_v happen_v soon_o after_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n from_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o he_o or_o his_o apostle_n be_v altogether_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v now_o he_o before_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 30.5_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o psal_n 30.5_o who_o anger_n endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o in_o who_o favour_n be_v life_n may_v have_v prospect_n infinite_o more_o extend_v and_o which_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o time_n we_o who_o life_n be_v short_a and_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o future_a as_o a_o thing_n not_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o i_o say_v grow_v impatient_a and_o the_o ardour_n of_o our_o desire_n make_v we_o think_v the_o time_n yet_o long_o than_o it_o be_v but_o god_n who_o change_v not_o and_o that_o see_v all_o time_n as_o present_v consider_v thing_n after_o quite_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o do_v and_o look_n upon_o all_o limit_a duration_n as_o most_o short_a we_o must_v not_o therefore_o judge_v of_o providence_n by_o that_o small_a time_n which_o be_v pass_v since_o the_o creation_n see_v in_o the_o eternity_n that_o follow_v it_o he_o may_v choose_v what_o space_n he_o please_v to_o bestow_v liberal_a favour_n upon_o all_o nation_n this_o indeed_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o except_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o great_a idea_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o reason_n give_v we_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a duration_n nothing_o demonstrative_a can_v be_v allege_v against_o this_o notion_n and_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a without_o they_o prove_v it_o so_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o solve_v their_o second_o objection_n ground_v upon_o that_o little_a knowledge_n of_o true_a christianity_n wherewith_o christian_n reproach_n one_o another_o it_o be_v through_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n that_o this_o happen_v and_o god_n do_v not_o ordinary_o oppose_v it_o otherwise_o than_o by_o law_n accompany_v with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o some_o people_n there_o be_v who_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v one_o day_n reform_v christianity_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n this_o might_n well_o be_v but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v never_o happen_v we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n of_o any_o consideration_n so_o corrupt_v but_o that_o the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o although_o the_o addition_n make_v by_o several_a of_o they_o strange_o disfigure_v it_o such_o as_o keep_v only_o to_o these_o essential_a point_n which_o be_v all_o that_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v and_o who_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o school_n have_v a_o just_a idea_n enough_o of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v say_v not_o to_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o reproach_n of_o controvertist_n fall_v rather_o upon_o the_o preacher_n than_o upon_o those_o upright_a and_o sincere_a person_n who_o take_v of_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o understand_v and_o live_v conformable_o to_o their_o notion_n unbeliever_n make_v another_o objection_n against_o religion_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v difficult_a to_o answer_v and_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o essential_a precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v among_o christian_n whence_o the_o incredulous_a infer_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o sufficient_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n for_o a_o religion_n maintain_v to_o be_v reveal_v from_o god_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o original_o divine_a this_o consequence_n be_v very_o false_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v but_o i_o think_v it_o material_a before_o i_o do_v this_o to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o disorder_n of_o christianity_n because_o in_o effect_v the_o best_a answer_n we_o can_v make_v to_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o proper_a to_o get_v they_o over_o to_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v frank_o that_o we_o be_v great_o to_o blame_v in_o not_o better_o observe_v the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o endeavour_v for_o the_o future_a to_o reform_v our_o manner_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o think_v frequent_o of_o god_n to_o wean_v we_o from_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n contain_v in_o his_o law_n that_o we_o may_v obey_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a reward_n and_o terrible_a punishment_n annex_v to_o they_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v common_o practise_v among_o christian_n god_n be_v rare_o think_v of_o and_o christian_n be_v almost_o as_o much_o blind_a and_o possess_v with_o avarice_n ambition_n or_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n as_o those_o people_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o give_a themselves_o up_o to_o these_o passion_n there_o be_v a_o diversity_n i_o grant_v in_o their_o custom_n but_o the_o three_o passion_n i_o name_v be_v the_o soul_n of_o almost_o all_o christian_n action_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n man_n be_v as_o much_o intoxicate_v among_o we_o with_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n as_o among_o they_o and_o the_o pride_n or_o insolence_n of_o riches_n be_v not_o much_o less_o in_o europe_n than_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o asia_n christian_n study_v the_o art_n of_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n and_o apply_v themselves_o so_o whole_o to_o it_o as_o if_o god_n have_v promise_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o they_o for_o so_o do_v and_o threaten_v those_o with_o damnation_n that_o will_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o his_o will_n or_o regulate_v their_o manner_n according_a to_o his_o law_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o spend_v some_o time_n at_o church_n that_o they_o say_v some_o prayer_n and_o read_v some_o pious_a book_n but_o be_v this_o time_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o be_v spend_v in_o thing_n they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o or_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o time_n will_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v more_o desirous_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v they_o than_o to_o grow_v rich_a or_o satisfy_v some_o other_o passion_n do_v they_o for_o example_n understand_v the_o moral_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o cunning_a part_n of_o traffic_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a with_o as_o great_a a_o pleasure_n as_o those_o who_o follow_v trade_n speak_v of_o the_o latter_a yet_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o see_v man_n shall_v not_o be_v save_v because_o they_o be_v industrious_a merchant_n but_o because_o they_o know_v and_o practise_v christianity_n well_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o some_o other_o profession_n wherein_o christian_n spend_v all_o their_o life_n can_v many_o of_o they_o say_v sincere_o that_o they_o have_v rather_o have_v their_o mind_n full_a of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o heart_n incline_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v poor_a despise_v hate_a and_o miserable_a than_o to_o be_v rich_a esteem_v and_o have_v but_o a_o small_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v common_o do_v notwithstanding_o this_o lamentable_a disposition_n they_o profess_v to_o live_v like_o honest_a man_n they_o put_v on_o the_o outside_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o garment_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o unlucky_o stop_v there_o and_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n contradict_v as_o i_o have_v show_v their_o profession_n they_o common_o behave_v themselves_o as_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v whole_o shut_v up_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o church_n and_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o outward_a practice_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o what_o religion_n next_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n require_v from_o we_o chief_o consist_v in_o our_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o other_o men._n if_o we_o examine_v somewhat_o careful_o the_o public_a behaviour_n of_o most_o christian_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o rule_n of_o justice_n among_o themselves_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o their_o private_a interest_n if_o they_o be_v the_o better_a for_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v if_o the_o do_v of_o it_o will_v prove_v advantageous_a
system_n of_o divinity_n which_o raise_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v talk_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n propose_v some_o doubt_n to_o divine_n nay_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n viz._n that_o all_o other_o err_v in_o something_o it_o can_v be_v wonder_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o unbeliever_n offer_v some_o objection_n to_o divine_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n or_o which_o they_o resolve_v by_o contradict_v themselves_o divine_n upbraid_v one_o another_o with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n not_o altogether_o ignorant_a observe_v in_o the_o society_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v explain_v be_v subject_a to_o great_a difficulty_n or_o be_v altogether_o false_a let_v we_o 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better_a it_o be_v know_v when_o man_n know_v nothing_o better_o about_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n and_o have_v not_o penetration_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n of_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n because_o they_o present_o suspect_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n which_o they_o have_v not_o examine_v be_v not_o better_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n be_v account_v as_o essential_a as_o other_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o a_o man_n take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o read_v book_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o ingenious_a man_n of_o both_o side_n he_o will_v often_o perceive_v that_o both_o party_n attack_v very_o well_o and_o defend_v themselves_o ill_a that_o man_n will_v conclude_v from_o 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that_o i_o do_v follow_v the_o particular_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o place_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v they_o see_v some_o opinion_n manifest_o false_a establish_v in_o those_o vast_a country_n by_o a_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o offer_v any_o objection_n they_o be_v pitiful_o resolve_v and_o than_o if_o they_o dare_v reply_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o censure_n and_o threaten_n not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o inquisition_n and_o burn_v if_o they_o grow_v obstinate_a nevertheless_o divine_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n though_o evident_o false_a with_o great_a heat_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o prove_v they_o many_o layman_n who_o want_v not_o penetration_n but_o know_v no_o better_o think_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o distinct_o apprehend_v the_o falsity_n of_o what_o be_v say_v they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a other_o add_v to_o their_o meditation_n the_o read_n of_o some_o controversial_a book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n author_n and_o they_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a altogether_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o right_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o their_o teacher_n can_v free_v they_o from_o that_o opinion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o often_o find_v some_o book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n author_n who_o attack_z well_o enough_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o certain_a protestant_n and_o those_o protestant_n be_v as_o unlucky_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v successful_a in_o assault_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n they_o also_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o because_o their_o examination_n reach_v not_o to_o all_o the_o sect_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o confound_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o condemn_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o beside_o other_o motive_n which_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o those_o thought_n and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o see_v two_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o so_o much_o that_o they_o retain_v their_o opinion_n for_o ever_o if_o no_o better_a book_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o if_o no_o body_n free_v they_o from_o the_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o divine_n to_o maintain_v those_o doctrine_n those_o who_o assert_v they_o with_o heat_n and_o declaim_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n against_o other_o christian_a society_n be_v prefer_v and_o get_v the_o most_o considerable_a dignity_n of_o the_o party_n they_o be_v in_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v moderate_a towards_o those_o who_o be_v call_v heretic_n or_o heterodox_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o favour_v if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o employment_n and_o ruin_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v altogether_o undo_v and_o almost_o every_o where_n if_o any_o intimate_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v in_o though_o he_o do_v it_o never_o so_o modest_o they_o show_v he_o no_o pity_n he_o must_v suffer_v whatever_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n can_v do_v when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o disposition_n be_v that_o divine_n will_v be_v judge_n and_o party_n in_o controvert_v doctrine_n against_o the_o clear_a principle_n of_o equity_n though_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o favour_v one_o of_o the_o party_n though_o their_o decision_n be_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o unsatisfactory_a they_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a and_o solid_a nay_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o book_n of_o their_o adversary_n ought-not_a to_o be_v read_v or_o those_o who_o read_v they_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n of_o not_o approve_v their_o argument_n otherwise_o they_o must_v undergo_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o party_n unbeliever_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o several_a particular_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v maintain_v out_o of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o by_o unjust_a and_o violent_a mean_n conclude_v that_o divine_n and_o consequent_o all_o christian_n be_v factious_a people_n and_o enemy_n to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o other_o
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v 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whatever_o they_o say_v concern_v revelation_n in_o general_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o prejudice_n viz._n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o a_o revelation_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o argument_n ground_v only_o upon_o our_o ignorance_n and_o which_o suppose_v that_o what_o we_o know_v not_o be_v not_o true_a as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n shall_v either_o manifest_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n which_o no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v or_o find_v out_o in_o that_o revelation_n some_o manifest_a character_n of_o falsity_n which_o no_o body_n can_v show_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n arise_v 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or_o infidel_n from_o give_v they_o the_o hear_n when_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o all_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o division_n be_v agree_v about_o certain_a article_n by_o the_o examination_n whereof_o unbeliever_n must_v necessary_o begin_v and_o not_o by_o those_o particular_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n all_o christian_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n about_o revelation_n in_o general_n the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v to_o they_o they_o agree_v likewise_o about_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o resurrection_n and_o last_o judgement_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v first_o when_o they_o deal_v with_o infidel_n or_o unbeliever_n and_o this_o be_v what_o with_o common_a consent_n they_o 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or_o africa_n second_o if_o such_o as_o have_v part_n enough_o to_o comprehend_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o virtue_n enough_o to_o frame_v their_o moral_n according_a to_o this_o model_n be_v not_o able_a however_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o those_o difference_n which_o divide_v christian_n it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v what_o they_o must_v do_v both_o in_o equity_n and_o prudence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o ought_v neither_o to_o approve_v or_o condemn_v any_o party_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n in_o dispute_n he_o that_o require_v more_o of_o they_o make_v they_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o form_v a_o unjust_a and_o hasty_a judgement_n while_o they_o find_v themselves_o uncapable_a to_o receive_v true_a information_n of_o the_o reason_n on_o all_o side_n or_o to_o distinguish_v certain_o which_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n 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the_o different_a party_n of_o christendom_n i_o understand_v