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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n worship_n zeal_n zealous_a 118 3 8.8519 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42813 Essays on several important subjects in philosophy and religion by Joseph Glanvill ... Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680. 1676 (1676) Wing G809; ESTC R22979 236,661 346

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to_o dissenter_n and_o prevent_v all_o vehemency_n of_o captious_a dispute_n all_o schism_n and_o unnecessary_a separation_n and_o many_o war_n and_o persecution_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o man_n differ_v be_v not_o religion_n be_v not_o faith_n and_o fundamental_a if_o this_o be_v true_a and_o this_o truth_n acknowledge_v all_o these_o will_v want_v pretence_n and_o so_o peace_n and_o unity_n will_v possess_v the_o spirit_n of_o men._n they_o see_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v shake_v by_o division_n and_o render_v suspect_v of_o uncertainty_n through_o the_o mixture_n of_o uncertain_a thing_n will_v stand_v safe_a and_o firm_a when_o it_o be_v lay_v only_o upon_o the_o plain_a infallible_a undoubted_a proposition_n that_o holiness_n will_v thrive_v when_o man_n zeal_n be_v take_v off_o from_o talk_v and_o dispute_v against_o other_o and_o direct_v inward_o to_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o reformation_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o papism_n which_o in_o those_o time_n of_o distraction_n begin_v to_o spread_v even_o here_o will_v drop_v to_o the_o ground_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v that_o the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v few_o and_o plain_a and_o those_o agree_v on_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n and_o judge_n i_o say_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o all_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o mankind_n may_v be_v serve_v by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o one_o reasonable_a principle_n which_o they_o see_v be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o stability_n and_o consistence_n ●…o_o peace_n and_o union_n in_o consequence_n of_o this_o spirit_n and_o doctrine_n they_o discourse_v the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o with_o mildness_n and_o modesty_n without_o anger_n and_o damn_v sentence_n and_o afford_v their_o converse_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a man_n though_o 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light_n be_v but_o freakish_a fancy_n and_o old_a heresy_n revive_v and_o the_o precious_a mystery_n of_o their_o theology_n but_o conceit_a absurdity_n and_o nonsense_n in_o a_o fantastic_a dress_n they_o happy_o draw_v the_o parallel_n between_o our_o separatist_n and_o those_o ancient_a one_o the_o pharisee_n and_o prove_v that_o the_o same_o spirit_n act_v the_o ataxites_n that_o govern_v those_o jewish_a fanatic_n and_o because_o their_o pretence_n be_v take_v and_o specious_a and_o have_v catch_v great_a number_n of_o the_o easy_a well_o mean_v people_n of_o bensalem_n therefore_o to_o disabuse_v they_o they_o labour_v much_o to_o show_v the_o shortness_n of_o their_o kind_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o place_v all_o religion_n in_o pray_v hear_v zeal_n rapture_n mystery_n and_o opinion_n according_o they_o declare_v and_o prove_v that_o 1._o fluency_n and_o pathetic_a eloquence_n in_o sudden_a prayer_n may_v proceed_v and_o do_v many_o time_n from_o excite_a 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mystery_n and_o by_o the_o vehemency_n
countenance_n he_o have_v on_o a_o long_a robe_n of_o purple_a silk_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o turban_n on_o his_o head_n of_o the_o same_o colour_n which_o have_v a_o star_n of_o gold_n wrought_v on_o it_o wear_v just_a before_o he_o embrace_v i_o with_o much_o affection_n express_v great_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o opportunity_n of_o entertain_v i_o alone_o he_o inquire_v after_o the_o welfare_n of_o our_o people_n and_o whether_o we_o want_v any_o accommodation_n either_o for_o our_o whole_a or_o sick_a i_o bow_v with_o a_o low_a reverence_n and_o answer_v that_o we_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o occasion_n to_o speak_v our_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o bounty_n and_o humanity_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n and_o particular_o to_o express_v how_o much_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o his_o lordship_n generous_a favour_n he_o reply_v smile_v that_o compliment_n be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o bensalem_n and_o take_v i_o by_o the_o hand_n he_o lead_v i_o into_o a_o handsome_a square_a chamber_n 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high_o please_v with_o those_o engagement_n i_o find_v as_o much_o diversion_n in_o they_o as_o in_o my_o dear_a recreation_n but_o after_o i_o have_v spend_v some_o year_n in_o those_o notional_a study_n perhaps_o with_o as_o good_a success_n as_o some_o other_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v cvi_o bono_n and_o to_o consider_v what_o these_o thing_n will_v signify_v in_o the_o world_n of_o action_n and_o business_n i_o say_v i_o think_v but_o i_o can_v find_v no_o encouragement_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o answer_v my_o thought_n make_v i_o i_o ask_v myself_o what_o account_v i_o can_v give_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o my_o philosophy_n more_o than_o those_o that_o have_v none_o and_o find_v that_o i_o can_v amaze_v and_o astonish_v ignorance_n with_o distinction_n and_o word_n of_o art_n but_o not_o satisfy_v ingenious_a inquiry_n by_o any_o considerable_a and_o material_a resolution_n i_o consider_v i_o have_v get_v nothing_o all_o this_o while_n but_o a_o certain_a readiness_n 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fancy_n of_o the_o mere_a vulgar_a it_o be_v to_o be_v pardon_v easy_o and_o light_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o the_o worst_a be_v the_o infection_n of_o the_o weak_a jealousy_n have_v spread_v itself_o among_o some_o of_o those_o who_o lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o there_o be_v i_o doubt_v divers_a of_o the_o instructer_n of_o the_o people_n who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o fancy_n that_o foment_n those_o fear_n in_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o and_o those_o other_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o conviction_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o justific_a sober_a inquisition_n into_o god_n work_n and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o innocent_a but_o very_o useful_a in_o most_o of_o the_o affair_n wherein_o religion_n be_v concern_v this_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o more_o clearness_n of_o proof_n by_o a_o gradual_a motion_n of_o discourse_n from_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_a and_o acknowledge_v which_o i_o shall_v touch_v brief_o to_o the_o main_a matter_n i_o will_v enforce_v in_o this_o order_n i._n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o his_o work_n ii_o that_o his_o work_n be_v to_o be_v study_v by_o those_o that_o will_v praise_v he_o for_o they_o iii_o that_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n work_n be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o religion_n iu_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v but_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o its_o author_n the_o first_o contain_v two_o thing_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v and_o particular_o for_o his_o work_n the_o former_a be_v the_o constant_a voice_n of_o scripture_n and_o universal_a nature_n he_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v praise_v say_v the_o kingly_a prophet_n 2_o sam._n 22._o 4._o great_o to_o be_v praise_v say_v the_o same_o royal_a saint_n 1_o
deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o hereby_o heresy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v confute_v and_o overthrow_v so_o that_o the_o disable_n and_o suppress_n of_o dispute_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o weaken_n rather_o than_o any_o advantage_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o by_o the_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o i_o conceive_v the_o essential_o and_o certain_a article_n be_v mean_v these_o we_o may_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v and_o promote_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o real_a philosophy_n will_v help_v our_o reason_n in_o that_o service_n but_o pious_a contention_n for_o these_o be_v not_o the_o dispute_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v those_o be_v stiff_o contest_v about_o uncertain_a opinion_n and_o such_o i_o dare_v very_o bold_o say_v be_v no_o contention_n for_o the_o faith_n but_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a mischief_n to_o it_o as_o for_o those_o other_o dispute_n that_o be_v use_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a article_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o disprove_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n they_o be_v necessary_a and_o philosophy_n be_v a_o excellent_a help_n in_o such_o contest_v so_o that_o those_o other_o objection_n pleadable_a from_o the_o necessity_n of_o prove_v and_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o convince_a heretic_n from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o sadducee_n and_o of_o st._n paul_n at_o athens_n with_o the_o jew_n these_o and_o such_o other_o little_a cavil_n can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v in_o matter_n of_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a opinion_n against_o which_o the_o real_a philosophy_n be_v a_o antidote_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v under_o five_o material_a head_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n promote_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o the_o three_o last_o it_o appear_v how_o fundamental_o opposite_a it_o be_v to_o all_o schism_n and_o fanaticism_n which_o be_v make_v up_o and_o occasion_v by_o superstition_n enthusiasm_n and_o ignorant_a perverse_a dispute_n so_o that_o for_o atheist_n and_o sadducee_n and_o fanatic_n to_o detest_v and_o inveigh_v against_o philosophy_n be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o man_n of_o that_o sort_n philosophy_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o disparage_v and_o reproach_v it_o but_o for_o the_o sober_a and_o religious_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o unadvised_a and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n be_v wonderful_a and_o deplorable_a to_o set_v these_o right_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o philosophical_a inquiry_n into_o god_n work_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a promote_a of_o it_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o discourse_n propose_v viz._n iu_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v but_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o its_o author_n this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o follow_v evident_o upon_o it_o and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n deep_a search_n into_o nature_n yet_o this_o it_o will_v that_o no_o friend_n or_o servant_n of_o religion_n shall_v hinder_v or_o discountenance_v such_o inquiry_n and_o though_o most_o private_a christian_n and_o some_o public_a minister_n have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o ability_n to_o look_v into_o matter_n of_o natural_a research_n and_o inquisition_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v candid_o and_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o have_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o folly_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o to_o censure_v or_o discourage_v those_o worthy_a undertake_n so_o that_o i_o can_v without_o trouble_v observe_v how_o apt_a some_o be_v that_o pretend_v much_o to_o religion_n and_o some_o that_o minister_v in_o it_o to_o load_v those_o that_o be_v studious_a of_o god_n work_n with_o all_o the_o studious_a name_n that_o contempt_n and_o spite_n can_v suggest_v the_o irreligion_n of_o which_o injurious_a carriage_n nothing_o can_v excuse_v but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o i_o will_v rather_o hope_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o what_o they_o do_v than_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o direct_a design_n against_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o against_o any_o laudable_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o i_o know_v well_o what_o mischief_n prejudice_n will_v do_v even_o upon_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o intelligent_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v many_o common_a slander_n and_o some_o plausible_a objection_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o zealous_a against_o philosophy_n which_o have_v beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o in_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o have_v never_o examine_v thing_n with_o any_o depth_n of_o inquiry_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o i_o shall_v produce_v the_o most_o considerable_a allegation_n of_o both_o sort_n and_o i_o hope_v make_v such_o return_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o bar_v by_o obstinacy_n or_o ignorance_n i_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o bold_a and_o broad_a slander_n among_o which_o that_o i._o of_o atbeism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a but_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unjust_a accusation_n that_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n can_v have_v invent_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v industrious_a to_o prove_v here_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a weapon_n in_o the_o world_n to_o defend_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o my_o whole_a discourse_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o this_o envious_a and_o foolish_a charge_n concern_v it_o i_o take_v notice_n that_o philosophical_a man_n be_v usual_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o zealous_a as_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n be_v by_o the_o sect_n for_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o learned_a person_n who_o have_v most_o strong_o oppugn_v the_o romish_a faith_n have_v have_v the_o ill_a luck_n to_o be_v accuse_v of_o popery_n themselves_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o happen_v to_o the_o humble_a and_o deep_a inquisitor_n into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o most_o and_o full_a argument_n of_o his_o existence_n have_v raise_v impregnable_a rampart_n with_o much_o industry_n and_o pious_a pain_n against_o the_o atheist_n and_o be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o can_v with_o success_n serve_v religion_n against_o the_o godless_a rout_n these_o superstitious_a ignorance_n have_v always_o make_v the_o loud_a outcry_n against_o as_o if_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v most_o happy_o oppugn_v and_o defeat_v and_o the_o certain_a way_n to_o be_v esteem_v a_o atheist_n by_o the_o fierce_a and_o ignorant_a devoto_n be_v to_o study_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n sure_a and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v ground_o and_o to_o purpose_v against_o the_o desperate_a cause_n of_o the_o black_a conspirator_n against_o heaven_n and_o the_o great_a man_n that_o have_v employ_v their_o time_n and_o thought_n this_o way_n have_v be_v pelt_v with_o this_o dirt_n while_o they_o have_v be_v labour_v in_o the_o trench_n and_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o holy_a fabric_n but_o beside_o i_o observe_v that_o narrow_a angry_a people_n take_v occasion_n to_o charge_v the_o free_a spirit_n with_o atheism_n because_o they_o move_v in_o a_o large_a circle_n and_o have_v no_o such_o fond_a adherence_n to_o some_o opinion_n which_o they_o adore_v and_o count_v sacred_a and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v not_o superstition_n enough_o in_o my_o spirit_n or_o nature_n to_o incline_v i_o to_o dote_v upon_o all_o the_o principle_n i_o judge_v true_a or_o to_o speak_v so_o dogmatical_o about_o they_o as_o i_o perceive_v confident_a and_o dispute_a man_n be_v wont_a but_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o few_o practical_a fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o have_v fix_v that_o end_n of_o the_o compass_n i_o desire_v to_o preserve_v my_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o rest_n hold_v the_o other_o in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o draw_v those_o line_n my_o judgement_n inform_v by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n the_o apprehension_n of_o wise_a antiquity_n and_o my_o particular_a reason_n shall_v direct_v i_o to_o describe_v and_o when_o i_o do_v that_o it_o be_v for_o myself_o and_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n but_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o impose_v my_o sentiment_n
brass_n for_o our_o defence_n and_o they_o have_v little_a else_o than_o twig_n and_o bulrush_n for_o the_o assault_n we_o have_v light_n and_o firm_a ground_n and_o they_o be_v lose_v in_o smoak_n and_o mist_n they_o tread_v among_o bog_n and_o dangerous_a fen_n and_o reel_v near_o the_o rock_n and_o steep_n and_o shall_v we_o despise_v our_o advantage_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v we_o relinquish_v our_o ground_n and_o our_o light_n and_o muffle_v ourselves_o up_o in_o darkness_n shall_v we_o give_v our_o enemy_n the_o weapon_n and_o all_o the_o odds_o and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o insure_v their_o triumph_n over_o we_o this_o be_v so●…tishly_o to_o betray_v religion_n and_o ourselves_o if_o this_o discourse_n chance_n to_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o dangerous_a folly_n it_o will_v i_o hope_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o philosophy_n or_o to_o despise_v its_o aid_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o for_o those_o who_o never_o yet_o think_v of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o glorify_v god_n for_o his_o work_n i_o wish_v it_o may_v awaken_v they_o to_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o so_o excite_v their_o pious_a acclamation_n and_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o it_o i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o add_v that_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o much_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o hallelujah_n and_o triumphant_a song_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o joyful_a entertainment_n of_o the_o bless_a will_v be_v take_v from_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n work_n and_o who_o know_v but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o and_o god_n in_o they_o shall_v make_v up_o a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o employment_n of_o those_o glorify_a spirit_n who_o will_v then_o have_v inconceivable_a advantage_n for_o the_o search_n into_o those_o effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o mortal_n to_o attain_v and_o those_o discovery_n which_o for_o ever_o they_o shall_v make_v in_o that_o immense_a treasure_n of_o art_n the_o universe_n must_v needs_o fill_v their_o soul_n every_o moment_n with_o pleasant_a astonishment_n and_o inflame_v their_o heart_n with_o the_o ardour_n of_o the_o high_a love_n and_o devotion_n which_o will_v breathe_v forth_o in_o everlasting_a thanksgiving_n and_o thus_o the_o study_n of_o god_n work_v join_v with_o those_o pious_a sentiment_n they_o deserve_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o anticipation_n of_o heaven_n and_o next_o after_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o mercy_n discover_v in_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a employment_n the_o most_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n the_o agreement_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n essay_n v._n essay_n v._o the_o agreement_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o know_v which_o have_v do_v more_o mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o the_o disparage_n of_o reason_n under_o pretence_n of_o respect_n and_o favour_n to_o it_o for_o hereby_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n have_v be_v undermine_v and_o the_o world_n prepare_v for_o atheism_n and_o if_o reason_n must_v not_o be_v hear_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o be_v prove_v nor_o defend_v and_o so_o our_o faith_n drop_v to_o the_o ground_n like_o a_o house_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n by_o the_o same_o way_n those_o sickly_a conceit_n and_o enthusiastic_a dream_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n that_o have_v poison_v our_o air_n and_o infatuate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o infidel_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o involve_v all_o the_o nation_n in_o so_o much_o blood_n and_o so_o many_o ruin_n i_o say_v hereby_o all_o these_o fatal_a folly_n that_o have_v be_v the_o oceasion_n of_o so_o many_o mischief_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o promote_v on_o which_o account_v i_o think_v i_o may_v affirm_v with_o some_o confidence_n that_o here_o be_v the_o springhead_n of_o most_o of_o the_o watter_n of_o bitterness_n and_o strife_n and_o here_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o great_a deep_n of_o atheism_n and_o fanaticism_n that_o be_v break_v up_o upon_o we_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o seasonable_a service_n do_v either_o to_o reason_n or_o religion_n than_o to_o endeavour_v the_o stop_n up_o this_o source_n of_o mischief_n by_o represent_v the_o friendship_n and_o fair_a agreement_n that_o be_v between_o they_o for_o hereby_o religion_n will_v be_v rescue_v from_o the_o impious_a accusation_n of_o its_o be_v groundless_a and_o imaginary_a and_o reason_n also_o defend_v against_o the_o unjust_a charge_n of_o its_o be_v profane_a and_o irreligious_a this_o we_o have_v hear_v often_o from_o indiscreet_a and_o hot_a man_n for_o have_v entertain_v vain_a and_o unreasonable_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v make_v a_o interest_n and_o the_o badge_n of_o a_o party_n and_o perceive_v that_o their_o darling_n opinion_n can_v not_o stand_v if_o reason_n their_o enemy_n be_v not_o discredit_v they_o set_v up_o loud_a cry_n against_o it_o as_o the_o grand_a adversary_n of_o free_a grace_n and_o faith_n and_o zealous_o endeavour_v to_o run_v it_o down_o under_o the_o misapply_v name_n of_o vain_a philosophy_n carnal_a reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o proceed_n we_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v so_o that_o in_o my_o judgement_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o reasonable_a man_n to_o rise_v up_o as_o they_o can_v against_o this_o spirit_n of_o folly_n and_o infatuation_n and_o something_o i_o shall_v attempt_v now_o by_o show_v that_o reason_n be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o religion_n and_o religion_n very_o friendly_a to_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o must_v 1._o state_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o religion_n and_o what_o by_o reason_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n or_o debate_n that_o can_v be_v discover_v or_o determine_v till_o the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n be_v explain_v and_o the_o notion_n settle_v the_o want_n of_o this_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o confusion_n we_o find_v in_o dispute_n and_o particular_o most_o of_o the_o clamour_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v against_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n have_v spring_v from_o it_o for_o while_o ungrounded_a opinion_n and_o unreasonable_a practice_n be_v often_o call_v religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o vain_a imagination_n and_o false_a consequence_n be_v as_o frequent_o style_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o religion_n disclaim_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o that_o such_o reason_n be_v opposite_a to_o religion_n therefore_o in_o order_n to_o my_o show_v the_o agreement_n between_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o genuine_a reason_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n that_o i_o can_v represent_v the_o just_a meaning_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o for_o religion_n first_o it_o be_v take_v either_o strict_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o in_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a sense_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o those_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o and_o this_o take_v in_o the_o other_o and_o agree_v with_o the_o notation_n of_o the_o name_n which_o import_v bind_v and_o imply_v duty_n now_o all_o duty_n be_v comprise_v under_o these_o two_o viz._n worship_n and_o virtue_n worship_n comprehend_v all_o duty_n that_o immediate_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o the_o object_n of_o they_o virtue_n all_o those_o that_o respect_v our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o so_o that_o religion_n primary_o and_o main_o consist_v in_o worship_n and_o virtue_n but_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o principle_n there_o must_v be_v to_o direct_v the_o practice_n and_o those_o that_o discover_v the_o duty_n and_o guide_v man_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v call_v principle_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o 1_o fundamental_a and_o essential_a other_o 2._o accessary_a and_o assist_v fundamental_a be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o building_n upon_o which_o the_o fabric_n be_v erect_v and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v so_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n one_o or_o more_o and_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o they_o of_o this_o sort_n i_o shall_v mention_v three_o viz._n 1._o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o
his_o nature_n the_o belief_n of_o these_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n in_o any_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o address_v must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n what_o namely_o he_o must_v know_v and_o own_o the_o common_o acknowledge_v attribute_n of_o his_o be_v 2._o a_o second_o necessary_a principle_n be_v the_o providenee_n of_o god_n viz._n the_o knowledge_n that_o he_o make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o that_o he_o preserve_v we_o and_o daily_o provide_v for_o we_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o adoration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o other_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v in_o vain_a 3._o a_o three_o fundamental_a be_v moral_a good_a and_o evil._n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o confession_n of_o sin_n no_o respect_n to_o charity_n humility_n justice_n purity_n or_o the_o rest_n that_o we_o call_v virtue_n these_o will_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v how_o many_o more_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o number_n these_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v such_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o all_o religion_n suppose_v and_o stand_v upon_o they_o and_o they_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v other_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n with_o the_o former_a but_o yet_o be_v high_o serviceable_a by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n and_o assistance_n i_o reckon_v four_o viz._n 1_o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v assist_v we_o if_o we_o endeavour_v 3._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o service_n that_o be_v imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v sincere_a 4._o that_o he_o will_v righteous_o reward_v and_o punish_v in_o another_o world_n these_o contain_v the_o matter_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o clear_o and_o explicit_o reveal_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n own_v also_o by_o the_o gentile_n so_o that_o i_o may_v reckon_v that_o the_o principle_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mankind_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o duty_n recite_v before_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o practical_a which_o primary_o and_o most_o essential_o be_v religion_n and_o christianity_n take_v in_o all_o these_o duty_n and_o all_o these_o principle_n advance_v the_o duty_n to_o high_a degree_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n encourage_v they_o by_o new_a motive_n and_o assistance_n and_o superad_v two_o other_o instance_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o the_o principle_n it_o confirm_v those_o of_o natural_a religion_n it_o explain_v they_o further_o and_o discover_v some_o few_o new_a one_o and_o all_o these_o both_o of_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n here_o be_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o main_a assist_v principle_n also_o and_o though_o our_o church_n require_v our_o assent_n to_o more_o proposition_n yet_o those_o be_v only_a article_n of_o communion_n not_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o go_v beyond_o the_o creed_n for_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n who_o can_v tell_v where_o we_o shall_v stop_v the_o sum_n be_v religion_n primary_o be_v duty_n and_o duty_n be_v all_o that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v by_o his_o word_n or_o our_o reason_n and_o we_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o in_o the_o commandment_n religion_n also_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n consist_v in_o some_o principle_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n in_o the_o way_n of_o devout_a and_o virtuous_a live_n and_o these_o be_v comprise_v in_o that_o summary_n of_o belief_n call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o this_o religion_n i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v reasonable_a but_o i_o can_v undertake_v for_o all_o the_o opinion_n some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v orthodox_n nor_o for_o all_o those_o that_o by_o many_o private_a person_n and_o some_o church_n be_v account_v essential_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n thus_o i_o have_v state_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o religion_n the_o other_z thing_n to_o be_v determine_v and_o fix_v be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o reason_n for_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o reason_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o reason_n in_o the_o faculty_n which_o be_v the_o understanding_n and_o at_o other_o time_n for_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n by_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v inform_v this_o latter_a be_v mean_v in_o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o with_o natural_a truth_n which_o i_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o man_n philosophy_n nor_o the_o critical_a rule_n of_o syllogism_n but_o those_o imbred_a fundamental_a notice_n that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o as_o arise_v not_o from_o external_a object_n nor_o particular_a humour_n or_o imagination_n but_o be_v immediate_o lodge_v in_o our_o mind_n independent_a upon_o other_o principle_n or_o deduction_n command_v a_o sudden_a assent_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a mankind_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o all_o perfection_n that_o nothing_o have_v no_o attribute_n that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n these_o and_o suchlike_a be_v unto_o we_o what_o instinct_n be_v to_o other_o creature_n and_o these_o i_o call_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n the_o conclusion_n be_v those_o other_o notice_n that_o be_v infer_v right_o from_o these_o and_o by_o their_o help_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o remote_a of_o they_o that_o can_v be_v conceive_v if_o it_o be_v due_o infer_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o right_o circumstantiate_v sense_n be_v as_o well_o to_o be_v reckon_v a_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o reason_n as_o the_o more_o immediate_a conclusion_n that_o be_v principle_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o distant_a truth_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n also_o of_o the_o proper_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o reason_n i_o be_o to_o show_v next_o 2._o that_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a and_o this_o imply_v two_o thing_n viz._n that_o reason_n be_v a_o friend_n to_o religion_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v so_o to_o reason_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o and_o here_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v the_o great_a congruity_n that_o there_o be_v between_o that_o light_n and_o those_o law_n that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o the_o expressness_n of_o his_o write_a word_n he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o demonstrate_v that_o reason_n teach_v all_o those_o except_v only_o the_o two_o positives_n baptism_n and_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n but_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o need_v of_o turn_v my_o discourse_n that_o way_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v confine_v it_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v call_v faith_n and_o prove_v that_o reason_n exceed_o befriend_v these_o it_o do_v this_o i._o by_o prove_v some_o of_o those_o principle_n and_o ii_o by_o defend_v all_o for_o the_o clear_n both_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o 1_o such_o as_o be_v presuppose_v to_o faith_n or_o such_o as_o 2._o be_v formal_a article_n of_o it_o of_o the_o first_o be_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o second_o such_o as_o be_v express_o declare_v by_o divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n and_o such_o like_a i._n for_o the_o former_a they_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o by_o reason_n only_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v consider_v after_o 1._o that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v when_o he_o say_v that_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o to_o the_o heathen_a rom._n 1._o 19_o and_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 20._o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v
who_o genius_n and_o way_n be_v so_o unlike_o he_o but_o the_o other_o excellent_a soul_n i_o describe_v will_v as_o certain_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o converse_v as_o the_o chrystaline_a stream_n be_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n or_o the_o fit_o prepare_a earth_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o will_v be_v actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o object_n here_o the_o want_n of_o angelical_a communication_n though_o there_o be_v none_o vouchsafe_v we_o since_o good_a man_n enjoy_v the_o divine_a which_o be_v infinite_o more_o satisfactory_a and_o indear_v and_o now_o i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v make_v to_o speak_v thus_o xii_o xii_o the_o belief_n of_o witch_n and_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n they_o be_v say_v to_o perform_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o confederate_a daemon_n weaken_v our_o faith_n and_o expose_v the_o world_n to_o infidelity_n in_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o if_o they_o by_o diabolical_a assistance_n can_v inflict_v and_o cure_v disease_n and_o do_v thing_n so_o much_o beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o philosophy_n and_o activity_n of_o common_a nature_n what_o assurance_n can_v we_o have_v that_o the_o miracle_n that_o confirm_v our_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o compact_a of_o like_a nature_n and_o that_o devil_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o by_o beelzebub_n if_o evil_a spirit_n can_v assume_v body_n and_o render_v themselves_o visible_a in_o humane_a likeness_n what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o by_o their_o help_n witches_z can_v enter_v chamber_n invisible_o through_o keyhole_n and_o little_a unperceived_a cranny_n and_o transform_v themselves_o at_o pleasure_n what_o argument_n of_o divinity_n be_v there_o in_o our_o saviour_n show_v himself_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o his_o transfiguration_n in_o the_o mount_n miracle_n be_v the_o great_a inducement_n of_o belief_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v a_o miracle_n from_o a_o lie_a wonder_n a_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n from_o a_o trick_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o hell_n if_o they_o can_v perform_v thing_n that_o astonish_v and_o confound_v our_o reason_n and_o be_v beyond_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o reply_v 1._o the_o wonder_v do_v by_o confederacy_n with_o wicked_a spirit_n can_v derive_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o undoubted_a miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o author_n and_o promulger_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o be_v perform_v by_o diabolical_a compact_n since_o their_o spirit_n endeavour_n and_o design_n be_v notorious_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o tendency_n aim_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n for_o as_o to_o the_o life_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o adorable_a jesus_n we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o incomparable_a sweetness_n in_o his_o nature_n humility_n in_o his_o manner_n calmness_n in_o his_o temper_n compassion_n in_o his_o miracle_n modesty_n in_o his_o expression_n holiness_n in_o all_o his_o action_n hatred_n of_o vice_n and_o baseness_n and_o love_n to_o all_o the_o world_n all_o which_o be_v essential_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o apostate_n spirit_n who_o abound_v in_o pride_n and_o rancour_n insolence_n and_o rudeness_n tyranny_n and_o baseness_n universal_a malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o man_n and_o their_o design_n be_v as_o opposite_a as_o their_o spirit_n and_o their_o genius_n and_o now_o can_v the_o sun_n borrow_v its_o light_n from_o the_o bottomless_a abyss_n can_v heat_n and_o warmth_n flow_v in_o upon_o the_o world_n from_o the_o region_n of_o snow_n and_o ice_n can_v fire_n freeze_v and_o water_n burn_v can_v nature_n so_o infinite_o contrary_a communicate_v and_o jump_v in_o project_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o each_o other_o know_v interest_n be_v there_o any_o balsam_n in_o the_o cockatrice_n egg_n or_o can_v the_o spirit_n of_o life_n flow_v from_o the_o venom_n of_o the_o asp_n will_v the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n strengthen_v the_o arm_n that_o be_v stretch_v out_o to_o pluck_v his_o usurp_v sceptre_n and_o his_o spoil_n from_o he_o and_o will_v he_o lend_v his_o legion_n to_o assist_v the_o army_n of_o his_o enemy_n against_o he_o no_o these_o be_v impossible_a supposal_n no_o intelligent_a be_v will_v industrious_o and_o know_o contribute_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o defeature_n of_o its_o purpose_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o its_o own_o dear_a interest_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n then_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v receive_v prejudice_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o be_v of_o witch_n and_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o do_v wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v the_o only_a evidence_n that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v from_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a but_o the_o conjunction_n of_o other_o circumstance_n the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o design_n add_v credit_n to_o his_o work_n and_o strengthen_v the_o great_a conclusion_n that_o he_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o i_o say_v 2._o that_o since_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n rule_v the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n to_o unavoidable_a deception_n and_o if_o evil_a angel_n by_o their_o confederate_n be_v permit_v to_o perform_v such_o astonish_a thing_n as_o seem_v so_o evident_o to_o carry_v god_n seal_n and_o power_n with_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o falsehood_n and_o gain_v credit_n to_o impostor_n without_o any_o counter-evidence_n to_o disabuse_v the_o world_n mankind_n be_v expose_v to_o sad_a and_o fatal_a delusion_n and_o to_o say_v that_o providence_n will_v suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n when_o we_o use_v the_o best_a of_o our_o care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v to_o speak_v hard_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o affirm_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o poor_a forlorn_a man_n and_o if_o the_o providence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o security_n unto_o we_o against_o such_o deception_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o that_o we_o be_v always_o abuse_v by_o those_o mischievous_a agent_n in_o the_o object_n of_o plain_a sense_n and_o in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o daily_a converse_v if_o one_o that_o pretend_v he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n to_o overthrow_v the_o ancient_a fabric_n of_o establish_v worship_n and_o to_o 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