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profaneness_n for_o as_o for_o that_o antinomian_a enthusiasm_n that_o be_v grow_v so_o rife_o among_o we_o it_o look_v more_o like_a blasphemy_n than_o religion_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n less_o wicked_a that_o it_o only_o make_v they_o more_o confident_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o now_o when_o they_o have_v throw_v off_o either_o all_o regard_n of_o duty_n or_o sense_n of_o distance_n towards_o god_n they_o quick_o cashier_v all_o conscience_n of_o honesty_n or_o even_a civility_n towards_o man_n and_o together_o with_o their_o religion_n loose_v their_o good_a manner_n this_o be_v the_o bottom_n of_o that_o epidemical_a falsehood_n perfidiousness_n fraud_n oppression_n rudeness_n and_o barbarity_n that_o have_v overspread_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n now_o when_o peoples_n wickedness_n be_v bottom_v upon_o principle_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o
vanity_n of_o their_o principle_n before_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o work_v they_o to_o any_o effectual_a reformation_n and_o though_o i_o think_v it_o a_o imprudent_a thing_n to_o be_v dispute_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o common_a people_n if_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v because_o it_o common_o rather_o weaken_v than_o confirm_v their_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o think_v that_o to_o be_v only_o problematical_a which_o before_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v unquestionable_a yet_o when_o they_o have_v raise_v the_o dispute_n among_o themselves_o and_o have_v by_o chance_n for_o they_o never_o judge_v of_o any_o thing_n upon_o due_a enquiry_n because_o they_o never_o make_v it_o run_v away_o with_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o the_o controversy_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reduce_v by_o better_a information_n and_o that_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o follow_a treatise_n to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o these_o two_o great_a fundamental_a truth_n viz._n the_o evident_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o will_v scatter_v away_o all_o their_o little_a principle_n and_o pretence_n of_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o if_o it_o do_v not_o work_v so_o effectual_o upon_o they_o as_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o right_a sense_n yet_o it_o will_v at_o least_o destroy_v the_o rudeness_n and_o confidence_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o force_v they_o to_o be_v more_o decent_a and_o modest_a in_o their_o wickedness_n by_o let_v they_o see_v that_o what_o they_o suppose_v a_o high_a attainment_n in_o wisdom_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o extreme_a ignorance_n and_o mere_a want_n of_o enquiry_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o lamentable_o dull_a and_o silly_a as_o the_o atheistical_a philosophy_n and_o now_o when_o we_o have_v spoil_v their_o pedantry_n that_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o spoil_v they_o we_o have_v half_o reduce_v they_o by_o let_v they_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o be_v philosophise_v and_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o will_v turn_v to_o a_o much_o better_a account_n as_o to_o their_o own_o design_n if_o instead_o of_o bewildr_v their_o fancy_n in_o the_o leviathan_n they_o will_v learn_v the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o creed_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n in_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n for_o after_o all_o their_o labour_n after_o philosophic_a knack_n and_o curiosity_n they_o be_v certain_a to_o loose_v their_o vanity_n and_o instead_o of_o be_v admire_v for_o their_o learning_n as_o they_o design_v only_o make_v themselves_o despise_v for_o their_o conceit_a folly_n a_o ass_n will_v never_o become_v a_o lion_n skin_n nor_o a_o mechanic_n a_o philosopher_n cloak_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v scarce_o any_o hope_n of_o reclaim_v such_o of_o the_o multitude_n as_o be_v already_o taint_v with_o this_o plague_n for_o i_o know_v by_o too_o much_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o inflexible_a than_o ignorance_n steel_v and_o harden_v with_o wickedness_n and_o therefore_o my_o only_a design_n be_v to_o step_v in_o between_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o live_n the_o infect_a and_o the_o sound_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o contagion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o keep_v the_o disease_n from_o descend_v to_o posterity_n for_o as_o for_o this_o unhappy_a age_n it_o be_v so_o universal_o overspread_v with_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n shall_v ever_o find_v any_o just_a entertainment_n in_o it_o but_o certain_o undebauched_a posterity_n will_v judge_v more_o impartial_o and_o such_o i_o know_v be_v the_o power_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o if_o it_o can_v but_o gain_v audience_n it_o will_v at_o last_o prevail_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v disengage_v from_o prejudice_n and_o disdain_v not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o result_v of_o sober_a reason_n and_o that_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n that_o whenever_o virtue_n shall_v begin_v to_o lift_v up_o its_o head_n and_o recover_v its_o right_n i_o may_v give_v some_o little_a assistance_n to_o its_o restauration_n and_o both_o as_o a_o clergyman_n do_v something_o towards_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o as_o a_o englishman_n towards_o recover_v the_o ancient_a reputation_n of_o my_o native_a country_n for_o civility_n justice_n and_o integrity_n as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o first_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v there_o have_v be_v much_o talk_n in_o the_o world_n about_o it_o but_o very_o little_o say_v the_o civilian_n canonist_n and_o schoolman_n have_v attempt_v little_o more_o than_o to_o define_v it_o and_o in_o that_o they_o have_v fail_v too_o even_o grotius_n himself_o have_v so_o far_o mistake_v it_o as_o to_o suppose_v it_o obligatory_a without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o deity_n puffendorf_n have_v indeed_o of_o late_o happen_v upon_o its_o right_a definition_n in_o general_n but_o have_v neither_o describe_v its_o particular_a branch_n nor_o demonstrate_v any_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o its_o obligation_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr principiis_fw-la justi_n &_o decori_fw-la once_o or_o twice_o start_v the_o right_a notion_n of_o it_o but_o quite_o lose_v it_o in_o the_o chase_n by_o quit_v his_o own_o scent_n to_o follow_v mr._n hobbs_n cry_n among_o the_o ancient_n both_o greek_n and_o roman_n i_o find_v as_o little_o perform_v seldom_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o mere_a definition_n and_o positive_a assertion_n and_o at_o most_o some_o witty_a and_o fancifull_a reason_n in_o the_o platonic_a writer_n what_o be_v do_v by_o tully_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr republicâ_fw-la where_o as_o he_o inform_v we_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr legibus_fw-la it_o be_v copious_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v know_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n which_o himself_o value_v much_o above_o all_o his_o other_o write_n be_v unfortunate_o perish_v but_o by_o those_o fragment_n that_o be_v remain_v of_o it_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o loss_n have_v be_v competent_o compensated_a by_o the_o learned_a and_o judicious_a treatise_n of_o our_o countryman_n dr._n cumberland_n upon_o this_o argument_n who_o have_v not_o only_o hit_v upon_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o have_v in_o a_o method_n heretofore_o proper_a only_o to_o mathematics_n demonstrate_v its_o obligation_n but_o his_o discourse_n be_v every_o where_o interweave_v with_o mathematical_a logical_a metaphysical_a and_o physiological_a term_n and_o notion_n i_o meet_v with_o very_a few_o that_o have_v be_v able_a to_o master_v its_o sense_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v take_v his_o main_a notion_n alone_o strip_v of_o all_o accessional_a ornament_n of_o learning_n and_o prosecute_v the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o my_o own_o way_n in_o a_o familiar_a style_n and_o a_o easy_a method_n as_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o depend_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o author_n of_o nature_n for_o unless_o that_o be_v antecedent_o grant_v we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v after_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n because_o if_o he_o never_o contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_o in_o vain_a to_o search_v for_o his_o design_n in_o the_o contrivance_n and_o herein_o i_o have_v a_o very_a considerable_a advantage_n of_o the_o learned_a author_n that_o i_o follow_v for_o he_o begin_n at_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v force_v to_o presume_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o its_o author_n which_o without_o any_o presumption_n i_o demand_v and_o challenge_v for_o have_v first_o prove_v all_o those_o physical_a end_n and_o design_n that_o he_o have_v discover_v of_o his_o providence_n in_o all_o part_n of_o nature_n if_o after_o that_o any_o moral_a end_n and_o design_n discover_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o providence_n and_o that_o plain_o connect_v the_o proof_n of_o one_o with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o the_o former_a i_o have_v run_v through_o all_o part_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o show_v that_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o all_o their_o several_a attempt_n to_o give_v any_o other_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v intolerable_o childish_a and_o beyond_o all_o thing_n ridiculous_a and_o this_o may_v be_v presume_v without_o any_o breach_n of_o modesty_n because_o nature_n itself_o be_v its_o own_o demonstration_n
of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o ii_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o plain_a account_n of_o it_o have_v be_v obscure_v by_o nothing_o more_o then_o that_o it_o have_v always_o be_v describe_v and_o discourse_v of_o in_o metaphorical_a and_o allusive_a expression_n such_o as_o engraving_n and_o inscription_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n consist_v of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o proposition_n that_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o concreated_a with_o their_o understanding_n by_o attend_v to_o and_o reflect_v upon_o which_o they_o be_v instruct_v or_o bind_v to_o govern_v their_o moral_a action_n perhaps_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o god_n may_v possible_o have_v put_v some_o secret_a notice_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n or_o demonstrate_v the_o obligation_n of_o any_o such_o inward_a record_n this_o plain_o resolve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o uncertain_a and_o unaccountable_a principle_n or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v pretend_v and_o when_o they_o be_v aught_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o any_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o idle_a and_o precarious_a pretence_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o whatsoever_o some_o man_n affirm_v or_o fancy_v to_o be_v write_v upon_o their_o heart_n must_v immediate_o pass_v a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o man_n action_n and_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n may_v be_v as_o wild_o plead_v in_o all_o case_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o though_o that_o influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o secret_a and_o undiscernible_a impression_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o warrant_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o any_o undertake_n but_o that_o must_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o common_a and_o avow_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n always_o act_v according_a to_o their_o intendment_n and_o direction_n so_o that_o by_o they_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o its_o impulse_n and_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v determine_v in_o any_o affair_n but_o where_o they_o will_v abet_v or_o justify_v our_o proceed_n whether_o we_o real_o be_v or_o be_v not_o act_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o thus_o too_o may_v man_n that_o be_v bold_a and_o confident_a call_v every_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n or_o fancy_n to_o without_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o its_o reasonableness_n or_o account_n of_o its_o obligation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o call_v it_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o it_o must_v right_v or_o wrong_n pass_v for_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o after_o this_o rate_n there_o will_v remain_v no_o certain_a method_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v man_n own_a fancy_n prejudices_fw-la and_o inclination_n from_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o natural_a ground_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o therefore_o these_o phrase_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o exact_a propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o expression_n and_o so_o they_o be_v intend_v by_o those_o that_o first_o use_v they_o that_o only_o allude_v to_o the_o know_a custom_n and_o solemnity_n of_o enact_v law_n that_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o be_v declare_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o subject_a by_o write_v or_o proclamation_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o this_o they_o come_v to_o describe_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o voice_n within_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n the_o table_n of_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v as_o certain_o declare_v reasonable_a and_o obligatory_a by_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n or_o proclaim_v by_o a_o audible_a voice_n to_o our_o conscience_n however_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o in_o their_o literal_a sense_n and_o so_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o know_v we_o may_v yet_o we_o can_v never_o derive_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o obligation_n from_o such_o uncertain_a supposition_n at_o least_o we_o need_v not_o when_o they_o be_v so_o clear_o demonstrable_a from_o reason_n and_o experience_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o life_n from_o the_o advantage_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o society_n this_o give_v a_o complete_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o they_o may_v come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o reflection_n without_o any_o other_o declaration_n or_o express_v discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gentile_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o where_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o describe_v the_o law_n which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o mosaic_a table_n not_o by_o the_o common_a expression_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d general_a notion_n or_o instinct_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d reason_n or_o such_o evident_a result_v or_o conclusion_n as_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o at_o least_o very_a easy_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o make_v from_o its_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v no_o other_o object_n to_o exercise_n or_o entertain_v their_o thought_n withal_o but_o what_o nature_n present_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o those_o reason_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o saint_n paul_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v deduce_v from_o this_o principle_n and_o no_o other_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n draw_v forth_o into_o use_n and_o bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n not_o by_o any_o express_a voice_n or_o immediate_a impression_n of_o the_o legislator_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o unavoidable_a result_v of_o our_o own_o conscience_n that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o act_v sincere_o and_o meditate_v impartial_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o some_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o obedience_n there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o desperate_o dull_a and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v and_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o problem_n in_o morality_n when_o as_o we_o shall_v prove_v they_o be_v so_o evident_a from_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o they_o be_v find_v so_o useful_a from_o all_o the_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a to_o open_v our_o eye_n or_o to_o look_v abroad_o without_o observe_v their_o goodness_n so_o that_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o person_n to_o live_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n without_o suppose_v such_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n as_o can_v scarce_o be_v suppose_v incident_a to_o a_o rational_a creature_n but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v choose_v inadvertency_n and_o resolve_v to_o make_v no_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o common_a object_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o his_o outward_a sense_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n so_o plain_a or_o so_o obvious_a that_o he_o may_v never_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o then_o this_o be_v such_o a_o brutish_a affront_n to_o his_o nature_n such_o a_o affect_a and_o wilful_a sottishness_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o crime_n the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o inexcusable_a it_o be_v indeed_o not_o impossible_a but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o wretched_o regardless_o of_o all_o thing_n as_o never_o to_o have_v make_v one_o observation_n all_o his_o life-time_n and_o to_o be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a of_o any_o thing_n be_v big_a than_o a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o then_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v plead_v to_o excuse_v such_o a_o palpable_a brutishness_n and_o inadvertency_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v impute_v so_o gross_a a_o ignorance_n to_o the_o most_o shameful_a and_o unpardonable_a neglect_n of_o
his_o natural_a ability_n and_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o pretend_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n their_o equity_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o their_o convenience_n so_o obvious_a in_o every_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o any_o thing_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o but_o it_o must_v make_v he_o sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o unconceivable_a stupidity_n as_o the_o man_n that_o shall_v pass_v through_o the_o world_n without_o ever_o know_v that_o twice_o two_o make_v four_o §_o iii_o for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o rule_n of_o humane_a action_n either_o the_o great_a or_o the_o small_a moral_n as_o the_o platonist_n divide_v they_o the_o first_o take_v in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o morality_n who_o evidence_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o upright_a man_n not_o to_o discern_v their_o goodness_n and_o obligation_n and_o who_o usefulness_n be_v so_o common_a and_o diffusive_a and_o so_o necessary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a for_o any_o society_n to_o subsist_v without_o some_o regard_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o in_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o man_n and_o all_o nation_n agree_v the_o most_o civil_a and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a people_n consent_n in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o first_o provision_n of_o natural_a justice_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n void_a of_o all_o notice_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o humanity_n and_o though_o some_o man_n that_o may_v tell_v we_o any_o thing_n what_o they_o please_v be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o give_v we_o very_o little_a ground_n to_o credit_v their_o report_n because_o their_o converse_n in_o those_o place_n be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o their_o intercourse_n with_o those_o people_n so_o very_o imperfect_a and_o withal_o their_o language_n so_o utter_o unintelligible_a to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o suppose_v the_o inhabitant_n may_v have_v divers_a notion_n of_o which_o stranger_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o observation_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o enquiry_n at_o least_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v their_o manner_n and_o custom_n when_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o incompetent_a but_o however_o suppose_v there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o mankind_n so_o desperate_o debauch_v as_o to_o live_v without_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o good_a manner_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v of_o so_o great_a a_o degeneracy_n but_o such_o as_o give_v we_o too_o manifest_a token_n of_o extreme_a sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o other_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o that_o live_v altogether_o like_o the_o brute-beast_n heedless_a and_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o emprove_n any_o observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n now_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n so_o utter_o supine_n and_o negligent_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o most_o obvious_a notion_n of_o thing_n for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o attention_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o attend_v they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o their_o faculty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v force_v or_o obtrude_v a_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o though_o perchance_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n may_v overcome_v their_o dulness_n yet_o this_o be_v violent_a and_o preternatural_a and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n only_o to_o repair_v our_o wilful_a sottishness_n for_o that_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o all_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o force_v i._n e._n destroy_v our_o wi_n and_o therefore_o humane_a kind_a must_v be_v govern_v in_o a_o humane_a way_n and_o not_o be_v overpowr_v by_o any_o such_o forcible_a and_o vehement_a mean_n as_o may_v offer_v violence_n to_o its_o liberty_n so_o that_o when_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o must_v after_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o power_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o this_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o the_o natural_a law_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o wheresoever_o it_o may_v be_v record_v or_o howsoever_o collect_v it_o can_v be_v draw_v forth_o into_o use_n and_o practice_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reflection_n and_o though_o it_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a number_n of_o proposition_n imprint_v upon_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o may_v as_o easy_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v legible_a within_o he_o as_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v plain_o deducible_a from_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n without_o he_o in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o depend_v entire_o upon_o his_o own_o animadversion_n so_o that_o if_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v any_o sufficient_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n either_o by_o instinct_n or_o by_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o few_o in_o it_o so_o monstrous_o dull_a and_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o the_o most_o obvious_a truth_n yet_o that_o be_v mere_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o not_o any_o default_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o common_a good_a that_o their_o usefulness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o notorious_a that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o that_o make_v any_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n a_o great_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o their_o difference_n be_v numberless_a as_o to_o casual_a and_o arbitrary_a custom_n and_o as_o to_o their_o municipal_a law_n and_o their_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o useful_a rule_n of_o morality_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o catholic_n consent_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a nation_n both_o civil_a and_o savage_a the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o obligation_n of_o oath_n love_v to_o parent_n and_o gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n and_o to_o do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o ourselves_o be_v catholic_a and_o obligatory_a all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n or_o as_o aristotle_n express_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n in_o all_o place_n as_o fire_n burn_v every_o where_o alike_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n in_o greece_n and_o in_o persia._n and_o these_o if_o attend_v to_o will_v provide_v competent_o for_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v derive_v all_o other_o emergent_a and_o subordinate_a rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v be_v ratify_v with_o the_o same_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o require_v a_o equal_a obligation_n in_o all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n because_o their_o usefulness_n be_v neither_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o certain_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o so_o likely_a to_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o same_o agreement_n of_o voice_n for_o where_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o
those_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v concern_v jesus_n and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o we_o have_v in_o the_o premise_n sufficient_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o use_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o make_v of_o these_o foreign_a witness_n to_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o testimony_n then_o give_v and_o if_o there_o be_v than_o its_o be_v give_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o maintain_v itself_o without_o their_o far_a assistance_n now_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o vain_a do_v tanaquil_n faber_n insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o most_o 44._o zealous_a christian_n can_v not_o speak_v more_o magnificent_o of_o christ_n than_o this_o unbelieving_a jew_n for_o what_o wonder_n be_v that_o when_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n only_o report_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o zealous_a christian_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o josephus_n be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o sect_n of_o all_o other_o bore_n most_o spleen_n and_o hatred_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o of_o the_o great_a zealot_n and_o as_o far_o from_o be_v a_o serious_a jew_n as_o a_o good_a christian_a how_o else_o can_v he_o have_v be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o vespasian_n a_o heathen_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o beside_o this_o our_o author_n forget_v himself_o in_o object_v josephus_n his_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi when_o a_o little_a after_o he_o inform_v we_o out_o of_o josephus_n himself_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v at_o last_o enter_v himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o successor_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o disciple_n of_o that_o institution_n shall_v speak_v favourable_o of_o jesus_n so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o his_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o hard_a supposition_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v describe_v he_o by_o those_o title_n that_o his_o own_o disciple_n give_v he_o he_o can_v not_o avoid_v it_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v as_o he_o will_v quit_v himself_o like_o a_o faithful_a historian_n and_o though_o after_o his_o enter_a himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la he_o join_v as_o himself_o inform_v we_o with_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o that_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o upon_o a_o political_a account_n they_o be_v then_o the_o most_o powerful_a party_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o by_o their_o assistance_n he_o first_o prefer_v himself_o to_o public_a employment_n and_o at_o last_o obtain_v the_o government_n of_o all_o galilee_n which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o rule_v like_o a_o jewish_a zealot_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o roman_a gentleman_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v to_o he_o by_o his_o enemy_n be_v his_o indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n again_o in_o vain_a do_v our_o learned_a critic_n aggravate_v that_o jesephus_n shall_v give_v our_o saviour_n the_o title_n of_o god_n when_o that_o be_v more_o than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o believe_v of_o their_o messiah_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o only_o use_v a_o very_a common_a and_o almost_o proverbial_a form_n of_o speech_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a with_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a writer_n who_o scheme_n of_o speech_n josephus_n every_o where_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v than_o to_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n to_o all_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n so_o that_o when_o josephus_n give_v our_o saviour_n this_o title_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v style_v he_o hero_n or_o something_o that_o though_o a_o man_n yet_o by_o his_o miraculous_a work_n seem_v great_a than_o a_o man._n last_o in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o if_o josephus_n have_v believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o will_v have_v explain_v to_o the_o greek_n for_o who_o sake_n he_o write_v in_o their_o language_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o probable_o he_o will_v if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o apostle_n and_o design_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o christianity_n but_o when_o he_o write_v of_o he_o only_o as_o a_o historian_n what_o concernment_n have_v he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n to_o run_v into_o so_o great_a a_o digression_n he_o tell_v the_o plain_a story_n as_o he_o have_v it_o from_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n but_o still_o our_o critic_n be_v much_o more_o severe_a in_o his_o next_o injunction_n when_o he_o require_v of_o the_o historian_n that_o if_o he_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n being_n his_o forerunner_n for_o whether_o he_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n or_o obligation_n he_o have_v for_o so_o do_v unless_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o compendious_a character_n of_o a_o person_n without_o set_v down_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n but_o now_o our_o learned_a author_n advance_v from_o his_o argument_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o first_o of_o all_o origen_n express_o assert_n that_o josephus_n do_v not_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o i_o know_v no_o body_n that_o affirm_v he_o do_v but_o yet_o can_v he_o not_o give_v he_o that_o title_n that_o be_v so_o familiar_o give_v he_o unless_o too_o he_o assert_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o title_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v be_v only_o that_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n call_v the_o christ_n though_o he_o happen_v to_o express_v it_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n a_o very_a common_a form_n of_o speech_n among_o the_o greek_n to_o put_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o be_v call_v and_o if_o so_o i_o hope_v a_o historian_n may_v relate_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v have_v of_o he_o without_o declare_v his_o own_o in_o the_o next_o place_n justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n say_v our_o author_n write_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o this_o passage_n have_v be_v extant_a in_o josephus_n in_o their_o time_n it_o be_v searce_v credible_a that_o they_o shall_v altogether_o overlook_v so_o remarkable_a a_o testimony_n this_o be_v the_o hard_a condition_n that_o our_o critic_n have_v of_o late_o put_v upon_o all_o author_n to_o quote_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o read_v and_o to_o think_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v pertinent_a to_o their_o cause_n but_o this_o seem_v too_o severe_a a_o imposition_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o suppose_v these_o father_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o have_v allege_v it_o when_o it_o be_v their_o evident_a design_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n pure_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o alone_o to_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o if_o so_o what_o do_v the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n signify_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v already_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o these_o author_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o cause_n to_o hale_v in_o this_o passage_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v bring_v it_o in_o very_o impertinent_o in_o short_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o those_o write_n they_o appeal_v only_o to_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o particular_a neglect_n of_o josephus_n if_o he_o be_v pass_v by_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o author_n of_o his_o rank_n and_o condition_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o full_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o all_o those_o weighty_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v levy_v against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o wise_a man_n to_o judge_v whether_o our_o learned_a critic_n may_v not_o have_v better_o employ_v themselves_o than_o to_o raise_v so_o much_o noise_n against_o it_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n and_o now_o have_v dispatch_v this_o great_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n i_o may_v add_v to_o he_o suetonius_n tacitus_n the_o young_a pliny_n seneca_n who_o give_v we_o the_o same_o relation_n of_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o their_o testimony_n have_v be_v
crescens_n the_o cynic_n philosopher_n a_o man_n proud_a and_o ignorant_a and_o according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o his_o sect_n ill-natured_a and_o implacable_a and_o as_o tatian_n who_o be_v very_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o manner_n describe_v he_o give_v up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n now_o it_o happen_v that_o justin_n in_o public_a dispute_n have_v expose_v the_o extreme_a childishness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o this_o vainglorious_a pedant_n who_o to_o be_v revenge_v of_o he_o accuse_v he_o before_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o city_n who_o after_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a take_v some_o pain_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o renounce_v his_o saviour_n and_o to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n pronounce_v this_o sentence_n against_o he_o and_o six_o more_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o do_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o god_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o imperial_a edict_n let_v they_o be_v first_o scourge_v and_o then_o behead_v according_a to_o the_o law_n the_o persecution_n at_o lion_n begin_v at_o the_o rabble_n as_o it_o be_v plain_o describe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n in_o the_o first_o place_n say_v they_o they_o encounter_v with_o admirable_a courage_n and_o patience_n all_o the_o outrage_n and_o indignity_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a rabble_n as_o tumultuous_a outcry_n scourge_n dragging_n spoil_v ston_a and_o fetter_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o the_o heady_a and_o savage_a multitude_n be_v wont_a to_o practice_v against_o their_o most_o hate_a enemy_n and_o by_o they_o be_v they_o hale_v before_o the_o governor_n be_v tribunal_n and_o by_o he_o deliver_v back_o to_o their_o fury_n which_o they_o execute_v upon_o they_o with_o all_o the_o art_n and_o circumstance_n of_o fanatic_a zeal_n and_o barbarous_a cruelty_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o usual_a method_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o outrage_n of_o the_o superstitious_a rabble_n and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n any_o prince_n engage_v himself_o in_o the_o opposition_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v because_o that_o oppose_v the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o that_o be_v such_o a_o exorbitant_a contradiction_n to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o all_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n can_v be_v in_o love_n with_o it_o after_o any_o fair_a and_o impartial_a enquiry_n about_o it_o so_o that_o what_o such_o man_n act_v against_o christianity_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o rational_a and_o sober_a counsel_n but_o mere_o from_o vulgar_a custom_n and_o prejudice_n and_o therefore_o if_o m._n aurelius_n or_o any_o other_o emperor_n that_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v more_o wit_n and_o temper_n than_o the_o common_a people_n show_v any_o zeal_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n their_o judgement_n be_v as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o case_n as_o that_o of_o the_o multitude_n because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v act_v mere_o by_o superstitious_a zeal_n and_o folly_n if_o indeed_o they_o have_v oppose_v christianity_n original_o upon_o its_o own_o account_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v have_v deserve_v some_o consideration_n but_o when_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o their_o displeasure_n against_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o their_o love_n of_o paganism_n the_o mere_a absurdity_n of_o that_o cause_n be_v too_o great_a a_o exception_n against_o their_o understanding_n in_o this_o controversy_n thus_o suppose_v that_o m._n aurelius_n himself_o be_v as_o forward_o as_o the_o people_n in_o his_o zeal_n against_o christianity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v as_o wise_a too_o for_o whatever_o he_o be_v beside_o he_o be_v a_o great_a superstitionist_n and_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o stupidity_n zealous_a for_o the_o pagan_a folly_n out_o of_o that_o vain_a affectation_n that_o have_v possess_v he_o to_o be_v account_v the_o second_o numa_n of_o rome_n which_o one_o conceit_n transport_v he_o to_o a_o more_o than_o childish_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o decius_n and_o dioclesian_n in_o set_v on_o foot_n the_o eight_o and_o ten_o persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v hurry_v by_o a_o vehement_a and_o unlearned_a zeal_n for_o the_o pagan_a religion_n this_o in_o short_a be_v the_o true_a account_n that_o i_o can_v find_v of_o all_o the_o persecution_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o oppose_v by_o its_o great_a enemy_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o itself_o as_o because_o it_o so_o shameful_o expose_v the_o bruitishness_n of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v the_o give_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o emperor_n be_v much_o worse_o for_o though_o their_o god_n be_v nothing_o better_a than_o dead_a man_n yet_o have_v live_v in_o age_n remote_a and_o almost_o unknown_a and_o thereby_o gain_v the_o advantageous_a reverence_n of_o antiquity_n the_o common_a people_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o their_o original_a but_o find_v they_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o divinity_n they_o give_v they_o the_o worship_n due_a to_o that_o title_n but_o to_o give_v divine_a and_o religious_a worship_n to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o death_n and_o who_o vice_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v such_o a_o unmanly_a piece_n of_o flattery_n as_o any_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o generosity_n ought_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o but_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n ought_v to_o defy_v and_o yet_o so_o infinite_o be_v those_o man_n besot_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n that_o they_o all_o have_v their_o temple_n and_o priest_n dedicate_v to_o their_o own_o divinity_n except_v only_a tiberius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a dissembler_n himself_o choose_v to_o refuse_v so_o gross_a a_o flattery_n and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o permit_v his_o statue_n to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o image_n of_o the_o god_n but_o only_o among_o the_o ornament_n of_o private_a house_n but_o as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o either_o take_v to_o themselves_o all_o the_o title_n and_o dignity_n of_o divinity_n or_o have_v they_o confer_v on_o they_o by_o their_o successor_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o advance_v among_o the_o god_n all_o man_n be_v require_v under_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o pay_v they_o divine_a honour_n nay_o as_o tertullian_n too_o true_o upbraid_v they_o they_o be_v more_o religious_a towards_o their_o emperor_n than_o their_o supreme_a deity_n majore_fw-la formidine_fw-la &_o callidiore_fw-la timiditate_fw-la caesarem_fw-la observatis_fw-la quam_fw-la ipsum_fw-la de_fw-la olympo_fw-la jupiter_fw-la and_o all_o this_o though_o it_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a blasphemy_n against_o god_n than_o a_o affront_n to_o mankind_n yet_o so_o base_a and_o degenerate_a be_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n at_o that_o time_n that_o they_o refuse_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o so_o dishonourable_a a_o flattery_n only_o the_o christian_n out_o of_o that_o serious_a regard_n they_o have_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o creator_n unanimous_o scorn_v it_o with_o open_a and_o public_a defiance_n and_o for_o their_o generous_a freedom_n herein_o they_o be_v as_o familiar_o proceed_v against_o as_o for_o the_o contempt_n of_o their_o go_n but_o now_o if_o this_o be_v another_o ground_n of_o the_o heathen_n act_v against_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o reasonable_a pretence_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a shame_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o set_v aside_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o behalf_n of_o christianity_n the_o opposition_n make_v to_o it_o upon_o this_o or_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a account_n can_v reflect_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o disadvantage_n upon_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o goodness_n of_o its_o cause_n §_o xli_o these_o be_v the_o real_a article_n of_o accusation_n in_o their_o charge_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o they_o be_v not_o so_o frivolous_a as_o their_o forge_a and_o counterfeit_a pretence_n be_v malicious_a for_o the_o heathen_a priest_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o inflame_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o people_n with_o fanatic_a zeal_n unless_o they_o feed_v their_o malice_n as_o all_o impostor_n do_v with_o lie_n and_o calumny_n but_o when_o man_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o low_a and_o dirty_a artifice_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o be_v draw_v down_o to_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o malice_n for_o it_o be_v only_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o slander_n which_o the_o natural_a ingenuity_n of_o mankind_n will_v scorn_v if_o they_o can_v support_v themselves_o and_o their_o party_n without_o