practice_n of_o excellent_a man_n none_o be_v ever_o so_o much_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n that_o its_o gift_n grow_v up_o in_o they_o like_o corn_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o golden_a age_n without_o culture_n or_o dress_n inspiration_n itself_o do_v not_o exempt_a man_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o industry_n but_o oblige_v he_o to_o a_o great_a thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o prophetic_a life_n be_v a_o life_n of_o great_a strictness_n and_o retirement_n than_o that_o of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o new_a not_o to_o mention_v the_o watch_n the_o fast_n the_o retirement_n the_o prayer_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n that_o account_n of_o himself_o which_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o will_v inform_v we_o not_o only_o what_o his_o life_n be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v expect_v the_o life_n of_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v that_o share_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ministry_n and_o dignity_n of_o a_o apostle_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o labour_n 6._o 2_o cor._n 6._o in_o watch_n by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n among_o the_o heathen_n whatever_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n they_o attribute_v to_o humane_a nature_n whatever_o they_o attribute_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n more_o than_o common_a whatever_o last_o they_o attribute_v to_o the_o favour_n the_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o god_n yet_o do_v they_o always_o judge_v a_o strict_a life_n and_o indefatigable_a industry_n necessary_a to_o the_o acquire_v of_o true_a philosophy_n and_o happiness_n their_o pythagoras_n so_o dear_a to_o their_o god_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o doubt_n amongst_o they_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o himself_o a_o god_n incarnate_a not_o content_a to_o have_v be_v the_o scholar_n first_o of_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o afterward_o of_o hermodamas_n travail_v first_o into_o egypt_n and_o afterward_o to_o babylon_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whither_o pursue_v wisdom_n and_o happiness_n with_o great_a industry_n and_o as_o great_a abstinence_n socrates_n however_o inspire_v by_o his_o genius_n do_v yet_o learn_v music_n of_o connus_n poetry_n of_o evenus_n agriculture_n of_o ischomachus_n geometry_n of_o theodorus_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o all_o this_o he_o add_v the_o religious_a discipline_n of_o mortification_n even_o to_o a_o voluntary_a poverty_n what_o shall_v i_o multiply_v instance_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n among_o the_o gentile_n remarkable_a for_o wisdom_n or_o virtue_n that_o be_v not_o as_o remarkable_a for_o that_o travail_n and_o self-denial_n by_o which_o he_o purchase_v both_o i_o add_v self-denial_n industry_n alone_o be_v not_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o second_o it_o be_v easy_a in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o infer_v from_o the_o sanctity_n of_o god_n that_o they_o who_o expect_v his_o assistance_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v virtue_n that_o constitute_v a_o man_n a_o subject_a of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n and_o a_o favourite_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v this_o that_o give_v he_o the_o best_a claim_n to_o his_o protection_n and_o patronage_n vice_n be_v a_o state_n of_o rebellion_n and_o defiance_n against_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v put_v off_o his_o allegiance_n can_v expect_v rational_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o government_n which_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v under_o it_o be_v true_a the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o clemency_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o vanquish_v by_o man_n ingratitude_n may_v pursue_v such_o a_o man_n with_o repeat_v overture_n &_o tender_v of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v and_o may_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o common_a benefit_n such_o as_o health_n plenty_n friend_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n will_v never_o confer_v upon_o he_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n the_o mark_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n and_o particular_a favour_n he_o will_v withdraw_v from_o he_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o a_o blind_a indigent_a and_o forlorn_a creature_n 1._o wisd_v 1._o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v fly_v deceit_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o unrighteousness_n come_v in_o which_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o what_o the_o heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v affirm_v concern_v his_o genius_n â—6_n max._n tyr._n dissert_n â—6_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wicked_a soul_n have_v no_o good_a angel_n sojourn_v with_o they_o or_o preside_v over_o they_o our_o soul_n like_o temple_n must_v be_v prepare_v and_o consecrate_v to_o he_o if_o we_o will_v have_v god_n dwell_v in_o they_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o charm_n and_o captivate_v god_n nothing_o else_o can_v invite_v he_o to_o dwell_v with_o man_n this_o very_a reason_n maximus_n tyrius_n assign_v for_o the_o residence_n and_o abode_n of_o a_o daemon_n with_o socrates_n after_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n ibid._n idem_fw-la ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v thou_o wonder_v that_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n shall_v dwell_v with_o socrates_n so_o intimate_o unite_v so_o friendly_a so_o inseparable_a that_o he_o seem_v only_a not_o mix_v and_o become_v one_o with_o his_o own_o mind_n with_o socrates_n who_o purity_n of_o body_n charity_n and_o goodness_n of_o soul_n strictness_n of_o conversation_n depth_n of_o judgement_n melody_n and_o perswasiveness_n of_o speech_n religion_n towards_o god_n and_o integrity_n towards_o man_n render_v he_o worthy_a of_o such_o a_o guest_n such_o a_o friend_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a three_o what_o different_a rate_n we_o be_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o different_a gift_n of_o god_n â—_o james_n â—_o every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n come_v down_o frâ—m_n above_o but_o every_o gift_n be_v not_o equal_o good_a equal_o perfect_a be_v neither_o equal_o necessary_a nor_o profitable_a wealth_n power_n friend_n relation_n health_n strength_n beauty_n wit_n discretion_n virtue_n be_v all_o good_a but_o not_o all_o equal_a their_o value_n be_v different_a and_o therefore_o the_o degree_n of_o our_o importunity_n and_o of_o our_o faith_n or_o reliance_n upon_o god_n must_v be_v proportion_v according_o a_o confident_a faith_n and_o a_o almost_o impatient_a zeal_n do_v well_o become_v we_o when_o we_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o when_o we_o seek_v of_o god_n the_o divine_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n but_o a_o humble_a modesty_n and_o a_o most_o profound_a submission_n be_v the_o ornament_n and_o beauty_n of_o those_o who_o be_v petitioner_n for_o inferior_a temporal_a blessing_n for_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o former_a to_o all_o that_o earnest_o sue_v for_o they_o peremptory_o and_o without_o any_o tacit_fw-la reservation_n but_o his_o promise_n of_o the_o latter_a do_v always_o imply_v this_o condition_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o our_o good_a for_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v moral_a and_o immutable_a beauty_n but_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o all_o the_o gaudy_a thing_n of_o fortune_n be_v like_o the_o fade_a beauty_n of_o a_o flower_n the_o heat_n scorch_v it_o the_o cold_a nip_v it_o every_o little_a chance_n crack_v the_o stalk_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o child_n will_v serve_v to_o crop_v it_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o the_o modesty_n of_o our_o petition_n for_o these_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o fervency_n of_o they_o for_o the_o other_o nothing_o more_o delightful_a to_o he_o unless_o the_o grant_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n therefore_o that_o we_o be_v to_o beg_v of_o god_n not_o only_o with_o the_o great_a importunity_n but_o also_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v those_o which_o maximus_n tyrius_n think_v the_o subject_n of_o socrates_n his_o prayer_n 30._o max._n tyr._n dissert_n 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v these_o a_o virtuous_a mind_n a_o quiet_a state_n a_o unblameable_a life_n and_o a_o cheerful_a death_n full_a of_o good_a hope_n these_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o request_n not_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o popularity_n or_o power_n or_o sovereignty_n this_o at_o once_o bring_v to_o my_o thought_n another_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v happiness_n and_o instruct_v i_o how_o to_o answer_v it_o a_o second_o thing_n which_o man_n charge_v obj._n 2_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o ruin_n be_v fortune_n i_o may_v pass_v over_o this_o point_n slight_o because_o affliction_n will_v come_v more_o proper_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o three_o volume_n where_o i_o treat_v of_o indolence_n and_o because_o i_o have_v already_o clear_v two_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v of_o themselves_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v this_o trifle_a objection_n namely_o first_o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n wisdom_n
defective_a in_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o sense_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v there_o one_o in_o a_o thousand_o bear_v under_o so_o unlucky_a and_o envious_a planet_n that_o he_o can_v by_o any_o industry_n or_o virtue_n provide_v himself_o a_o comfortable_a subsistence_n view_n and_o survey_v the_o world_n examine_v and_o consider_v man_n and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o room_n for_o those_o reproach_n and_o spiteful_a reflection_n by_o which_o some_o man_n have_v so_o outrage_v nature_n and_o providence_n phylo_n judaeus_n tell_v we_o a_o rabbinical_a story_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o when_o god_n have_v create_v the_o world_n he_o demand_v of_o a_o prophet_n whether_o he_o see_v any_o thing_n want_v to_o consummate_v and_o complete_a the_o glorious_a work_n who_o tell_v he_o noae_n phylo-jud_a de_fw-fr plantatione_n noae_n nothing_o but_o a_o intelligent_a be_v to_o praise_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a architect_n god_n approve_v the_o advice_n etc._n etc._n the_o hebrew_n philosopher_n it_o seem_v think_v the_o world_n exact_o perfect_a such_o a_o work_n as_o may_v bespeak_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o moses_n who_o bring_v in_o god_n reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o creation_n thus_o and_o god_n see_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v 1._o gen._n 1._o and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a how_o unlike_a be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n who_o great_a patron_n lucretius_n endeavour_v to_o infer_v from_o the_o ill-contrivance_n the_o manifold_a defect_n the_o innumerable_a evil_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o it_o that_o ever_o that_o work_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o exalt_v his_o glory_n shall_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o occasion_n of_o dishonour_v and_o reproach_v they_o that_o ever_o that_o work_n which_o deserve_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v at_o last_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o apology_n and_o defence_n if_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n such_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o those_o body_n so_o uniform_a and_o regular_a their_o motion_n so_o exact_o be_v they_o dispose_v both_o for_o ornament_n and_o service_n that_o the_o speculation_n natural_o exalt_v the_o mind_n and_o insensible_o raise_v it_o above_o the_o body_n nay_o it_o have_v tempt_v some_o to_o think_v every_o star_n move_v and_o act_v by_o some_o understand_a spirit_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o earth_n so_o wonderful_a be_v the_o variety_n so_o inconceivable_a the_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a for_o the_o need_v and_o desire_v of_o the_o sober_a and_o temperate_a but_o even_o for_o the_o luxury_n and_o wantonness_n of_o the_o fanciful_a and_o intemperate_a every_o place_n almost_o be_v a_o paradise_n there_o be_v no_o country_n almost_o which_o can_v afford_v we_o tempe_n or_o campania_n opus_fw-la gaudentis_fw-la naturae_fw-la a_o work_n which_o nature_n seem_v to_o have_v create_v when_o in_o the_o gay_a and_o the_o kind_a humour_n if_o there_o be_v room_n for_o fancy_n in_o sacred_a thing_n one_o will_v almost_o think_v that_o moses_n out_o of_o ignorance_n of_o other_o country_n or_o love_n of_o his_o own_o have_v confine_v eden_n within_o those_o narrow_a bound_n he_o set_v it_o and_o that_o it_o have_v only_o be_v lose_v there_o because_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o world_n have_v now_o find_v it_o almost_o every_o where_n this_o be_v the_o world_n we_o complain_v of_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v man_n 139._o psal_n 139._o and_o we_o shall_v find_v with_o the_o psalmist_n that_o he_o be_v wonderful_o make_v he_o be_v but_o a_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v put_v under_o his_o foot_n 8._o psal_n 8._o all_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n etc._n etc._n how_o infinite_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o kind_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o his_o contrivance_n so_o modest_a his_o appetite_n that_o a_o small_a portion_n of_o nature_n good_a be_v a_o full_a meal_n or_o feast_n and_o yet_o so_o various_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o the_o provision_n in_o all_o the_o joy_n and_o luxury_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o taste_v and_o enjoy_v if_o we_o regard_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o most_o surprise_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o hide_a power_n the_o secret_a law_n and_o operation_n of_o nature_n nay_o it_o rise_v high_a it_o pass_v the_o bound_n of_o mechanic_n nature_n it_o entertain_v itself_o with_o moral_a perfection_n and_o the_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o a_o invisible_a world_n and_o gaze_v on_o those_o charm_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n vultus_fw-la nimis_fw-la lubricos_fw-la aspici_fw-la such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o when_o it_o please_v it_o can_v retire_v within_o itself_o withdraw_v from_o sense_n and_o be_v secure_a and_o happy_a in_o its_o own_o strength_n and_o wealth_n ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la and_o when_o it_o please_v it_o can_v walk_v forth_o like_o dinah_n to_o see_v the_o daughter_n of_o the_o land_n those_o beauty_n that_o sense_n present_v it_o with_o and_o that_o too_o if_o guard_v by_o awful_a virtue_n without_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o rape_n to_o say_v all_o of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o share_n in_o all_o the_o good_a and_o not_o necessary_o subject_a to_o any_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o world_n fatis_fw-la avolsa_fw-la voluntas_fw-la there_o be_v no_o fate_n that_o can_v control_v the_o sovereign_a freedom_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o man_n and_o the_o state_n of_o that_o world_n which_o he_o inhabit_v if_o the_o one_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a and_o delightful_a and_o the_o other_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o those_o capacity_n and_o appetite_n that_o fit_v he_o to_o enjoy_v they_o nay_o if_o his_o soul_n can_v raise_v itself_o above_o the_o pleasure_n and_o exempt_v itself_o from_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o that_o the_o evil_a in_o life_n can_v be_v great_a than_o the_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o leave_v this_o matter_n beyond_o dispute_n no_o man_n pretend_v to_o receive_v revelation_n shall_v admit_v of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n for_o no_o text_n of_o divine_a writ_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o those_o which_o proclaim_v to_o we_o god_n love_n of_o mankind_n that_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v or_o grieve_v willing_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o the_o book_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n be_v write_v all_o over_o with_o the_o legible_a character_n of_o love_n so_o legible_a that_o it_o render_v the_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o gentile_n inexcusable_a and_o final_o that_o he_o give_v we_o rich_o all_o thing_n to_o enjoy_v 6._o 1_o tim._n 6._o where_o the_o apostle_n excellent_o express_v at_o once_o the_o bounty_n and_o design_n of_o god_n his_o bounty_n in_o that_o he_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o his_o design_n not_o to_o enkindle_v and_o then_o delude_v our_o desire_n by_o be_v like_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n or_o knowledge_n forbid_v we_o but_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o we_o so_o than_o the_o christian_a can_v without_o contradict_a revelation_n embrace_v this_o opinion_n nor_o the_o atheist_n or_o epicurean_a without_o contradict_v himself_o if_o nature_n have_v contrive_v the_o world_n so_o ill_o if_o it_o have_v scatter_v good_a thing_n with_o such_o a_o spare_v and_o envious_a hand_n whence_o be_v all_o those_o transport_v and_o ecstasy_n we_o meet_v with_o among_o these_o man_n what_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o â—'em_n whence_o so_o rich_a a_o crop_n of_o worldly_a sensual_a pleasure_n whence_o so_o much_o dotage_n on_o and_o fondness_n for_o the_o world_n we_o so_o complain_v of_o whence_o be_v the_o charm_n and_o irresistible_a temptation_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n iâ—_n vanquish_v by_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o man_n be_v so_o willing_a to_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n on_o this_o side_n canaan_n whence_o that_o dread_a and_o aversion_n of_o death_n as_o the_o most_o formidable_a evil_n if_o nature_n have_v be_v such_o a_o stepmother_n to_o man_n if_o it_o have_v froward_o and_o peevish_o design_v he_o little_a else_o but_o mischief_n whence_o that_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n of_o mind_n search_v with_o delight_n into_o all_o the_o retirement_n of_o nature_n whence_o that_o comprehensive_a and_o almost_o immense_a capacity_n of_o pleasure_n whence_o that_o strength_n and_o greatness_n of_o soul_n
hand_n that_o life_n or_o death_n plenty_n or_o poverty_n every_o thing_n depend_v upon_o his_o will_n for_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n earth_n and_o air_n fire_n hail_n and_o vapour_n obey_v his_o voice_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o often_o as_o he_o please_v the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o will_n he_o that_o still_v the_o raging_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o becalm_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o mighty_a he_o at_o who_o command_n new_a creature_n enter_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o old_a leave_n it_o what_o be_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v nay_o what_o be_v it_o this_o almighty_a governor_n can_v do_v without_o move_v one_o step_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n of_o his_o providence_n without_o employ_v any_o extraordinary_a instrument_n or_o exert_v any_o act_n of_o extraordinary_a power_n for_o what_o secular_a interest_n can_v there_o be_v imagine_v who_o success_n or_o disappointment_n depend_v not_o upon_o some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o natural_a cause_n and_o yet_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v further_a three_o that_o the_o almighty_a have_v not_o prefix_v or_o set_v himself_o such_o immutable_a inalterable_a law_n but_o that_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o prerogative_n of_o suspending_a or_o overrule_a they_o when_o he_o please_v i_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a body_n or_o revolution_n of_o secular_a affair_n and_o if_o such_o a_o interposal_n of_o divine_a power_n can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v other_o than_o a_o miracle_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o one_o age_n only_o but_o every_o age_n a_o age_n of_o miracle_n nay_o i_o believe_v such_o as_o these_o wrought_v every_o day_n for_o the_o protection_n or_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o depend_v upon_o this_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n for_o i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n i_o shall_v like_o jonah_n or_o his_o mariner_n call_v upon_o god_n in_o a_o storm_n if_o it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v lay_v till_o it_o have_v natural_o spend_v its_o force_n and_o fury_n i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o purpose_n i_o shall_v implore_v the_o almighty_n direction_n upon_o all_o my_o deliberation_n in_o perplex_a and_o entangle_v affair_n if_o i_o can_v expect_v no_o other_o light_n than_o what_o my_o labour_a mind_n can_v give_v itself_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o to_o god_n in_o the_o pain_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o insupportable_a disease_n if_o the_o medicine_n will_v be_v the_o same_o and_o their_o virtue_n the_o same_o if_o the_o fever_n will_v abate_v and_o its_o flame_n be_v extinguish_v or_o extinguish_v life_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o manner_n if_o i_o pray_v or_o if_o i_o do_v not_o all_o these_o way_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o may_v without_o any_o absurdity_n ascribe_v to_o god_n such_o a_o super-intendency_a and_o direction_n over_o humane_a affair_n as_o may_v render_v the_o issue_n of_o they_o most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o that_o worship_n he_o as_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o consist_v in_o aid_v we_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v ready_o acknowledge_v as_o far_o as_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o the_o influx_n of_o divine_a light_n or_o heavenly_a vigour_n i_o do_v no_o more_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o manner_n of_o sanctification_n than_o that_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o i_o know_v that_o virtue_n be_v the_o rational_a work_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o man_n tho'_o assist_v by_o god_n it_o be_v a_o rational_a work_n which_o imply_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o therefore_o this_o i_o know_v that_o this_o aid_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o improvement_n of_o my_o rational_a faculty_n in_o some_o accession_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o understanding_n and_o to_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o my_o will_n now_o tho'_o i_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n do_v this_o yet_o how_o easy_o can_v i_o believe_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o since_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o create_v my_o understanding_n can_v improve_v it_o and_o he_o who_o invest_v i_o with_o a_o rational_a liberty_n can_v confirm_v or_o enlarge_v it_o or_o if_o you_o please_v rescue_v it_o from_o that_o disease_a and_o servile_a condition_n unto_o which_o it_o be_v degenerate_v and_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o health_n and_o soundness_n of_o its_o first_o state_n the_o three_o act_n of_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o new_a manner_n but_o a_o new_a degree_n of_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o contain_v in_o it_o no_o further_a difficulty_n this_o time_n which_o i_o have_v spend_v upon_o the_o illustration_n of_o divine_a goodness_n towards_o man_n will_v not_o i_o hope_v be_v judge_v misemployed_a or_o lose_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o such_o be_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o such_o be_v the_o wantonness_n of_o some_o man_n that_o they_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o carry_v in_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v any_o seem_a contradiction_n but_o any_o seem_a difficulty_n but_o it_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v tedious_a than_o defective_a in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o will_v add_v to_o those_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n whatever_o force_n and_o strength_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a government_n which_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o its_o perfection_n visible_a in_o its_o effect_n the_o gospel_n contain_v this_o doctrine_n in_o almost_o every_o page_n and_o the_o life_n of_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n be_v so_o many_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a faithfulness_n and_o love_n perform_v those_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o by_o his_o son_n the_o jewish_a polity_n be_v a_o theocracy_n god_n do_v for_o a_o great_a while_n preside_v over_o they_o immediate_o and_o govern_v they_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v without_o a_o substitute_n or_o viceroy_n repeat_v miracle_n repeat_v prophecy_n extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v the_o illustrious_a proof_n of_o god_n affection_n and_o care_n for_o that_o people_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o insult_v over_o my_o reader_n be_v patience_n or_o to_o reproach_v his_o stupidity_n if_o i_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v therefore_o only_o necessary_a to_o examine_v what_o the_o heathen_a thought_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o divine_a assistance_n and_o what_o instance_n of_o it_o may_v be_v find_v among_o they_o whether_o the_o gentile_n have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o fall_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v not_o here_o necessary_a to_o be_v inquire_v but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a of_o that_o opposition_n which_o virtue_n meet_v with_o from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n they_o be_v extreme_o sensible_a that_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o affluence_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o other_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o engage_v they_o in_o vice_n and_o therefore_o tho'_o they_o do_v sometime_o magnify_v humane_a nature_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o forgetful_a of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n or_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o life_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n indispensable_o necessary_a to_o render_v they_o virtuous_a and_o happy_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o plato_n be_v eminent_a in_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n 30._o max._n tâ—t_n disser_fw-fr 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o life_n of_o socrates_n be_v a_o life_n of_o prayer_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v general_o ascribe_v their_o law_n to_o those_o god_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o oracle_n the_o cretanes_n roman_n etc._n etc._n not_o more_o confident_o believe_v that_o they_o receive_v their_o law_n from_o minos_n numa_n pompilius_n etc._n etc._n than_o that_o these_o receive_v they_o from_o jove_n aegeria_n and_o other_o god_n and_o i_o wonder_v not_o that_o cicero_n shall_v somewhere_o say_v nunquam_fw-la vir_fw-la magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la divino_fw-la afflatu_fw-la that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o great_a man_n who_o enjoy_v not_o some_o divine_a impulse_n since_o
now_o mention_v with_o he_o do_v ever_o hold_v nay_o a_o fate_n more_o impious_a than_o that_o of_o democritus_n for_o what_o he_o impute_v to_o senseless_a matter_n these_o do_v to_o god_n and_o as_o much_o more_o rigid_a as_o it_o be_v more_o impious_a than_o he_o for_o he_o never_o think_v of_o another_o life_n wherein_o eternal_a misery_n shall_v punish_v those_o action_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a in_o this_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o doctrine_n of_o fate_n this_o absurd_a and_o baffle_a doctrine_n be_v so_o greedy_o embrace_v and_o eager_o defend_v by_o many_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o feed_v the_o vanity_n and_o curiosity_n of_o some_o and_o the_o pride_n of_o other_o it_o be_v a_o luscious_a pleasure_n to_o curious_a and_o vain_a mind_n to_o fancy_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o starry_a cabala_n able_a to_o spell_v out_o and_o interpret_v the_o law_n of_o fate_n and_o pry_v into_o the_o destiny_n of_o future_a age_n which_o be_v cover_v with_o thick_a cloud_n and_o impenetrable_a darkness_n to_o all_o but_o they_o alone_o it_o be_v a_o delicious_a pleasure_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o to_o the_o proud_a and_o haughty_a and_o ill-natured_a to_o see_v themselves_o caress_v and_o exalt_v by_o god_n as_o his_o particular_a favourite_n while_o the_o miserable_a multitude_n the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o capacity_n and_o much_o more_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o heaven_n and_o in_o general_a it_o be_v a_o acceptable_a opinion_n to_o the_o loose_a and_o profligate_v since_o it_o be_v a_o ready_a apology_n for_o idleness_n and_o lust_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n may_v sin_n confident_o and_o without_o remorse_n if_o they_o do_v sin_n fatal_o or_o rather_o nothing_o can_v be_v brand_v with_o the_o infamy_n of_o sin_n and_o shame_n when_o whatever_o man_n do_v be_v the_o effect_n the_o unavoidable_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o necessity_n a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o those_o fatal_a law_n which_o they_o can_v not_o transgress_v tertullian_n therefore_o speak_v very_o proper_o when_o he_o say_v apol._n tertul._n apol._n mentis_fw-la malae_fw-la impetus_fw-la vel_fw-la fato_fw-la vel_fw-la astris_fw-la imputant_fw-la nolunt_fw-la suum_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la malum_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la they_o impute_v the_o heat_n and_o sally_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o star_n and_o fate_n be_v unwilling_a to_o charge_n themselves_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v evil._n this_o be_v the_o use_n cerealis_n make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o fate_n in_o tacitus_n histor_n donec_fw-la cerealis_n mulceret_fw-la animos_fw-la fato_fw-la acta_fw-la dictitans_fw-la quae_fw-la militum_fw-la ducumque_fw-la discordiâ_fw-la vel_fw-la fraud_n hostium_fw-la evenissent_fw-la tacit._n l._n 4._o histor_n the_o roman_a legion_n have_v behave_v themselves_o very_o unworthy_a of_o that_o name_n and_o reputation_n they_o possess_v it_o and_o be_v extreme_o deject_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o therefore_o he_o to_o cheer_n and_o encourage_v they_o and_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o dishonour_n of_o their_o misdemeanour_n impute_v to_o fate_n that_o which_o ought_v with_o truth_n to_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o dissension_n of_o their_o leader_n and_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o fraud_n and_o cunning_a of_o their_o enemy_n from_o this_o little_a that_o have_v be_v say_v as_o it_o appear_v why_o proud_a and_o vicious_a man_n contend_v for_o fate_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o of_o what_o importance_n it_o be_v to_o free_a man_n mind_n from_o a_o persuasion_n so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o public_a the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n that_o i_o may_v contribute_v all_o i_o can_v i_o will_v consider_v first_o on_o which_o side_n stand_v the_o advantage_n of_o authority_n whether_o for_o or_o against_o fate_n second_o what_o plain_a reason_n and_o as_o plain_a revelation_n do_v dictate_v in_o this_o point_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o just_a and_o intelligible_a collection_n of_o the_o different_a notion_n which_o have_v be_v take_v up_o of_o fate_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o which_o grotius_n have_v do_v of_o this_o kind_n not_o only_o how_o tedious_a and_o voluminous_a but_o also_o how_o obscure_a and_o confuse_v the_o discourse_n of_o man_n have_v be_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o my_o memory_n will_v serve_v i_o consider_v their_o opinion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v oblige_v i_o most_o philosopher_n do_v agree_v in_o one_o general_a notion_n of_o fate_n that_o it_o be_v a_o connexion_n or_o series_n of_o cause_n successive_o depend_v upon_o one_o another_o nomesius_n nomesius_n and_o produce_v a_o necessary_a effect_n or_o event_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o first_o ground_n or_o original_a of_o this_o necessary_a connexion_n or_o dependence_n be_v very_o various_a some_o ascribe_v it_o to_o daemon_n or_o spirit_n some_o to_o the_o influence_n of_o star_n some_o to_o the_o circumaction_n or_o whirl_v about_o of_o the_o heaven_n some_o to_o a_o universal_a soul_n some_o to_o the_o force_n of_o motion_n some_o to_o the_o contexture_n and_o contrivance_n of_o nature_n other_o to_o atom_n and_o other_o to_o god_n and_o indeed_o since_o matter_n or_o mind_n be_v the_o two_o only_a thing_n into_o which_o all_o philosopher_n have_v ultimate_o resolve_v their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v look_v for_o no_o other_o original_a of_o fate_n than_o one_o of_o these_o two_o but_o this_o concern_v my_o present_a question_n but_o very_o little_a for_o if_o man_n be_v overrule_v and_o determine_v by_o fatal_a law_n it_o matter_n little_a how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o nor_o do_v i_o mention_v this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o this_o that_o it_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v fate_n itself_o as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o ill-grounded_a position_n for_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o different_a notion_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v the_o general_a mark_n of_o falsehood_n and_o error_n but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n very_o material_a to_o be_v inquire_v first_o how_o far_o the_o empire_n or_o dominion_n of_o fate_n be_v general_o extend_v and_o second_o what_o kind_n of_o necessity_n or_o what_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o constitute_v fate_n as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o power_n this_o one_o thing_n be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o heathen_n do_v exempt_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o its_o sovereignty_n democritus_n indeed_o believe_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o necessary_o and_o fatal_o move_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o atom_n as_o any_o other_o natural_a or_o irrational_a body_n but_o epicurus_n desert_v he_o in_o this_o and_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o common_a sense_n &_o experience_n acknowledge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o labour_v as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o assert_v it_o and_o to_o preserve_v the_o distinction_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o fate_n destroy_v to_o serve_v this_o hypothesis_n it_o be_v that_o he_o invent_v that_o new_a motion_n of_o his_o atom_n call_v by_o lucretius_n clinamen_n sufficient_o expose_v by_o tully_n and_o how_o well_o defend_v by_o gassendus_fw-la i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o examine_v for_o i_o have_v produce_v his_o opinion_n only_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o fate_n for_o have_v not_o its_o liberty_n be_v undeniable_a and_o self-evident_a the_o principle_n of_o epicurus_n his_o philosophy_n have_v certain_o oblige_v he_o to_o follow_v democritus_n in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o point_n and_o to_o have_v believe_v the_o soul_n itself_o o'erruled_a by_o fate_n the_o poet_n indeed_o make_v the_o monarchy_n of_o fate_n so_o universal_a that_o they_o believe_v the_o god_n themselves_o subject_a to_o it_o thus_o jupiter_n in_o homer_n bemoan_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o sarpedon_n which_o he_o can_v not_o prevent_v and_o thus_o another_o poet_n represent_v apollo_n strive_v in_o vain_a by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o art_n and_o virtue_n of_o herb_n to_o restore_v life_n to_o his_o hyacinthus_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a a_o poetic_a fancy_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o plato_n to_o extend_v the_o dominion_n of_o fate_n over_o the_o god_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o fate_n with_o he_o import_v the_o immutable_a law_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o god_n those_o spirit_n that_o be_v create_v by_o he_o the_o stoic_n indeed_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o assign_v a_o worse_a reason_n