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state_n behold_v good_a great_a 255 4 2.0786 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58795 The Christian life. Part II wherein the fundamental principles of Christian duty are assigned, explained, and proved : volume I / by John Scott ...; Christian life. Part 2 Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1685 (1685) Wing S2050; ESTC R20527 226,080 542

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obstinate_a and_o unreclaimable_a to_o assist_v protect_v and_o comfort_v good_a man_n while_o they_o live_v and_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o hence_o to_o conduct_v their_o spirit_n through_o the_o airy_a territory_n of_o the_o wicked_a angel_n into_o those_o blissful_a mansion_n that_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v they_o till_o the_o resurrection_n at_o which_o time_n their_o part_n will_v be_v to_o summon_v and_o gather_v both_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v their_o final_a sentence_n to_o everlasting_a weal_n or_o wo._n this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o what_o we_o know_v concern_v god_n government_n of_o angel_n the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o which_o will_v be_v of_o vast_a advantage_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mighty_a colony_n of_o evil_a
perfect_a inspection_n not_o only_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n of_o thing_n but_o also_o into_o all_o their_o particular_a conjunction_n and_o conspiracy_n and_o that_o mind_n which_o see_v into_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v all-seeing_a and_o have_v nothing_o conceal_v from_o it_o that_o be_v either_o present_a or_o future_a or_o possible_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o prediction_n of_o remote_a and_o contingent_a futurity_n it_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o all-seeing_a mind_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o all-seeing_a mind_n that_o oversee_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o accurate_o inspect_v all_o that_o be_v past_a or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v in_o it_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o such_o a_o mind_n shall_v sit_v look_v on_o as_o a_o idle_a spectator_n and_o act_n no_o part_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o vast_a and_o busy_a scene_n of_o thihg_n for_o that_o it_o thus_o exact_o inspect_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v great_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v great_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o about_o it_o nor_o exercise_v any_o providence_n over_o it_o be_v altogether_o inconceivable_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o be_v such_o as_o due_o consider_v can_v but_o prevail_v with_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o steel_v against_o all_o conviction_n and_o utter_o abandon_v both_o of_o their_o reason_n and_o modesty_n sect_n iii_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n consider_v and_o answer_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o the_o common_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o here_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o little_a and_o shameful_a cavil_n which_o have_v be_v make_v against_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o very_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o credit_n to_o they_o to_o be_v serious_o confute_v i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o only_o which_o be_v the_o common_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o fair_a show_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v these_o five_o 1._o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o providence_n do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o ease_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o manifold_a evil_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n it_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o unequal_a division_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o wretched_a state_n and_o condition_n to_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n abandon_v i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n that_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o little_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o carry_v its_o own_o answer_n with_o it_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o majesty_n to_o sit_v still_o or_o to_o act_v to_o wrap_v up_o itself_o in_o everlasting_a sloth_n and_o idleness_n or_o to_o display_v itself_o in_o a_o vigorous_a activity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v great_a and_o more_o majestic_a as_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o any_o be_v to_o employ_v and_o exercise_v its_o power_n than_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v asleep_a and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o what_o high_a sphere_n can_v god_n exercise_v his_o power_n than_o in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o to_o govern_v well_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o dispense_v the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o to_o shed_v forth_o the_o ample_a sphere_n of_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o vast_a dominion_n doubtless_o the_o most_o glorious_a employment_n that_o the_o large_a mind_n can_v undertake_v be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v great_a and_o more_o godlike_a than_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o this_o float_a universe_n and_o steer_v its_o motion_n to_o their_o end_n with_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a hand_n what_o therefore_o can_v god_n do_v more_o worthy_a of_o himself_o than_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n well_o and_o wise_o or_o wherein_o can_v he_o better_o display_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n than_o in_o keep_v this_o mighty_a engine_n in_o such_o a_o admirable_a order_n so_o as_o that_o though_o its_o part_n be_v infinite_a in_o number_n and_o variety_n and_o in_o their_o several_a line_n of_o motion_n do_v frequen_o cross_v and_o intersect_v each_o other_o yet_o do_v they_o neither_o clash_n nor_o interfere_v disturb_v nor_o confound_v one_o another_o but_o in_o their_o different_a function_n mutual_o assist_v each_o other_o and_o all_o conspire_v in_o a_o common_a good_a compose_v out_o of_o their_o infinite_a discord_n a_o most_o elegant_a harmony_n in_o which_o mighty_a performance_n there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o a_o infinite_a power_n to_o exert_v its_o utmost_a activity_n for_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o employ_v its_o utmost_a skill_n and_o for_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o utmost_a beneficence_n so_o that_o to_o undertake_v this_o province_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a arrogance_n for_o any_o but_o a_o god_n to_o undertake_v it_o and_o if_o contrivance_n be_v the_o end_n of_o wisdom_n action_n of_o power_n beneficence_n of_o goodness_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v where_o can_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n find_v a_o more_o ample_a sphere_n for_o action_n contrivance_n and_o beneficence_n than_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o majesty_n to_o govern_v what_o can_v better_a comport_v with_o the_o great_a majesty_n than_o to_o display_v itself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o large_a dominion_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o world_n but_o then_o consider_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o this_o great_a family_n of_o being_n how_o can_v it_o be_v beneath_o his_o majesty_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o offspring_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v below_o he_o to_o provide_v for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o below_o he_o to_o create_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o contemptible_a as_o not_o to_o deserve_v his_o regard_n why_o do_v he_o create_v it_o if_o there_o be_v not_o why_o shall_v he_o disdain_v to_o govern_v it_o and_o if_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n have_v some_o end_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o god_n think_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o object_n of_o his_o creation_n why_o shall_v he_o not_o as_o well_o think_v the_o constant_a direction_n of_o it_o to_o that_o end_n to_o be_v a_o object_n worthy_a of_o his_o providence_n ii_o it_o be_v further_a object_v against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n providence_n that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o quiet_a and_o happiness_n for_o to_o attend_v to_o such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n include_v can_v but_o distract_v his_o thought_n and_o thereby_o disturb_v he_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o all_o which_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n arise_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o our_o measure_n god_n by_o ourselves_o because_o we_o find_v our_o own_o mind_n so_o narrow_a and_o our_o own_o power_n so_o limit_v as_o that_o we_o can_v without_o distraction_n attend_v to_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o this_o mighty_a business_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o god_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a who_o almighty_a power_n imply_v a_o ability_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v possible_a and_o who_o infinite_a knowledge_n include_v a_o universal_a prospect_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v this_o will_v easy_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o this_o objection_n for_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o imperfection_n that_o being_n operate_v with_o labour_n and_o
those_o different_a commodity_n it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n that_o it_o fare_v best_a with_o the_o worst_a and_o worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o through_o the_o commonness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v into_o a_o maxim_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o man_n always_o pity_v the_o miserable_a and_o envy_v the_o prosperous_a and_o that_o these_o passion_n do_v natural_o bribe_v their_o judgement_n to_o think_v worse_o of_o the_o one_o and_o better_a of_o the_o other_o than_o either_o deserve_v for_o those_o who_o we_o pity_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o love_n and_o those_o who_o we_o love_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v well_o of_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o we_o envy_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o hate_v and_o those_o who_o we_o hate_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v ill_o of_o and_o then_o because_o god_n do_v not_o reward_n and_o punish_v man_n according_a to_o the_o sentence_n that_o our_o blind_a pity_n or_o envy_n pass_v on_o they_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o quarrel_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o close_a hypocrite_n that_o under_o a_o mighty_a show_n and_o ostentation_n of_o piety_n do_v secret_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sundry_a wasteful_a and_o ruinous_a vice_n which_o many_o time_n reduce_v they_o to_o poverty_n and_o misery_n and_o these_o we_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o good_a it_o fare_v ill_o with_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v abundance_n of_o good_a man_n that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o reserve_v modest_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n whieh_n make_v but_o very_o little_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v blessed_v and_o prosper_v and_o these_o we_o as_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o bad_a that_o fare_n well_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v such_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o object_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n such_o maxim_n as_o be_v only_o found_v on_o our_o own_o fallacious_a observation_n but_o can_v we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o pity_n and_o envy_n and_o penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o good_a man_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o bad_a even_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o more_o bad_a man_n prosper_v than_o good_a because_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a than_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n i_o doubt_v the_o prosperous_a good_a will_v far_o exceed_v the_o prosperous_a bad_a though_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o thirty_o of_o the_o one_o to_o forty_o of_o the_o other_o and_o suppose_v that_o in_o proportion_n there_o be_v more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a advance_v to_o worldly_a greatness_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o doubtful_a consider_v how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o judge_v ill_o of_o great_a man_n and_o to_o reckon_v more_o of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bad_a than_o we_o ought_v through_o envy_n and_o misunderstand_a the_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o great_a but_o in_o a_o moderate_a fortune_n and_o that_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v no_o where_o so_o free_o and_o entire_o enjoy_v as_o in_o the_o middle_a region_n between_o poverty_n and_o riches_n for_o as_o poverty_n be_v attend_v with_o famine_n and_o cold_a and_o anguish_n so_o greatness_n be_v attend_v with_o hurry_n and_o tumult_n empale_v with_o care_n and_o imprison_v with_o pomp_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n so_o that_o the_o true_o unfortunate_a be_v the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o great_a while_o the_o middle_a state_n without_o partake_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o either_o include_v all_o that_o be_v true_o desirable_a in_o both_o extreme_n all_o that_o poverty_n want_v and_o all_o that_o greatness_n enjoy_v and_o in_o this_o happy_a state_n i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v there_o be_v proportionable_o far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o be_v reduce_v to_o extreme_a necessity_n so_o very_o rare_a that_o david_n in_o all_o his_o life_n time_n can_v not_o produce_v one_o instance_n of_o it_o psal._n 37.25_o for_o miserable_a poverty_n be_v usual_o the_o consequence_n either_o of_o idleness_n or_o luxury_n or_o faction_n or_o knavery_n all_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o true_a goodness_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o condition_n on_o this_o side_n pinch_v necessity_n be_v ordinary_o even_o in_o this_o life_n far_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o most_o gay_a and_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o outward_a glory_n and_o greatness_n be_v usual_o nothing_o but_o the_o gaudy_a cover_n of_o a_o tragical_a inside_n of_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v torture_v with_o pride_n and_o envy_n with_o boundless_a hope_n insatiable_a desire_n and_o horrible_a reflection_n that_o dash_n and_o embitter_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n while_o the_o good_a man_n under_o his_o mean_a and_o simple_a outside_o carry_v a_o great_a and_o happy_a soul_n a_o content_a mind_n a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o a_o calm_a conscience_n which_o mighty_o sweeten_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v his_o homely_a morsel_n outrelish_v the_o most_o study_a luxury_n let_v we_o therefore_o but_o judge_n impartial_o of_o man_n and_o but_o true_o state_n what_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o proportion_v the_o number_n of_o the_o good_a to_o the_o bad_a and_o balance_v the_o inside_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o other_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v easy_o convince_v that_o even_o in_o this_o life_n the_o good_a ordinary_o fare_v much_o better_a than_o the_o bad_a for_o in_o true_a computation_n necessity_n and_o greatness_n be_v the_o only_a unfortunate_a state_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a but_o between_o these_o two_o all_o condition_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o happy_a mean_a there_o be_v far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a and_o then_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v infinite_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o bad_a as_o to_o the_o render_v their_o outward_a condition_n happy_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o ordinary_o and_o general_o they_o must_v be_v the_o more_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a second_o so_o far_o as_o this_o maxim_n that_o all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o against_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a account_n 1._o because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o secondary_a cause_n 2._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v beneath_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v very_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o '_o they_o 3._o because_o this_o life_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o not_o of_o our_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 4._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o befall_v we_o here_o be_v not_o so_o true_o to_o be_v estimate_v by_o themselves_o as_o by_o their_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 5._o this_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v 6._o because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i._o the_o happen_v of_o all_o thing_n alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o in_o this_o life_n good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o mingle_v together_o rhat_o in_o case_n of_o common_a calamity_n what_o happen_v to_o the_o one_o must_v happen_v to_o the_o other_o without_o a_o miraculous_a interposal_n of_o providence_n thus_o while_o god_n leave_v second_o cause_n to_o their_o natural_a course_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o war_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v incorporate_v together_o in_o the_o same_o society_n and_o so_o long_o as_o free_a agent_n be_v leave_v to_o
so_o that_o now_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o sacred_a dictate_v of_o religion_n be_v generous_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v our_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n because_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v without_o force_n and_o against_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n and_o as_o this_o unequal_a state_n of_o thing_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o try_v and_o exercise_v our_o virtue_n so_o it_o be_v also_o very_a assistant_n thereunto_o for_o that_o providence_n do_v general_o and_o not_o universal_o bless_v and_o prosper_v good_a man_n be_v a_o great_a support_n to_o a_o wise_a and_o rational_a belief_n for_o as_o a_o late_a excellent_a author_n have_v well_o observe_v if_o thing_n be_v constant_o manage_v one_o way_n without_o any_o variation_n we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v under_o the_o rigid_a law_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n observe_v no_o footstep_n 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to_o try_v bad_a it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a oversight_n of_o providence_n when_o it_o design_v the_o trial_n of_o both_o to_o fix_v they_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n wherein_o no_o through_o experment_fw-ge can_v be_v make_v of_o either_o so_o that_o for_o we_o to_o object_n against_o providence_n for_o make_v such_o unequal_a distribution_n in_o a_o state_n wherein_o it_o design_v our_o trial_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o object_n against_o wisdom_n for_o act_v most_o suitable_o to_o its_o own_o design_n iv._o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o befall_v we_o here_o be_v not_o so_o true_o to_o be_v estimate_v by_o themselves_o as_o by_o their_o effect_n and_o consequent_n for_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o run_v through_o all_o thing_n have_v dispose_v and_o connect_v they_o into_o such_o a_o series_n and_o order_n that_o there_o be_v no_o single_a event_n or_o accident_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o miraculous_a but_o depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a system_n and_o have_v innumerable_a cause_n antecedent_n to_o it_o and_o innumerable_a consequent_n attend_n it_o and_o what_o these_o consequent_n will_v be_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v beyond_o our_o skill_n to_o prognosticate_v so_o that_o though_o the_o event_n be_v never_o so_o good_a or_o bad_a single_o and_o apart_o by_o itself_o yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o those_o consequent_n that_o will_v most_o certain_o attend_v it_o the_o best_a event_n for_o all_o we_o know_v may_v prove_v most_o mischievous_a and_o the_o worst_a most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o so_o that_o for_o we_o bold_o to_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o event_n before_o we_o see_v the_o train_n of_o consequent_n that_o follow_v they_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a as_o for_o instance_n you_o see_v a_o good_a man_n oppress_v with_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o a_o bad_a man_n crown_v with_o pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n and_o consider_v these_o thing_n apart_o by_o themselves_o you_o conclude_v that_o the_o one_o fare_v very_o ill_a and_o the_o other_o very_o well_o but_o do_v you_o at_o the_o same_o time_n see_v the_o consequent_n of_o the_o one_o adversity_n and_o the_o other_o prosperity_n it_o be_v probable_a you_o will_v conclude_v the_o quite_o contrary_a viz._n that_o the_o good_a man_n adversity_n be_v a_o blessing_n and_o the_o bad_a man_n prosperity_n a_o curse_n for_o i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o good_a man_n general_o reap_v more_o substantial_a benefit_n from_o their_o affliction_n than_o bad_a man_n do_v from_o their_o prosperity_n the_o one_o smart_n indeed_o at_o present_a but_o what_o follow_v perhaps_o his_o mind_n be_v cure_v by_o it_o of_o some_o disease_n that_o be_v ten_o time_n worse_o to_o he_o than_o his_o outward_a affliction_n of_o avarice_n or_o impatience_n of_o envy_n or_o discontent_n of_o pride_n or_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n his_o riches_n be_v lessen_v but_o his_o virtue_n be_v improve_v by_o it_o his_o body_n be_v impair_v but_o his_o mind_n be_v grow_v sound_n and_o hail_n by_o it_o and_o what_o he_o have_v lose_v in_o health_n or_o wealth_n or_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n he_o have_v gain_v with_o vast_a advantage_n in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o self-enjoyment_n and_o methinks_v no_o man_n who_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n shall_v grudge_n to_o suffer_v any_o tolerable_a affliction_n for_o the_o better_n his_o mind_n his_o will_n and_o his_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o bad_a man_n triumph_n and_o rejoice_v at_o present_a but_o what_o follow_v his_o prosperity_n either_o shriule_n he_o into_o miserableness_n or_o melt_v he_o into_o luxury_n the_o former_a of_o which_o impoverish_v and_o the_o latter_a disease_n he_o for_o if_o the_o former_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o prosperity_n it_o increase_v his_o needs_o because_o before_o he_o need_v only_o what_o he_o have_v not_o but_o now_o he_o need_v both_o what_o he_o have_v not_o and_o what_o he_o have_v his_o covetous_a desire_n treat_v he_o as_o the_o falconer_n do_v his_o hawk_n still_o lure_a he_o off_o from_o what_o he_o have_v seize_v to_o fly_v at_o new_a game_n and_o never_o permit_v he_o to_o prey_v upon_o his_o own_o quarry_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o prosperity_n that_o be_v if_o it_o melt_v he_o into_o luxury_n it_o thereby_o waste_v his_o health_n to_o be_v sure_a and_o common_o his_o estate_n too_o and_o so_o whereas_o it_o find_v he_o poor_a and_o well_o it_o leave_v he_o poor_a and_o disease_a and_o only_o take_v he_o up_o from_o the_o blow_n and_o set_v he_o down_o at_o the_o hospital_n in_o general_n while_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o it_o only_o bloat_v and_o swell_v he_o make_v he_o proud_a and_o insolent_a gripe_a and_o oppressive_a pamper_n and_o enrage_v his_o lust_n stretch_v out_o his_o desire_n into_o a_o insatiable_a bulimy_a stick_v his_o mind_n full_a of_o care_n and_o his_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n and_o by_o all_o these_o woeful_a effect_n it_o inflame_v his_o reckon_a with_o god_n and_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n for_o he_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n so_o that_o compare_v the_o consequent_n of_o the_o good_a man_n adversity_n with_o those_o of_o the_o bad_a man_n prosperity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o former_a fare_v well_o even_o in_o his_o worst_a condition_n and_o the_o latter_a ill_n in_o his_o best_a it_o be_v well_o for_o i_o say_v good_a david_n that_o i_o be_v afflict_v for_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o commandment_n psalm_n 119.67_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o wicked_a spring_n as_o the_o grass_n say_v the_o same_o author_n and_o when_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n do_v
their_o religion_n a_o sanctuary_n for_o their_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n other_o gilding_n over_o their_o faction_n and_o sedition_n with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n some_o prosecute_n their_o own_o revenge_n and_o ambition_n under_o the_o ensign_n of_o pure_a worship_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n other_o commute_v for_o their_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o a_o clamorous_a zeal_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o other_o pick_v pocket_n with_o one_o hand_n while_o they_o have_v be_v lift_v up_o the_o other_o to_o heaven_n in_o devotion_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o have_v tempt_v the_o rude_a and_o unthinking_a vulgar_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a castle_n in_o the_o air_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o invention_n of_o knave_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o fool_n now_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o these_o vile_a hypocrite_n who_o have_v lay_v this_o stumbling-block_n in_o man_n way_n shall_v one_o day_n dear_o answer_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o it_o have_v occasion_v to_o fall_v and_o for_o thus_o expose_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o misprision_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n thus_o to_o infer_v atheistical_a conclusion_n from_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o conclude_v a_o man_n a_o infidel_n because_o his_o action_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o faith_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o fallacious_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v man_n very_o often_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o own_o conviction_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o fair_o suppose_v those_o wicked_a action_n we_o argue_v from_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o obstinate_a will_n as_o of_o a_o infidel_n judgement_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o those_o man_n be_v all_o infidel_n that_o do_v thus_o act_v against_o their_o faith_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v turn_v infidel_n too_o if_o it_o be_v so_o unsafe_a and_o so_o unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n to_o carry_v his_o brain_n in_o other_o man_n head_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o carry_v they_o in_o other_o man_n heel_n and_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o example_n through_o all_o the_o wild_a maze_n of_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v by_o these_o man_n example_n you_o plain_o see_v what_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n there_o be_v in_o religious_a pretence_n and_o what_o then_o must_v religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n because_o bad_a man_n play_v trick_n with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o cloak_n for_o their_o knavery_n if_o so_o than_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o good_a but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v prostitute_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n i_o confess_v when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o cheat_n act_v under_o the_o masque_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v but_o present_o to_o reject_v religion_n because_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n make_v bold_a to_o disguise_v themselves_o in_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o virtue_n as_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v common_a prostitute_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o viii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v division_n and_o schism_n form_v out_o of_o little_a opinion_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o place_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o those_o opinion_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o hereafter_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o opinion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v excessive_o fond_a at_o the_o present_a they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o suspect_v religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v as_o ill_o ground_v as_o those_o little_a opinion_n which_o they_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n on_o and_o so_o after_o they_o have_v run_v through_o several_a set_v of_o opinion_n and_o in_o fine_a have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v all_o delusion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v religion_n itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o system_fw-la of_o lie_n and_o imposture_n for_o as_o weak_a head_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o battlement_n shake_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n so_o weak_a understanding_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o suspect_v even_o the_o fundamental_o of_o of_o religion_n when_o once_o they_o perceive_v those_o darling_n notion_n totter_v which_o they_o have_v confident_o presume_v to_o superstruct_v thereupon_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o sect_n and_o division_n of_o it_o for_o how_o many_o woeful_a example_n have_v we_o of_o person_n who_o have_v once_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v run_v from_o sect_n to_o sect_n and_o from_o one_o extravagant_a opinion_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v total_o discard_v religion_n itself_o and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_v into_o atheism_n and_o as_o separate_n into_o party_n upon_o little_a difference_n in_o religion_n expose_v the_o separatist_n themselves_o to_o great_a temptation_n to_o atheism_n so_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o be_v indifferent_a on_o both_o side_n and_o stand_v engage_v on_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o separation_n for_o whilst_o these_o man_n behold_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n thus_o miserable_o break_v and_o divide_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o crumble_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o each_o party_n spit_v fire_n and_o damnation_n at_o its_o adversary_n so_o that_o if_o all_o say_v true_a or_o indeed_o any_o two_o of_o they_o in_o five_o hundred_o sect_n which_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o all_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v five_o thousand_o it_o be_v five_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v damn_v because_o every_o one_o damn_v all_o but_o itself_o and_o itself_o be_v damn_v by_o four_o hundred_o and_o ninty_a nine_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a chance_n if_o in_o so_o great_a a_o volley_n of_o anathemaes_n which_o every_o one_o have_v level_v at_o it_o any_o one_o escape_n when_o i_o say_v unengage_v person_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o disputable_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v these_o sect_n and_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n shall_v reflect_v upon_o this_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v without_o far_a inquiry_n that_o religion_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a maze_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n wander_v about_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o justle_v and_o rancounter_v one_o another_o without_o any_o certain_a clew_n on_o either_o side_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v their_o inquiry_n under_o which_o misapprehension_n they_o will_v either_o damn_v all_o religion_n for_o a_o cheat_n or_o hover_v about_o in_o eternal_a uncertainty_n not_o know_v where_o in_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o fix_v and_o settle_v their_o faith_n and_o hereunto_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age._n for_o while_o some_o man_n by_o run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o pursuit_n of_o those_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o new_a light_n that_o have_v break_v and_o divide_v our_o communion_n have_v at_o length_n quite_o tire_v out_o their_o zeal_n and_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o be_v at_o length_n lie_v down_o in_o the_o mire_n of_o irreligion_n and_o open_a profaneness_n other_o by_o look_v on_o and_o behold_v the_o wild_a division_n which_o these_o new_a light_n have_v make_v have_v be_v tempt_v to_o run_v away_o from_o religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o uncertain_a opinion_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o distract_v and_o bewild_a man_n brain_n now_o though_o the_o author_n of_o these_o division_n whosoever_o they_o be_v be_v doubtless_o high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o that_o irreligion_n which_o attend_v they_o yet_o for_o man_n from_o hence_o to_o draw_v atheistical_a conclusion_n
because_o they_o must_v not_o only_o out-tempt_a they_o but_z which_o be_v the_o much_o hard_a task_n of_o the_o two_o they_o must_v out-tempt_a the_o reluctance_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o yet_o for_o future_a good_n and_o evil_n to_o out-tempt_a present_a one_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n neither_o especial_o if_o those_o future_a one_o be_v invisible_a and_o out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o futurity_n lessen_v all_o object_n to_o the_o mind_n even_o as_o distance_n do_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o make_v thing_n appear_v to_o we_o much_o small_a than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n be_v a_o mighty_a disadvantage_n to_o they_o when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o present_a good_n and_o evil_n because_o the_o late_a appear_v to_o we_o in_o their_o full_a proportion_n and_o magnitude_n with_o all_o their_o tempt_a circumstance_n about_o they_o whereas_o the_o former_a exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o dim_a and_o confuse_a landscape_n of_o thing_n afar_o off_o of_o thing_n which_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o feel_v and_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o distance_n imprint_v very_o dark_a idea_n on_o our_o mind_n and_o as_o their_o futurity_n lessen_v their_o appearance_n and_o render_v it_o confuse_v and_o indistinct_a so_o their_o invisibility_n weaken_v their_o force_n and_o influence_n on_o our_o mind_n which_o no_o object_n can_v so_o near_o affect_v as_o those_o that_o strike_v upon_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o unless_o by_o a_o immense_a magnitude_n they_o compensate_a for_o be_v future_a and_o insensible_a it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v prevail_v with_o such_o mind_n as_o we_o against_o present_a and_o sensible_a good_n and_o evil_n wherefore_o to_o render_v our_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n effectual_a to_o reduce_v we_o to_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o to_o be_v infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o can_v tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o our_o nature_n be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o that_o which_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n tempt_v we_o to_o but_o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o tempt_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n have_v the_o prevail_a advantage_n of_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a iu._n and_o last_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o we_o to_o acquire_v these_o reward_n or_o avoid_v these_o punishment_n but_o by_o submit_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n for_o to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o immense_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o reduce_v we_o unto_o god_n so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v but_o dream_n of_o any_o possible_a way_n to_o obtain_v those_o reward_n and_o avoid_v those_o punishment_n without_o submit_v to_o he_o to_o which_o above_o all_o imaginable_a way_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v the_o great_a antipathy_n so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o convince_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o escape_v hell_n and_o purchase_v heaven_n yet_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o effect_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v shun_v this_o this_o most_o ungrateful_a one_o of_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n and_o if_o list_v ourselves_o into_o godly_a party_n or_o put_v on_o a_o demure_a and_o sanctify_a countenance_n if_o be_v mope_v deject_v or_o unsociable_a if_o whine_v or_o fast_v or_o long_a prayer_n or_o a_o affect_a gurb_n or_o rigid_a observance_n of_o holy_a time_n if_o consume_v our_o life_n in_o a_o barefooted_a pilgrimage_n or_o wear_v a_o hair_n shirt_n or_o whip_v our_o body_n or_o spend_v our_o estate_n in_o mass_n and_o indulgency_n if_o be_v make_v free_a of_o a_o holy_a confraternity_n or_o visit_v altar_n and_o shrine_n or_o number_v prayer_n like_o faggot_n by_o a_o tally_n of_o bead_n if_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o will_v but_o secure_v we_o of_o heaven_n and_o from_o go_v to_o hell_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o tolerable_a and_o easy_a than_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o we_o must_v strangle_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n tear_v our_o belove_a lust_n from_o our_o heart_n rack_v off_o our_o earthy_a affection_n from_o their_o lees_n and_o refine_v and_o spiritualise_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a zeal_n and_o love_n and_o devotion_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o irksome_a to_o a_o degenerate_a nature_n so_o that_o till_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o utter_a despair_n of_o reap_v the_o reward_n and_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o this_o of_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n our_o faith_n will_v be_v altogether_o ineffectual_a sect_n ii_o what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v these_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o there_o be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o doctrine_n universal_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o first_o principle_n in_o phisosophy_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v more_o general_o agree_v thus_o among_o the_o heathen_a poet_n divine_n and_o philosopher_n there_o be_v a_o unanimous_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o future_a state_n although_o their_o description_n of_o they_o be_v general_o nothing_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o extravagant_a fancy_n for_o so_o as_o josephus_n observe_v speak_v of_o the_o essenes_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o bless_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i._n e._n they_o teach_v as_o all_o the_o greek_a nation_n also_o do_v that_o for_o good_a soul_n there_o be_v bless_v seat_n prepare_v beyond_o the_o ocean_n in_o a_o region_n that_o be_v always_o free_a from_o rain_n and_o snow_n and_o excessive_a heat_n be_v perpetual_o fan_v with_o gentle_a breese_n from_o the_o ocean_n which_o description_n he_o have_v translate_v almost_o verbatim_o out_o of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o homer_n vlyssea_n where_o he_o bring_v in_o proteus_n thus_o bespeak_v menelaus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o god_n shall_v send_v thou_o to_o the_o field_n of_o elysium_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o thou_o shall_v live_v secure_a and_o happy_a there_o be_v neither_o rain_n nor_o snow_n nor_o winter_n but_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n be_v perpetual_o refresh_v with_o the_o gentle_a breathe_n of_o cool_a zephyr_n from_o the_o ocean_n plato_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o ancient_a law_n concern_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n which_o be_v always_o and_o be_v still_o in_o force_n among_o the_o god_n that_o those_o who_o live_v just_a and_o holy_a life_n shall_v after_o their_o death_n go_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o bless_a where_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v all_o manner_n of_o happiness_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o those_o who_o live_v here_o unjust_o and_o ungodly_a shall_v be_v send_v into_o that_o prison_n of_o just_a punishment_n which_o be_v call_v hell_n plat._n gorg._n p._n 312._o thus_o also_o tully_n tuscul._n lib._n 1._o permanere_fw-la animos_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la consensu_fw-la nationum_fw-la omnium_fw-la i._n e._n we_o believe_v as_o all_o nation_n do_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v survive_v their_o body_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o seneca_n epist_n 117._o tell_v we_o cum_fw-la de_fw-la animarum_fw-la aeternitate_fw-la disserimus_fw-la non_fw-la leave_n momentum_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la habet_fw-la consensus_fw-la omnium_fw-la aut_fw-la timentium_fw-la inferos_fw-la aut_fw-la colentium_fw-la i._n e._n when_o we_o discourse_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o soul_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n either_o fear_v or_o worship_v the_o hellish_a power_n be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n and_o indeed_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o future_a state_n be_v so_o general_o imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n be_v a_o very_a probable_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a how_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v so_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o false_a proposition_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n without_o reflect_v dishonourable_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o he_o
yet_o still_o they_o pursue_v they_o and_o ever_o and_o anon_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o scare_v and_o terrify_v they_o and_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o these_o importunate_a terror_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v inward_o but_o be_v fain_o to_o live_v abroad_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n as_o not_o dare_v to_o trust_v themselves_o alone_o with_o themselves_o all_o which_o be_v plain_a presage_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n that_o await_v wicked_a soul_n after_o this_o life_n for_o if_o this_o dread_n of_o future_a punishment_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o as_o its_o stick_v so_o close_o and_o universal_o to_o humane_a nature_n plain_o argue_v it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v impress_v on_o we_o by_o the_o great_a author_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o he_o to_o impress_v a_o passion_n on_o we_o which_o have_v no_o real_a object_n will_v be_v to_o impose_v a_o cheat_n upon_o our_o nature_n and_o abuse_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o false_a alarm_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o ●●ead_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o dishonourable_a reflection_n on_o his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n or_o that_o there_o be_v real_o a_o future_a punishment_n answerable_a to_o that_o dread_n and_o as_o the_o dread_n of_o future_a punishment_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v ill_a so_o the_o desire_n and_o expectance_n of_o future_a reward_n be_v no_o less_o natural_a to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v well_o for_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o virtuous_a man_n of_o whatsoever_o nation_n or_o religion_n or_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o mind_n have_v not_o be_v wing_v with_o earnest_a hope_n and_o desire_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o ever_o yet_o either_o deny_v or_o despair_v of_o it_o but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v first_o debauch_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o such_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v the_o sadducee_n and_o epicurean_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o have_v drown_v all_o that_o be_v humane_a in_o they_o in_o sensuality_n and_o voluptuousness_n and_o be_v brand_v upon_o record_n for_o their_o shameful_a indulgence_n to_o their_o own_o brutish_a genius_n and_o such_o be_v no_o standard_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o monster_n of_o men._n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o do_v not_o judge_n of_o the_o natural_a figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o humane_a body_n by_o monstrous_a and_o misshape_a birth_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v natural_a or_o unnatural_a to_o man_n by_o those_o brute_n in_o humane_a shape_n who_o by_o submit_v their_o reason_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o appetite_n have_v disfigure_v their_o nature_n and_o distort_v it_o into_o a_o unnatural_a position_n but_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o be_v humane_a and_o natural_a to_o we_o we_o must_v take_v our_o measure_n from_o those_o who_o live_v most_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o these_o be_v they_o who_o we_o call_v pious_a and_o virtuous_a who_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o who_o we_o may_v best_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o unnatural_a to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o judge_v by_o these_o we_o shall_v most_o certain_o find_v that_o virtue_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o near_o ally_v that_o like_o hypocrates_n twin_n they_o live_v and_o die_v together_o for_o though_o while_o man_n live_v a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a life_n their_o future_a hope_n be_v usual_o drown_v in_o their_o present_a enjoyment_n yet_o when_o once_o they_o recover_v out_o of_o this_o unnatural_a state_n and_o begin_v to_o live_v like_o reasonable_a being_n immediate_o they_o feel_v great_a desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o arise_v high_a and_o high_a proportionable_o as_o they_o advance_v in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o these_o hope_n and_o desire_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o and_o interweave_v with_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o now_o how_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o implant_v such_o desire_n and_o hope_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o then_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a object_n that_o can_v suit_n and_o satisfy_v '_o they_o for_o as_o a_o great_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o have_v well_o observe_v other_o being_n we_o see_v have_v no_o natural_a desire_n in_o vain_a the_o good_a god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o there_o be_v object_n in_o nature_n apportion_v to_o all_o their_o natural_a appetite_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o good_a man_n we_o be_v by_o a_o natural_a principle_n most_o strong_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o as_o if_o god_n have_v purposely_o frame_v we_o with_o such_o inclination_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v perpetual_o torment_v between_o those_o two_o passion_n desire_v and_o despair_n a_o earnest_a propension_n after_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o enjoy_v it_o as_o if_o nature_n itself_o whereby_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v dispose_v to_o their_o perfection_n do_v serve_v only_o in_o man_n to_o make_v he_o miserable_a and_o which_o be_v more_o considerable_a as_o if_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n do_v only_o serve_v to_o contribute_v to_o our_o infelicity_n by_o raise_v in_o we_o such_o desire_n and_o expectation_n as_o without_o a_o future_a happiness_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o disappoint_v but_o if_o this_o desire_n and_o expectation_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o as_o it_o evident_o be_v it_o must_v be_v implant_v there_o by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n with_o who_o truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v never_o consist_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o such_o desire_n and_o hope_n as_o he_o know_v have_v no_o object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_a v._o from_o the_o excellent_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o whoever_o shall_v impartial_o consider_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v easy_o discern_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o much_o great_a purpose_n than_o to_o enjoy_v this_o world_n and_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v as_o much_o too_o big_a for_o these_o sensitive_a fruition_n as_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o ocean_n be_v for_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o little_a river_n for_o the_o high_a happiness_n we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n by_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o imitation_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a part._n 1._o c._n 3._o which_o do_v as_o far_o excel_v all_o worldly_a happiness_n as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o prince_n do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o fly_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o mind_n be_v frame_v with_o a_o natural_a capacity_n of_o enjoy_v this_o supreme_a beatitude_n i._n e._n of_o contemplate_v and_o love_v and_o imitate_v god_n for_o as_o for_o the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n round_o about_o we_o preach_v and_o proclaim_v it_o and_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v our_o eye_n we_o behold_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o reason_a faculty_n we_o can_v easy_o ascend_v to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o those_o borrow_a perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v so_o many_o lively_a comment_n and_o paraphrase_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v perfefection_n must_v necessary_o meet_v and_o concentre_v in_o he_o and_o then_o such_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o any_o be_v we_o natural_o proceed_v to_o admire_v and_o love_v it_o so_o that_o unless_o our_o will_n be_v violent_o prejudice_v against_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n our_o contemplation_n must_v necessary_o kindle_v our_o love_n of_o they_o and_o then_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v in_o another_o we_o be_v natural_o ambitious_a to_o transcribe_v into_o ourselves_o so_o that_o be_v once_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o will_v be_v continual_o prompt_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o and_o that_o will_v by_o degree_n mould_v we_o into_o a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a resemblance_n of_o he_o thus_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n
be_v nothing_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n that_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o nothing_o still_o i._n e._n limit_v and_o defective_a be_v only_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o its_o own_o primitive_a nothingness_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o i_o give_v a_o poor_a man_n a_o hundred_o pound_n that_o he_o be_v worth_a so_o much_o money_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o i_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o hundred_o more_o be_v owe_v only_o to_o his_o own_o poverty_n and_o just_o so_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o god_n who_o produce_v i_o out_o of_o nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o defect_n of_o be_v be_v only_o owe_v to_o that_o nonentity_n out_o of_o which_o he_o produce_v i_o and_o therefore_o since_o our_o perfection_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n but_o not_o our_o defect_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o latter_a to_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o former_a now_o the_o defect_n of_o create_a perfection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o remove_v and_o abstract_n from_o god_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o of_o the_o thing_n second_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o thing_n the_o defect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o whole_o exclude_v something_o much_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a thus_o matter_n for_o instance_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o thing_n because_o it_o exclude_v spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n which_o be_v much_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o exclude_v nothing_o better_a but_o yet_o be_v deficient_a in_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o for_o instance_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o exclude_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o excellent_a but_o yet_o as_o reside_v in_o create_a being_n want_n a_o great_a many_o possible_a degree_n of_o perfection_n now_o both_o these_o defect_n be_v natural_a be_v uncause_v and_o so_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o proceed_v from_o he_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n therefore_o of_o these_o twofold_a defect_n in_o create_a perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v conceive_v of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n and_o eminence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o causality_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v injurious_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o their_o perfection_n of_o which_o he_o be_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v do_v god_n right_a in_o our_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o he_o we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o matter_n and_o material_a perfection_n because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o their_o very_a kind_n and_o nature_n as_o exclude_v such_o substance_n and_o perfection_n as_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n which_o consist_v in_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o matter_n and_o material_a affection_n from_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n i._n e_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o degree_n in_o those_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o raise_v and_o exalt_v they_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o their_o utmost_a height_n and_o eminence_n and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o eminency_n which_o consist_v in_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o short_a and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n abstract_v from_o all_o defect_n and_o limitation_n these_o three_o way_n therefore_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o will_n yet_o far_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a rule_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o form_v a_o right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o first_o if_o we_o will_v think_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v attribute_v all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o second_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o the_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n three_o in_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o they_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a four_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n five_o though_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o subject_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o creature_n yet_o we_o be_v always_o to_o suppose_v his_o will_n and_o his_o power_n to_o be_v in_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n six_o in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v always_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v exact_o harmonious_a and_o consistent_a with_o each_o other_o i._o to_o the_o form_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a perfection_n for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v derive_v must_v necessary_o include_v all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v all_o those_o perfection_n which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o other_o for_o how_o can_v he_o give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o free_a cause_n may_v give_v less_o to_o their_o effect_n than_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v give_v more_o though_o they_o may_v withhold_v from_o their_o effect_n any_o perfection_n or_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o have_v they_o can_v derive_v to_o they_o any_o which_o they_o have_v not_o whatsoever_o therefore_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v essential_a to_o that_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o be_v be_v derive_v otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o in_o his_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o consequent_o more_o than_o he_o can_v give_v or_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o all_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o create_a being_n must_v necessary_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o must_v all_o those_o too_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o for_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o no_o perfection_n can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o he_o for_o no_o cause_n can_v produce_v that_o perfection_n in_o another_o which_o it_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o be_v produce_v by_o he_o and_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n must_v be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a since_o therefore_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o god_n and_o since_o no_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o be_v actual_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n ii_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n for_o our_o understanding_n be_v too_o shortsighted_a to_o penetrate_v immediate_o into_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v and_o apprehend_v they_o but_o either_o by_o their_o cause_n or_o by_o their_o effect_n but_o now_o god_n be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a fountain_n of_o all_o cause_n can_v be_v know_v by_o his_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v none_o and_o therefore_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o his_o effect_n
so_o valuable_a as_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o be_v form_v and_o unite_v into_o regular_a corporation_n if_o not_o how_o apparent_o do_v we_o engage_v against_o our_o own_o interest_n when_o we_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n iii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n our_o best_a and_o secure_a condition_n be_v expose_v to_o a_o world_n of_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a accident_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o the_o wisdom_n to_o foresee_v nor_o the_o power_n to_o prevent_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v self-sufficient_a as_o to_o our_o worldly_a happiness_n that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o cause_n upon_o which_o we_o depend_v for_o it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o uncertainty_n wherein_o we_o be_v continal_o bandy_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o make_v the_o game_n of_o inconstant_a fortune_n what_o quiet_a or_o security_n can_v we_o enjoy_v within_o ourselves_o without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o the_o helm_n that_o steady_o overrule_v all_o event_n that_o concern_v we_o and_o steer_v and_o direct_v they_o by_o the_o invariable_a compass_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o consider_v how_o poor_a and_o indigent_a our_o nature_n be_v how_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o seek_v abroad_o and_o to_o go_v a_o beg_n from_o door_n to_o door_n for_o our_o happiness_n how_o we_o depend_v upon_o chance_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o nothing_o we_o possess_v or_o desire_v or_o hope_v for_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o sad_a futurity_n and_o to_o magnify_v distant_a evil_n in_o our_o own_o aprehension_n how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o aggravate_v our_o misery_n by_o our_o impatience_n and_o despair_n and_o to_o pall_v our_o enjoyment_n by_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o than_o their_o nature_n will_v afford_v consider_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v which_o way_n can_v we_o turn_v ourselves_o without_o a_o god_n or_o where_o can_v we_o repose_v our_o restless_a thought_n but_o in_o his_o providence_n very_o can_v i_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o present_a circumstance_n as_o the_o most_o forlorn_a and_o abandon_v part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o wish_v that_o i_o have_v have_v the_o luck_n to_o be_v of_o any_o other_o species_n than_o that_o of_o a_o rational_a animal_n for_o in_o the_o state_n i_o be_o i_o find_v myself_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n against_o which_o i_o have_v no_o sanctuary_n and_o under_o which_o i_o have_v no_o support_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o have_v such_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o thing_n before_o i_o and_o a_o busy_a mind_n within_o i_o that_o will_v be_v continual_o work_v on_o and_o aggravate_v the_o evil_n of_o it_o what_o can_v i_o do_v with_o myself_o or_o how_o can_v i_o enjoy_v myself_o without_o a_o god_n to_o rely_v on_o upon_o the_o supposal_n that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o can_v easy_o relieve_v myself_o under_o the_o most_o dismal_a apprehension_n i_o can_v fair_o conclude_v and_o safe_o depend_v on_o it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v care_n by_o my_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v to_o make_v he_o my_o friend_n he_o will_v either_o prevent_v the_o evil_n i_o apprehend_v or_o support_v i_o under_o they_o or_o convert_v they_o to_o my_o good_a either_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v my_o heart_n at_o ease_n and_o instate_v i_o in_o a_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o myself_o but_o now_o by_o give_v up_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o throw_v away_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o leave_v myself_o utter_o destitute_a and_o supportless_a for_o what_o solid_a ground_n of_o support_n can_v i_o have_v when_o i_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o security_n either_o that_o the_o evil_n i_o dread_n shall_v be_v prevent_v or_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o proportionable_a strength_n to_o bear_v they_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o good_a or_o advantage_n from_o they_o without_o which_o consideration_n every_o evil_a that_o threaten_v or_o befall_v i_o be_v pure_a unmingled_a misery_n against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n or_o cordial_n in_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n for_o suppose_v i_o shall_v argue_v with_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n that_o every_o ill_a accident_n that_o befall_v i_o be_v fatal_a as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v without_o my_o power_n or_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o i_o to_o grieve_v at_o it_o this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n mollify_a the_o anguish_n of_o my_o mind_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o enrage_v and_o inflame_v it_o for_o that_o my_o calamity_n be_v fatal_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o avoid_v or_o remove_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n than_o a_o diminution_n of_o it_o or_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v as_o the_o same_o moralist_n otherwhiles_o do_v why_o shall_v i_o grieve_v at_o the_o evil_n that_o befall_v i_o when_o alas_o my_o grief_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v they_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o increase_v and_o multiply_v they_o contribute_v new_a venom_n to_o their_o sting_n and_o render_v they_o more_o pungent_a and_o dolorous_a what_o a_o faint_a cordial_n will_v it_o be_v to_o my_o oppress_a mind_n to_o consider_v that_o my_o grief_n will_v but_o augment_v my_o load_n it_o be_v some_o ease_n to_o a_o deject_a soul_n to_o vent_v its_o grief_n in_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n which_o while_o she_o seek_v to_o smother_v in_o a_o sullen_a silence_n like_o imprison_a wind_n will_v breed_v a_o colic_n in_o her_o bowel_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o i_o must_v deny_v myself_o the_o only_a solace_n of_o a_o miserable_a man_n for_o fear_v of_o augment_v my_o misery_n again_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o the_o same_o author_n that_o affliction_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o in_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o indifferent_o improvable_a into_o mischief_n or_o benefit_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n suppose_v that_o the_o affliction_n come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n who_o can_v extract_v good_a out_o of_o all_o our_o evil_n and_o render_v the_o rank_a poison_n medicinal_a but_o otherwise_o you_o will_v find_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cold_a comfort_n to_o call_v your_o misery_n by_o another_o name_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o temper_v our_o evil_n and_o to_o ordain_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n they_o will_v prove_v themselves_o evil_n to_o we_o by_o what_o soft_a name_n soever_o we_o may_v call_v they_o again_o and_o to_o name_n no_o more_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o as_o these_o master_n of_o morality_n do_v that_o to_o bear_v affliction_n with_o a_o unconcerned_a mind_n be_v brave_a and_o manly_a and_o generous_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o great_a and_o heroic_a mind_n that_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o misfortune_n i_o ready_o confess_v so_o it_o be_v suppose_v a_o man_n have_v good_a reason_n thus_o to_o bear_v his_o affliction_n which_o be_v the_o question_n in_o debate_n for_o than_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o reason_n over_o passion_n and_o a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o a_o well_o fortify_v mind_n but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o all_o these_o glorious_a word_n generous_a brave_n etc._n etc._n be_v nothing_o but_o empty_a flash_n and_o mere_a rodomontado_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v with_o evil_n without_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v generous_a and_o brave_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o brutal_a stupidity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n we_o have_v to_o support_v ourselves_o under_o any_o calamity_n but_o alas_o such_o real_a grief_n of_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v redress_v with_o pretty_a say_n and_o grave_a sentence_n which_o though_o they_o may_v look_v take_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v and_o experience_n they_o force_v we_o to_o pronounce_v as_o job_n do_v of_o his_o friend_n miserable_a comforter_n be_v you_o all_o and_o physician_n of_o no_o value_n so_o that_o be_v we_o leave_v destitute_a of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o those_o bless_a support_v we_o derive_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o
be_v compass_v about_o with_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n and_o which_o without_o god_n be_v our_o great_a misfortune_n we_o have_v a_o thing_n call_v reason_n within_o our_o breast_n which_o be_v very_o ingenious_a in_o give_v sting_n to_o our_o misery_n and_o vex_v we_o with_o cut_v reflection_n on_o they_o but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o qualify_v one_o grief_n or_o minister_v one_o dram_n of_o solid_a comfort_n to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o god_n there_o be_v such_o vast_a and_o innumerable_a comfort_n flow_v down_o to_o we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o providence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o to_o allay_v our_o sorrow_n but_o to_o convert_v they_o into_o joy_n and_o triumph_n for_o in_o he_o we_o behold_v not_o only_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o always_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o also_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o always_o will_v what_o it_o know_v to_o be_v so_o and_o a_o infinite_a power_n that_o always_o do_v what_o it_o will_v and_o whilst_o we_o see_v and_o consider_v this_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n can_v happen_v amiss_o to_o we_o welcome_o pain_n welcome_o pleasure_n welcome_o loss_n welcome_o gain_n welcome_a disgrace_n welcome_a honour_n for_o if_o we_o have_v but_o god_n our_o friend_n we_o may_v secure_o depend_v upon_o it_o that_o whatever_o befall_v we_o be_v best_o for_o we_o who_o but_o a_o madman_n therefore_o will_v ever_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n or_o make_v it_o his_o interest_n to_o exclude_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n indeed_o be_v he_o a_o envious_a malicious_a or_o tyrannical_a be_v that_o repine_v at_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o watch_v all_o opportunity_n to_o plague_n or_o destroy_v they_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o quit_v our_o mind_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o but_o to_o imagine_v it_o our_o interest_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o good_a god_n that_o out_o of_o the_o immense_a benignity_n of_o his_o nature_n espouse_n our_o interest_n and_o take_v care_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o understand_v our_o want_n and_o compassionate_v our_o suffering_n and_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o support_v and_o relieve_v we_o that_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o will_v infinite_o reward_v we_o for_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o that_o connive_n at_o our_o folly_n and_o pity_v our_o infirmity_n and_o upon_o our_o unfeigned_a repentance_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o even_o when_o we_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o provoke_v he_o to_o imagine_v it_o i_o say_v our_o interest_n to_o shake_v off_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o bless_a be_v as_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a height_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n for_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o tolerable_a for_o man_n that_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v pull_v down_o from_o the_o firmament_n and_o all_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n extinguish_v than_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n shall_v be_v banish_v from_o the_o world_n the_o absence_n of_o which_o will_v overspread_v mankind_n with_o such_o a_o dismal_a night_n of_o horror_n and_o despair_n and_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n as_o will_v render_v all_o wise_a and_o consider_a man_n weary_a of_o their_o being_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o wish_v a_o thousand_o time_n over_o as_o for_o the_o utmost_a good_a they_o can_v devise_v for_o themselves_o o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o a_o god_n at_o the_o helm_n of_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o may_v be_v steer_v by_o a_o infinite_a power_n that_o be_v always_o direct_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o always_o bias_v and_o incline_v by_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o brutish_a or_o irrational_a than_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o base_a lust_n that_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o bane_n of_o our_o society_n the_o vexation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o the_o disturbance_n of_o all_o our_o happiness_n to_o banish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n from_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o only_a support_n we_o can_v rational_o depend_v on_o iv._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v for_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v infinite_o the_o most_o unsafe_a and_o hazardous_a he_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o act_n according_o runs_z a_o very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a venture_n if_o in_o the_o issue_n of_o thing_n he_o shall_v chance_v to_o be_v mistake_v he_o only_o venture_v the_o dissatisfy_v a_o few_o extravagant_a lust_n the_o cross_v some_o irregular_a inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o if_o he_o have_v gratify_v will_v have_v vex_v and_o torment_v he_o and_o entangle_v his_o life_n with_o a_o thousand_o ill_a circumstance_n he_o only_o venture_v some_o prayer_n and_o some_o tear_n some_o watch_n and_o srugling_n and_o contention_n with_o himself_o and_o perhaps_o some_o reproach_n and_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n in_o exchange_n for_o which_o he_o have_v common_o a_o healthful_a and_o a_o prosperous_a a_o even_a safe_a and_o content_a life_n a_o quiet_a and_o a_o triumphant_a conscience_n and_o a_o joyous_a expectation_n of_o a_o blissful_a eternity_n to_o come_v which_o do_v outweigh_v all_o the_o incommodity_n he_o venture_v all_o the_o pain_n he_o undergo_v and_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o he_o debar_v himself_o and_o if_o in_o the_o conclusion_n when_o he_o resign_v up_o his_o breath_n it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o god_n nor_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n his_o condition_n will_v be_v altogether_o as_o good_a as_o the_o atheist_n with_o who_o he_o will_v sleep_v quiet_o in_o the_o same_o dust_n under_o the_o same_o everlasting_a insensibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o atheist_n by_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o act_v according_o runs_z the_o most_o desperate_a hazard_n in_o the_o world_n for_o beside_o that_o he_o throw_v away_o the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n and_o lay_v himself_o open_a to_o all_o contingency_n and_o resign_v up_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n together_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a futurity_n and_o all_o the_o innumerable_a joy_n it_o abound_v with_o beside_o all_o which_o i_o say_v he_o venture_v to_o be_v eternal_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o expose_v himself_o naked_a and_o defenceless_a to_o the_o unquenchable_a wrath_n of_o a_o everliving_a god_n in_o exchange_n for_o all_o which_o he_o have_v no_o other_o present_a compensation_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o riotous_a and_o tumultuary_a life_n which_o do_v always_o die_v away_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o be_v general_o dash_v and_o sophisticated_a with_o a_o thousand_o very_a sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a circumstance_n and_o then_o if_o when_o he_o conclude_v this_o present_a scene_n of_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v himself_o mistake_v in_o his_o atheistical_a confidence_n and_o be_v unexpected_o summon_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v and_o authority_n he_o have_v so_o peremptory_o deny_v and_o affront_v and_o from_o thence_o be_v transmit_v into_o a_o dismal_a eternity_n there_o to_o languish_v out_o a_o everlasting_a existence_n in_o remediless_a woe_n and_o unpitied_a lamentation_n how_o will_v it_o astonish_v and_o confound_v he_o to_o find_v his_o confident_a infidelity_n baffle_v by_o such_o a_o woeful_a experiment_n when_o instead_o of_o be_v asleep_a in_o a_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o insensibility_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o depend_v on_o he_o shall_v find_v himself_o waste_v to_o a_o strange_a shoar_n and_o there_o land_v among_o devil_n and_o miserable_a spirit_n in_o a_o state_n of_o endless_a easless_a and_o remediless_a calamity_n how_o blank_a and_o forlorn_a will_v the_o fool_n look_v to_o find_v himself_o thus_o fatal_o mistake_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o he_o know_v this_o may_v be_v the_o result_n and_o issue_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a hazard_n you_o see_v that_o good_a man_n run_v compare_v with_o that_o of_o the_o atheist_n for_o shall_v they_o be_v mistake_v their_o condition_n will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o at_o the_o wind_a up_o of_o the_o bottom_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o better_a it_o be_v story_v of_o a_o certain_a hermit_n who_o be_v retire_v from_o the_o world_n lead_v a_o very_a severe_a and_o mortify_a life_n that_o be_v one_o day_n meet_v by_o two_o cardinal_n who_o be_v ride_v by_o with_o a_o very_a pompous_a equipage_n be_v thus_o aco_v by_o they_o father_n why_o shall_v you_o thus_o mortify_v and_o macerate_v