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which_o i_o shall_v consider_v last_o of_o all_o and_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n shall_v offer_v a_o rational_a way_n of_o manage_v all_o dispute_n about_o religion_n so_o that_o after_o a_o full_a hear_n of_o what_o may_v be_v say_v we_o may_v arrive_v at_o a_o clear_a and_o well_o ground_a conviction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v consider_v what_o i_o go_v to_o lay_v before_o you_o with_o a_o mind_n calm_a and_o undisturbed_a and_o believe_v that_o in_o this_o i_o be_o act_v the_o part_n of_o one_o who_o be_v sincere_o your_o friend_n and_o servant_n gilbert_n burnet_n imprimatur_fw-la guliel_n wigan_n feb._n 27._o 1674_o 5._o the_o content_n chap._n i._o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n do_v prove_v convince_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a religion_n p._n 11._o chap._n iii_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o 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propagate_v as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v out_o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o so_o what_o must_v have_v be_v the_o strong_a argument_n use_v for_o it_o before_o it_o be_v so_o propagate_v either_o these_o be_v convince_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_a than_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o weak_a and_o unconclude_a argument_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o believe_v it_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v convince_a we_o either_o know_v they_o or_o we_o know_v they_o not_o if_o we_o know_v they_o not_o how_o can_v we_o judge_v they_o be_v convince_a if_o we_o know_v they_o than_o we_o may_v be_v as_o well_o convince_v by_o they_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o propose_v the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n offer_v be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o 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to_o these_o notion_n discern_v they_o more_o true_o and_o follow_v they_o more_o constant_o so_o that_o as_o a_o man_n see_v well_o when_o his_o eye_n do_v present_a object_n to_o he_o in_o their_o due_a colour_n and_o distance_n yet_o this_o prove_v no_o deity_n in_o like_a manner_n a_o man_n be_v better_a or_o worse_o as_o he_o discern_v and_o follow_v these_o common_a notice_n more_o or_o less_o exact_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v this_o argument_n and_o have_v find_v it_o so_o weak_a on_o all_o side_n that_o no_o weight_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o at_o all_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o have_v be_v put_v to_o act_v a_o very_a unpleasant_a part_n when_o i_o do_v but_o seem_v to_o defend_v atheism_n from_o any_o objection_n be_v bring_v against_o it_o but_o i_o know_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o prejudice_n a_o good_a cause_n than_o when_o it_o be_v maintain_v by_o argument_n palpable_o weak_a and_o unconclude_a for_o it_o make_v many_o overly_o considerer_n and_o 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sense_n can_v ascribe_v all_o this_o to_o fate_n or_o chance_n but_o the_o structure_n of_o animal_n the_o organ_n of_o sense_n the_o vessel_n of_o concoction_n the_o various_a ferment_n and_o the_o skilful_o dispose_v channel_n for_o convey_v nourishment_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n raise_v our_o wonder_n high_a which_o be_v at_o its_o full_a height_n when_o we_o examine_v the_o part_n of_o man_n body_n which_o amaze_v galen_n and_o make_v he_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o his_o maker_n upon_o so_o astonish_v a_o meditation_n if_o the_o brain_n and_o seat_n of_o memory_n and_o imagination_n be_v consider_v what_o a_o surprise_v thing_n be_v it_o to_o find_v such_o a_o substance_n the_o receptacle_n of_o so_o many_o various_a impression_n as_o make_v up_o all_o the_o word_n of_o every_o language_n we_o speak_v the_o figure_n of_o all_o person_n place_n and_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v or_o consider_v and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v so_o well_o dispose_v that_o we_o can_v draw_v they_o out_o when_o we_o please_v in_o so_o ready_a and_o natural_a a_o order_n and_o also_o that_o all_o word_n flow_v so_o easy_o through_o our_o mouth_n now_o this_o must_v either_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o fate_n or_o chance_n or_o of_o a_o intelligent_a wise_a be_v not_o of_o fate_n for_o beside_o that_o they_o can_v explain_v what_o that_o fate_n shall_v be_v every_o thing_n that_o flow_v from_o a_o natural_a cause_n must_v always_o operate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d way_n but_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o man_n temâ—ers_n apprehension_n and_o judgement_n the_o difference_n of_o their_o face_n eye_n way_n of_o speak_v write_v and_o walk_v show_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o fate_n nor_o can_v so_o much_o regularity_n and_o part_n so_o useful_a and_o well_o
dispose_v have_v run_v so_o together_o by_o chance_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v unequal_a and_o unconstant_a so_o that_o man_n formation_n must_v owe_v its_o original_a to_o a_o wise_a be_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n and_o mother_n every_o one_o know_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v some_o unseen_a wise_a be_v that_o create_v the_o universe_n and_o do_v not_o only_o at_o first_o set_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o in_o those_o channel_n wherein_o they_o still_o run_v but_o do_v continue_v to_o mould_v this_o matter_n according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o eternal_a mind_n all_o this_o receive_v a_o further_a confirmation_n from_o the_o many_o sudden_a change_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o command_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n who_o have_v force_v she_o out_o of_o her_o common_a method_n and_o operation_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n there_o be_v somewhat_o superior_a to_o matter_n and_o motion_n which_o can_v over-rule_v and_o govern_v it_o this_o have_v appear_v often_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o discern_a and_o impartial_a witness_n who_o have_v both_o confess_v and_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o as_o little_a to_o question_v the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v do_v in_o it_o and_o with_o it_o what_o he_o will_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o consider_v upon_o what_o true_a and_o solid_a ground_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n must_v rest_v which_o be_v indeed_o such_o that_o we_o need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o any_o little_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n to_o maintain_v they_o they_o require_v only_o a_o serious_a and_o think_v temper_n to_o examine_v and_o weigh_v thing_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o rational_a way_n without_o either_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n or_o the_o partiality_n of_o lust_n and_o interest_n chap._n ii_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a religion_n the_o next_o step_n i._o k._n make_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o define_v a_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v man_n in_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v be_v worship_v by_o they_o and_o in_o what_o matter_n he_o will_v be_v obey_v by_o they_o now_o he_o prove_v this_o for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a god_n we_o ought_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v worship_v by_o and_o obey_v he_o in_o what_o matter_n he_o will_v be_v obey_v by_o we_o as_o subject_n and_o servant_n reverence_n and_o â—bey_v their_o sovereign_n and_o master_n therefore_o if_o god_n be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a of_o all_o thing_n we_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o servant_n for_o certain_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o this_o he_o think_v none_o who_o grant_v a_o true_a god_n can_v deny_v and_o this_o way_n of_o worship_n must_v be_v assign_v by_o god_n and_o man_n must_v know_v it_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i._n k._n say_v on_o this_o head_n which_o be_v so_o extreme_o weak_a and_o ill_o prove_v that_o i_o be_o amaze_v he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o for_o he_o must_v remember_v he_o only_o pretend_v there_o be_v a_o be_v best_a of_o all_o other_o now_o though_o that_o be_v true_a it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o that_o that_o i_o must_v worship_n or_o obey_v god_n much_o less_o that_o i_o be_o his_o subject_n and_o servant_n all_o that_o will_v follow_v be_v only_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o esteem_v he_o the_o best_a of_o all_o being_n but_o why_o adore_v or_o obey_v he_o and_o why_o be_o i_o his_o servant_n or_o subject_a adoration_n and_o obedience_n can_v only_o be_v exact_v as_o act_n either_o of_o justice_n gratitude_n or_o interest_n if_o any_o have_v a_o right_n to_o my_o worship_n or_o obedience_n they_o be_v due_a to_o he_o in_o justice_n or_o if_o he_o have_v put_v such_o obligation_n on_o i_o that_o these_o be_v but_o a_o proportion_a return_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o than_o they_o be_v due_a in_o gratitude_n or_o if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o confer_v extraordinary_a favour_n or_o inflict_v most_o severe_a punishment_n than_o the_o avoid_v his_o displeasure_n and_o the_o procure_v his_o favour_n be_v necessary_a on_o the_o account_n of_o my_o own_o interest_n and_o so_o i_o must_v study_v to_o please_v he_o by_o worship_n and_o obedience_n but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v follow_v if_o it_o be_v only_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o best_a of_o being_n which_o be_v all_o i._o k._n attempt_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o epicurean_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o deity_n as_o he_o think_v he_o have_v prove_v yet_o they_o deny_v both_o creation_n providence_n and_o another_o state_n do_v throw_v off_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o superstition_n and_o i._n k._n define_v religion_n to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n teach_v we_o to_o worship_n and_o obey_v god_n so_o as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v go_v to_o prove_v there_o must_v be_v a_o religion_n because_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v be_v worship_v and_o obey_v so_o as_o please_v he_o now_o this_o be_v his_o definition_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n all_o one_o with_o it_o he_o prove_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o religion_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v a_o true_a god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o sophistical_a a_o way_n of_o procedure_v this_o be_v common_a sense_n not_o to_o say_v logic_n do_v make_v appear_v and_o thus_o he_o be_v again_o unhappy_a in_o this_o his_o second_o step_n but_o as_o in_o the_o former_a section_n i_o judge_v it_o ne-necessary_a to_o substitute_v some_o better_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n than_o he_o give_v so_o i_o shall_v now_o offer_v â—ome_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v there_o must_v be_v a_o religion_n and_o first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n as_o be_v already_o prove_v then_o we_o be_v his_o subject_n by_o that_o right_n of_o creation_n and_o owe_v our_o nature_n reason_n and_o life_n whole_o to_o he_o therefore_o as_o in_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o by_o our_o thankful_a praise_n and_o adoration_n so_o we_o ought_v by_o the_o same_o justice_n to_o give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o he_o and_o do_v and_o suffer_v what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o impression_n of_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o as_o be_v before_o prove_v the_o great_a and_o best_a nay_o and_o often_o the_o worst_a part_n of_o mankind_n feel_v on_o their_o heart_n which_o with_o the_o check_n and_o pang_n of_o conscience_n for_o sin_n show_v how_o religion_n be_v natural_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o proportion_v to_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o god_n create_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o he_o must_v uphold_v preserve_v and_o govern_v his_o own_o workmanship_n which_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o daily_a production_n of_o it_o do_v demonstrate_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a from_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a interruption_n and_o change_n which_o by_o his_o great_a power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a providence_n that_o watch_v over_o all_o humane_a thing_n and_o from_o who_o care_n all_o the_o blessing_n oâ—_n this_o life_n flow_v upon_o we_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v return_n suitable_a to_o such_o favour_n and_o likewise_o implore_v the_o continuance_n of_o they_o final_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o make_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n â—e_n must_v be_v both_o so_o good_a and_o so_o just_a as_o to_o protect_v and_o reward_v all_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o serve_v he_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o there_o must_v be_v some_o discrimination_n between_o those_o that_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o and_o those_o that_o do_v not_o so_o now_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o this_o life_n for_o often_o those_o who_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o be_v in_o great_a misery_n pain_n and_o trouble_n and_o live_v and_o die_v most_o uncomfortable_o whereas_o those_o who_o dishonour_n and_o disobey_v he_o be_v often_o in_o great_a honour_n and_o esteem_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o outward_a advantage_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o visible_a discrimination_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o that_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n it_o must_v certain_o be_v do_v at_o some_o time_n
or_o other_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o life_n it_o must_v be_v in_o another_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v our_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v this_o state_n when_o likewise_o we_o consider_v that_o matter_n in_o all_o its_o subtle_a refining_n and_o nimble_a motion_n give_v no_o discovery_n of_o sense_n or_o cogitation_n and_o yet_o we_o feel_v a_o think_v be_v within_o we_o which_o we_o plain_o perceive_v to_o be_v a_o be_v different_a from_o matter_n both_o in_o its_o act_n and_o nature_n we_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o we_o that_o must_v not_o necessary_o die_v at_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v confirm_v from_o innumerable_a story_n of_o the_o apparition_n of_o some_o rational_a being_n separate_v from_o body_n which_o in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n have_v abound_v and_o be_v as_o certain_o attest_v as_o ever_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v such_o their_o subtle_a reason_n both_o metaphysical_a and_o mathematical_a do_v demonstrate_v their_o survive_v this_o body_n be_v also_o gather_v from_o their_o frequent_a ascent_n above_o material_a figure_n and_o phantasm_n in_o their_o conception_n and_o inference_n which_o show_v they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o matter_n as_o not_o to_o outlive_v their_o union_n with_o it_o in_o fine_a the_o common_a apprehension_n which_o all_o think_v man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v own_v and_o which_o appear_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a at_o their_o death_n show_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v among_o those_o common_a notice_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o the_o soul_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v fair_o assume_v that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n survive_v their_o union_n with_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o own_o interest_n touch_v we_o or_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a reward_n or_o punishment_n work_v on_o our_o fear_n or_o hope_n we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v all_o dishonour_n disobey_v or_o offend_v this_o god_n and_o with_o the_o same_o care_n we_o must_v study_v to_o acknowledge_v our_o being_n be_v of_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n for_o which_o we_o must_v thank_v he_o and_o adore_v his_o bless_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n we_o must_v dedicate_v our_o whole_a life_n to_o his_o service_n that_o so_o we_o may_v still_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n here_o and_o in_o the_o next_o life_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o thus_o upon_o good_a and_o solid_a foundation_n i_o have_v build_v up_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a religion_n chap_n iii_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a reveal_v religion_n j._n k._n go_v on_o to_o prove_v this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v which_o he_o perform_v thus_o how_o can_v we_o know_v god_n will_n unless_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o for_o natural_a religion_n teach_v only_o in_o general_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o obey_v god_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o particular_a manner_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o worship_n and_o obedience_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o revelation_n yea_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v this_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o one_o yet_o at_o least_o that_o must_v be_v reveal_v in_o this_o reason_v i._o k._n have_v forget_v a_o very_a necessary_a distinction_n of_o revelation_n into_o that_o which_o be_v communicate_v natural_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o which_o be_v superad_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n or_o inspiration_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v a_o revelation_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o be_v not_o what_o i._n k._n drive_v at_o now_o he_o must_v be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o philosopher_n believe_v there_o be_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n such_o inscription_n of_o truth_n that_o if_o all_o shall_v purify_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o defilement_n lust_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o they_o shall_v then_o clear_o discern_v every_o thing_n that_o the_o deity_n enjoin_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o inspiration_n as_o a_o degree_n of_o madness_n which_o be_v only_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n who_o imaginative_a power_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o their_o reason_n and_o indeed_o they_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o juggle_n of_o their_o oracle_n that_o no_o wonder_n they_o study_v to_o detract_v from_o their_o authority_n all_o they_o can_v now_o i_o desire_v i._n k._n will_v review_v his_o discourse_n and_o see_v what_o strong_a or_o good_a reason_n it_o offer_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n so_o that_o his_o argument_n prove_v only_o that_o god_n must_v reveal_v how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o obey_v if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v do_v to_o all_o man_n by_o those_o common_a notice_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v bear_v with_o their_o soul_n he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o nothing_o to_o prove_v a_o further_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o make_v good_a this_o therefore_o against_o the_o philosopher_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o if_o mankind_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o purity_n wherein_o god_n do_v create_v our_o nature_n their_o reason_n be_v strong_a but_o they_o themselves_o complain_v of_o a_o great_a depravation_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o they_o find_v be_v much_o prevail_v on_o by_o sense_n and_o sensible_a object_n by_o education_n custom_n corporeal_a pleasure_n and_o the_o power_n of_o fancy_n and_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o they_o apprehend_v another_o prior_n state_n wherein_o our_o soul_n for_o some_o trespass_n have_v lose_v their_o wing_n and_o plume_n and_o so_o be_v degrade_v into_o body_n this_o show_v they_o find_v some_o corruption_n on_o their_o nature_n from_o which_o they_o study_v to_o emerge_n and_o do_v indeed_o attempt_v most_o glorious_o the_o recover_v themselves_o to_o their_o first_o original_n this_o be_v then_o confess_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v much_o darken_v and_o that_o our_o body_n appetite_n and_o fancy_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o they_o it_o will_v thence_o very_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v discover_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o our_o way_n of_o apprehend_v of_o divine_a thing_n may_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o much_o of_o a_o body_n and_o gross_a phantasm_n this_o be_v evident_o demonstrate_v in_o that_o numberless_a variety_n of_o opinion_n into_o which_o all_o nation_n be_v divide_v about_o religion_n a_o great_a mixture_n of_o bodily_a phantasm_n and_o gross_a pleasure_n appear_v both_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n about_o religion_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a the_o fate_n of_o the_o rabble_n but_o both_o tully_n and_o varro_n have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a diversity_n be_v among_o philosopher_n about_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o their_o thought_n of_o that_o primitive_a and_o first_o truth_n into_o how_o many_o division_n may_v we_o imagine_v they_o must_v have_v run_v about_o the_o other_o truth_n to_o be_v deduce_v from_o that_o since_o therefore_o man_n do_v so_o grope_v after_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o speculation_n of_o philosopher_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o they_o such_o plenary_a authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v other_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o decision_n thence_o i_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o clear_a and_o certain_a way_n for_o satisfy_v all_o mankind_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a and_o universal_a concern_v the_o speculation_n of_o philosopher_n be_v neither_o certain_a nor_o such_o as_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o man_n of_o weak_a understanding_n the_o only_a way_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o be_v either_o to_o make_v such_o plain_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o pleasure_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a place_n or_o to_o authorise_v some_o man_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o reveal_v god_n will_n to_o mankind_n now_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inspiration_n for_o if_o we_o make_v know_v our_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o form_v such_o a_o â—ound_n
or_o write_v such_o character_n as_o shall_v convey_v into_o the_o ear_n or_o eye_n of_o other_o corporeal_a impression_n from_o which_o they_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o thought_n which_o be_v a_o great_a way_n about_o and_o much_o more_o unintelligible_a though_o we_o be_v very_o sure_o it_o be_v true_a then_o that_o a_o spirit_n shall_v communicate_v its_o thought_n to_o our_o understanding_n which_o it_o may_v either_o do_v by_o such_o outward_a impression_n on_o our_o sense_n as_o bring_v the_o thought_n of_o other_o man_n to_o our_o knowledge_n or_o without_o these_o outward_a object_n may_v make_v the_o same_o impression_n on_o our_o brain_n and_o like_v to_o this_o be_v the_o impression_n make_v on_o we_o in_o sleep_n in_o which_o we_o imagine_v we_o converse_v with_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o final_o without_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o corporeal_a phantasm_n a_o spirit_n especiaal_o the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a spirit_n may_v immediate_o convey_v to_o our_o understanding_n its_o pleasure_n as_o well_o as_o our_o understanding_n do_v receive_v hint_n from_o gross_a phantasm_n which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n hard_a to_o conceive_v than_o this_o thus_o the_o atheist_n can_v propose_v nothing_o that_o will_v prove_v there_o can_v be_v no_o inspiration_n but_o there_o be_v great_a necessity_n of_o guard_v this_o both_o from_o the_o juggle_n of_o impostor_n and_o the_o more_o innocent_a though_o no_o less_o hurtful_a deceit_n of_o our_o heat_a fancy_n which_o may_v obtrude_v their_o notion_n on_o we_o as_o divine_a especial_o in_o some_o in_o who_o the_o spleen_n or_o hysterical_a distemper_n may_v produce_v strange_a effect_n therefore_o this_o must_v be_v well_o prove_v and_o warrant_v before_o other_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v or_o submit_v to_o it_o nor_o must_v the_o great_a heat_n and_o divine_a rapture_n of_o the_o inspire_a person_n engage_v our_o belief_n we_o know_v how_o the_o sibylls_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inspire_v and_o with_o what_o bacchic_a fury_n many_o heathen_a priest_n deliver_v some_o of_o their_o imposture_n and_o it_o be_v daily_o see_v what_o strange_a appearance_n of_o inspiration_n be_v in_o hysterical_a person_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v accompany_v with_o such_o other_o extraordinary_a character_n as_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o forgery_n of_o juggler_n nor_o the_o vapour_n of_o the_o spleen_n or_o mother_n and_o these_o be_v miracle_n or_o prophecy_n which_o be_v certain_a indication_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a presence_n with_o the_o inspire_a person_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v help_v i._n k._n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n for_o the_o ascertain_a mankind_n of_o the_o worship_n and_o obedience_n that_o god_n require_v and_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o great_a objection_n which_o deist_n and_o other_o enemy_n to_o revelation_n bring_v against_o it_o but_o i_o now_o follow_v he_o to_o his_o four_o proposition_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chap._n iu._n it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n have_v prove_v convince_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n j._n k._n go_v on_o in_o his_o series_n of_o truth_n and_o his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o indeed_o the_o atheism_n that_o have_v of_o late_o break_v out_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o upon_o we_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o excellent_a pen_n of_o all_o the_o party_n and_o division_n of_o christendom_n to_o stand_v up_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o closeness_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o may_v be_v just_o a_o problem_n whether_o that_o pestiferous_a contagion_n have_v not_o occasion_v as_o much_o good_a to_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o many_o admirable_a treatise_n have_v be_v write_v for_o it_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o it_o have_v do_v hurt_v by_o its_o own_o venom_n but_o to_o see_v i._o k._n manage_v so_o glorious_a a_o cause_n so_o poor_o and_o so_o faint_o after_o all_o that_o light_n which_o these_o book_n offer_v do_v just_o raise_v indignation_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o be_v afraid_a to_o bring_v out_o the_o strong_a proof_n for_o it_o lest_o it_o shall_v appear_v there_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o can_v be_v for_o the_o roman_a but_o i._o k._n be_v resolve_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o will_v manage_v this_o cause_n faint_o that_o he_o may_v maintain_v the_o other_o more_o strong_o and_o so_o it_o seem_v care_v not_o with_o how_o slender_a evidence_n â—e_v assert_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v but_o as_o undisputed_a his_o great_a argument_n for_o its_o truth_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v miraculous_o propagate_v which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v without_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n and_o these_o be_v manifest_a proof_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o confirm_v now_o since_o christian_a religion_n though_o it_o contain_v mystery_n far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o severity_n contrary_a to_o humane_a inclination_n yet_o have_v be_v propagate_v without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o man_n of_o themselves_o unfit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o have_v overcome_v other_o religion_n which_o be_v both_o well_o establish_v and_o preach_v liberty_n and_o pleasure_n then_o this_o be_v either_o do_v with_o miracle_n or_o without_o they_o if_o with_o they_o it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v miracle_n if_o without_o they_o such_o a_o propagation_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i._n k._n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o this_o alone_a can_v satisfy_v a_o consider_a mind_n for_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o believe_v any_o religion_n that_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v very_o great_a and_o far_o above_o we_o so_o that_o miracle_n can_v determine_v my_o belief_n since_o there_o must_v go_v somewhat_o previous_a to_o that_o therefore_o moses_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o though_o a_o prophet_n 1._o by_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n do_v amuse_v they_o and_o upon_o that_o persuade_v they_o to_o go_v after_o other_o god_n they_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o prophet_n but_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o 9_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v another_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v anathematise_v so_o that_o miracle_n or_o other_o extraordinary_a apparition_n do_v not_o prove_v a_o prophet_n therefore_o the_o first_o and_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n which_o be_v all_o so_o congruous_a to_o the_o common_a impression_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o this_o must_v prove_v as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o teach_v we_o that_o his_o miracle_n be_v true_a one_o and_o not_o wrought_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n since_o his_o doctrine_n 31._o be_v opposite_a and_o destructive_a of_o his_o interest_n and_o kingdom_n and_o our_o saviour_n also_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v most_o common_o from_o this_o topick_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_v but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o himself_o nor_o his_o own_o honour_n but_o his_o father_n again_o our_o saviour_n assert_n his_o authority_n from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o inspire_v person_n of_o that_o dispensation_n who_o prediction_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v all_o agree_n to_o he_o and_o receive_v completion_n in_o he_o and_o from_o these_o our_o saviour_n often_o silence_v the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v to_o we_o still_o a_o strong_a argument_n that_o these_o book_n which_o the_o enemy_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v still_o keep_v as_o sacred_a and_o have_v among_o they_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n do_v give_v such_o clear_a and_o evident_a character_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o their_o messiah_n as_o must_v needs_o convince_v every_o serious_a and_o sober_a enquirer_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o the_o mighty_a work_n he_o do_v be_v by_o the_o presence_n and_o wonderful_a assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o for_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o i._n k._n will_v resolve_v all_o our_o certainty_n concern_v they_o into_o a_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a way_n to_o prove_v they_o then_o if_o christian_n religion_n have_v not_o be_v so_o
see_v such_o a_o supplement_n to_o what_o he_o have_v so_o scant_o propose_v but_o i_o be_o afraid_a and_o perhaps_o not_o without_o reason_n that_o he_o know_v how_o weak_a his_o argument_n must_v needs_o be_v for_o the_o two_o position_n that_o follow_v and_o yet_o design_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o reader_n all_o the_o six_o as_o equal_o certain_a he_o will_v needs_o disguise_v the_o first_o four_o and_o propose_v they_o so_o weak_o guard_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o six_o may_v be_v of_o a_o piece_n but_o i_o have_v hitherto_o help_v i._n k._n henceforth_o i_o quit_v that_o part_n and_o go_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o downright_a opposition_n to_o he_o in_o what_o remain_v chap_n v._n it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v true_a j._n k._n now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o all_o along_o and_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a than_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o same_o proof_n that_o it_o have_v at_o least_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v solid_a must_v needs_o be_v true_a since_o then_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o common_a solid_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o its_o truth_n therefore_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n must_v be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v solid_o prove_v by_o the_o like_a propagation_n for_o though_o it_o contain_v very_o hard_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n as_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o very_a hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_v etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o have_v be_v propagate_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o stranger_n who_o have_v convert_v nation_n from_o paganism_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o s._n austin_n the_o monk_n do_v in_o england_n and_o xaverius_n in_o the_o indies_n and_o many_o other_o in_o other_o place_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o history_n nor_o can_v any_o exception_n be_v make_v against_o it_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n may_v not_o make_v against_o the_o same_o proâ—f_n bring_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o use_v s._n augustine_n dilemma_n this_o propagation_n of_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v either_o with_o or_o without_o miracle_n if_o with_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v true_a since_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n if_o without_o they_o than_o no_o miracle_n be_v great_a than_o this_o propagation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v roman_a catholic_n as_o we_o have_v to_o be_v christian_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a enough_o why_o i._o k._n will_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o he_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v his_o design_n but_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a section_n have_v undermine_v this_o fabric_n since_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n be_v neither_o the_o only_a nor_o the_o chief_a proof_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o before_o we_o believe_v even_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v of_o god_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o the_o one_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v all_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o other_o be_v that_o all_o he_o say_v and_o deliver_v agree_v with_o the_o prophecy_n have_v go_v before_o so_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v first_o see_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o then_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o full_o with_o both_o the_o testament_n as_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n do_v with_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o prophet_n if_o this_o method_n be_v take_v i_o be_o afraid_a i._n k._n will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o roman_a doctrine_n what_o a_o sanctuary_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o impiety_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o dispense_v pardon_v and_o give_v indulgence_n for_o all_o sin_n upon_o such_o trifle_a account_n witness_v the_o present_a year_n with_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o such_o as_o go_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o a_o patrociny_n to_o impenitence_n be_v their_o opinion_n of_o a_o simple_a attrition_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a trade_n of_o their_o penance_n and_o absolution_n look_n like_o a_o design_n to_o quiet_a all_o man_n conscience_n let_v they_o lead_v as_o bad_a life_n as_o they_o will_n beside_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o have_v tolerate_v a_o great_a many_o casuist_n who_o have_v find_v out_o distinction_n to_o excuse_v man_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n and_o have_v 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nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o the_o new_a creature_n there_o be_v neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o that_o one_o god_n do_v both_o justify_v the_o circumcision_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n through_o faith_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n may_v be_v save_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o yet_o that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o error_n can_v be_v dispute_v by_o none_o who_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a that_o they_o hold_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o abraham_n by_o god_n so_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o s._n paul_n in_o one_o breath_n both_o condemn_v this_o opinion_n as_o erroneous_a and_o yet_o allow_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v it_o with_o how_o many_o error_n do_v s._n john_n 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of_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o that_o he_o strike_v at_o the_o divine_a veracity_n for_o among_o man_n who_o think_v that_o any_o wrong_v his_o veracity_n if_o another_o mistake_v his_o meaning_n and_o understand_v his_o word_n in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v and_o express_v certain_o he_o who_o so_o mistake_v after_o the_o true_a meaning_n be_v clear_v can_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v fasten_v any_o reproach_n upon_o the_o candour_n of_o he_o who_o word_n he_o mistake_v all_o the_o blame_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v only_o on_o his_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a case_n if_o all_o our_o mistake_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v infer_v a_o charge_v god_n with_o error_n or_o corruption_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v spend_v too_o many_o word_n about_o it_o and_o this_o argument_n of_o i._o k_n can_v but_o upon_o first_o read_v appear_v to_o all_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o weigh_v and_o examine_v truth_n to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o crude_a ill_n digest_v and_o ill_o palliate_v sophistry_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o follow_v i._n k._n through_o those_o six_o point_n he_o imagine_v he_o have_v demonstrate_v and_o have_v show_v how_o true_a the_o first_o four_o be_v but_o how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o account_v they_o such_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v for_o their_o proof_n and_o how_o false_a the_o other_o two_o be_v and_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o what_o be_v already_o set_v down_o hold_v true_a and_o be_v found_v on_o good_a reason_n i_o need_v not_o follow_v he_o through_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n it_o be_v only_o a_o direction_n to_o his_o gentle_a courteous_a reader_n how_o to_o manage_v this_o method_n of_o argue_v so_o as_o to_o convince_v all_o person_n that_o dissent_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o think_v be_v a_o mathematical_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o such_o as_o no_o 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and_o endless_a wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n in_o matter_n of_o philosophy_n in_o which_o man_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o game_n of_o dispute_v and_o subtilise_v about_o nothing_o and_o go_v from_o those_o study_n to_o divinity_n and_o carrying_z that_o same_o temper_n and_o fiery_a edge_n along_o with_o they_o they_o make_v all_o that_o work_n about_o it_o which_o have_v now_o so_o long_o divide_v the_o world_n they_o be_v also_o by_o a_o long_a practice_n habituate_v to_o many_o maxim_n and_o axiom_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o deny_v come_v real_o to_o believe_v those_o be_v true_a and_o to_o carry_v they_o along_o with_o they_o to_o all_o their_o theological_a debate_n all_o which_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o compare_v their_o philosophical_a and_o theological_a work_n from_o which_o many_o of_o their_o strange_a inference_n and_o position_n do_v take_v their_o rise_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a do_v still_o 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along_o with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o inquiry_n which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v want_v if_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o sincere_a &_o well_o prepare_v mind_n not_o bias_v nor_o prepossess_v and_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v both_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n for_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o whoso_o seek_v shall_v find_v so_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o assist_v all_o that_o sincere_o seek_v after_o life_n and_o happiness_n but_o if_o any_o come_v to_o this_o study_n without_o he_o be_v due_o prepare_v he_o have_v himself_o to_o thank_v if_o he_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o next_o thing_n a_o exact_a searcher_n into_o religion_n must_v labour_v in_o be_v once_o to_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o small_a game_n of_o some_o particular_a and_o obscure_a passage_n but_o to_o 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faithful_a preserve_n and_o transcribe_v they_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v receive_v the_o church_n testimony_n as_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o convey_v these_o book_n to_o we_o but_o a_o authority_n sacred_a and_o solemn_o declare_v be_v require_v in_o a_o judge_n and_o this_o no_o church_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v as_o divine_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o judge_n since_o all_o its_o jurisdiction_n be_v derive_v from_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v but_o because_o there_o be_v person_n of_o a_o mean_a condition_n and_o not_o educate_v so_o as_o to_o make_v all_o the_o inquiry_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o so_o important_a a_o business_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o short_a method_n for_o such_o