their_o life_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o example_n do_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o society_n it_o be_v therefore_o false_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v arbitrary_a law_n and_o no_o commandment_n give_v to_o man_n for_o their_o good_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o god_n will_v have_v mystery_n in_o religion_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a only_o to_o humble_v man._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v no_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v none_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o confuse_a one_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o exact_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o general_a and_o confuse_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o understand_v not_o at_o all_o see_v to_o believe_v that_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v perceive_v between_o the_o term_n it_o be_v make_v of_o as_o logician_n teach_v and_o none_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o a_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o perceive_v for_o example_n when_o i_o be_o tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o dead_a and_o to_o rise_v but_o also_o clear_o perceive_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o those_o two_o thing_n though_o i_o do_v know_v distinct_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o if_o i_o be_v tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o not_o rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n dead_a and_o to_o rise_v perceive_v no_o relation_n between_o a_o affirmation_n and_o a_o negation_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o contradictory_n proposition_n they_o can_v be_v a_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o it_o understand_v at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n such_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n which_o contain_v several_a such_o proposition_n when_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v propose_v to_o unbeliever_n as_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n they_o fail_v not_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o chief_a reason_n they_o allege_v to_o make_v that_o history_n suspect_v be_v the_o false_a miracle_n which_o be_v now_o give_v out_o as_o true_a one_o to_o keep_v people_n in_o their_o duty_n by_o this_o pious_a fraud_n those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o that_o art_n or_o endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v those_o pretend_a miracle_n can_v reply_v nothing_o to_o unbeliever_n without_o condemn_v themselves_o or_o betray_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o be_v far_o from_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o bold_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v mere_a imposture_n fancy_v the_o former_a be_v so_o too_o those_o who_o cast_v in_o their_o way_n that_o stumbling-block_n be_v bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o man_n of_o no_o judgement_n or_o less_o conscience_n but_o though_o unbeliever_n may_v triumph_v over_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o assert_v some_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v they_o can_v say_v against_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v ground_v be_v like_o those_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v every_o day_n first_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n affect_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n every_o minute_n and_o out_o of_o ostentation_n such_o as_o be_v those_o that_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o second_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v get_v no_o money_n by_o publish_v they_o abroad_o as_o it_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o to_o who_o those_o church_n belong_v wherein_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v that_o very_a thing_n viz._n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n bring_v wealth_n to_o the_o master_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v one_o right_o suspect_v whatever_o be_v say_v about_o it_o three_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v ground_v be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o who_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o those_o miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o have_v examine_v they_o shall_v have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v such_o a_o discovery_n have_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o man_n ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o inquisition_n where_o it_o be_v set_v up_o or_o of_o draw_v on_o themselves_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o mob_n which_o sometime_o be_v not_o less_o to_o be_v fead_v than_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o be_v wellgrounded_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a but_o when_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n beside_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o fact_n one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v it_o but_o no_o body_n dare_v do_v that_o now_o with_o respect_n to_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a thus_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o be_v say_v for_o those_o of_o our_o time_n none_o but_o those_o who_o want_v either_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n will_v compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v here_o that_o unbeliever_n pretend_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o what_o i_o have_v suppose_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n now_o they_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a now_o there_o be_v none_o neither_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o former_o because_o the_o only_a reason_n that_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o work_v miracle_n many_o century_n ago_o be_v the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o other_o way_n and_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n subsist_v still_o so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v god_n be_v not_o less_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n out_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v now_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ancient_a miracle_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v of_o use_n to_o cure_v our_o doubt_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v establish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a because_o the_o history_n of_o religion_n preserve_v the_o proof_n of_o those_o that_o be_v do_v at_o its_o first_o establishment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o history_n be_v doubt_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o new_a miracle_n be_v now_o require_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v good_a as_o we_o affirm_v and_o if_o they_o be_v doubt_v of_o only_o out_o of_o a_o ill_a principle_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n goodness_n if_o there_o remain_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o much_o worse_a than_o with_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n he_o wrought_v miracle_n former_o but_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o history_n to_o be_v true_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o miracle_n this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o man_n have_v not_o now_o the_o same_o reason_n
disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o all_o place_n that_o not_o only_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v do_v work_v numberless_a miracle_n whilst_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n but_o that_o he_o also_o leave_v the_o same_o power_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o day_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o excite_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v nor_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v send_v they_o no_o more_o prophet_n to_o work_v any_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o expect_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o give_v so_o little_a heed_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o nation_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v they_o ill_o without_o examine_v in_o the_o least_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o have_v two_o jewish_a author_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o philo_n and_o joseph_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o these_o matter_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o write_n philo_z write_v a_o great_a many_o book_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n be_v allegorical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o some_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o gospel_n if_o he_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o it_o if_o he_o disbelieved_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v at_o least_o have_v endeavour_v to_o confute_v it_o somewhere_o but_o he_o say_v not_o a_o word_n for_o or_o against_o it_o which_o be_v sign_n enough_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o eusebius_n therapeutes_fw-gr eusebius_n hist_o ecclesiast_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 17._o see_v jos_n scaliger_n l._n 7._o de_fw-la emendat_fw-la temp._n valesius_fw-la upon_o eusebius_n and_o thomas_n brown_a in_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o therapeutes_fw-gr and_o some_o learned_a man_n after_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr of_o alexandria_n who_o encomium_n be_v write_v by_o philo_n in_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n be_v christian_n but_o nothing_o except_o a_o desire_n of_o confound_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o author_n can_v discover_v christian_n to_o eusebius_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr where_o one_o syllable_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o where_o all_o that_o philo_n say_v do_v perfect_o quadrate_n to_o some_o of_o the_o essean_n who_o form_v as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v a_o particular_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o desire_n of_o convince_a infidel_n shall_v not_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o weak_a proof_n against_o they_o for_o certain_o such_o method_n must_v needs_o render_v they_o more_o averse_a to_o christianity_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o by_o man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a read_n or_o judgement_n but_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v with_o respect_n to_o 8._o to_o antiq._n jud._n l._n 18._o c._n 4_o &_o 8._o joseph_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o produce_v out_o of_o he_o wherein_o he_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o place_n to_o examine_v these_o passage_n which_o learned_a man_n letter_n man_n see_v le_fw-fr feure_n in_o his_o critical_a letter_n believe_v be_v insert_v by_o some_o christian_a into_o the_o text_n of_o joseph_n but_o be_v this_o as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o joseph_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o child_n whereof_o st._n matthew_n speak_v nor_o of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v suppose_v by_o any_o to_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o christianity_n except_o by_o such_o as_o never_o read_v his_o work_n have_v he_o know_v a_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v content_a to_o mention_v he_o only_o en_fw-fr passant_a and_o in_o so_o few_o word_n he_o will_v be_v large_a upon_o that_o subject_a no_o doubt_n as_o it_o well_o deserve_v it_o may_v be_v therefore_o positive_o affirm_v that_o joseph_n how_o exact_a soever_o repute_v to_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n do_v shameful_o neglect_v inform_v himself_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n although_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o excuse_v be_v plead_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n or_o a_o little_a after_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o some_o christian_n yet_o never_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o christianity_n itself_o be_v 44._o be_v annak_n l._n 15._o c._n 44._o tacitus_n 10._o tacitus_n ep._n l._n 10._o plinius_n and_o 25._o and_o in_o claud._n c._n 25._o suetonius_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o want_v not_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v it_o though_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v polite_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o have_v spend_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o age_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n now_o this_o philosophy_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n comparable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v the_o learned_a of_o rome_n neglect_v these_o thing_n only_o because_o barbarian_n as_o the_o grecian_n speak_v have_v declare_v they_o for_o they_o well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o famous_a sage_n of_o greece_n have_v undertake_v long_a voyage_n to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o learn_v their_o opinion_n what_o make_v they_o contemn_v the_o christian_n then_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o a_o scandalous_a neglect_n proceed_v from_o the_o predominant_a passion_n of_o most_o people_n for_o ordinary_o they_o apply_v themselves_o only_o to_o what_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o may_v contribute_v to_o have_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o abide_v the_o literature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o laertius_n the_o see_v the_o preface_n of_o diogen_n laertius_n greek_n be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a repute_n at_o rome_n and_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n do_v value_v themselves_o upon_o these_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a there_o because_o it_o contain_v not_o any_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o add_v more_o lustre_n to_o such_o as_o do_v aspire_v to_o the_o great_a dignity_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n make_v the_o athenian_n neglect_v the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n of_o understand_v the_o gospel_n when_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o their_o city_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o and_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o have_v they_o as_o much_o good_a sense_n as_o they_o have_v vanity_n at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o call_v he_o a_o babbler_n 22._o act_n 17.18_o 22._o and_o after_o listen_v a_o while_n to_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o of_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o other_o put_v he_o off_o till_o some_o other_o time_n and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o proceed_v in_o part_n from_o a_o unblamable_a neglect_n that_o will_v not_o let_v they_o inform_v themselves_o thorough_o about_o what_o st._n paul_n declare_v although_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o athenian_n and_o the_o stranger_n who_o follow_v their_o study_n there_o be_v man_n of_o much_o leisure_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o news_n 21._o ver._n 21._o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o philosopher_n 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the_o want_n of_o a_o little_a quiet_a whereof_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o for_o some_o small_a time_n but_o methinks_v a_o short_a term_n of_o carelessness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a value_n with_o a_o man_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o quit_v it_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v live_v in_o this_o eternal_a indifference_n for_o all_o that_o require_v application_n if_o any_o leave_v this_o laziness_n for_o other_o thing_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o bring_v for_o not_o quit_v it_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v his_o own_o state_n as_o to_o religion_n if_o indeed_o after_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o man_n can_v not_o enjoy_v his_o former_a quiet_n he_o may_v plead_v very_o plausible_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o carriage_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a after_o fatigue_v himself_o a_o little_a his_o repose_n be_v but_o the_o more_o pleasant_a and_o so_o the_o lazy_a shall_v by_o this_o principle_n at_o 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christianity_n i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o laziness_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o person_n who_o disagree_v to_o it_o but_o when_o they_o will_v actual_o get_v quit_v of_o this_o passion_n they_o find_v themselves_o so_o much_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o be_v cure_v or_o to_o form_v a_o opposite_a habit._n beside_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v in_o a_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o this_o idle_a temper_n which_o be_v not_o only_o infinite_o more_o satisfactory_a but_o likewise_o much_o more_o reasonable_a and_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n will_v be_v prefer_v to_o a_o shameful_a quiet_n worthy_a of_o beast_n then_o men._n let_v we_o imagine_v now_o such_o a_o lazy_a person_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o let_v we_o compare_v his_o condition_n to_o that_o of_o 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they_o it_o can_v be_v say_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v interest_n which_o engage_v they_o in_o it_o or_o that_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o first_o undertake_n have_v jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o considerable_a provision_n for_o such_o as_o will_v preach_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o may_v and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v never_o the_o false_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o show_v unbeliever_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_v at_o all_o by_o any_o interest_n and_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o most_o considerable_a proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o preach_v herein_o we_o have_v matter_n of_o praise_v divine_a providence_n that_o have_v take_v such_o care_n about_o the_o first_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o prevent_v those_o disadvantageous_a suspicion_n which_o people_n may_v nourish_v concern_v any_o establishment_n like_o the_o 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can_v without_o injustice_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o to_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v nor_o can_v they_o be_v blame_v neither_o who_o have_v augment_v the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n of_o churchman_n because_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a design_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a enough_o for_o such_o as_o enjoy_v those_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n to_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o most_o do_v if_o after_o make_v as_o modest_a expense_n as_o can_v be_v for_o the_o external_a part_n they_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o revenue_n to_o some_o good_a purpose_n where_o be_v the_o harm_n of_o this_o be_v there_o any_o law_n in_o be_v that_o prohibit_v it_o no_o sure_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v oblige_v humble_a and_o moderate_a or_o from_o remember_v their_o former_a condition_n before_o they_o come_v to_o these_o dignity_n who_o will_v not_o heap_v commendation_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o do_v so_o manage_v themselves_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v their_o avarice_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n they_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o dignity_n aforesaid_a but_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n more_o and_o to_o lead_v the_o people_n to_o piety_n and_o charity_n by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a efficacy_n than_o their_o discourse_n have_v there_o not_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o time_n some_o clergyman_n that_o behave_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o who_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o respect_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o be_v the_o bishop_n whereof_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n speak_v immediate_o after_o give_v that_o description_n of_o those_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a weight_n as_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o show_v every_o where_o clear_a token_n of_o his_o sincerity_n they_o may_v say_v he_o be_v real_o happy_a if_o despise_v the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n wherein_o they_o conceal_v their_o vice_n they_o have_v imitate_v the_o way_n of_o live_v of_o some_o prelate_n in_o the_o province_n who_o the_o frugality_n of_o their_o table_n the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o habit_n and_o their_o eye_n always_o fix_v upon_o the_o ground_n do_v render_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o true_a worshipper_n as_o virtuous_a and_o modest_a person_n therefore_o it_o be_v unjust_o do_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o attribute_v to_o the_o old_a or_o modern_a christianity_n the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n and_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o worst_a reason_v that_o can_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v answer_v to_o the_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n draw_v from_o the_o scandalous_a manner_n after_o which_o 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to_o provide_v a_o remedy_n against_o this_o disgrace_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o those_o who_o first_o spread_v it_o throughout_o all_o the_o world_n have_v order_v their_o disciple_n to_o suffer_v no_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n not_o even_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o essential_a and_o to_o persecute_v those_o who_o will_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n follow_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o great_a number_n the_o libertine_n may_v then_o questionless_a just_o attribute_v to_o they_o all_o the_o sad_a consequence_n that_o proceed_v from_o that_o intolerate_a principle_n whereof_o some_o divine_n make_v profession_n but_o it_o be_v just_a the_o contrary_a the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n recommend_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o moderation_n and_o charity_n in_o such_o dissension_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n agree_v not_o well_o with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o jew_n among_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v the_o gentile_n observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n which_o the_o levitical_a law_n introduce_v and_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o the_o gentile_n who_o know_v that_o god_n require_v this_o observation_n only_o from_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o too_o but_o whilst_o they_o have_v a_o separate_a government_n to_o themselves_o deny_v submission_n to_o this_o yoke_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o affair_n what_o counsel_n do_v st._n paul_n give_v his_o disciple_n do_v they_o say_v that_o the_o one_o must_v follow_v the_o practice_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o other_o in_o all_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n do_v they_o order_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o persecute_v as_o soon_o as_o she_o can_v be_v able_a all_o those_o who_o sentiment_n shall_v
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o 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the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o 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apostle_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v but_o i_o affirm_v again_o that_o that_o very_a thing_n will_v raise_v suspicion_n against_o they_o and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n before_o i_o show_v it_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v blame_v art_n and_o eloquence_n as_o be_v pernicious_a and_o useless_a on_o all_o occasion_n on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o can_v be_v too_o much_o esteem_v that_o be_v those_o who_o use_v it_o to_o vindicate_v and_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n i_o only_o design_v to_o show_v that_o it_o fall_v out_o better_o that_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v destitute_a of_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o happen_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o leave_v to_o posterity_n the_o life_n discourse_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v man_n of_o great_a eloquence_n and_o perfect_a master_n 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the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o eloquence_n of_o its_o first_o preacher_n not_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v at_o most_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o rational_a philosophy_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v till_o that_o time_n but_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o moral_a rule_n they_o will_v have_v doubt_v of_o its_o divinity_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o rather_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostle_n meditation_n than_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o have_v write_v the_o life_n of_o their_o master_n and_o publish_v his_o discourse_n without_o any_o art_n or_o method_n they_o can_v be_v suspect_v neither_o to_o have_v contrive_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o to_o have_v use_v any_o artifice_n to_o make_v a_o lie_n look_v with_o the_o air_n of_o truth_n their_o great_a simplicity_n which_o appear_v every_o where_o and_o their_o take_a no_o care_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o reader_n be_v evident_a mark_v not_o only_o of_o their_o being_n not_o able_a to_o deceive_v but_o also_o of_o their_o sincerity_n the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o their_o preach_v though_o destitute_a of_o whatever_o raise_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o orator_n and_o philosopher_n be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v favour_v by_o heaven_n 5._o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v say_v one_o of_o they_o be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o miracle_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o circumstance_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o make_v one_o doubt_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o examine_v we_o shall_v see_v that_o god_n can_v not_o give_v more_o sensible_a mark_n of_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o it_o but_o by_o choose_v those_o who_o ministry_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o propagate_v it_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o resolve_v the_o particular_a objection_n which_o unbeliever_n may_v raise_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o answer_n to_o which_o must_v be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o have_v direct_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v now_o nor_o can_v unbeliever_n accuse_v i_o of_o draw_v a_o consequence_n that_o extend_v far_a than_o the_o proof_n i_o make_v use_v of_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o to_o fancy_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o mere_a credulity_n that_o the_o ignorance_n or_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o in_o the_o least_o that_o though_o many_o profess_v it_o out_o of_o interest_n for_o many_o age_n past_a rather_o than_o out_o of_o persuasion_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v suspect_v concern_v its_o first_o founder_n that_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v one_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o that_o the_o falsity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o christian_n now_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n last_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n represent_v it_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o unbeliever_n will_v serious_o think_v upon_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v those_o proposition_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o and_o then_o they_o may_v find_v without_o any_o difficulty_n a_o answer_n to_o all_o their_o particular_a objection_n as_o soon_o as_o some_o undeniable_a principle_n have_v be_v lay_v down_o which_o influence_n all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n several_a thing_n which_o before_o seem_v difficult_a cease_v then_o to_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o one_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v every_o day_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n remain_v uncertain_a or_o unknown_a every_o thing_n make_v man_n perplex_v and_o the_o long_o they_o live_v in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o more_o the_o difficulty_n increase_v as_o soon_o as_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o several_a part_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n from_o those_o of_o many_o christian_n of_o this_o time_n they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o and_o the_o behaviour_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o at_o all_o like_a the_o doctrine_n of_o ancient_a christianity_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o thing_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o a_o dispute_n wherein_o man_n only_a design_n to_o show_v their_o wit_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o search_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v equal_o useful_a to_o both_o side_n unbeliever_n ought_v therefore_o to_o part_v altogether_o with_o that_o spirit_n of_o wrangle_a which_o make_v they_o so_o eager_a to_o
induce_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o after_o this_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v have_v some_o effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n i_o design_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o method_n in_o the_o present_a discourse_n where_o after_o have_v examine_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o show_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o those_o argument_n draw_v from_o without_o by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o i_o begin_v i_o must_v once_o more_o advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o i_o attack_z be_v neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o mahometans_n but_o those_o who_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n conceal_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o real_a thought_n from_o the_o world_n but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o do_v it_o without_o danger_n they_o declare_v to_o their_o friend_n in_o private_a that_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o not_o but_o that_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometans_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o those_o unbeliever_n whereof_o i_o treat_v but_o it_o will_v be_v labour_n in_o vain_a to_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o such_o as_o never_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o who_o because_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o a_o manner_n uncapable_a of_o reason_v right_o i_o write_v mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unbeliever_n among_o christian_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n be_v like_a to_o come_v or_o for_o such_o as_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v seduce_v by_o their_o reason_n beside_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o common_o reject_v whatever_o be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v yet_o another_o kind_n of_o man_n infinite_o more_o numerous_a who_o be_v unbeliever_n by_o half_n and_o to_o who_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n may_v be_v proper_o apply_v these_o own_o in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a but_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o admit_v of_o no_o particular_a therein_o that_o be_v absolute_o incompatible_a with_o their_o own_o inclination_n or_o habit_n such_o doctrine_n they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelic_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o reject_v half_a the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o entire_o renounce_v it_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v thus_o divide_v between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n whilst_o i_o prove_v against_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o their_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n i_o show_v to_o those_o half-vnbelievers_a that_o they_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o in_o receive_v nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o what_o serve_v their_o turn_n final_o i_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v exhaust_v the_o subject_a i_o treat_v of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o case_n or_o question_n may_v be_v raise_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o examine_v they_o all_o and_o there_o may_v be_v i_o deny_v not_o even_o some_o general_a maxim_n forget_v by_o i_o which_o can_v be_v commodious_o reduce_v to_o those_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o worthy_a nevertheless_o to_o be_v discuss_v and_o serviceable_a to_o my_o design_n but_o this_o other_o may_v do_v if_o they_o think_v fit_a or_o i_o may_v do_v it_o one_o day_n myself_o if_o i_o shall_v ever_o enlarge_v this_o work_n i_o have_v purposely_o say_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o i_o examine_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o answer_n to_o many_o particular_a objection_n they_o be_v wont_v to_o make_v may_v not_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o book_n they_o must_v be_v look_v after_o in_o system_n of_o theology_n or_o in_o the_o commentator_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o these_o particular_a objection_n be_v to_o be_v little_o fear_v when_o once_o all_o general_a difficulty_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o understanding_n because_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o answer_v the_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o solve_v the_o other_o or_o at_o least_o prevent_v their_o have_v any_o ill_a effect_n if_o they_o can_v be_v answer_v as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n part_n i._o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n i._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o have_v man_n be_v pure_a intelligence_n sole_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n dispose_v to_o regulate_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v and_o all_o this_o without_o cause_v to_o they_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o thing_n needful_a than_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o reform_v their_o conduct_n but_o only_o to_o demonstrate_v those_o truth_n to_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a before_o and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o live_v not_o according_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o man_n form_n of_o most_o thing_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v contract_v and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o correct_v as_o upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o ratiocination_n such_o as_o be_v accustom_a for_o example_n to_o live_v idle_o never_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o that_o can_v thus_o pass_v away_o their_o time_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o poverty_n these_o i_o say_v look_v upon_o all_o reason_n offer_v for_o painstaking_a or_o study_n to_o be_v only_o the_o discourse_n of_o morose_a people_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n the_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v some_o way_n useful_a to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n appear_v to_o such_o without_o any_o foundation_n though_o other_o judge_v they_o demonstrative_a but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v it_o be_v because_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v get_v of_o live_v in_o idleness_n keep_v they_o from_o attentive_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o they_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o quite_o contrary_a idea_n the_o remembrance_n whereof_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o grateful_a to_o they_o they_o think_v upon_o that_o soft_a indolency_n and_o that_o please_a laziness_n wherein_o they_o spend_v the_o best_a of_o their_o day_n without_o any_o chagrin_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o these_o contemplation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o thing_n less_o 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operam_fw-la quod_fw-la repugnamus_fw-la erevis_fw-la est_fw-la institutio_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la honestae_fw-la beataeque_fw-la si_fw-la credas_fw-la quintil_n inst_z orat._n lib._n 12._o c._n 6._o shall_v it_o happen_v then_o that_o we_o haâ—â—_n habit_n quite_o contrary_a to_o such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v of_o man_n they_o will_v certain_o dispose_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n which_o that_o religion_n do_v teach_v to_o bâ—_n false_a and_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o itâ—_n law_n i_o do_v say_v yet_o that_o those_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a but_o i_o desire_v only_o the_o supposition_n which_o i_o now_o make_v to_o be_v grant_v i_o and_o i_o think_v none_o can_v deny_v i_o this_o without_o deny_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o i_o lay_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n concern_v the_o influence_n our_o habit_n have_v over_o our_o reason_n with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conquer_a they_o but_o these_o be_v 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this_o manner_n unless_o it_o be_v some_o fool._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o there_o be_v many_o more_o fool_n of_o this_o sort_n than_o we_o imagine_v such_o as_o believe_v their_o own_o sentiment_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o in_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v almost_o all_o mankind_n what_o judgement_n do_v they_o make_v of_o those_o who_o without_o examine_v reject_v they_o do_v they_o not_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o act_v in_o that_o manner_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o own_o condition_n judge_v every_o thing_n true_a that_o agree_v with_o it_o and_o the_o contrary_a false_a it_o be_v true_a nevertheless_o that_o no_o body_n reason_n formal_o so_o distinct_o consider_v every_o proposition_n and_o their_o connection_n with_o one_o another_o no_o person_n make_v this_o formal_a paralogism_n i_o be_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o idea_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o idea_n and_o conduct_v be_v false_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mind_n suppose_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o express_o reflect_v upon_o they_o do_v thence_o infer_v the_o mention_a conclusion_n we_o pass_v over_o the_o premise_n so_o quick_o that_o we_o perceive_v not_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v only_o we_o find_v our_o selveâ—_n strong_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n let_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o cannibal_n and_o that_o we_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o maxim_n receive_v by_o almost_o all_o nation_n that_o to_o fatten_v man_n in_o order_n to_o eat_v they_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v immediate_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o they_o will_v detest_v their_o former_a custom_n and_o live_v ever_o afterward_o as_o we_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o will_v resist_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o long_o a_o time_n as_o other_o nation_n do_v all_o sentiment_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v they_o pretend_v for_o this_o abominable_a manner_n of_o live_v none_o at_o all_o except_z what_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v so_o with_o all_o those_o who_o passion_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o error_n for_o neither_o the_o atrocity_n of_o the_o crime_n nor_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o mistake_n will_v cause_v any_o change_n in_o their_o conduct_n be_v any_o body_n assure_v that_o his_o disposition_n be_v good_a and_o conformable_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v what_o he_o real_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o change_v into_o better_a he_o may_v then_o just_o conclude_v that_o any_o doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o his_o disposition_n must_v be_v false_a know_v for_o example_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n to_o eat_v one_o another_o if_o any_o notwithstanding_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o eat_v a_o man_n we_o may_v reasonable_o do_v all_o that_o the_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o action_n can_v dictate_v to_o we_o before_o we_o follow_v therefore_o the_o inclination_n which_o custom_n beget_v in_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o convince_v by_o clear_a and_o indubitable_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o custom_n be_v well_o ground_v and_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o passion_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v those_o passion_n lawful_a we_o can_v not_o reproach_v they_o with_o their_o infidelity_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v show_v that_o these_o passion_n be_v unblamable_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o in_o the_o wrong_n and_o we_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o their_o obstinacy_n i_o do_v know_v how_o these_o maxim_n can_v be_v contest_v see_v they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o without_o so_o many_o preamble_n i_o shall_v have_v come_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n and_o show_v that_o unbeliever_n refuse_v assent_v to_o the_o gospel_n from_o ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o principle_n whence_o i_o draw_v the_o follow_a consequence_n shall_v be_v serious_o consider_v as_o those_o who_o reason_n from_o their_o present_a disposition_n do_v it_o without_o think_v on_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o unbeliever_n commit_v the_o same_o fault_n and_o i_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o there_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o they_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n see_v the_o moral_n of_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o all_o the_o vice_n that_o reason_n condemn_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v reject_v it_o without_o find_v himself_o engage_v in_o some_o of_o these_o vice_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o reject_v as_o false_a what_o be_v conformable_a to_o reason_n except_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o this_o same_o reason_n although_o it_o be_v not_o always_o perceive_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o it_o merit_v therefore_o some_o attention_n the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reduce_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n to_o live_v temperate_o just_o and_o pious_o temperance_n comprehend_v all_o the_o virtue_n which_o regard_v ourselves_o justice_n they_o that_o concern_v our_o neighbour_n and_o piety_n those_o which_o relate_v to_o god_n our_o own_o good_a require_v we_o to_o live_v temperate_o as_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n have_v demonstrate_v now_o temperance_n consist_v in_o a_o moderate_a desire_n of_o honour_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n we_o shall_v not_o court_v honour_n but_o by_o lawful_a way_n not_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o live_v great_a but_o to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o society_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o this_o can_v be_v except_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o due_o discharge_v those_o office_n which_o we_o seek_v and_o of_o use_v those_o honour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a of_o to_o good_a purpose_n as_o for_o riches_n the_o gospel_n forbid_v we_o to_o desire_v they_o as_o a_o good_a but_o if_o without_o breach_n of_o any_o christian_a virtue_n we_o become_v rich_a it_o command_v we_o not_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a but_o to_o impart_v our_o superfluity_n to_o the_o needy_a and_o as_o to_o pleasure_n we_o may_v take_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o duty_n the_o gospel_n enjoin_v and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o will_v not_o engage_v we_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o its_o law_n thus_o
the_o gospel_n will_v have_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o our_o pleasure_n to_o what_o it_o ordain_v we_o and_o that_o we_o resolve_v upon_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n rather_o than_o neglect_v one_o of_o its_o command_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n very_o near_o that_o regard_n ourselves_o for_o i_o design_v not_o to_o make_v here_o a_o complete_a abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n for_o my_o subject_n do_v not_o require_v it_o and_o it_o suffice_v that_o i_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o they_o the_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v to_o we_o do_v contain_v two_o thing_n one_o be_v to_o render_v every_o one_o his_o due_a and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v justice_n the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v for_o our_o neighbour_n all_o that_o we_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o do_v for_o we_o be_v we_o in_o his_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v pardon_v he_o for_o example_n when_o he_o do_v we_o wrong_n rather_o than_o to_o revenge_v it_o and_o help_v he_o in_o all_o that_o we_o can_v and_o that_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o civil_a law_n may_v compel_v we_o in_o part_n at_o least_o to_o render_v every_o man_n his_o due_a and_o they_o be_v establish_v for_o this_o purpose_n but_o nothing_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o do_v more_o except_o the_o desire_n of_o live_v conformable_a to_o the_o christian_a moral_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v good_a man_n there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o the_o civil_a law_n require_v what_o a_o poor_a virtue_n be_v it_o say_v a_o philosopher_n to_o be_v only_o good_a according_a to_o the_o law_n how_o much_o large_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v by_o piety_n humanity_n justice_n liberality_n and_o fidelity_n that_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o public_a record_n quam_fw-la augusta_fw-la innocentia_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la legem_fw-la bonum_fw-la esse_fw-la quanto_fw-la latius_fw-la patet_fw-la officiorum_fw-la quam_fw-la juris_fw-la regula_fw-la quam_fw-la multa_fw-la pietas_fw-la humanitas_fw-la liberalitas_fw-la justitia_fw-la fides_fw-la exigunt_fw-la quae_fw-la omne_fw-la extra_fw-la publicas_fw-la tabulas_fw-la sunt_fw-la as_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o fulfil_v these_o duty_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n especial_o when_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o shall_v endanger_v reputation_n good_n or_o life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n nor_o after_o death_n by_o such_o as_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n so_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o protect_v good_a man_n here_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o to_o render_v they_o eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o to_o believe_v these_o promise_n and_o to_o have_v that_o gratitude_n for_o the_o divinity_n which_o his_o goodness_n require_v of_o we_o be_v what_o the_o gospel_n call_v piety_n this_o be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o no_o body_n can_v reject_v but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o live_v according_o as_o i_o be_o go_v to_o show_v by_o some_o example_n when_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n few_o person_n of_o quality_n or_o that_o pretend_a to_o considerable_a employment_n embrace_v it_o as_o we_o learn_v it_o from_o themselves_o at_o this_o day_n such_o as_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v it_o false_a be_v frequent_o man_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n all_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o world_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o common_a people_n and_o those_o that_o have_v no_o aspire_a thought_n be_v more_o rare_o trouble_v with_o incredulity_n or_o doubt_n than_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a preferment_n or_o 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too_o opposite_a to_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o lodge_v in_o any_o heart_n thorough_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o touch_v by_o its_o maxim_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n very_o desirous_a to_o possess_v a_o considerable_a charge_n without_o have_v fit_a talent_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v that_o he_o design_v not_o to_o serve_v his_o country_n by_o his_o place_n but_o only_o to_o live_v splendid_o and_o luxurious_o we_o may_v suppose_v far_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o trick_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o miss_v of_o it_o this_o passion_n which_o entire_o take_v he_o up_o and_o fill_v his_o whole_a imagination_n with_o the_o pleasure_n that_o accompany_v all_o his_o desire_n make_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o own_o conduct_n as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o the_o most_o innocent_a in_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n in_o this_o disposition_n hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o time_n we_o 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think_v he_o be_v elevate_v far_o above_o the_o credulous_a multitude_n which_o be_v lead_v rather_o by_o custom_n than_o guide_v by_o reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o pleasant_a say_v a_o epicurean_a poet_n as_o to_o live_v in_o the_o exalt_a temple_n of_o wisdom_n where_o you_o may_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a calm_a and_o whence_o you_o may_v look_v down_o upon_o other_o man_n wander_v and_o scatter_a in_o their_o different_a way_n of_o live_v nil_fw-la dulcius_fw-la est_fw-la benè_fw-la quam_fw-la munita_fw-la tenere_fw-la edita_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la sapientum_fw-la templa_fw-la serena_fw-la despicere_fw-la unde_fw-la queo_fw-la alios_fw-la passimque_fw-la videre_fw-la errare_fw-la atque_fw-la viam_fw-la palantes_fw-la quaerere_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la but_o at_o bottom_n one_o expose_v himself_o as_o i_o have_v say_v already_o as_o much_o to_o deception_n by_o contemn_v whatever_o the_o vulgar_a esteem_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o this_o as_o by_o blind_o embrace_v all_o 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world_n to_o make_v he_o change_v his_o mind_n the_o same_o passion_n that_o lead_v he_o into_o it_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o insensible_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o pleasure_n wherewith_o it_o fill_v those_o who_o will_v be_v blind_v by_o it_o represent_v they_o as_o i_o say_v to_o themselves_o as_o person_n high_o elevate_v above_o the_o vulgar_a beside_o all_o this_o vain_a people_n imagine_v they_o be_v more_o clear-sighted_a than_o other_o easy_o believe_v themselves_o never_o mistake_v and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n have_v not_o the_o necessary_a sagacity_n for_o discover_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o when_o any_o whereof_o they_o have_v not_o so_o good_a a_o opinion_n as_o of_o themselves_o propose_v to_o they_o sentiment_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o give_v he_o the_o hear_v the_o first_o thought_n that_o offer_v itself_o then_o to_o their_o mind_n or_o if_o you_o please_v the_o sentiment_n that_o be_v awake_v in_o 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jew_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n add_v
like_a manner_n people_n who_o desire_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v indulge_v those_o desire_n without_o call_v into_o question_n all_o the_o while_n the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o manner_n of_o most_o christian_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o persuasion_n not_o that_o they_o perceive_v not_o this_o opposition_n well_o enough_o and_o condemn_v it_o too_o when_o they_o think_v of_o it_o but_o the_o method_n of_o live_v general_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o passion_n carry_v it_o over_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o example_n already_o allege_v and_o by_o thousand_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v hence_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o our_o inclination_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v it_o rather_o to_o our_o 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be_v divine_a or_o that_o of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o reject_v the_o divinity_n of_o these_o law_n because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o latter_a be_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a suppose_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o society_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o whatever_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unbeliever_n can_v however_o excuse_v themselves_o because_o other_o do_v not_o act_v coherent_o see_v they_o neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o import_v they_o most_o to_o know_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v doubtless_o in_o the_o wrong_n herein_o and_o they_o deny_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o the_o incredulous_a be_v much_o more_o to_o blame_v than_o they_o if_o the_o latter_a will_v examine_v themselves_o they_o may_v discover_v perhaps_o some_o other_o source_n of_o this_o negligence_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o it_o be_v that_o general_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a about_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o people_n so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o present_a and_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o discourse_n or_o example_n which_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n not_o to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n although_o they_o seem_v sometime_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o remark_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o their_o passion_n and_o be_v careful_a only_a how_o to_o indulge_v these_o for_o they_o receive_v no_o more_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o their_o desire_n thus_o prince_n and_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n can_v bear_v that_o such_o as_o be_v about_o they_o shall_v 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convince_v they_o out_o of_o a_o secret_a averseness_n they_o have_v of_o search_v into_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o can_v discover_v without_o extreme_o disquiet_v themselves_o so_o s._n paul_n reason_v before_o felix_n of_o justice_n 24.25_o act_n 24.25_o temperance_n and_o future_a judgement_n this_o tremble_a governor_n be_v quick_o weary_a of_o hear_v he_o and_o put_v he_o off_o till_o another_o time_n have_v s._n paul_n entertain_v he_o with_o some_o other_o discourse_n he_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o it_o may_v be_v as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v but_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o this_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v too_o opposite_a to_o his_o manner_n to_o obtain_v a_o long_a audience_n from_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o this_o disposition_n be_v entire_o against_o all_o good_a sense_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v equal_o blame_v flattery_n and_o flatterer_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o wisdom_n than_o wilful_o to_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v disadvantageous_a to_o we_o for_o without_o know_v it_o we_o can_v never_o bring_v a_o remedy_n against_o it_o and_o our_o ignorance_n about_o it_o change_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o contribute_v not_o seldom_o to_o render_v our_o condition_n worse_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o not_o fear_v to_o hazard_v their_o repose_n in_o the_o search_n of_o disquiet_v truth_n they_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o that_o ill_n regulate_v self-love_n which_o flatter_v our_o present_a passion_n and_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v mix_v some_o bitterness_n with_o the_o sweetness_n we_o taste_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o their_o negligence_n of_o inform_v themselves_o about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o great_a part_n from_o this_o dangerous_a disposition_n and_o they_o will_v agree_v to_o it_o no_o doubt_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o examine_v themselves_o do_v we_o see_v unbeliever_n use_v much_o application_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n without_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o thorough_a information_n and_o yet_o not_o quit_v their_o infidelity_n we_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n see_v they_o do_v not_o conclude_v but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o requisite_a discussion_n but_o we_o see_v not_o one_o of_o they_o so_o dispose_v and_o they_o be_v all_o content_v with_o a_o very_a superficial_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o endeavour_v to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o infidelity_n proceed_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o due_a instruction_n chap._n vi_o
upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n i._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v accuse_v but_o which_o nevertheless_o confirm_v they_o in_o these_o disposition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v ill_o do_v of_o they_o to_o forsake_v the_o truth_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o but_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v so_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o this_o second_o part_n where_o grant_v to_o unbeliever_n that_o many_o of_o they_o who_o profess_v christianity_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o several_a thing_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o those_o fault_n which_o we_o remark_n at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o their_o disciple_n the_o occasion_n which_o the_o latter_a give_v unbeliever_n to_o 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history_n and_o they_o believe_v not_o less_o the_o most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n than_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o useful_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n lay_v open_a by_o the_o teacher_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o understanding_n which_o determine_v these_o to_o believe_v they_o true_a or_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o respect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v to_o they_o well_o or_o ill-grounded_a and_o a_o certain_a credulity_n careful_o cherish_v in_o their_o mind_n because_o of_o the_o advantage_n draw_v by_o some_o from_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n deceive_v by_o a_o faint_a resemblance_n they_o call_v their_o credulity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o maintain_v that_o those_o want_v it_o who_o believe_v not_o as_o they_o do_v all_o that_o be_v tell_v they_o by_o their_o preacher_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o man_n see_v it_o promise_v salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v faith_n if_o any_o person_n reason_n about_o religion_n and_o say_v that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v know_v nor_o prove_v without_o reason_v present_o these_o people_n who_o neither_o know_v the_o proof_n nor_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o very_o confuse_o be_v sure_a to_o suspect_v he_o of_o irreligion_n especial_o if_o he_o forsake_v any_o of_o the_o common_a sentiment_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o he_o may_v have_v discover_v by_o his_o application_n and_o study_n these_o people_n so_o much_o persuade_v if_o you_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v believe_v many_o time_n that_o a_o man_n who_o know_v how_o to_o reason_v well_o shall_v embrace_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o they_o be_v alarm_v at_o the_o least_o examination_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o hear_v these_o discourse_n and_o behold_v this_o conduct_n so_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n laugh_v at_o this_o pretend_a faith_n and_o draw_v from_o it_o this_o unhappy_a consequence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v receive_v so_o credulous_o be_v either_o false_a or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v extreme_o suspect_v thus_o the_o heathen_n former_o hear_v the_o christian_n say_v that_o they_o need_v only_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_v 6._o mean_v origen_n count_v cell_n l._n 1_o &_o 6._o laugh_v in_o like_a manner_n at_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o none_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o credulous_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o reason_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o have_v for_o a_o main_a principle_n this_o doctrine_n that_o people_n must_v embrace_v it_o without_o know_v why_o and_o that_o such_o as_o shall_v thus_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o have_v maintain_v this_o i_o say_v the_o preacher_n of_o this_o religion_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o imposture_n and_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o without_o be_v able_a to_o render_v any_o reason_n be_v condemn_v as_o too_o credulous_a to_o speak_v in_o such_o term_n will_v confound_v religion_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o imposture_n which_o be_v only_o establish_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n it_o will_v likewise_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o the_o falsehood_n that_o can_v be_v tell_v if_o belief_n be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o receive_v one_o thing_n without_o examen_fw-la no_o more_o than_o another_o be_v this_o so_o how_o can_v the_o christian_n boast_v of_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o falsity_n of_o other_o since_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o credulity_n but_o it_o be_v false_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v assent_v without_o examination_n or_o that_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o blind_a faith_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o such_o as_o receive_v it_o upon_o those_o score_n can_v pass_v for_o christian_n who_o faith_n be_v praiseworthy_a to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o need_v but_o consider_v the_o conduct_n and_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n without_o any_o character_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o impostor_n who_o have_v frequent_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a be_v he_o to_o be_v believe_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n or_o have_v he_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o jew_n will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o reject_v he_o nay_o and_o have_v he_o in_o very_a deed_n be_v send_v of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o offer_v cogent_a proof_n of_o it_o no_o body_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o not_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o then_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a dispose_v to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o prophet_n god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v to_o they_o can_v not_o without_o hazard_n of_o deceive_v themselves_o acknowledge_v any_o man_n to_o be_v effectual_o a_o prophet_n who_o can_v give_v they_o no_o evident_a mark_n of_o his_o mission_n therefore_o jesus_n christ_n come_v arm_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o he_o wrought_v so_o great_a a_o number_n if_o you_o credit_v the_o evangelist_n that_o he_o infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v before_o he_o now_o this_o be_v the_o mark_n which_o moses_n teach_v the_o israelite_n shall_v discover_v the_o true_a prophet_n and_o jesus_n christ_n ground_v himself_o upon_o it_o when_o he_o require_v assent_v to_o his_o doctrine_n he_o never_o desire_v any_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o pure_o upon_o his_o word_n as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v by_o
divers_a passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o say_v he_o 5.31_o joh._n 5.31_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o beside_o my_o say_n so_o then_o after_o tell_v that_o john_n baptist_n have_v bear_v he_o witness_v he_o add_v 36._o ver._n 36._o i_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o he_o further_o say_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v he_o to_o declare_v if_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n bear_v witness_n of_o i_o 10.25_o ch._n 10.25_o and_o a_o little_a low_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o 37._o ver._n 37._o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n than_o what_o you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o same_o gospel_n viz._n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 15.24_o ch._n 15.24_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v clear_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o require_v assent_n to_o his_o bare_a word_n his_o apostle_n have_v act_v just_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n or_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n after_o his_o ascension_n but_o they_o have_v also_o join_v to_o their_o testimony_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o defire_v their_o doctrine_n consider_v in_o itself_o do_v not_o afford_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v imposture_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n by_o publish_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o meet_v every_o where_n with_o a_o obstinate_a resistance_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n they_o be_v ill_o use_v every_o moment_n and_o walk_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n in_o a_o word_n many_o of_o they_o suffer_v death_n for_o constant_o persevere_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o accumulate_v proof_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n like_v to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o promise_v they_o they_o shall_v before_o he_o leave_v they_o the_o incredulous_a will_v object_v perhaps_o that_o i_o beg_v the_o question_n by_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o my_o design_n be_v not_o now_o to_o infer_v any_o consequence_n from_o these_o fact_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o only_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o preach_v a_o blind_a faith_n or_o obedience_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v at_o this_o time_n one_o of_o they_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n 4.1_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o may_v false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n another_o advise_v they_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n 5.21_o 1_o thess_n 5.21_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v best_a it_o can_v be_v say_v therefore_o that_o such_o as_o cry_v up_o implicit_a faith_n do_v act_n according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o christianity_n nor_o can_v the_o ridiculous_a pretence_n of_o those_o who_o require_v assent_v to_o their_o say-so_a be_v just_o attribute_v to_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v of_o i_o here_o perhaps_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o be_v so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o christ_n disciple_n this_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a place_n of_o discuss_v this_o subject_a throughtly_a nor_o will_v i_o meddle_v with_o any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o 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contempt_n of_o such_o as_o disobey_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n so_o that_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a there_o be_v more_o courage_n and_o resolution_n necessary_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v nor_o can_v it_o therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o faith_n such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o be_v a_o very_a great_a virtue_n it_o be_v also_o deserve_v of_o much_o commendation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v never_o find_v but_o in_o mind_n well-disposed_a it_o engage_v we_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o add_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o have_v be_v real_o so_o send_v but_o also_o to_o expect_v great_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o future_a ground_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o proof_n he_o exhibit_v of_o his_o power_n those_o who_o see_v the_o person_n bring_v to_o life_n again_o by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o see_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o who_o can_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v oblige_v from_o hence_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v they_o concern_v the_o general_a resurrection_n of_o all_o men._n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n will_v look_v upon_o the_o last_o as_o impossible_a if_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o to_o be_v true_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o raise_v a_o hundred_o than_o one_o again_o and_o it_o can_v not_o without_o folly_n be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o god_n power_n be_v all_o spend_v upon_o those_o first_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o have_v see_v nevertheless_o man_n be_v accustom_a to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o learn_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n can_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v of_o any_o thing_n without_o see_v some_o example_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v a_o person_n of_o discernment_n and_o good_a sense_n who_o draw_v such_o a_o consequence_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o he_o must_v also_o 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of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v make_v no_o more_o account_n of_o they_o for_o this_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o quite_o opposite_a persuasion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o ignorance_n can_v excuse_v they_o as_o we_o can_v easy_o show_v second_o if_o man_n not_o of_o such_o ill_a moral_n at_o least_o not_o in_o so_o scandalous_a a_o manner_n shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o pure_a credulity_n as_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o contrary_n be_v they_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o gospel_n a_o proof_n whereof_o be_v that_o those_o people_n ordinary_o change_v from_o black_a to_o white_a according_a as_o they_o alter_v their_o mind_n who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o their_o conscience_n nor_o do_v i_o well_o know_v whether_o such_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v of_o any_o opinion_n for_o they_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o what_o be_v never_o so_o little_o 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they_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o practise_v by_o other_o or_o remark_n the_o disorder_n which_o accompany_v all_o way_n of_o live_v opposite_a to_o they_o to_o perceive_v this_o there_o be_v need_v only_o of_o a_o little_a virtue_n and_o good_a sense_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o sole_o tend_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o procure_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o but_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o those_o fountain_n which_o the_o subtlety_n of_o modern_a divine_n have_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o do_v the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o proper_a to_o persuade_v we_o of_o its_o truth_n this_o history_n write_v in_o so_o plain_a and_o natural_a a_o method_n carry_v in_o itself_o all_o the_o character_n of_o sincerity_n insomuch_o that_o in_o read_v of_o it_o one_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n to_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o few_o can_v be_v deceive_v about_o they_o all_o this_o join_v together_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n who_o vice_n or_o i_o know_v not_o what_o science_n false_o so_o call_v have_v not_o blind_v and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o incredulous_a find_v in_o they_o proceed_v rather_o from_o their_o disposition_n of_o mind_n than_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o the_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o judge_n of_o those_o subtle_a and_o perplex_a question_n which_o divide_v the_o divine_n but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o that_o the_o distinct_a belief_n of_o doctrine_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o discreet_a and_o sincere_a man_n that_o love_v virtue_n though_o he_o have_v no_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v affirm_v i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o distinct_a belief_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o love_v the_o truth_n that_o according_a to_o his_o best_a understanding_n embrace_v all_o that_o he_o conceive_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o order_n his_o life_n by_o what_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a he_o can_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n do_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o obtain_v salvation_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o it_o from_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o this_o man_n improve_v the_o talent_n he_o receive_v as_o much_o as_o god_n indispensible_o require_v it_o of_o he_o and_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o he_o what_o jesus_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 25.23_o mat._n 25.23_o thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v object_v to_o i_o further_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_v capable_a to_o see_v in_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o other_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o usefulness_n excellence_n and_o sincerity_n which_o i_o say_v may_v be_v remark_v therein_o and_o nevertheless_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o this_o but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o these_o people_n imitate_v other_o but_o they_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n demand_v it_o be_v not_o calculate_v indeed_o for_o the_o learned_a alone_o but_o no_o more_o be_v it_o for_o brute_n such_o as_o understand_v not_o or_o be_v suppose_v not_o capable_a to_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o shall_v become_v man_n before_o they_o think_v of_o be_v christian_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o savage_n of_o africa_n or_o america_n so_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o incredulous_a do_v calumniate_v the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o accuse_v it_o of_o require_v from_o man_n a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o to_o condemn_v examination_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o false_a by_o reason_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v that_o can_v never_o be_v answer_v chap._n ii_o that_o the_o immorality_n or_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o sometime_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o the_o incredulous_a the_o christian_a religion_n demand_v not_o only_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v true_a but_o also_o that_o this_o belief_n
the_o mahometans_n the_o jew_n and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o true_a christianity_n give_v it_o no_o approbation_n so_o that_o if_o the_o falsity_n of_o these_o religion_n or_o sect_n may_v be_v hence_o conclude_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o can_v reason_v against_o christianity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o it_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o blind_a obedience_n from_o such_o as_o embrace_v it_o and_o that_o it_o express_o condemn_v the_o furious_a zeal_n which_o flow_v from_o this_o spring_n one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n 1.14_o rom._n 10.2_o gal._n 1.14_o add_v that_o it_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o blame_v it_o exceed_o another_o say_v to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 3.14_o jam._n 3.14_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o this_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o blind_a zeal_n then_o be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o attribute_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o education_n of_o the_o ignorant_a populace_n who_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o truth_n by_o its_o proper_a light_n and_o the_o virtue_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o their_o heart_n who_o due_o receive_v it_o defend_v it_o with_o the_o same_o arm_n they_o will_v error_n that_o be_v with_o passion_n and_o fury_n this_o sort_n of_o people_n can_v without_o extreme_a injustice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o model_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o christianity_n since_o it_o clear_o condemn_v their_o conduct_n we_o must_v on_o the_o contrary_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o understand_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o but_o good_a reason_n in_o its_o defence_n and_o that_o to_o procure_v themselves_o love_n and_o respect_n practise_v only_o those_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a virtue_n they_o learn_v from_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o true_a christian_n the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n chap._n iii_o that_o unbeliever_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christiam_fw-la religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o people_n devotion_n since_o christianity_n have_v flourish_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v frequent_o prove_v a_o advantageous_a thing_n to_o show_v great_a zeal_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o although_o this_o make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o truth_n not_o depend_v upon_o the_o interest_n one_o have_v or_o have_v not_o to_o defend_v it_o yet_o the_o incredulous_a be_v sure_a to_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o hence_o of_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v endeavour_n make_v sometime_o to_o gain_v they_o over_o by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o age_n but_o they_o instant_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o those_o man_n do_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o will_v be_v great_a getter_n by_o it_o in_o so_o do_v but_o must_v lose_v infinite_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o indeed_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o cogent_a conclusion_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v defend_v or_o that_o now_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o infidel_n but_o their_o reason_v be_v still_o less_o solid_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o put_v it_o in_o a_o great_a light_n it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v to_o give_v those_o occasion_n of_o say_v that_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n diminish_v the_o force_n of_o their_o objection_n and_o those_o who_o by_o their_o ill_a carriage_n put_v before_o they_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v deserve_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o it_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o revenge_v in_o this_o place_n the_o wrong_n they_o do_v to_o christianity_n moreover_o i_o have_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n propose_v to_o myself_o not_o only_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o entire_o reject_v it_o but_o with_o those_o also_o who_o seem_v to_o embrace_v it_o only_o by_o half_n let_v we_o imagine_v then_o a_o cheat_a priest_n people_n but_o too_o much_o know_v in_o all_o christendom_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o benefice_n if_o he_o have_v none_o already_o or_o aspire_v to_o a_o great_a dignity_n than_o what_o he_o possess_v he_o appear_v humble_a gentle_a moderate_a and_o kind_a he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o disinterestedness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n if_o he_o have_v a_o talon_n for_o the_o pulpit_n he_o there_o principal_o show_v his_o zeal_n against_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o time_n nay_o he_o be_v in_o a_o fury_n against_o scandalous_a clergyman_n and_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n so_o long_o complain_v of_o and_o not_o yet_o reform_v in_o a_o word_n he_o use_v all_o the_o discourse_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o that_o place_n in_o order_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o have_v his_o income_n be_v great_a he_o will_v put_v they_o to_o much_o better_a use_v than_o most_o ecclesiastic_n do_v after_o act_v his_o part_n for_o some_o year_n at_o last_o he_o obtain_v his_o end_n that_o be_v a_o dignity_n and_o income_n that_o render_v he_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o long_o to_o be_v know_v he_o be_v forthwith_o haughty_a hard-hearted_a untractable_a and_o passionate_a towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o think_v his_o inferior_n those_o who_o be_v his_o friend_n before_o and_o upon_o who_o friendship_n too_o he_o value_v himself_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o he_o if_o he_o now_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o look_v the_o obligation_n they_o lay_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o private_a person_n and_o when_o they_o expect_v no_o return_v from_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v he_o think_v they_o be_v all_o due_a to_o his_o merit_n and_o that_o more_o be_v owe_v he_o but_o as_o for_o himself_o he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o body_n and_o do_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n when_o he_o cold_o receive_v the_o incense_n they_o be_v base_a enough_o to_o offer_v he_o if_o he_o prefer_v any_o man_n he_o must_v be_v some_o blockhead_n or_o flatterer_n people_n that_o have_v no_o idea_n almost_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o admire_v any_o thing_n the_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a so_o be_v you_o make_v they_o live_v at_o their_o ease_n this_o man_n so_o disintere_v heretofore_o become_v oftentimes_o insatiable_a and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o best_a benefice_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v his_o avarice_n he_o procure_v therefore_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v never_o too_o many_o if_o he_o be_v natural_o covetous_a all_o that_o he_o preach_v before_o of_o liberality_n be_v quite_o vanish_v all_o the_o invective_n he_o make_v against_o avarice_n be_v lay_v in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n he_o do_v good_a to_o no_o body_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o lay_v up_o treasure_n if_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v a_o voluptuous_a or_o stately_a person_n he_o consume_v his_o great_a income_n in_o keep_v a_o magnificent_a table_n in_o have_v a_o stately_a train_n and_o live_v as_o the_o proud_a man_n or_o the_o most_o addict_v to_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sordid_a avarice_n of_o the_o one_o be_v a_o frugality_n become_v a_o good_a clergyman_n and_o the_o excessive_a luxury_n of_o the_o other_o be_v but_o a_o expense_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o keep_v up_o his_o rank_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o beget_v respect_n in_o the_o laity_n far_o from_o make_v the_o least_o reformation_n in_o the_o clergy_n that_o depend_v upon_o they_o they_o let_v they_o loose_v to_o all_o the_o ill_a custom_n and_o manner_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a on_o condition_n they_o be_v submissive_a to_o they_o and_o meddle_v not_o with_o their_o particular_a method_n of_o live_v when_o unbeliever_n consider_v such_o a_o
blame_v for_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o their_o eloquence_n but_o see_v they_o say_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o impostor_n upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o apostle_n style_v to_o say_v so_o by_o the_o by_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v simple_a and_o plain_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v second_o it_o be_v a_o style_n without_o any_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o disposition_n if_o a_o thousand_o sublime_a stroke_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o they_o come_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a not_o from_o the_o word_n or_o order_n three_o we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o that_o providence_n undoubted_o watch_v over_o their_o manner_n of_o writing_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o say_v truth_n and_o lest_o if_o they_o have_v express_v themselves_o ill_o they_o shall_v be_v misunderstand_v by_o their_o reader_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a place_n to_o treat_v of_o that_o subject_a i_o only_o make_v those_o remark_n to_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o take_v advantage_n at_o the_o ill_a rhetoric_n of_o some_o defender_n of_o christianity_n who_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o general_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o defend_v truth_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o and_o i_o declare_v as_o to_o myself_o that_o i_o do_v desire_n at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v find_v in_o their_o work_n if_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n i_o desire_v those_o mistake_v may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o i_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o religion_n i_o vindicate_v there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v say_v here_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o temporal_a interest_n to_o move_v they_o to_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n i_o have_v already_o say_v so_o elsewhere_o and_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o first_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o any_o examination_n because_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part._n so_o that_o if_o self-interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v often_o the_o reason_n why_o divine_n maintain_v now_o some_o opinion_n and_o after_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a christianity_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n not_o the_o apostle_n who_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n after_o those_o general_a observation_n i_o must_v set_v down_o some_o particular_a example_n of_o false_a doctrine_n which_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o one_o may_v write_v large_a volume_n about_o that_o matter_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o allege_v three_o or_o four_o example_n of_o doctrine_n which_o offend_v unbeliever_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o people_n now_o who_o pretend_v that_o we_o ought_v scarce_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o maintain_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v its_o divinity_n without_o know_v why_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reason_n neither_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v even_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o reason_n rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o thought_n viz._n that_o reason_n may_v overthrow_v all_o divinity_n if_o those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o see_v any_o body_n who_o reason_n better_a than_o ordinary_a divine_n do_v or_o have_v any_o principle_n somewhat_o different_a from_o they_o which_o he_o have_v embrace_v by_o use_v his_o reason_n they_o slander_v he_o as_o a_o dangerous_a man_n because_o he_o venture_v to_o reason_n about_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n such_o a_o character_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o hatred_n and_o stir_v ill-affected_a person_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o divine_a to_o live_v quiet_o with_o a_o man_n who_o endeavour_n to_o reason_n well_o and_o ground_n the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o undeniable_a principle_n other_o will_v have_v we_o humble_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v public_o to_o explain_v religion_n without_o mistrust_v they_o or_o reason_v at_o all_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o on_o they_o as_o infallible_a though_o we_o have_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o most_o christian_n to_o examine_v those_o doctrine_n and_o their_o best_a way_n be_v as_o they_o say_v blind_o to_o follow_v their_o guide_n such_o discourse_n which_o be_v common_o to_o be_v hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v make_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a many_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o come_v then_o into_o one_o mind_n be_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v at_o this_o rate_n be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o absurd_a but_o what_o may_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n if_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o our_o ordinary_a affair_n we_o will_v real_o think_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_n to_o deceive_v we_o if_o they_o will_v sell_v something_o to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o must_v not_o examine_v it_o we_o will_v present_o suspect_v that_o they_o design_v to_o cheat_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o reason_n to_o distinguish_v a_o false_a religion_n from_o a_o true_a one_o beside_o it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n wherein_o we_o know_v the_o revelation_n be_v nevertheless_o those_o man_n will_v have_v we_o to_o read_v those_o book_n with_o a_o unlimited_a credulity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v whatever_o we_o be_v tell_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o notion_n they_o be_v afraid_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v only_o for_o reason_n and_o who_o insignificant_a word_n and_o a_o ill-grounded_a authority_n can_v satisfy_v unbeliever_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o design_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o divine_v very_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v can_v be_v maintain_v see_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o because_o that_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o have_v not_o careful_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n fancy_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v it_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o suspicious_a with_o some_o modern_a divine_n when_o divine_n have_v teach_v principle_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o preach_v transubstantiation_n and_o other_o such_o doctrine_n to_o credulous_a man_n which_o they_o insinuate_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o maxim_n of_o not_o reason_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o unbeliever_n fail_v not_o to_o perceive_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o persist_v the_o more_o in_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o not_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v our_o reason_n to_o examine_v whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o or_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o suppose_v every_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o also_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o able_a to_o put_v a_o good_a sense_n upon_o their_o word_n by_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v make_v
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to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o contain_v several_a particular_a circumstance_n of_o many_o miracle_n of_o christ_n especial_o of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o several_a apparition_n after_o he_o come_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v so_o be_v not_o seduce_v and_o that_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v not_o true_a they_o must_v necessary_o have_v design_v to_o deceive_v those_o to_o who_o they_o relate_v such_o fact_n but_o i_o have_v undeniable_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o testimony_n can_v be_v reject_v wherefore_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o accuse_v they_o not_o of_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v neither_o do_v they_o undertake_v to_o overthrow_v the_o argument_n by_o which_o we_o
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and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v also_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v they_o that_o be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o we_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o nature_n the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o natural_a cause_n act_v they_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o law_n though_o unavoidable_a at_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v suspend_v and_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v hitherto_o and_o of_o what_o we_o still_o see_v happen_v then_o that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v mere_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o also_o of_o their_o have_v a_o express_a order_n from_o god_n to_o publish_v it_o among_o men._n wherefore_o i_o will_v show_v first_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o how_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a one_o second_o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o last_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o concern_v the_o extent_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o different_a kind_n i_o will_v show_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n 2._o to_o look_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n as_o a_o miracle_n and_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n second_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a soul_n for_o nature_n or_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o order_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n other_o body_n and_o the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o they_o constant_o act_v without_o be_v able_a to_o violate_v they_o three_o he_o in_o who_o behalf_n that_o thing_n be_v do_v aught_o to_o know_v it_o beforehand_o or_o at_o least_o it_o must_v happen_v when_o he_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v examine_v those_o three_o thing_n one_o after_o another_o for_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o can_v be_v fetch_v from_o miracle_n depend_v upon_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o maintain_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o also_o above_o that_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o that_o hereafter_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o observe_v here_o that_o nothing_o which_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n wherefore_o to_o be_v sure_a whether_o what_o be_v vent_v as_o a_o miracle_n be_v real_o so_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o man_n can_v do_v it_o for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o god_n power_n or_o of_o some_o other_o intelligent_a be_v thus_o if_o a_o man_n show_v a_o usual_a skill_n in_o swim_v and_o boast_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n he_o may_v be_v just_o account_v a_o impostor_n because_o one_o may_v by_o use_n get_v a_o skill_n in_o swim_v which_o seem_v wonderful_a to_o those_o who_o have_v it_o not_o but_o if_o any_o body_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o upon_o the_o land_n without_o sink_v in_o the_o least_o it_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o skill_n of_o man_n provide_v he_o have_v nothing_o under_o his_o foot_n that_o may_v be_v see_v or_o elsewhere_o to_o uphold_v he_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a relation_n of_o gravity_n between_o humane_a body_n and_o water_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v stand_v upon_o the_o water_n so_o that_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o any_o body_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o upon_o the_o land_n without_o have_v under_o his_o foot_n or_o elsewhere_o any_o thing_n to_o hold_v he_o so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o power_n great_a than_o that_o of_o man_n act_v in_o his_o behalf_n 4._o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o man_n make_v use_v of_o to_o produce_v some_o effect_n which_o they_o themselves_o can_v produce_v by_o their_o mere_a skill_n and_o strength_n a_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n such_o as_o be_v the_o body_n which_o surround_v we_o for_o example_n great_a weight_n which_o will_v present_o sink_v if_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o water_n will_v lie_v upon_o it_o without_o sink_v if_o a_o body_n much_o light_a than_o water_n as_o wood_n be_v put_v between_o the_o water_n and_o those_o weight_n there_o be_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o that_o because_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o corporeal_a and_o know_a cause_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o miraculous_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o i_o have_v say_v when_o a_o learned_a physician_n cure_v a_o sick_a person_n with_o some_o remedy_n after_o he_o have_v spend_v a_o long_a time_n in_o study_v the_o nature_n of_o disease_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o remedy_n that_o cure_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v well_o apply_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n who_o only_o by_o touch_v all_o sort_n of_o sick_a person_n or_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o use_v any_o sensible_a remedy_n cure_v they_o upon_o the_o spot_n that_o effect_n can_v be_v ascribe_v only_o to_o some_o supernatural_a cause_n some_o 6._o some_o spinosa_n in_o tract_n theologico-polit_a cap._n 6._o unbeliever_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o character_n of_o miracle_n uncertain_a by_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o so_o perfect_o natural_a cause_n and_o their_o effect_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o can_v produce_v from_o what_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o they_o pretend_v that_o what_o be_v call_v miraculous_a shall_v only_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o rare_a accident_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v not_o well_o know_v but_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o we_o be_v very_o far_o from_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a cause_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o less_o certain_a that_o we_o know_v most_o certain_o some_o thing_n by_o experience_n especial_o when_o that_o experience_n be_v common_a and_o easy_a for_o example_n we_o perfect_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v upon_o the_o water_n so_o as_o to_o touch_v it_o only_o with_o the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n without_o use_v the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o body_n for_o it_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n happen_v sometime_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o some_o natural_a cause_n which_o we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o a_o conjecture_n can_v only_o be_v
christ_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a likelihood_n that_o god_n will_v disturb_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o so_o inconsiderable_a matter_n as_o those_o be_v for_o which_o he_o be_v say_v to_o disturb_v it_o every_o day_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o have_v not_o attentive_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v perhaps_o have_v say_v then_o that_o they_o apprehend_v not_o how_o providence_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o work_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n in_o its_o behalf_n see_v it_o make_v so_o little_a a_o progress_n in_o the_o world_n but_o those_o who_o live_v now_o can_v raise_v the_o like_a objection_n against_o we_o have_v see_v the_o duration_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v not_o produce_v yet_o among_o man_n all_o the_o effect_n it_o shall_v have_v produce_v if_o they_o have_v know_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v never_o happen_v hereafter_o those_o who_o will_v have_v conjecture_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o contemptible_a sect_n because_o it_o be_v then_o despise_v will_v have_v be_v gross_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v at_o present_a and_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o time_n past_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o reserve_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o future_a 8._o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o miracle_n we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o other_o body_n which_o act_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o invisible_a power_n that_o be_v either_o some_o intelligent_a being_n more_o excellent_a than_o we_o though_o they_o be_v create_v or_o else_o god_n himself_o some_o believe_v as_o i_o say_v already_o that_o miracle_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n himself_o wrought_v several_a miracle_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v all_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o other_o creature_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o efficient_a and_o immediate_a cause_n but_o god_n himself_o to_o deny_v that_o intelligent_a being_n more_o perfect_a than_o we_o be_v can_v work_v miracle_n we_o shall_v exact_o know_v what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n and_o distinct_o see_v that_o miracle_n be_v above_o it_o it_o be_v true_a we_o know_v they_o be_v above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o god_n establish_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o give_v not_o to_o angel_n the_o power_n of_o alter_v sometime_o that_o order_n though_o it_o be_v original_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o none_o but_o a_o infinite_a power_n can_v make_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o if_o the_o power_n which_o establish_v it_o will_v permit_v it_o we_o can_v therefore_o say_v that_o angel_n work_v no_o miracle_n in_o effect_n it_o appear_v from_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n often_o make_v use_n of_o they_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v but_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o because_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o my_o subject_n 9_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v ask_v suppose_v angel_n work_v miracle_n first_o how_o one_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v god_n or_o a_o angel_n that_o wrought_v a_o certain_a miracle_n and_o second_o how_o one_o may_v know_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a angel_n a_o miracle_n be_v not_o of_o a_o nature_n which_o necessary_o require_v a_o cause_n whereof_o the_o power_n be_v infinite_a i_o confess_v we_o see_v no_o character_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n or_o a_o angel_n but_o the_o more_o we_o see_v a_o thing_n above_o our_o power_n the_o more_o it_o seem_v difficult_a to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n for_o example_n to_o foretell_v a_o contingent_a event_n or_o depend_v upon_o man_n will_n and_o which_o be_v to_o happen_v many_o age_n after_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o knowledge_n of_o create_a intelligent_a being_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a but_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o storm_n though_o the_o air_n be_v not_o dispose_v for_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n though_o it_o be_v above_o our_o power_n and_o we_o easy_o believe_v that_o angel_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a can_v do_v it_o however_o it_o matter_n little_a to_o know_v whether_o god_n immediate_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n or_o a_o good_a angel_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a good_a angel_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o be_v a_o execution_n of_o his_o order_n whether_o god_n himself_o act_v or_o a_o angel_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o see_v we_o neither_o see_v the_o cause_n that_o work_v nor_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n as_o for_o the_o other_o question_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o know_v whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a angel_n one_o may_v say_v something_o more_o positive_a truth_n be_v always_o the_o same_o contradict_v not_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a principle_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o pyrrhonian_n wherefore_o the_o miracle_n of_o god_n and_o good_a anglel_n ought_v always_o to_o tend_v to_o the_o confirm_v or_o establish_v some_o doctrine_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o be_v know_v either_o by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n and_o good_a angel_n always_o love_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o see_v therefore_o that_o a_o miracle_n confirm_v or_o establish_v something_o contrary_a to_o a_o certain_a truth_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o miracle_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n contrary_n to_o that_o of_o god_n and_o good_a angel_n thus_o the_o design_n of_o a_o miracle_n discover_v its_o author_n if_o we_o can_v apprehend_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v give_v no_o certain_a judgement_n about_o it_o nor_o draw_v from_o it_o any_o consequence_n for_o or_o against_o truth_n a_o bad_a angel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v miracle_n which_o favour_n truth_n and_o virtue_n all_o those_o which_o contribute_v to_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o come_v from_o a_o good_a principle_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a angel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o act_v for_o lie_n and_o vice_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o shall_v favour_v either_o of_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miracle_n of_o bad_a angel_n this_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o know_v by_o what_o sort_n of_o angel_n a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v suppose_v it_o be_v know_v that_o a_o angel_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 10._o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v examine_v according_a to_o those_o principle_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o good_a angel_n because_o their_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o establish_v or_o settle_v truth_n and_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n now_o this_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n one_o may_v form_v of_o a_o power_n which_o delight_v in_o do_v ill_a and_o deceive_a men._n this_o christ_n show_v to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o accuse_v he_o of_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o demon_n 26._o demon_n mat._n 12.25_o 26._o every_o kingdom_n say_v he_o divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v that_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n against_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o a_o ill_a power_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o virtue_n but_o because_o i_o write_v not_o against_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o live_v among_o christian_n be_v not_o more_o persuade_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o of_o god_n and_o deny_v all_o sort_n of_o miracle_n alike_o but_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v those_o of_o christ_n 11._o last_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o miracle_n
be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o angel_n one_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thing_n that_o which_o be_v contradictory_n be_v the_o object_n of_o no_o power_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o as_o all_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mean_v of_o that_o word_n will_v grant_v it_o no_o positive_a idea_n can_v be_v form_v of_o it_o and_o every_o contradictory_n proposition_n be_v unintelligible_a in_o itself_o if_o the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v examine_v not_o one_o of_o that_o nature_n will_v be_v find_v among_o they_o there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o may_v be_v express_v in_o intelligible_a proposition_n for_o example_n god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o live_v to_o live_v no_o long_o that_o be_v his_o blood_n shall_v no_o more_o circulate_a and_o all_o his_o member_n shall_v cease_v to_o perform_v their_o function_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o blood_n be_v settle_v and_o who_o member_n perform_v none_o of_o their_o function_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v again_o as_o it_o do_v before_o those_o proposition_n be_v easy_o apprehend_v but_o to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o not_o to_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v the_o word_n to_o live_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v a_o contradictory_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n god_n never_o wrought_v any_o such_o miracle_n those_o who_o rank_n among_o the_o miracle_n of_o christianity_n that_o whereby_o they_o pretend_v that_o god_n make_v a_o humane_a body_n to_o be_v extend_v and_o not_o extend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o be_v in_o many_o place_n at_o one_o time_n those_o man_n i_o say_v feign_v a_o miracle_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o mystery_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n to_o reason_n and_o revelation_n what_o i_o say_v concern_v miracle_n have_v no_o relation_n with_o that_o and_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o defend_v any_o such_o thing_n my_o design_n be_v to_o show_v wherein_o miracle_n consist_v to_o make_v unbeliever_n apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v be_v assault_v but_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n in_o the_o miraculous_a fact_n on_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v beside_o another_o sort_n of_o miracle_n which_o though_o perhaps_o they_o happen_v every_o day_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a god_n can_v very_o often_o do_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o natural_a cause_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a or_o good_a man_n pray_v he_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o one_o can_v perceive_v whether_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n act_n or_o not_o on_o those_o occasion_n because_o what_o happen_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v not_o know_v whether_o they_o intervene_v it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o example_n a_o sick_a man_n who_o remedy_n can_v not_o natural_o cure_v be_v restore_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o relation_n because_o god_n or_o angel_n supply_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o natural_a virtue_n of_o remedy_n but_o this_o can_v be_v affirm_v without_o a_o revelation_n hereupon_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o work_v no_o more_o sensible_a miracle_n according_a to_o we_o perform_v every_o day_n some_o invisible_a one_o such_o as_o that_o which_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o work_v this_o kind_n of_o miracle_n not_o those_o which_o strike_v our_o sense_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o i_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o god_n conduct_v but_o by_o sensible_a effect_n or_o a_o revelation_n wherefore_o see_v we_o see_v no_o more_o such_o miracle_n as_o strike_v our_o sense_n we_o ought_v to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v work_v no_o more_o any_o such_o miracle_n and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v some_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o god_n wisdom_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o allege_v they_o 6._o they_o part_n ii_o ch_z 6._o as_o i_o have_v do_v elsewhere_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n revelation_n command_v we_o to_o offer_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o our_o necessity_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v true_o advantageous_a to_o we_o if_o we_o ask_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o it_o we_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v obtain_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v interpose_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o he_o promise_v it_o but_o why_o will_v it_o be_v say_v do_v god_n make_v such_o promise_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o work_v still_o some_o miracle_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n see_v he_o will_v no_o more_o do_v sensible_a one_o i_o have_v show_v already_o why_o he_o work_v no_o more_o miracle_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o other_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o have_v give_v some_o law_n to_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n but_o in_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o law_n and_o make_v such_o exception_n to_o they_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a see_v therefore_o providence_n exist_v not_o less_o now_o than_o it_o do_v former_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o wonder_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o see_v he_o promise_v it_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o do_v it_o and_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o on_o that_o supposition_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o prove_v thereby_o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v useless_a i_o think_v i_o have_v undeniable_o show_v it_o by_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v consequent_o the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o intelligent_a being_n who_o can_v do_v what_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n i_o prove_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2d_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v incredulity_n and_o the_o other_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n confirm_v with_o undeniable_a miracle_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v have_v make_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v admire_v with_o mere_a reason_n as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v that_o there_o happen_v at_o their_o prayer_n some_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o natural_a cause_n they_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o god_n declare_v himself_o in_o their_o behalf_n especial_o if_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o fine_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v attend_v with_o unheard-of_a miracle_n aught_o to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o altogether_o blind_v by_o their_o vice_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o that_o god_n who_o create_v the_o world_n this_o be_v sir_n what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o concern_v miracle_n not_o to_o exhaust_v the_o matter_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o possibility_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o hearty_o pray_v god_n that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o reclaim_v those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o be_v add_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o its_o vindication_n with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o mr._n edwards_n reflection_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o on_o his_o book_n entitle_v socinianism_n vnmasque_v by_o samuel_n bold_a rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n 8o._o prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n in_o 10_o book_n by_o richard_n blackmore_n m._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o london_n several_a paper_n relate_v to_o money_n interest_n and_o trade_n etc._n etc._n write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o publish_v at_o different_a time_n by_o john_n lock_v esq_n 8o._o mr._n talent_n chronological_a table_n or_o a_o view_n of_o universal_a history_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1695._o wherein_o the_o most_o memorable_a person_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o know_a kingdom_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v down_o in_o several_a column_n by_o way_n of_o synchronism_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a century_n and_o year_n in_o 16_o copper_n plate_n notitia_fw-la monastica_fw-la or_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o religious_a house_n in_o england_n and_o wales_n etc._n etc._n by_o thomas_n tanner_n a._n b._n 8o._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n assert_v etc._n etc._n by_o hump._n hody_n d._n d._n the_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 12o._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o vindication_n against_o mr._n edwards_n exception_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n 8o._o a_o abridgement_n of_o mr._n lock_n be_v essay_n of_o human_a understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o