require_v to_o comprehend_v they_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o though_o we_o can_v frame_v adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o understand_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o faith_n to_o think_v to_o fathom_v the_o perfection_n council_n and_o work_v of_o god_n see_v reason_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a and_o itself_o finite_a 2._o if_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o reason_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o can_v lie_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o transcendency_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o god_n than_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v incomprehensible_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o that_o his_o design_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v be_v hold_v past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v as_o well_o irrational_a as_o unjust_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v penetrate_v those_o depth_n and_o abysm_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o look_v into_o as_o veil_v and_o hide_a from_o sight_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n yet_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o be_v contradictory_n thereunto_o to_o admit_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o dogm_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v at_o once_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o revelation_n as_o a_o romance_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o distract_a man_n and_o withal_o to_o open_v a_o door_n for_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o figment_n and_o lie_n under_o the_o palliation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n we_o can_v gratify_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n more_o than_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n in_o a_o word_n this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o receive_v will_v make_v we_o renounce_v man_n and_o espouse_v brute_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a concernment_n for_o without_o debase_v ourselves_o into_o a_o low_a species_n we_o can_v embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a and_o when_o man_n have_v fill_v religion_n with_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a light_n they_o be_v force_v to_o introduce_v a_o suitable_a faith_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o that_o commend_v itself_o from_o believe_v doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o evidence_n and_o principle_n of_o both_o thus_o the_o first_o heretic_n that_o trouble_v the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o teach_v mystery_n overthrow_v common_a sense_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o universal_a uniform_a and_o perpetual_a light_n of_o mankind_n some_o of_o they_o have_v teach_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v natural_o evil_a other_o of_o they_o have_v establish_v two_o several_a god_n one_o good_a another_o bad_a other_o have_v affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o falsity_n more_o all_o these_o they_o defend_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n about_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o do_v other_o to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtrude_v their_o fancy_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o unable_a to_o prove_v or_o defend_v what_o they_o say_v pretend_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o theorem_n nor_o can_v i_o assign_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o philosophy_n than_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o themselves_o confess_v by_o devote_v almansor_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n because_o he_o have_v weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o musselman_n in_o the_o alcoran_n through_o introduce_v learning_n and_o philosophy_n among_o they_o in_o brief_a though_o we_o make_v not_o natural_a light_n the_o positive_a measure_n of_o thing_n divine_a yet_o we_o may_v safe_o allow_v it_o a_o negative_a voice_n we_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o chair_n in_o council_n but_o only_o permit_v it_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n to_o hinder_v the_o entry_n of_o contradiction_n and_o irrational_a fancy_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n understand_v all_o that_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n vote_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o mistake_v philosophy_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o this_o or_o that_o man_n admit_v for_o theorem_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o very_o small_a importance_n man_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o sense_n affection_n interest_n and_o imagination_n do_v many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v so_o that_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o original_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o neglect_v there_o have_v be_v those_o and_o yet_o be_v who_o will_v hardly_o allow_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n a_o proper_a sense_n but_o do_v every_o where_o obtrude_v a_o allegoric_a meaning_n as_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o expositor_n do_v in_o effect_n little_o less_o than_o undermine_v the_o whole_a scripture_n betray_v religion_n and_o turn_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n into_o burlesque_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o any_o notion_n so_o romantic_a which_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o luxuriant_a fancy_n may_v not_o at_o this_o rate_n be_v wrest_v and_o debauch_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o yea_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o wit_n will_v serve_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n to_o quite_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o those_o who_o by_o turn_v the_o whole_a scripture_n into_o allusion_n have_v wrest_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o justify_v their_o own_o wild_a phantasm_n and_o frame_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o own_o private_a notion_n and_o thereby_o evacuate_v the_o sublimest_n doctrine_n and_o most_o glorious_a action_n into_o empty_a metaphor_n and_o vain_a similitude_n thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v allegorise_v into_o themselves_o and_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v construe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o aesop_n or_o phylostratus_n fable_n into_o useful_a moral_n as_o if_o these_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o we_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n but_o leave_v these_o and_o suppose_v only_o for_o the_o present_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o almighty_n will_n to_o mankind_n which_o every_o moral_a man_n will_v find_v his_o interest_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o afford_v we_o towards_o the_o secure_n both_o a_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a felicity_n by_o those_o excellent_a precept_n it_o contain_v above_o what_o be_v discoverable_a in_o natural_a religion_n suppose_v this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o admirable_a system_n essential_a to_o a_o save_v faith_n or_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o our_o future_a welfare_n but_o what_o be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o legible_a to_o every_o reasonable_a creature_n reason_n most_o certain_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o intricate_a or_o perplex_v theory_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o lord_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n again_o say_v another_o of_o they_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v
of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o that_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o they_o call_v soul_n be_v only_o various_a action_n and_o repercussion_n of_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n keep_v a_o while_n move_v by_o some_o mechanism_n or_o clockwork_n which_o final_o cease_v and_o perish_v by_o death_n if_o contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n in_o your_o own_o understanding_n you_o can_v listen_v with_o complacency_n to_o these_o horrid_a suggestion_n if_o you_o can_v willing_o and_o with_o joy_n let_v go_v your_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n and_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o perdition_n with_o triumph_n and_o exultation_n if_o you_o can_v glory_v in_o debase_v and_o villanise_v the_o rest_n of_o mandind_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o brute_n beast_n and_o permit_v your_o folly_n to_o baffle_v all_o argument_n to_o be_v proof_n against_o the_o clear_a or_o most_o perspicuous_a demonstration_n what_o will_v you_o have_v we_o think_v better_o or_o more_o favourable_o than_o this_o that_o you_o resolve_v to_o carry_v your_o atheism_n with_o you_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o that_o the_o infernal_a horror_n and_o despair_n must_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n or_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o error_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o in_o this_o but_o to_o intimate_v my_o request_n to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v with_o that_o attention_n which_o become_v the_o subject_a and_o if_o you_o can_v object_v nothing_o against_o the_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n let_v not_o the_o argument_n here_o borrow_v by_o any_o mean_n suffer_v from_o any_o disorderly_a management_n commit_v by_o london_n febr._n 20._o 1691_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o appendix_n concern_v the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a grace_n etc._n etc._n to_o mr._n there_o remain_v my_o friend_n as_o a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o what_o have_v be_v so_o late_o deliver_v that_o we_o make_v a_o short_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n i_o mean_v that_o we_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o supernatural_a accession_n of_o aid_n or_o assistance_n to_o the_o security_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n or_o if_o with_o pelagius_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v ourselves_o able_a by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o the_o free_a exertion_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n exclusive_a of_o this_o extraordinary_a co-operation_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o and_o that_o grace_n according_a to_o this_o heretical_a opinion_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o the_o mediator_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o persuasion_n only_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v with_o god_n ordinary_a concurrence_n if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o necessary_a which_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o neglect_v their_o practice_n but_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o consonant_a to_o the_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v then_o as_o i_o imagine_v scarce_o conceivable_a that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o verity_n of_o religion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o his_o faith_n require_v or_o deflect_v out_o of_o the_o path_n which_o he_o know_v will_v conduct_v he_o to_o his_o great_a happiness_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v think_v every_o man_n who_o believe_v do_v practice_n according_o and_o that_o whatever_o verbal_a confession_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o of_o their_o creed_n yet_o if_o they_o act_v not_o steady_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o same_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a diffidence_n intermix_v with_o their_o faith_n a_o sort_n of_o disbelief_n or_o at_o the_o least_o a_o distrust_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religious_a truth_n which_o they_o think_v may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o empty_a notion_n but_o this_o opinion_n seem_v so_o direct_o opposite_a both_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o admit_v it_o we_o must_v exclude_v the_o whole_a creation_n from_o any_o just_a claim_n to_o future_a happiness_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o religious_a man_n or_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v vast_a number_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v as_o convince_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o their_o soul_n be_v incorruptibility_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n whatever_o so_o may_v we_o safe_o assert_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o of_o these_o who_o have_v not_o at_o certain_a time_n be_v a_o actual_a transgresor_fw-la or_o a_o trespasser_n against_o his_o faith_n and_o far_o that_o in_o whatever_o state_n of_o purity_n the_o first_o man_n be_v create_v yet_o since_o the_o lapse_n or_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n from_o its_o primitive_a perfection_n there_o be_v no_o man_n able_a without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divinium_n aliquid_fw-la we_o be_v treat_v of_o to_o live_v in_o a_o real_a contempt_n of_o the_o present_a world_n or_o to_o disregard_n its_o manifold_a temptation_n it_o be_v beside_o my_o intention_n to_o make_v a_o scrutinous_a enquiry_n how_o the_o first_o man_n come_v to_o fall_v from_o original_a righteousness_n or_o how_o this_o degeneracy_n come_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o to_o his_o posterity_n it_o seem_v hard_o indeed_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v immediate_o contaminate_v with_o this_o sin_n but_o be_v so_o necessary_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o become_v capable_a of_o sin_v so_o that_o according_a to_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o damage_n we_o have_v sustain_v proceed_v from_o our_o first_o parent_n unhappy_a forfeiture_n of_o immortality_n since_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o divine_a assistance_n for_o mankind_n thus_o propagate_v in_o the_o constant_a method_n of_o nature_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o fall_v and_o from_o render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o know_v the_o atheist_n do_v here_o wonderful_o pride_n himself_o in_o have_v find_v out_o a_o objection_n impossible_a to_o be_v resolve_v by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n for_o say_v he_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o co-operation_n of_o man_n will_n to_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o election_n why_o do_v not_o god_n so_o constitute_v mankind_n as_o that_o all_o shall_v cooperate_a to_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v elect_v to_o everlasting_a bliss_n to_o this_o i_o say_v when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o no_o other_o reply_n than_o that_o sâ—ch_n be_v god_n eternal_a will_n they_o present_o attack_v the_o divine_a be_v and_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n immediate_o displace_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n and_o government_n it_o be_v here_o likewise_o that_o the_o deist_n strut_v and_o exalt_v the_o lucky_a hit_n of_o his_o fancy_n 89._o think_v himself_o more_o know_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o in_o that_o he_o have_v now_o find_v out_o the_o juggle_v as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o christianity_n it_o be_v first_o say_v he_o unnecessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mediator_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o justice_n two_o god_n must_v appoint_v this_o mediator_n and_o so_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n before_o and_o three_o a_o mediator_n derogate_v from_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n equal_o as_o a_o image_n do_v from_o his_o spirituality_n and_o thus_o the_o mighty_a monster_n lay_v his_o plot_n against_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n look_v big_a upon_o the_o contrivance_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o with_o these_o three_o stroke_n he_o do_v the_o christian_n business_n his_o next_o onset_n be_v upon_o our_o immortality_n or_o separate_a existence_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o gradual_o lessen_v by_o insinuate_v that_o brute_n be_v ejusdem_fw-la rationis_fw-la participantes_fw-la or_o endow_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o man_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n indeed_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v debase_v mankind_n at_o this_o ridiculous_a rate_n shall_v be_v look_v upon_o otherwise_o than_o the_o more_o sensible_a beast_n or_o
great_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n shall_v be_v redicule_v by_o they_o and_o esteem_v little_a otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o senseless_a notion_n the_o opinion_n of_o these_o man_n run_v so_o smooth_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o natural_a understanding_n that_o so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v careless_a and_o unwilling_a to_o look_v far_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o make_v their_o reason_n the_o positive_a and_o adequate_a rule_n both_o of_o their_o morality_n and_o divinity_n but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o dispute_v with_o they_o this_o mysterious_a co-operation_n or_o divine_a concurrence_n provide_v they_o can_v but_o show_v i_o any_o true_a practical_a christian_a one_o who_o be_v so_o in_o deed_n as_o well_o as_o word_n who_o have_v espouse_v their_o opinion_n i_o may_v be_v free_a to_o say_v i_o know_v nothing_o like_o one_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o possible_a to_o meet_v with_o a_o sincere_o devout_a convert_n or_o regenerate_v person_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v that_o of_o himself_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o as_o he_o ought_v and_o that_o the_o renovation_n or_o happy_a change_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v pure_o owe_v to_o the_o adeption_n of_o a_o new_a principle_n or_o to_o a_o union_n with_o the_o divine_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o be_v true_a among_o the_o follower_n of_o pelagius_n and_o socinut_n there_o be_v those_o who_o understanding_n the_o verity_n of_o their_o opinion_n will_v be_v measure_v by_o their_o practice_n have_v be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o exemplary_a in_o their_o conversation_n with_o the_o world_n and_o their_o self-denial_n of_o some_o temporal_a enjoyment_n man_n who_o have_v keep_v themselves_o to_o a_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o religious_a worship_n and_o set_v those_o about_o they_o a_o extraordinary_a pattern_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o private_a duty_n and_o all_o these_o we_o may_v ready_o grant_v the_o possibility_n of_o their_o attain_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n or_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n independent_a of_o the_o divine_a grace_n these_o however_o necessary_a be_v never_o look_v on_o by_o considerate_a man_n for_o more_o than_o the_o introduction_n or_o outside_o of_o true_a religion_n but_o although_o there_o be_v among_o they_o person_n so_o very_o circumspect_a in_o their_o deportment_n or_o behaviour_n yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o whole_o devote_v themselves_o to_o disputation_n in_o mix_a company_n where_o they_o continual_o gain_v proselyte_n among_o loose_a people_n such_o who_o as_o they_o never_o can_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o glad_a to_o find_v the_o same_o resolve_v into_o matter_n of_o speculation_n by_o which_o mean_v every_o man_n may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o raise_v a_o suitable_a theory_n to_o his_o own_o inclination_n now_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o which_o have_v principal_o induce_v i_o to_o dissent_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o man_n be_v a_o consciousness_n i_o have_v have_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o certain_a that_o man_n may_v have_v a_o historical_a faith_n and_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v or_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o show_v themselves_o as_o if_o whole_o unconcern_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n whether_o the_o thing_n deliver_v in_o that_o gospel_n be_v true_a or_o not_o which_o i_o think_v be_v hardly_o reconcileable_a even_o to_o our_o own_o reason_n nor_o can_v be_v otherwise_o ascribe_v than_o to_o the_o want_n of_o that_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a aid_n i_o plead_v for_o religion_n upon_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o these_o we_o be_v just_a now_o speak_v of_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a grace_n so_o there_o have_v be_v those_o who_o have_v affirm_v that_o a_o person_n may_v by_o philosophy_n and_o contemplation_n attain_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o union_n with_o the_o divine_a be_v as_o to_o know_v and_o understand_v thing_n by_o a_o contactus_fw-la or_o conjunction_n of_o substance_n with_o the_o deity_n the_o passage_n say_v my_o author_n which_o occur_v in_o plotinus_n porphirius_fw-la jamblicus_n and_o proclus_n all_o great_a and_o famous_a platonist_n of_o such_o a_o tendency_n be_v numerous_a and_o need_v not_o to_o be_v here_o transcribe_v this_o imagination_n be_v espouse_v by_o the_o arabian_a philosopher_n and_o have_v it_o be_v entertain_v by_o the_o contemplative_a heathen_a only_a we_o may_v have_v take_v the_o less_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v imbibe_v and_o that_o very_o timely_a by_o origen_n himself_o and_o from_o he_o the_o ferment_n or_o leaven_n thereof_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o ancient_a monk_n from_o all_o or_o some_o of_o these_o it_o spread_v among_o the_o romish_a monastic_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v call_v mystic_a theologue_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a with_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n than_o a_o tattle_n of_o a_o intime_fw-la union_n with_o god_n whereby_o the_o soul_n become_v deify_v and_o from_o they_o the_o weigelian_o and_o familist_n borrow_v their_o magnificent_a language_n of_o be_v god_v with_o god_n and_o chri_v with_o christ._n the_o adventurous_a determination_n of_o the_o schoolman_n concern_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n smell_v rank_n of_o the_o same_o blasphemous_a nonsensical_a figment_n for_o by_o their_o contend_v that_o the_o divince_n essence_n be_v immediate_o unite_v as_o a_o intelligible_a species_n to_o the_o intellect_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o that_o this_o species_n and_o the_o glorify_v understanding_n do_v not_o remain_v distinct_a thing_n but_o become_v identify_v they_o do_v in_o effect_n affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v transubstantiate_v into_o god_n and_o to_o be_v real_o deify_v and_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o easy_a demonstration_n that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n differ_v only_o in_o degree_n from_o that_o which_o we_o possess_v here_o otherwise_o it_o be_v both_o altogether_o unintelligible_a and_o uncapable_a of_o rational_a explication_n it_o will_v follow_v by_o a_o short_a harangue_n of_o discourse_n either_o that_o believer_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n at_o all_o in_o this_o life_n or_o else_o that_o their_o soul_n be_v become_v deify_v and_o essential_o unite_v to_o god_n by_o know_v he_o i_o shall_v not_o name_v here_o the_o admire_a nonsense_n and_o high-flown_a canting_n of_o some_o modern_a enthusiast_n which_o carry_v a_o broad-faced_a aspect_n this_o way_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o instruct_v ourselves_o from_o what_o spring_v these_o with_o the_o like_a visionary_n have_v draw_v the_o putrid_a conceit_n which_o they_o propine_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n to_o remain_v distinct_a after_o all_o the_o union_n that_o intercede_v between_o they_o let_v we_o be_v thankful_a for_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o the_o in-dwelling_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o let_v we_o detest_v those_o swell_a word_n of_o pride_n and_o ignorance_n of_o be_v chri_v and_o deify_v for_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o same_o shall_v by_o hypostatical_a can_v without_o blasphemy_n be_v imagine_v and_o thus_o my_o friend_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v with_o no_o unpardonable_a prolixity_n go_v over_o these_o very_a weighty_a subject_n i_o pray_v god_n we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o have_v right_a notion_n of_o they_o fix_v on_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o most_o suitable_a advice_n i_o can_v and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o same_o will_v wish_v and_o desire_v you_o to_o think_v often_o and_o serious_o upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o your_o death_n for_o whatever_o you_o may_v think_v of_o a_o immortality_n hereafter_o it_o be_v manifest_a you_o can_v obtain_v none_o here_o consider_v what_o thought_n will_v be_v most_o likely_a to_o intrude_v upon_o you_o what_o business_n you_o will_v principal_o be_v employ_v about_o shall_v you_o have_v time_n allot_v you_o for_o such_o a_o purpose_n the_o conflict_n and_o consternation_n you_o must_v encounter_v the_o confusion_n of_o your_o last_o minute_n the_o agony_n of_o your_o soul_n in_o the_o moment_n of_o its_o flight_n for_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o however_o you_o may_v please_v yourself_o in_o this_o time_n of_o health_n and_o vigour_n that_o a_o approach_n of_o a_o privation_n of_o your_o
characterise_v the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v whether_o the_o master_n of_o its_o composition_n retain_v the_o same_o sentiment_n at_o his_o death_n concern_v the_o reason_v principle_n within_o he_o i_o have_v not_o inform_v myself_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o thought_n more_o ready_o indulge_v that_o the_o loose_a scheme_n of_o religion_n may_v serve_v turn_n and_o that_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n may_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o restraint_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o post_n mortem_fw-la aliquid_fw-la how_o the_o learned_a s_o m_z come_v in_o among_o this_o gang_n be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o letter_n of_o mr._n b_o it_o be_v in_o which_o be_v enclose_v a_o epitome_n of_o deism_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o excellent_a physician_n be_v taint_v with_o these_o principle_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v never_o understand_v but_o that_o he_o die_v far_o from_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o firm_o persuade_v of_o a_o future_a retribution_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v now_o live_v although_o they_o seem_v to_o pride_n themselves_o in_o have_v be_v the_o parent_n of_o those_o monstrous_a birth_n which_o they_o have_v bold_o set_v their_o name_n to_o and_o deliver_v to_o the_o giddy_a world_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n it_o may_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o happy_a a_o reformation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o will_v shine_v still_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n the_o more_o powerful_o they_o be_v assault_v and_o flourish_v under_o the_o scandal_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o malicious_a adversary_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o see_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o man_n and_o when_o i_o have_v procure_v they_o i_o look_v they_o over_o without_o any_o such_o anticipate_v prejudice_n as_o can_v sway_v i_o to_o a_o partiality_n pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la i_o rather_o premise_v this_o as_o believe_v it_o no_o easy_a matter_n for_o any_o man_n who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n or_o veneration_n either_o for_o god_n or_o true_a religion_n to_o peruse_v such_o treatise_n without_o so_o great_a a_o abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o author_n as_o will_v hinder_v he_o from_o give_v either_o a_o due_a attention_n to_o what_o they_o write_v or_o to_o consider_v thorough_o the_o proper_a weight_n of_o their_o expression_n now_o upon_o a_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a consideration_n of_o what_o i_o find_v they_o have_v deliver_v i_o have_v venture_v to_o pass_v this_o censure_n that_o the_o author_n have_v plain_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n very_o far_o short_a of_o sound_n or_o right_o reason_v of_o very_o little_a piety_n and_o man_n of_o no_o certain_a or_o steady_a principle_n and_o this_o sentence_n i_o have_v adventure_v to_o pass_v upon_o they_o on_o these_o account_n that_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n i_o find_v they_o high_o plead_v for_o a_o natural_a religion_n ridicul_v revelation_n and_o muster_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o themselves_o and_o their_o friend_n the_o libertine_n can_v furnish_v out_o in_o another_o they_o change_v their_o aspect_n and_o submissive_o condescend_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v some_o little_a authority_n they_o speak_v modest_o of_o the_o two_o testament_n call_v they_o sacred_a record_n and_o ingenious_o confess_v that_o since_o humane_a reason_n be_v like_o a_o pitcher_n with_o two_o ear_n which_o may_v be_v take_v on_o either_o side_n in_o our_o travel_n to_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v choose_v the_o common_a road_n as_o the_o safe_a for_o though_o deism_n may_v serve_v to_o manure_v our_o conscience_n yet_o certain_o if_o sow_v with_o christianity_n it_o will_v produce_v the_o most_o plentiful_a crop_n there_o be_v nothing_o say_v the_o same_o person_n in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o have_v be_v just_a before_o use_v argument_n to_o the_o discredit_n of_o our_o immortality_n more_o unaccountable_a and_o contradictory_n than_o to_o suppose_v a_o hum_n drum_n deity_n chew_v his_o own_o nature_n a_o dron_a god_n sit_v hug_v of_o himself_o and_o hoard_v up_o his_o providence_n from_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o atheism_n no_o less_o irrational_a than_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v it_o be_v the_o same_o also_o to_o believe_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v mortal_a as_o to_o believe_v a_o immortality_n without_o reward_n and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o common_a with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o dogmatise_v even_o in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n of_o religion_n strenuous_o affirm_v for_o truth_n what_o their_o reason_n dictate_v and_o present_o after_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o what_o they_o have_v say_v be_v only_o such_o twilight_n conjecture_n as_o humane_a reason_n of_o which_o we_o yet_o so_o vain_o boast_v can_v furnish_v they_o withal_o it_o be_v now_o a_o aliquid_fw-la divinum_fw-la which_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o our_o capacity_n be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o same_o make_v we_o fasten_v either_o upon_o the_o elementary_a quality_n of_o hypocrates_n or_o galen_n or_o the_o cartesian_a rule_n of_o geometrical_a proportion_n the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o since_o we_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o understand_v the_o real_a essence_n or_o intime_fw-la nature_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o all_o our_o philosophy_n except_v scepticism_n be_v little_o more_o than_o dotage_n these_o be_v their_o own_o word_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v we_o a_o very_a justifiable_a occasion_n to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n very_o improper_a standard_n for_o our_o reason_n or_o religion_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o and_o as_o unfit_a oracle_n for_o we_o to_o consult_v as_o for_o their_o divinity_n if_o a_o parcel_n of_o fine_a word_n will_v satisfy_v we_o may_v think_v very_o devout_o of_o they_o but_o indeed_o i_o can_v for_o my_o own_o part_n persuade_v myself_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o tendency_n of_o their_o common_a discourse_n and_o their_o converse_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o their_o religion_n may_v be_v fair_o resolve_v into_o 〈◊〉_d deâ—sâ—â—_n or_o the_o single_a belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o that_o our_o immortality_n be_v tack_v to_o it_o that_o the_o bait_n may_v be_v swallow_v with_o the_o less_o suspicion_n and_o the_o extravagant_a absurdity_n of_o their_o novel_a opinion_n less_o strict_o examine_v or_o inquire_v into_o for_o when_o we_o find_v man_n devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o irreligion_n to_o frame_v and_o invent_v argument_n to_o disturb_v and_o perplex_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v sure_o but_o little_a reason_n to_o think_v well_o of_o their_o person_n or_o to_o regard_v their_o speech_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o those_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o even_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o manifest_a enough_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o paraphrase_v the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o establish_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o future_a happiness_n and_o oppose_v the_o same_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o their_o collect_v argument_n out_o of_o ethnic_a author_n for_o the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o inâ—â—â—â—â—ting_v a_o possibility_n for_o a_o free_a and_o reason_a principle_n to_o be_v compatible_a to_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v intelligence_n from_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n i_o be_o inform_v one_o of_o their_o late_a treatise_n which_o contain_v the_o head_n of_o their_o opinion_n will_v be_v ever_o long_o take_v to_o piece_n and_o judicious_o examine_v however_o difficult_a the_o task_n may_v appear_v i_o see_v nothing_o in_o they_o to_o discourage_v any_o ingenious_a man_n in_o the_o undertake_n for_o if_o we_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o varnish_n and_o set_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n we_o shall_v find_v but_o little_a in_o they_o more_o than_o empty_a sound_n and_o insignificant_a harangue_n they_o have_v be_v either_o feign_o or_o real_o ignorant_a of_o antiquity_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o their_o gross_a misrepresentation_n of_o some_o passage_n and_o their_o falsify_v downright_o in_o other_o they_o have_v rack_v their_o brain_n for_o their_o belove_a cause_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o have_v not_o offer_v which_o they_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o have_v do_v one_o syllable_n to_o disprove_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o
of_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o whatever_o else_o belong_v to_o the_o science_n of_o metaphysic_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o abstract_n from_o all_o matter_n and_o quantity_n nay_o i_o presume_v it_o will_v not_o be_v account_v paradoxical_a in_o i_o to_o affirm_v that_o immaterial_a object_n be_v most_o genuine_a and_o natural_a to_o the_o understanding_n especial_o since_o cartes_n have_v irrefutable_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o of_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v more_o certain_a clear_a and_o distinct_a than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o corporeal_a nature_n whatever_o according_a to_o that_o canon_n of_o aquinas_n nulla_fw-la res_fw-la qualiscunque_fw-la est_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o moral_a consideration_n usual_o bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v incorruptibility_n be_v principal_o three_o 1._o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n 2._o man_n inseparable_a appetite_n of_o immortality_n 3._o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v evil_a man_n after_o death_n now_o as_o cicero_n judicious_o observe_v omni_fw-la in_o re_fw-la consentio_fw-la omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la lex_fw-la naturae_fw-la putanda_fw-la est_fw-la and_o thus_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n be_v so_o implant_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o whoso_o deny_v it_o do_v impugn_v his_o own_o natural_a principle_n as_o for_o that_o common_a objection_n the_o alteration_n observable_a in_o infancy_n and_o old_a age_n we_o may_v answer_v with_o the_o great_a master_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o one_o so_o esteem_v by_o some_o innasci_fw-la autem_fw-la intellectus_fw-la videtur_fw-la &_o substantia_fw-la quaedam_fw-la esse_fw-la nec_fw-la corrumpi_fw-la nam_fw-la si_fw-la corrumperetur_fw-la quidem_fw-la id_fw-la maxim_n fieret_fw-la ab_fw-la habitatione_n illa_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o senectute_n contingit_fw-la nunc_fw-la autem_fw-la res_fw-la perinde_v fit_a ac_fw-la in_o ipsismet_fw-la sensuum_fw-la instrumentis_fw-la si_fw-la enim_fw-la senex_fw-la occulum_fw-la juvenilem_fw-la reciperet_fw-la non_fw-la secus_fw-la ac_fw-la ipse_fw-la juvenis_fw-la videret_fw-la unde_fw-la &_o senectus_fw-la non_fw-la ex_fw-la eo_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la quidquam_fw-la passa_fw-la anima_fw-la sit_fw-la feed_v quoth_v simile_n aliquid_fw-la ac_fw-la in_o ebrietate_fw-la morbisque_fw-la eveniat_fw-la ipsaque_fw-la intelligendi_fw-la &_o contemplandi_fw-la functio_fw-la propter_fw-la aliquid_fw-la aliud_fw-la interius_fw-la corruptum_fw-la marcescit_fw-la cum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la interim_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la passionis_fw-la expers_fw-la maneat_fw-la which_o word_n consider_v we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o that_o change_v which_o the_o epicurean_a will_v have_v to_o be_v in_o the_o rational_a soul_n or_o mind_n during_o the_o growth_n of_o the_o body_n in_o youth_n and_o decay_v of_o it_o in_o old_a age_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o mutation_n in_o the_o soul_n itself_o but_o some_o other_o interior_a thing_n distinct_a from_o it_o as_o the_o imagination_n or_o organ_n of_o the_o common_a sense_n the_o brain_n which_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o affect_v the_o soul_n itself_o suffer_v not_o at_o all_o but_o only_o the_o function_n of_o it_o flourish_v or_o decay_v according_o for_o as_o the_o philosopher_n remark_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v a_o old_a man_n a_o young_a eye_n and_o a_o young_a imagination_n his_o soul_n will_v soon_o declare_v by_o exquisite_a vision_n and_o quick_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v not_o she_o that_o have_v grow_v old_a but_o her_o organ_n and_o that_o she_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o more_o change_n from_o the_o impairment_n of_o the_o body_n than_o be_v usual_o observe_v to_o arise_v pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la from_o a_o fit_a of_o drunkenness_n or_o some_o disease_n of_o the_o brain_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o whatever_o change_v man_n have_v think_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o great_a decay_n general_o attend_v old_a age_n to_o not_o real_o in_o the_o soul_n but_o only_o in_o the_o imagination_n and_o the_o organ_n thereof_o which_o be_v not_o so_o well_o dispose_v as_o in_o the_o vigour_n of_o life_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o member_n grow_v cold_a and_o mortify_a do_v then_o indeed_o instant_o cease_v to_o be_v in_o they_o yet_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o by_o piecemeal_n or_o diminish_v and_o gradual_o dissipate_v but_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o remain_v in_o so_o much_o of_o the_o body_n as_o yet_o continue_v warm_a and_o perfused_a by_o the_o vital_a heat_n until_o cease_v long_o to_o animate_v the_o principle_n seat_n of_o its_o residence_n whether_o the_o brain_n or_o heart_n it_o at_o length_n bid_v adieu_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o withdraw_v itself_o entire_a and_o perfect_a so_o that_o death_n be_v a_o extinction_n of_o the_o vital_a flame_n and_o not_o of_o the_o soul_n which_o as_o solomon_n call_v it_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o everlasting_a light_n the_o unspotted_a mirror_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o be_v but_o one_o she_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o remain_v in_o herself_o she_o make_v all_o thing_n new_a the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v with_o relation_n to_o those_o fail_n observable_a in_o swoon_a fit_n which_o fall_v not_o upon_o the_o soul_n but_o on_o the_o vital_a organ_n at_o those_o time_n render_v unfit_a for_o the_o use_n and_o action_n to_o which_o they_o be_v frame_v and_o accommodate_v and_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o fail_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o violent_a as_o to_o bring_v on_o a_o sudden_a death_n than_o the_o soul_n must_v indeed_o depart_v yet_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o dissolution_n in_o its_o substance_n or_o imbecility_n in_o itself_o but_o for_o want_v of_o those_o disposition_n in_o the_o organ_n of_o life_n by_o which_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o enliven_v the_o body_n now_o if_o say_v this_o author_n in_o such_o a_o thesis_n or_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v evince_v by_o geometrical_a demonstration_n there_o can_v yet_o be_v expect_v such_o substantial_a and_o satisfactory_a reason_n physical_a or_o moral_a as_o may_v suffice_v to_o the_o full_a establishment_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o reasonable_a man_n if_o this_o be_v grant_v i_o thence_o argue_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o immortal_a substance_n and_o that_o its_o immortality_n be_v not_o only_o credible_a by_o faith_n or_o upon_o authority_n divine_a but_o also_o demonstrable_a by_o reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o our_o immortality_n and_o satisfactory_o persuade_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o we_o which_o shall_v not_o perish_v with_o the_o life_n we_o be_v short_o to_o lay_v down_o be_v of_o so_o great_a and_o so_o important_a consequence_n that_o i_o can_v ready_o expect_v your_o forgiveness_n if_o i_o trespass_n upon_o your_o patience_n and_o enlarge_v a_o little_a far_o upon_o this_o weighty_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o we_o essential_o differ_v from_o distinct_a and_o superior_a to_o other_o animal_n or_o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n bear_v no_o analogy_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o creature_n be_v far_a elegant_o touch_v upon_o in_o these_o word_n of_o dr._n willis_n the_o eminency_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n above_o the_o brutal_a or_o corporeal_a brutorum_fw-la shine_v clear_o by_o compare_v either_o both_o as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o to_o the_o chief_a act_n or_o modes_n of_o know_v as_o to_o the_o former_a whenâ—â—_n every_o corporeal_a faculty_n be_v limit_v to_o sensible_a thing_n the_o object_n of_o the_o humane_a mind_n be_v every_o ens_fw-la whether_o above_o or_o sublimary_a material_a or_o immaterial_a true_a or_o fictitious_a real_a or_o intentional_a the_o act_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n common_a to_o either_o soul_n be_v vulgar_o account_v these_o three_o to_o wit_n simple_a apprehension_n enunciation_n and_o discourse_n how_o much_o the_o power_n of_o the_o rational_a excel_v the_o other_o which_o be_v corporeal_a we_o shall_v consider_v 1._o the_o know_a faculty_n of_o the_o corporeal_a soul_n be_v phantasie_n or_o imagination_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o the_o brain_n receive_v the_o sensible_a species_n first_o only_o impress_v on_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o a_o most_o quick_a irradiation_n of_o the_o spirit_n deliver_v inward_o and_o so_o apprehend_v all_o the_o several_a corporeal_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o exterior_a appearance_n which_o notwithstanding_o as_o they_o be_v perceive_v only_o by_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v often_o deceive_v they_o be_v admit_v under_o a_o appear_a and_o not_o always_o under_o a_o true_a image_n or_o species_n for_o so_o we_o imagine_v the_o sun_n no_o big_a than_o a_o bushel_n the_o horizon_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o sea_n to_o meet_v
prodigious_o cruel_a which_o plain_o demonstrate_v how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o prophetic_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o steal_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misname_v time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o miserable_o corrupt_v and_o as_o wild_o blend_v together_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o impossible_a blasphemous_a or_o absurd_a the_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o foolish_a the_o whole_a be_v at_o first_o invent_v out_o of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n propagate_v by_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v establish_v profound_a ignorance_n sensual_a bait_n and_o force_v of_o arm_n give_v it_o its_o first_o promotion_n and_o do_v still_o maintain_v its_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o the_o mean_a reason_n if_o due_o exercise_v be_v able_a manifest_o to_o disprove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n this_o business_n of_o revelation_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o curious_o handle_v by_o the_o b_o of_o c_o that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o recommend_v to_o you_o a_o perusal_n of_o those_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n where_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o believe_v you_o will_v find_v but_o little_o want_v to_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reveal_v religion_n of_o a_o possibility_n for_o the_o almighty_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o last_o not_o only_o the_o probability_n but_o the_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o revelation_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o testament_n for_o the_o â—leing_n all_o which_o truth_n viz._n the_o possibility_n expedience_n usefulness_n necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o have_v offer_v such_o evidence_n rational_a natural_a traditionary_a and_o supernatural_a as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o unprejudiced_a infidel_n and_o will_v be_v find_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v make_v void_a or_o overthrow_v by_o the_o subtle_a of_o the_o hellish_a tribe_n our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n do_v indeed_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v must_v precede_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n i_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o own_o their_o truth_n but_o even_o to_o infidel_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o naked_a testimony_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n nature_n and_o quality_n that_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o author_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o arrive_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o a_o assurance_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o its_o effect_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n mere_a testification_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n it_o bring_v only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o again_o those_o who_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mere_a report_n to_o principle_n of_o education_n the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n or_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v their_o alcoran_n if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o repugnant_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o one_o another_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o enthusiast_n and_o pretend_a inspirato_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o such_o person_n can_v have_v of_o its_o divinity_n but_o 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v no_o man_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o enlighten_v he_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o its_o proceed_n from_o god_n be_v evidence_v and_o establishâ—_n there_o be_v no_o conviction_n beget_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherways_o than_o by_o rational_a evidence_n satisfy_v our_o understanding_n through_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n that_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o 2._o no_o man_n particular_a assurance_n obtain_v thus_o in_o way_n of_o illumination_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o another_o than_o by_o propose_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v erect_v the_o way_n of_o such_o man_n evidence_n be_v communicable_a to_o none_o unless_o they_o can_v kindle_v the_o same_o ray_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o which_o have_v irradiate_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o other_o by_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o conviction_n not_o plead_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o that_o another_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o weight_n and_o momentousness_n of_o the_o reason_n themselves_o not_o on_o the_o manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o so_o that_o in_o short_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionate_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n our_o reason_n be_v here_o just_o to_o be_v magnify_v as_o high_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v this_o i_o say_v our_o reason_n can_v do_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o the_o almighty_a to_o satisfy_v they_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadaequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bias_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n
that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o partly_o through_o supineness_n sloth_n and_o inadvertency_n we_o do_v often_o prevaricate_v in_o make_v deduction_n and_o inference_n from_o self-evident_a and_o universal_a maxim_n and_o thereupon_o establish_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v consequence_n as_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o philosopher_n not_o of_o philosophy_n or_o of_o philosophy_n in_o the_o concrete_a as_o exist_v in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n not_o in_o the_o abstract_n as_o involve_v such_o a_o mischief_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o idea_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o tincture_v with_o lust_n enthral_v by_o prejudices_fw-la darken_v by_o passion_n engage_v by_o vain_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n distort_v by_o pride_n and_o self-love_n and_o fasten_v to_o earthly_a image_n do_v often_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o other_o absurd_a axiom_n for_o undoubted_a and_o incontestable_a principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o adulterate_a reason_n which_o be_v both_o unfriendly_a and_o dangerous_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o this_o that_o most_o of_o the_o malignant_a heresy_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o church_n do_v owe_v its_o rise_n and_o whoever_o will_v trace_v the_o error_n which_o have_v invade_v divinity_n to_o their_o source_n may_v resolve_v they_o into_o false_a reason_n or_o absurd_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n which_o have_v be_v by_o their_o founder_n superscribe_v with_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o principle_n of_o reason_n indeed_o whatever_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o contradiction_n to_o right_a reason_n we_o may_v profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o abandon_v and_o disclaim_v but_o we_o be_v satisfy_v and_o do_v full_o believe_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n which_o only_o cross_v some_o false_a and_o lubricous_a principle_n that_o dogmatist_n have_v give_v that_o name_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o disagreement_n with_o reason_n the_o repugnancy_n of_o reason_n fasten_v upon_o some_o tenet_n be_v rather_o the_o result_n of_o ignorance_n prepossession_n and_o sometime_o lust_n than_o their_o contrariety_n to_o universal_a reason_n or_o any_o genuine_a maxim_n of_o it_o far_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o have_v always_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o a_o doctrine_n through_o the_o sublimity_n and_o extension_n of_o its_o object_n be_v no_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o any_o who_o have_v study_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a capacity_n the_o feebleness_n of_o intellectual_a light_n how_o soon_o it_o be_v dazzle_v with_o too_o bright_a a_o splendour_n the_o confinement_n and_o boundary_n our_o understanding_n be_v subject_a to_o together_o with_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o gospel_n truth_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v think_v the_o arduousness_n of_o frame_v distinct_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o they_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o be_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o standard_n by_o which_o some_o man_n regulate_v their_o belief_n as_o to_o the_o bible_n '_o tho_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o necessary_a yet_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v alike_o true_a and_o our_o concernment_n lie_v more_o or_o less_o in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o import_n and_o meaning_n of_o its_o term_n can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n decide_v but_o by_o their_o habitude_n to_o their_o measure_n for_o this_o end_n do_v the_o almighty_a give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o foundation_n and_o standard_n of_o religion_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v we_o be_v to_o learn_v its_o law_n and_o constitution_n the_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o present_a or_o future_a happiness_n be_v our_o maker_n design_n in_o vouchsafe_v to_o we_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o respect_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o his_o sapience_n and_o goodness_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v adapt_v and_o proportion_v the_o mean_n thereunto_o now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o beside_o their_o be_v make_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a testimony_n have_v also_o a_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v natural_a medium_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v of_o or_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o in_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o or_o know_v but_o we_o be_v sole_o indebt_v to_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o their_o object_n have_v their_o source_n and_o rise_v only_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v absolute_o expedient_a to_o promulge_v they_o and_o these_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n which_o though_o our_o understanding_n by_o natural_a medium_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v yet_o be_v onâ—e_o reveal_v our_o mind_n can_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o reason_n facilitate_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v itself_o in_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_v of_o forgiveness_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v other_o which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v so_o when_o reveal_v it_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v they_o nor_o produce_v any_o medium_fw-la in_o nature_n by_o which_o either_o the_o existence_n of_o their_o object_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o their_o truth_n illustrate_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o these_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o any_o adequate_a conception_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n unite_v with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n can_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n have_v the_o like_a connexion_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o dispense_n of_o pardon_n to_o repent_v offender_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o corruption_n be_v both_o full_o confess_v and_o easy_o demonstrate_v by_o reason_n thus_o though_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o a_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n yet_o these_o very_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o lie_v remoâ—est_v from_o the_o territory_n of_o reason_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v least_o affinity_n with_o its_o light_n be_v necessary_o and_o clear_o connect_v with_o those_o other_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o when_o once_o discover_v reason_v both_o approve_v of_o and_o can_v rational_o confirm_v itself_o in_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o the_o most_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v necessary_o connect_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o right_a reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o now_o if_o in_o explain_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a province_n of_o reason_n the_o most_o that_o a_o discreet_a philosopher_n will_v pretend_v to_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o possible_a way_n by_o which_o a_o phoenomenon_n may_v be_v account_v for_o without_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v only_o perform_v in_o this_o way_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v explain_v much_o more_o do_v it_o become_v we_o in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o revelation_n to_o abstain_v from_o define_v the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v and_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o for_o in_o such_o doctrine_n these_o thing_n appertain_v to_o reason_n 1._o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o
substance_n that_o the_o ray_n which_o cause_n the_o visible_a species_n be_v either_o certain_a particle_n or_o effluvia_n dart_v from_o a_o lucid_a body_n repercuss_v in_o their_o go_v forth_o and_o reflect_v various_o here_o and_o there_o according_a to_o gassendus_fw-la or_o that_o these_o particle_n beam_a forth_o from_o the_o same_o lucid_a body_n move_v other_o particle_n of_o a_o nitro-sulphureous_a quality_n implant_v in_o the_o air_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o enkindle_n they_o render_v they_o luminous_a and_o these_o at_o length_n other_o and_o that_o so_o a_o diffusion_n on_o every_o side_n of_o light_n or_o image_n be_v propagate_v by_o a_o certain_a undulation_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a opinion_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v dr._n willis_n far_o admit_v in_o the_o case_n of_o hear_v that_o the_o audible_a species_n or_o sonorisick_n particle_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o saline_n little_a body_n after_o the_o manner_n describe_v or_o some_o other_o way_n stir_v up_o into_o act_n for_o the_o production_n of_o sound_n in_o a_o word_n admit_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o touch_n the_o smell_n and_o taste_n and_o all_o other_o phaenomena_n relate_v to_o the_o humane_a body_n may_v after_o some_o such_o manmer_n be_v explore_v by_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o substance_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o speculation_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v indeed_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o be_v which_o exert_v such_o admirable_a power_n and_o judge_n so_o exquisite_o of_o each_o of_o these_o sensation_n must_v itself_o be_v independent_a both_o of_o matter_n and_o mechanism_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n without_o a_o wilful_a blindness_n or_o debauch_n of_o his_o understanding_n when_o he_o have_v make_v this_o enquiry_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o wonderful_a and_o divine_a contrivance_n of_o structure_n in_o the_o several_a organ_n destinate_a for_o so_o many_o function_n how_o be_v it_o i_o say_v that_o this_o shall_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o atheism_n unless_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v resolve_v that_o way_n or_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o strange_o degenerate_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o imagine_v where_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o conspicuous_a than_o the_o workmanship_n of_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o intelligent_a be_v that_o the_o same_o at_o first_o proceed_v either_o from_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o or_o one_o no_o better_a viz._n chance_n or_o fortune_n so_o that_o to_o deal_v free_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o believe_v with_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n that_o whoever_o do_v profess_v philosophy_n and_o think_v not_o right_o of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_v not_o only_o to_o have_v shake_v hand_n with_o religion_n but_o with_o his_o reason_n also_o and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o once_o put_v off_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v here_o that_o no_o man_n can_v indeed_o scarce_o reason_n at_o all_o or_o to_o be_v sure_a can_v reason_v right_o and_o be_v irreligious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o religious_a be_v to_o be_v true_o reasonable_a so_o that_o to_o put_v the_o cause_n upon_o this_o issue_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o right_a reason_n teach_v we_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a let_v we_o consider_v whether_o it_o point_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o direct_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o future_a happiness_n or_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n for_o if_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o imprint_n upon_o our_o mind_n any_o notion_n of_o irreligion_n or_o that_o in_o any_o manner_n incline_v we_o to_o vice_n we_o ought_v undoubted_o to_o reject_v it_o without_o the_o least_o hesitation_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o appear_v that_o true_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n both_o of_o true_a piety_n and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o any_o pretence_n either_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o not_o build_v on_o rational_a principle_n may_v in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n thâ—n_o certain_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v this_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o our_o enquiry_n after_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o when_o by_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o that_o the_o penman_n thereof_o be_v supernatural_o inspire_v which_o as_o be_v intimate_v before_o we_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o believe_v we_o must_v then_o let_v our_o faith_n take_v place_n and_o not_o only_o assent_v unto_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o even_o of_o those_o also_o which_o though_o not_o contrary_a to_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o surmount_v our_o apprehension_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o perception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o that_o general_a light_n or_o capacity_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v impart_v to_o all_o mankind_n all_o the_o certainty_n say_v the_o pious_a father_n malebranch_n which_o we_o can_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n depend_v upon_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v one_o inestimable_a advantage_n derive_v to_o we_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o powerful_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n only_o we_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v if_o you_o expect_v any_o definition_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n i_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o very_a ingenious_a reason_n man_n that_o by_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o steady_a uniform_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n that_o divine_a touchstone_n or_o test_n by_o which_o all_o man_n be_v enable_v so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o congruity_n and_o incongruity_n of_o proposition_n and_o thereupon_o to_o pronounce_v they_o true_a or_o false_a there_o be_v indeed_o different_a degree_n of_o clearness_n in_o the_o intellectual_a perception_n of_o different_a man_n occasion_v by_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o attention_n in_o themselves_o and_o the_o different_a representation_n of_o thing_n from_o without_o but_o the_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v discern_v be_v universal_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o uniformity_n of_o this_o light_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o intellectual_a communication_n between_o man_n and_o man_n for_o if_o different_a man_n see_v always_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o different_a light_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o man_n by_o any_o representation_n whatsoever_o to_o raise_v the_o same_o conception_n in_o another_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o whatever_o extraordinary_a illumination_n some_o man_n may_v enjoy_v it_o can_v only_o be_v of_o authority_n and_o useful_a to_o themselves_o or_o at_o most_o it_o can_v be_v only_o so_o far_o useful_a and_o of_o authority_n to_o other_o as_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v extraordinary_a proof_n of_o it_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o as_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o in_o method_n conformable_a to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a light_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o religion_n i_o understand_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o those_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o and_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v some_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o cause_n be_v i_o call_v it_o god_n and_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o this_o powerful_a â—â—cing_n arise_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o innumerable_a perfection_n that_o
a_o profound_a judgement_n and_o substantial_a knowledge_n must_v undoubted_o lead_v we_o to_o very_o great_a devotion_n and_o the_o more_o exquisite_o curious_a the_o anatomist_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n will_v he_o have_v if_o he_o abuse_v not_o his_o understanding_n to_o adore_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o great_a creator_n and_o consequent_o to_o worship_n to_o love_v and_o to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o believe_v reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v never_o so_o question_v or_o refute_v as_o to_o deserve_v the_o answer_n of_o any_o sober_o learned_a man_n you_o must_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n particular_a providence_n although_o you_o can_v reconcile_v every_o particular_a phaenomenon_n either_o to_o your_o own_o reason_n or_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o system_n of_o divine_a philosophy_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o almighty_a aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o rational_a man_n before_o the_o seem_a clearness_n of_o any_o mere_a humane_a hypothesis_n alas_o how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o know_v and_o grant_v the_o supreme_a be_v to_o have_v make_v our_o world_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o clock_n be_v this_o a_o argument_n that_o its_o first_o fabrication_n or_o the_o motion_n bestow_v upon_o its_o several_a part_n can_v result_v from_o any_o thing_n short_a of_o a_o almighty_a and_o divine_a power_n but_o our_o philosophy_n be_v unable_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o all_o the_o wheel_n the_o pius_n and_o several_a motion_n of_o this_o stupendous_a frame_n it_o be_v true_a we_o set_v it_o move_v according_a to_o mechanic_n law_n but_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thousand_o motion_n in_o it_o of_o which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a let_v we_o bless_v our_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o let_v we_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o behoove_v we_o rely_v upon_o his_o special_a providence_n whoever_o do_v so_o will_v in_o the_o event_n find_v comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o a_o good_a man_n can_v have_v any_o real_a happiness_n or_o consolation_n without_o it_o as_o for_o mr._n b_o s_o divinity_n i_o must_v own_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o both_o rational_a and_o solid_a but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o spiritualise_v the_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o not_o only_o set_v himself_o up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v but_o expose_v a_o want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o scripture_n interpretation_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o sect_n and_o the_o dangerous_a tendency_n of_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n be_v argument_n enough_o to_o â—â—e_v of_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o themselves_o and_o true_a religion_n and_o sure_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o cautious_a how_o we_o side_n with_o such_o whimsical_a upstart_n opinion_n till_o we_o can_v reconcile_v the_o possibility_n for_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o suffer_v christendom_n to_o lie_v in_o ignorance_n for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o the_o church_n immediate_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v mistake_v of_o that_o vile_a consequence_n even_o when_o their_o founder_n be_v present_a to_o set_v they_o to_o right_n if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v they_o do_v if_o q_n sm_n be_v true_a a_o wellgrounded_n knowledge_n in_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n which_o may_v be_v true_o fetch_v out_o of_o ecclesiastic_a history_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n will_v give_v you_o this_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o water-baptism_n and_o the_o eucharist_n have_v be_v practise_v even_o to_o this_o day_n by_o all_o good_a christian_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a element_n in_o their_o administration_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o have_v be_v both_o great_a abuse_n misapprehension_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o reception_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d more_o egregious_o absurd_a than_o some_o of_o those_o derive_v from_o the_o chair_n of_o suppose_a infallibility_n but_o this_o will_n by_o no_o mean_n extenuate_v our_o crime_n of_o neglect_v their_o use_n or_o make_v light_n of_o put_v they_o at_o all_o in_o practice_n i_o desire_v you_o at_o your_o leisure_n to_o consider_v well_o mr._n b_o s_o comment_n upon_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o which_o he_o lay_v a_o very_a great_a stress_n and_o if_o you_o compare_v it_o with_o some_o of_o those_o place_n in_o holy_a writ_n which_o clear_o justify_v this_o manner_n of_o baptismal_a initiation_n into_o christ_n church_n you_o will_v find_v it_o so_o gross_a a_o metaphor_n that_o neither_o grammar_n rhetoric_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n neither_o which_o i_o prefer_v to_o they_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o understand_a man_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o countenance_n we_o may_v set_v into_o what_o absurdity_n even_o learned_a man_n be_v betray_v when_o they_o too_o much_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n when_o they_o set_v up_o for_o new_a discovery_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o phantâ—sies_n for_o divine_a revelation_n if_o you_o please_v to_o send_v i_o what_o you_o think_v the_o sufficient_a proof_n which_o this_o learned_a man_n have_v excogitated_a for_o the_o support_n of_o his_o new_a religion_n i_o will_v if_o god_n enable_v i_o give_v you_o my_o impartial_a thought_n for_o i_o must_v serious_o profess_v to_o you_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o his_o work_n which_o ought_v to_o sway_v any_o true_a christian_a to_o leave_v any_o protestant_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o q_n sm_n i_o have_v former_o be_v in_o mr._n b_o s_o company_n but_o can_v never_o discover_v any_o thing_n like_o fair_a argumentation_n i_o must_v own_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o considerable_a part_n yet_o his_o scripture_n quotation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n manifest_o wrest_v and_o his_o general_a discourse_n a_o pure_a invective_n or_o downright_a raillery_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_v very_o much_o surprise_v have_v frame_v to_o myself_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o man_n before_o i_o leave_v he_o with_o this_o undoubted_a satisfaction_n in_o myself_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o self-conceit_n of_o pride_n and_o bitterness_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o reâ—â—te_a from_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o discourse_n concern_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o spasm_n or_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o nervous_a system_n but_o as_o to_o what_o you_o say_v about_o daemoniac_n fascination_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n i_o must_v refer_v my_o opinion_n to_o a_o time_n of_o great_a leisure_n or_o till_o you_o please_v to_o visit_v i_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o pray_v god_n more_o and_o more_o to_o enlighten_v your_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o your_o real_a friend_n a._n h._n some_o little_a time_n after_o this_o i_o receive_v a_o second_o letter_n from_o that_o sincere_o religious_a and_o most_o excellent_a divine_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o one_o that_o i_o have_v send_v he_o which_o as_o i_o find_v it_o among_o my_o paper_n begin_v thus_o sir_n letter_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o that_o it_o have_v please_v our_o good_a god_n to_o confirm_v in_o you_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o existence_n and_o your_o own_o creation_n after_o the_o divine_a image_n as_o may_v secure_v to_o you_o a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o you_o and_o put_v you_o both_o upon_o a_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o divine_a grace_n together_o with_o a_o steady_a and_o devout_a submission_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o especial_a providence_n i_o do_v look_v upon_o your_o last_o letter_n to_o be_v the_o picture_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o bate_v the_o ceremony_n i_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n than_o this_o that_o how_o lamentable_o true_a soever_o your_o remark_n may_v be_v upon_o the_o present_a age_n for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o i_o be_o free_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o my_o thought_n that_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a number_n of_o good_a people_n among_o we_o than_o you_o imagine_v i_o may_v say_v bless_a be_v our_o god_n for_o it_o i_o have_v the_o personal_a knowledge_n of_o many_o who_o i_o can_v call_v true_o pious_a and_o sincere_a christian_n some_o of_o they_o such_o who_o as_o they_o by_o no_o mean_n value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o humane_a acquirement_n be_v yet_o able_a to_o silence_v the_o calumny_n of_o the_o profane_a
present_a but_o it_o be_v self-evident_a likewise_o that_o no_o one_o past_a revolution_n can_v be_v infinite_o distant_a from_o the_o present_a for_o then_o a_o infinite_a or_o unbounded_a duration_n may_v be_v bound_v at_o two_o extreme_n by_o two_o annual_a revolution_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o a_o contradiction_n and_o again_o upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n of_o a_o eternal_a past_a duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o infinite_a annual_a revolution_n of_o the_o earth_n about_o the_o sun_n i_o will_v ask_v concern_v the_o monthly_a revolution_n of_o the_o moon_n about_o the_o earth_n or_o the_o diurnal_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n upon_o its_o axis_n both_o which_o by_o the_o very_a hypothesis_n be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o the_o former_a whether_o these_o also_o have_v be_v finite_a or_o infinite_a not_o finite_a to_o be_v sure_a because_o thâ—n_v a_o finite_a number_n will_v be_v great_a than_o a_o infinite_a as_o 12_o or_o 365_o be_v great_a than_o a_o unite_n nor_o infinite_a neither_o for_o then_o two_o or_o three_o infinite_n will_v exceed_v one_o another_o as_o a_o year_n exceed_v a_o month_n or_o both_o exceed_v a_o day_n so_o that_o both_o way_n the_o supposition_n be_v repugnant_a and_o impossible_a these_o difficulty_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v can_v be_v reasonable_o apply_v to_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n for_o though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v eternity_n and_o infinity_o yet_o we_o understand_v what_o they_o be_v not_o and_o something_o we_o be_v sure_o must_v have_v exi_v from_o eternity_n because_o all_o thing_n can_v not_o emerge_n from_o nothing_o so_o that_o if_o this_o preaexistent_a eternity_n be_v not_o compatible_a with_o a_o successive_a duration_n as_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v not_o than_o something_o though_o infinite_o above_o our_o finite_a comprehension_n must_v have_v have_v a_o identical_a invariable_a continuance_n from_o all_o eternity_n which_o be_v be_v what_o we_o call_v god_n for_o as_o his_o nature_n be_v perfect_a and_o immutable_a without_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o change_n so_o his_o eternal_a duration_n be_v permanent_a and_o invisible_a not_o measurable_a by_o time_n and_o motion_n nor_o to_o be_v compute_v by_o number_n of_o successive_a moment_n â—â—â—ture_z but_o this_o opinion_n of_o infinite_a generation_n be_v repugnant_a likewise_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n beyond_o opposition_n that_o the_o universal_a species_n of_o mankind_n have_v have_v a_o gradual_a increase_n notwithstanding_o what_o war_n and_o famine_n pestilence_n flood_n conflagration_n and_o other_o cause_n may_v at_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n have_v interrupt_v and_o retard_v it_o this_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n from_o the_o account_n of_o the_o roman_a census_n and_o from_o the_o register_n of_o our_o own_o country_n where_o the_o proportion_n of_o birth_n to_o burial_n be_v find_v upon_o observation_n to_o be_v yearly_a as_o fifty_o to_o forty_o now_o if_o mankind_n do_v increase_v though_o never_o so_o slow_o but_o one_o couple_n suppose_v in_o a_o age_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o evince_v the_o falsehood_n of_o infinite_a generation_n already_o expire_v for_o though_o the_o atheist_n shall_v contend_v that_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o million_o couple_n of_o mankind_n now_o in_o be_v that_o we_o may_v allow_v he_o multitude_n enough_o it_o be_v but_o go_v back_o so_o many_o age_n and_o we_o descend_v to_o one_o single_a original_a pair_n and_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o eternal_a duration_n yet_o behind_o whether_o we_o begin_v the_o world_n so_o many_o million_o of_o age_n ago_o or_o date_n it_o from_o the_o late_a aera_fw-la of_o about_o six_o thousand_o year_n which_o recent_a beginning_n be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o establish_v from_o the_o know_a original_a of_o empire_n and_o kingdom_n and_o from_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o art_n and_o science_n whereas_o if_o infinite_a age_n of_o mankind_n have_v already_o precede_v there_o can_v nothing_o have_v be_v leave_v to_o be_v invent_v or_o improve_v by_o the_o successful_a industry_n and_o curiosity_n of_o our_o own_o the_o circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o the_o weight_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o air_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o vital_a pulse_n and_o the_o great_a circulation_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o more_o importance_n in_o all_o physiology_n than_o any_o one_o invention_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o science_n have_v never_o lie_v hide_v so_o many_o myriad_o of_o generation_n and_o be_v reserve_v for_o a_o late_a happy_a discovery_n by_o two_o great_a luminary_n of_o this_o island_n i_o hope_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v gain_v if_o not_o undoubted_a satisfaction_n at_o least_o some_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o this_o notion_n of_o infinite_a past_a generation_n or_o the_o world_n eternity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v the_o test_n of_o a_o reasonable_a inquisition_n that_o the_o very_a supposition_n be_v void_a of_o sense_n and_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o a_o fortuitous_a jumble_v without_o any_o intelligent_a be_v to_o direct_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o mundane_a matter_n into_o their_o several_a form_n be_v a_o fancy_n no_o less_o extravagant_a a_o whimsy_n so_o unaccountable_a that_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o great_a man_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o wonderful_a to_o imagine_v unless_o this_o that_o it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man._n the_o better_a to_o confute_v this_o together_o with_o those_o other_o opinion_n of_o the_o astral_a and_o solar_a influence_n i_o have_v here_o borrow_v a_o scheme_n of_o fair_a and_o reasonable_a argumentation_n from_o the_o judicious_a mr._n lock_v such_o a_o one_o i_o hope_v as_o will_v extort_v a_o confession_n from_o you_o that_o there_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v admit_v a_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o same_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o most_o intelligent_a as_o well_o as_o powerful_a be_v 1._o though_o god_n have_v give_v we_o say_v that_o learned_a man_n no_o innate_a idea_n of_o himself_o though_o he_o have_v stamp_v no_o original_a character_n on_o our_o mind_n understanding_n wherein_o we_o may_v read_v his_o be_v yet_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o those_o faculty_n our_o mind_n be_v endow_v with_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n since_o we_o have_v sense_n perception_n and_o reason_n and_o can_v want_v a_o clear_a proof_n of_o he_o as_o long_o as_o we_o carry_v ourselves_o about_o we_o nor_o can_v we_o just_o complain_v of_o our_o ignorance_n in_o this_o great_a point_n since_o he_o have_v so_o plentiful_o provide_v we_o with_o the_o mean_n to_o discover_v and_o know_v he_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o happiness_n but_o though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o obvious_a truth_n that_o reason_n discover_v and_o though_o its_o evidence_n be_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o equal_a to_o mathematical_a certainty_n yet_o it_o require_v thought_n and_o attention_n and_o the_o mind_n must_v apply_v itself_o to_o a_o regular_a deduction_n of_o it_o from_o some_o part_n of_o our_o intuitive_a knowledge_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o uncertain_a and_o ignorant_a of_o this_o as_o of_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o capable_a of_o clear_a demonstration_n to_o show_v therefore_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v i._n e._n be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o how_o we_o may_v come_v by_o this_o certainty_n i_o think_v we_o need_v go_v no_o far_o than_o ourselves_o and_o that_o undoubted_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o existence_n 2._o i_o think_v it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o man_n have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o his_o own_o be_v he_o know_v certain_o that_o he_o exist_v and_o that_o he_o be_v something_o he_o that_o can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v any_o thing_n or_o no_o i_o speak_v no_o more_o to_o than_o i_o will_v argue_v with_o pure_a nothing_o or_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v nonentity_n that_o it_o be_v something_o if_o any_o one_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o sceptical_a as_o to_o deny_v his_o own_o existence_n for_o real_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a let_v he_o for_o i_o enjoy_v his_o belove_a happiness_n of_o be_v nothing_o until_o hunger_n or_o some_o other_o pain_n convince_v he_o of_o the_o contrary_n this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v for_o a_o truth_n of_o which_o every_a one_o certain_a knowledge_n assure_v he_o beyond_o the_o liberty_n of_o doubt_v viz._n that_o he_o be_v something_o that_o actual_o exist_v 3._o in_o the_o next_o place_n man_n know_v by_o a_o intuitive_a knowledge_n the_o certainty_n that_o bear_v nothing_o can_v no_o more_o produce_v any_o real_a be_v than_o it_o
can_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o that_o nonentity_n or_o the_o absence_n of_o all_o be_v can_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v know_v any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n if_o therefore_o we_o know_v there_o be_v some_o real_a be_v and_o that_o nonentity_n can_v produce_v any_o real_a be_v it_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o from_o eternity_n there_o have_v be_v something_o since_o what_o be_v from_o eternity_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o what_o have_v a_o beginning_n must_v be_v produce_v from_o something_o else_o 4._o next_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o have_v its_o be_v and_o begin_v from_o another_o must_v also_o have_v all_o that_o which_o be_v in_o and_o belong_v to_o its_o be_v to_o another_o too_o all_o the_o power_n it_o have_v must_v be_v owe_v to_o and_o receive_v from_o the_o same_o source_n this_o eternal_a source_n then_o of_o all_o be_v be_v must_v also_o be_v the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o power_n and_o so_o this_o eternal_a be_v must_v be_v also_o the_o most_o powerful_a 5._o again_o a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o perception_n and_o knowledge_n we_o have_v then_o get_v one_o step_n far_o and_o we_o be_v certain_a now_o that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o be_v but_o some_o know_a intelligent_a be_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o time_n then_o when_o there_o be_v no_o know_v be_v and_o when_o knowledge_n begin_v to_o be_v or_o else_o there_o have_v be_v also_o a_o know_v be_v from_o eternity_n if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o no_o be_v have_v any_o knowledge_n when_o that_o eternal_a be_v be_v void_a of_o all_o understanding_n i_o reply_v that_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v any_o knowledge_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o thing_n whole_o void_a of_o knowledge_n and_o operate_a blind_o without_o any_o perception_n shall_v produce_v a_o know_a be_v as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o triangle_n shall_v make_v itself_o three_o angle_n big_a than_o two_o right_a one_o for_o it_o be_v as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o senseless_a matter_n that_o it_o shall_v put_v into_o itself_o sense_n perception_n and_o knowledge_n as_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n that_o it_o shall_v put_v into_o itself_o great_a angle_n than_o two_o right_a one_o 6._o thus_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o ourselves_o and_o what_o we_o infallible_o find_v in_o our_o own_o constitution_n our_o reason_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o certain_a and_o evident_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a most_o powerful_a and_o most_o know_v be_v which_o whether_o any_o one_o will_v please_v to_o call_v god_n it_o matter_n not_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a and_o from_o this_o idea_n due_o consider_v will_v easy_o be_v deduce_v all_o those_o other_o attribute_n we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v to_o this_o eternal_a be_v if_o nevertheless_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o sensles_o arrogant_a as_o to_o suppose_v man_n alone_o know_v and_o wise_a but_o yet_o the_o product_n of_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o chance_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v act_v only_o by_o that_o blind_a haphazard_n i_o shall_v leave_v with_o he_o that_o very_o rational_a and_o emphatical_a rebuke_n of_o tully_n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr leg._n to_o be_v consider_v leisurely_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verius_fw-la quam_fw-la neminem_fw-la esse_fw-la oportere_fw-la tam_fw-la stulte_fw-la arrogantem_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o se_fw-la mentem_fw-la &_o rationem_fw-la putet_fw-la inesse_fw-la in_fw-la coelo_fw-la mundóque_fw-la non_fw-la putet_fw-la aut_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la vix_fw-la summâ_fw-la ingenij_fw-la ratione_fw-la comprehendat_fw-la nulla_fw-la ratione_fw-la moveri_fw-la putet_fw-la or_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n egregie_n mentiuntur_fw-la qui_fw-la dicunt_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la deum_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la enim_fw-la interdiu_fw-la negant_fw-la noctu_fw-la tamen_fw-la &_o sibi_fw-la dubitant_fw-la from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v plain_a to_o i_o we_o have_v a_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n than_o of_o any_o thing_n our_o sense_n have_v not_o immediate_o discover_v to_o we_o nay_o i_o presume_v i_o may_v say_v that_o we_o more_o certain_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n than_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o without_o we_o when_o i_o say_v we_o know_v i_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o knowledge_n within_o our_o reach_n which_o we_o can_v miss_v if_o we_o will_v but_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o as_o we_o do_v to_o several_a other_o inquiry_n 7._o how_o far_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v which_o a_o man_n may_v frame_v in_o his_o mind_n do_v or_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n i_o will_v not_o here_o examine_v for_o in_o the_o different_a make_v of_o man_n temper_n and_o application_n of_o their_o thought_n some_o argument_n prevail_v more_o on_o one_o and_o some_o on_o another_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a way_n of_o establish_v this_o truth_n and_o silence_v atheist_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o so_o important_a a_o point_n as_o this_o upon_o that_o sole_a foundation_n and_o take_v some_o man_n have_v that_o idea_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a some_o man_n have_v none_o and_o some_o worse_a than_o none_o and_o the_o most_o very_a indifferent_a for_o the_o only_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o out_o of_o a_o overfondness_n of_o that_o darling_n invention_n cashier_v or_o at_o least_o endeavour_n to_o invalidate_v all_o other_o argument_n and_o forbid_v we_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o proof_n as_o be_v weak_a or_o fallacious_a which_o our_o own_o existence_n and_o the_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n offer_v so_o clear_o and_o cogent_o to_o our_o thought_n that_o i_o deem_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o consider_a man_n to_o withstand_v they_o for_o i_o judge_v it_o as_o certain_a and_o clear_v a_o truth_n as_o can_v any_o where_o be_v deliver_v that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o see_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n though_o our_o own_o be_v furnish_v we_o as_o i_o have_v show_v with_o a_o evident_a and_o incontestible_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o i_o believe_v no_o body_n can_v avoid_v the_o cogency_n of_o it_o who_o will_v but_o as_o careful_o attend_v to_o it_o as_o to_o any_o other_o demonstration_n of_o so_o many_o part_n yet_o this_o be_v so_o fundamental_a a_o truth_n and_o of_o that_o consequence_n that_o all_o religion_n and_o genuine_a morality_n depend_v thereon_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v forgive_v if_o i_o go_v over_o some_o part_n of_o this_o argument_n again_o and_o enlarge_v a_o little_a more_o thereon_o 8._o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o evident_a than_o that_o something_o must_v be_v from_o eternity_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o any_o one_o so_o unreasonable_a that_o can_v suppose_v so_o manifest_a a_o contradiction_n as_o a_o time_n wherein_o there_o be_v perfect_o nothing_o this_o be_v of_o all_o absurdity_n the_o great_a to_o imagine_v that_o pure_a nothing_o the_o perfect_a negation_n and_o absence_n of_o all_o be_v shall_v ever_o produce_v any_o real_a existence_n it_o be_v then_o unavoidable_a for_o all_o rational_a creature_n to_o conclude_v that_o something_o have_v exi_v from_o eternity_n let_v we_o next_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v 9_o there_o be_v but_o two_o sort_n of_o being_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n know_v or_o conceive_v first_o such_o as_o be_v pure_o material_a without_o sense_n perception_n or_o think_v second_o sensible_a think_v and_o perceive_v being_n which_o if_o you_o please_v we_o will_v hereafter_o call_v cogitative_a and_o incogitative_a being_n be_v more_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o perhaps_o better_a term_n than_o material_a and_o immaterial_a 10._o if_o then_o there_o must_v be_v something_o eternal_a let_v we_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o be_v it_o must_v be_v and_o to_o that_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o reason_n that_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o cogitative_a be_v for_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o ever_o bare_a incogitative_a matter_n shall_v produce_v a_o think_v intelligent_a be_v as_o that_o nothing_o shall_v of_o itself_o produce_v matter_n let_v we_o suppose_v any_o parcel_n of_o matter_n eternal_a great_a or_o small_a we_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o itself_o able_a to_o produce_v nothing_o for_o example_n let_v we_o suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o next_o
voluntary_a motion_n which_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o only_o by_o the_o free_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o impulse_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o blind_a matter_n in_o or_o upon_o our_o body_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n or_o choice_n to_o alter_v it_o for_o example_n my_o right_a hand_n write_v whilst_o my_o left_a hand_n be_v still_o what_o cause_n rest_v in_o one_o and_o motion_n in_o the_o other_o nothing_o but_o my_o will_n a_o thought_n of_o my_o mind_n my_o thought_n only_o change_v the_o right_a hand_n rest_v and_o the_o left_a hand_n move_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v explain_v this_o and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a and_o then_o the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v to_o understand_v creation_n for_o the_o give_v a_o new_a determination_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o explain_v voluntary_a motion_n clear_v not_o the_o difficulty_n one_o jotâ—_n to_o alter_v the_o determination_n of_o motion_n be_v in_o this_o case_n no_o easy_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o give_v motion_n itself_o since_o the_o new_a determination_n give_v to_o the_o animal_n spirit_n must_v be_v either_o immediate_o by_o thought_n or_o by_o some_o other_o body_n put_v in_o their_o way_n by_o thought_n which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o way_n before_o and_o so_o must_v own_o its_o motion_n to_o thought_n either_o of_o which_o leave_v voluntary_a motion_n as_o unintelligible_a as_o it_o be_v before_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o overvalue_a ourselves_o to_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o narrow_a measure_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o to_o conclude_v all_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v who_o manner_n of_o do_v exceed_v our_o comprehension_n this_o be_v to_o make_v our_o comprehension_n infinite_a or_o god_n finite_a when_o what_o he_o can_v do_v be_v limit_v to_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o operation_n of_o your_o own_o finite_a mind_n that_o think_v thing_n within_o you_o do_v not_o deem_v it_o strange_a that_o you_o can_v comprehend_v the_o operation_n of_o that_o eternal_a infinite_a mind_n who_o make_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o who_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v i_o hope_v my_o friend_n you_o will_v more_o ready_o excuse_v the_o forego_n prolixity_n on_o the_o account_n that_o first_o principle_n especial_o those_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o these_o before_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o clear_o and_o satisfactory_o prove_v as_o it_o be_v possible_a which_o if_o upon_o your_o most_o serious_a reflection_n you_o find_v establish_v beyond_o opposition_n i_o expect_v that_o from_o this_o moment_n you_o date_n the_o downfall_n of_o your_o atheism_n and_o that_o you_o present_o commence_v deist_n in_o order_n to_o turn_v christian._n i_o know_v of_o no_o better_a way_n of_o argue_v with_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n or_o with_o such_o who_o value_v themselves_o so_o high_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n or_o humane_a reason_n than_o to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n by_o the_o most_o rational_a deduction_n from_o as_o rational_a proposition_n whether_o or_o no_o these_o be_v such_o which_o i_o have_v transfer_v hither_o from_o the_o write_n of_o these_o two_o famous_a man_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o consider_v i_o confess_v there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o reclaim_v such_o foolhardy_a libertine_n who_o argue_v for_o their_o infidelity_n by_o the_o same_o power_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o to_o the_o more_o considerate_a be_v convince_a proof_n that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v invest_v with_o such_o mighty_a power_n must_v undoubted_o be_v a_o substance_n independent_a of_o corporiety_n and_o consequent_o incapable_a of_o suffer_v a_o extinction_n with_o the_o lamp_n of_o life_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n and_o its_o different_a existence_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o brute_n i_o shall_v discourse_v elsewhere_o have_v here_o confine_v myself_o more_o particular_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o author_n of_o our_o own_o be_v and_o all_o other_o which_o surround_v we_o there_o have_v be_v many_o method_n use_v in_o handle_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o indeed_o be_v our_o opponent_n so_o full_a of_o reason_n as_o they_o pretend_v one_o might_n wonder_n that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v prove_v insufficient_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o stay_v to_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o cartesian_a notion_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v have_v have_v any_o idea_n of_o that_o infinite_a eternal_a alwise_a be_v we_o call_v god_n if_o such_o a_o be_v do_v not_o real_o exist_v or_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la but_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o immense_a be_v have_v create_v we_o with_o a_o design_n not_o to_o deceive_v we_o we_o must_v be_v pure_a sceptic_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o this_o belief_n we_o shall_v be_v full_o assure_v of_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o philosopher_n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o science_n nihil_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la nisi_fw-la deus_fw-la prius_fw-la intelligatur_fw-la have_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o eternal_a cogitative_a be_v by_o a_o train_n of_o argument_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o right_a reason_n neither_o support_v by_o tradition_n or_o authority_n either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a i_o shall_v next_o inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o first_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v great_a truth_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a happiness_n be_v so_o wonderful_o obscure_v effaced_a and_o even_o obliterated_a out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o trouble_n to_o inform_v himself_o after_o what_o manner_n most_o people_n account_v for_o the_o production_n they_o see_v daily_o bring_v to_o pass_v may_v easy_o understand_v that_o where_o one_o man_n speak_v either_o reasonable_o or_o becoming_o of_o the_o great_a author_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o be_v as_o superintend_v the_o agency_n of_o second_o cause_n there_o be_v abundant_o more_o who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o empty_a sound_n of_o fate_n fortune_n chance_n destiny_n and_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o structure_n of_o humane_a body_n or_o the_o discord_n of_o the_o animal_n oeconomy_n you_o rare_o find_v any_o thing_n more_o particular_o take_v notice_n of_o than_o the_o archaeus_n by_o some_o by_o other_o the_o plastic_a power_n and_o indeed_o by_o all_o most_o common_o a_o certain_a nature_n which_o though_o continual_o in_o their_o expression_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o excuse_v i_o sir_n if_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o examine_v which_o of_o these_o can_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o almighty_a or_o of_o any_o real_a efficient_a cause_n or_o with_o what_o reason_n we_o can_v ascribe_v unto_o either_o of_o these_o nominal_a agent_n the_o operation_n impute_v to_o they_o â—â—tural_a fate_n or_o destiny_n say_v seneca_n be_v a_o immutable_a and_o invincible_a law_n impose_v upon_o thing_n and_o action_n you_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o this_o thing_n shall_v happen_v or_o not_o happen_v if_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v although_o '_o you_o vow_n and_o make_v your_o request_n yet_o shall_v it_o take_v effect_n if_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v vow_v and_o pray_v as_o much_o as_o you_o list_v yet_o it_o shall_v not_o fall_v out_o now_o the_o consequence_n say_v he_o of_o this_o argument_n be_v false_a because_o you_o have_v forget_v the_o exception_n that_o i_o have_v put_v between_o they_o both_o that_o be_v to_o say_v this_o shall_v happen_v provide_v a_o man_n make_v vow_n and_o prayer_n it_o must_v necessary_o happen_v that_o to_o vow_n or_o not_o to_o vow_v be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o same_o destiny_n again_o it_o be_v destinate_a or_o it_o be_v such_o a_o man_n fate_n to_o be_v a_o eloquent_a man_n but_o under_o this_o condition_n it_o be_v likewise_o destinate_a that_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o good_a letter_n it_o be_v destinate_a for_o another_o man_n to_o he_o rich_a but_o here_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o same_o destiny_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o their_o procurement_n so_o likewise_o may_v it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v such_o a_o man_n destiny_n to_o be_v hang_v but_o here_o that_o he_o render_v himself_o guilty_a of_o some_o capital_a offence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v convict_v by_o the_o law_n be_v part_n of_o the_o same_o destiny_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o these_o word_n be_v
for_o it_o imply_v a_o supreme_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o be_v accountable_a 5._o we_o find_v that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n of_o vast_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v satisfy_v our_o crave_n and_o by_o consequence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a good_a adequate_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o long_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n 6._o we_o find_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o rational_a power_n to_o be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v form_v a_o notion_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v in_o deny_v he_o but_o we_o include_v his_o actual_a existence_n in_o it_o optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la or_o a_o perfect_a be_v be_v the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o god_n whensoever_o we_o think_v of_o he_o now_o this_o include_v actual_a existence_n it_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v essential_o independent_o and_o necessary_o then_o to_o be_v contingent_o and_o by_o imagination_n from_o another_o on_o who_o pleasure_n its_o existence_n depend_v all_o proposition_n who_o predicate_a be_v include_v in_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v style_v self-evident_a or_o per_fw-la se_fw-la nota_fw-la because_o if_o we_o do_v but_o once_o understand_v the_o import_n of_o the_o term_n style_v the_o subject_a we_o necessary_o assent_v to_o its_o identity_n with_o the_o predicate_a 7._o by_o consult_v still_o our_o faculty_n we_o do_v not_o find_v any_o thing_n include_v in_o our_o idea_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o we_o must_v either_o ever_o have_v be_v or_o through_o exist_v this_o moment_n must_v necessary_o exist_v the_o next_o which_o natural_o conduct_n we_o to_o a_o persuasion_n of_o a_o god_n from_o who_o we_o derive_v our_o be_v at_o first_o and_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v our_o continue_a subsistence_n second_o if_o we_o look_v around_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o discoverable_a but_o what_o bear_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a character_n of_o wisdom_n contrivance_n or_o design_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o naked_a existence_n of_o thing_n how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o posture_n they_o be_v we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v that_o they_o can_v cause_v themselves_o existence_n as_o always_o presuppose_v to_o act_v nothing_o can_v be_v both_o before_o and_o after_o itself_o nor_o 2_o dly_a be_v they_o eternal_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o hypothesis_n pregnant_a with_o contradiction_n that_o any_o thing_n finite_a or_o dependent_a as_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v shall_v be_v eternal_a 2._o we_o see_v every_o thing_n subsist_v by_o a_o succession_n of_o generation_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o self_n and_o eternal_a existence_n production_n from_o eternity_n be_v a_o palpable_a contradiction_n whatever_o be_v produce_v pass_v from_o a_o state_n of_o nonentity_n into_o a_o state_n of_o be_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conceive_v a_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o ere_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v but_o the_o recency_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o deficiency_n either_o of_o history_n or_o tradition_n antecedent_o to_o moses_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o record_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v eternal_a that_o he_o instruct_v we_o particular_o both_o how_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v and_o as_o the_o word_n be_v not_o eternal_a so_o neither_o do_v it_o result_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n move_v in_o a_o infinite_a ultra_fw-la mundane_a space_n and_o justle_a one_o another_o till_o they_o fall_v into_o this_o form_n and_o order_n in_o which_o we_o now_o behold_v they_o for_o 1._o the_o eternity_n of_o atom_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o contradiction_n as_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o motion_n be_v hereby_o suppose_a intrinsical_n to_o matter_n which_o be_v not_o only_o false_a but_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o can_v be_v impose_v upon_o reason_n to_o ascribe_v motion_n to_o such_o a_o stupid_a and_o unactive_a principle_n as_o matter_n without_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o first_o and_o divine_a motor_n 3._o if_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o result_n of_o matter_n how_o come_v a_o principle_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v convey_v into_o we_o by_o that_o which_o have_v it_o not_o inherent_a in_o itself_o 4._o this_o hypothesis_n suppose_v that_o to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o chance_n which_o open_o show_v a_o divine_a contrivance_n 5._o if_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o result_n of_o the_o casual_a meeting_n and_o concatenation_n of_o atom_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o their_o daily_a strike_n against_o each_o other_o they_o do_v not_o dance_v themselves_o into_o more_o world_n at_o least_o into_o some_o one_o animal_n or_o other_o 6._o epicurus_n be_v infinity_o of_o atom_n carry_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o it_o to_o his_o inane_fw-la space_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o solve_v the_o permanency_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o continuity_n of_o body_n by_o the_o fortuitous_a concatenation_n of_o atom_n through_o their_o different_a configuration_n and_o jagged_a angle_n without_o the_o superintendency_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a goodness_n who_o sustain_v both_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o every_o part_n especial_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o such_o body_n as_o be_v make_v up_o either_o of_o globular_a particle_n or_o of_o those_o minute_n corpuscle_n which_o des_n chartes_n style_n his_o first_o and_o second_o element_n shall_v hold_v together_o without_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o high_a principle_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o consistency_n and_o thus_o from_o these_o manifold_a consideration_n of_o thing_n both_o without_o we_o and_o within_o we_o be_v we_o lead_v to_o a_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n nor_o can_v the_o atheist_n who_o deny_v his_o existence_n give_v any_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v one_o whereas_o he_o that_o maintain_v one_o can_v easy_o resolve_v it_o by_o show_v how_o such_o a_o persuasion_n flow_v natural_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o man_n understanding_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v dissent_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o persuasion_n be_v not_o universal_a it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n speak_v false_o of_o and_o bely_v our_o nature_n which_o may_v be_v so_o pervert_v by_o vice_n that_o man_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v what_o lie_v most_o proportionate_a to_o reason_n be_v corrupt_v by_o bad_a education_n evil_a custom_n and_o wicked_a institution_n they_o destroy_v even_o their_o most_o natural_a notion_n so_o that_o if_o the_o contradiction_n of_o a_o single_a individual_a or_o two_o be_v enough_o to_o invalidate_v a_o universal_a persuasion_n or_o to_o impeach_v a_o natural_a truth_n there_o will_v be_v neither_o one_o nor_o tother_o in_o the_o world_n for_o not_o only_a cicero_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a which_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v not_o maintain_v but_o aristotle_n inform_v we_o that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o have_v hold_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v and_o not_o be_v so_o that_o that_o thing_n be_v universal_o know_v not_o which_o every_o one_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o which_o every_o one_o who_o have_v not_o debauch_v his_o faculty_n do_v discern_v it_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a truth_n when_o man_n be_v sink_v into_o the_o great_a sensuality_n their_o reason_n become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d compliant_a with_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n beside_o such_o man_n live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n can_v make_v no_o apology_n to_o the_o world_n for_o it_o but_o by_o espouse_v such_o notion_n as_o may_v justify_v they_o in_o their_o course_n withal_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v as_o they_o list_v it_o be_v their_o interest_n with_o reference_n to_o their_o tranquality_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o believe_v through_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o call_v they_o to_o account_v that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o &_o quod_fw-la valde_fw-la volumus_fw-la facile_fw-la credimus_fw-la from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o argument_n i_o see_v not_o what_o evasion_n can_v be_v find_v out_o to_o avoid_v this_o concession_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o true_o consider_v the_o slender_a support_n of_o atheism_n viz._n chance_n and_o the_o world_n eternity_n be_v so_o easy_o overthrow_v and_o prove_v insufficient_a to_o satisfy_v even_o the_o think_v libertine_n himself_o i_o admire_v not_o that_o the_o
they_o and_o there_o be_v artificial_a contrivance_n regular_a proceed_n and_o wise_a adaptation_n of_o thing_n to_o end_n and_o purpose_n far_o above_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v existent_a these_o and_o many_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o follow_v the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n which_o be_v not_o only_o great_a difficulty_n but_o such_o gross_a and_o senseless_a absurdity_n as_o no_o think_v person_n can_v swallow_v or_o digest_v as_o therefore_o deformity_n show_v shape_n and_o proportion_n beautiful_a so_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a by_o the_o absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n which_o contradict_v common_a sense_n overturn_v the_o agree_v principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n confound_v chance_n and_o contrivance_n accident_n and_o design_n and_o which_o have_v its_o recourse_n to_o wild_a romantic_a and_o most_o precarious_a hypothesis_n for_o they_o can_v shun_v the_o own_n a_o infinity_o and_o the_o existence_n of_o something_o from_o eternity_n and_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o thing_n be_v frame_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o proportion_n now_o as_o it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a to_o ascribe_v the_o constant_a observance_n of_o these_o rule_n to_o a_o intelligent_a be_v than_o to_o chance_n or_o no_o cause_n for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a thing_n betwixt_o they_o to_o be_v fix_v on_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o must_v take_v place_n nature_n which_o they_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o be_v a_o obscure_a word_n for_o conceal_v their_o thought_n and_o sentimens_n if_o by_o this_o they_o mean_v something_o distinct_a from_o matter_n which_o move_v and_o direct_v it_o their_o nature_n be_v god_n in_o disguise_n and_o if_o they_o must_v flee_v to_o this_o for_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n why_o do_v they_o quarrel_v at_o the_o word_n god_n which_o carry_v a_o clear_a idea_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v agree_v though_o this_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v equivalent_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o mysterious_a and_o therefore_o it_o smell_v of_o some_o design_a perverseness_n as_o if_o by_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n and_o the_o disuse_n of_o the_o other_o they_o will_v turn_v people_n thought_n from_o god_n and_o god_n from_o the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o by_o nature_n they_o only_o understand_v certain_a law_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o ordinance_n by_o which_o thing_n must_v move_v be_v this_o sufficient_a to_o explain_v the_o first_o production_n of_o thing_n for_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o matter_n can_v move_v but_o according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o that_o move_n by_o they_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o work_n can_v have_v be_v produce_v as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a after_o that_o romantic_a manner_n of_o cartesius_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o cecessity_n that_o matter_n shall_v move_v at_o all_o nor_o can_v it_o move_v of_o itself_o wherefore_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o they_o must_v own_v the_o existence_n of_o something_o prior_n to_o matter_n itself_o or_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o which_o cartes_n be_v sensible_a of_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o build_v his_o airy_a and_o fanciful_a system_n without_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n as_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o belief_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o solid_a reason_n what_o be_v not_o build_v on_o this_o be_v nonsense_n and_o absurdity_n i_o know_v the_o atheist_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o wit_n and_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n above_o other_o and_o do_v think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n of_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n at_o one_o late_o word_v it_o which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v of_o another_o belief_n but_o why_o i_o pray_v must_v they_o carry_v away_o sense_n and_o understanding_n from_o other_o because_o they_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v it_o do_v not_o those_o in_o bedlam_n think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o other_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v fool_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o those_o who_o keep_v they_o there_o not_o only_o such_o but_o oppressor_n and_o most_o unjust_a yet_o atheism_n be_v a_o more_o extravagant_a and_o pernicious_a madness_n which_o it_o be_v the_o high_a interest_n of_o mankind_n to_o keep_v from_o spread_v but_o alas_o it_o have_v be_v suffer_v to_o take_v root_n it_o be_v cherish_v and_o encourage_v man_n walk_v the_o street_n and_o public_o act_v this_o madness_n in_o every_o corner_n they_o throw_v their_o scoff_v and_o droll_fw-fr against_o the_o almighty_a author_n of_o their_o be_v they_o meet_v in_o company_n to_o concert_v how_o they_o may_v most_o witty_o expose_v he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v he_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o a_o clinch_n a_o jest_n or_o puny_a witticism_n be_v receive_v and_o entertain_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o all_o diligence_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o atheist_n shall_v be_v a_o zealot_n there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o he_o to_o propagate_v his_o opinion_n and_o because_o the_o less_o they_o be_v entertain_v by_o other_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o more_o secure_a yet_o no_o sect_n be_v become_v more_o zealous_a of_o late_a than_o atheist_n and_o their_o fraternity_n who_o maintain_v their_o cause_n by_o a_o affront_a impudence_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o frothy_a wit_n instead_o of_o reason_n and_o by_o jest_v and_o droll_v instead_o of_o serious_a argument_n but_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n if_o this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a or_o commendable_a way_n of_o handle_v a_o matter_n so_o serious_a and_o important_a shall_v impudence_n run_v down_o evidence_n shall_v a_o jest_n or_o a_o foolish_a witticism_n be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a sense_n and_o sound_a reason_n if_o these_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o counsel_n i_o will_v ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v absolute_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a be_v they_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o be_v more_o than_o any_o ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o this_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o walk_v very_o cautious_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o there_o may_v for_o any_o assurance_n they_o have_v to_o the_o contrary_a what_o then_o have_v they_o to_o expect_v for_o their_o bold_a insult_v and_o opposition_n to_o he_o our_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o vain_a hypothesis_n or_o imaginary_a supposition_n it_o be_v a_o truth_n loud_o proclaim_v and_o strong_o confirm_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n but_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o whatever_o the_o atheist_n may_v arrogate_v to_o himself_o and_o whatever_o esteem_n may_v be_v pay_v to_o he_o in_o a_o corrupt_a age_n yet_o iâ—_n he_o so_o far_o from_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o that_o by_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o will_v be_v declare_v a_o fool_n who_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n may_v the_o supreme_a power_n direct_v we_o all_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o will_v be_v attend_v here_o with_o a_o solid_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n and_o hereafter_o with_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v unless_o this_o that_o i_o be_o in_o all_o sincerity_n your_o real_a friend_n to_o serve_v you_o letter_n ii_o concern_v providence_n to_o mr._n etc._n etc._n my_o esteem_a friend_n in_o my_o former_a you_o have_v the_o thought_n of_o several_a learned_a man_n together_o with_o my_o own_o conjecture_n concern_v that_o unhappy_o controvert_v truth_n the_o basis_n of_o all_o other_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n in_o this_o i_o shall_v communicate_v my_o own_o sentiment_n among_o those_o of_o some_o more_o prudent_a person_n concern_v providence_n a_o matter_n by_o almost_o all_o man_n frequent_o debate_v although_o '_o by_o very_a few_o of_o they_o very_o rational_o explicate_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o theme_n so_o difficult_a so_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a so_o amase_o stupendous_a and_o withal_o a_o subject_a that_o require_v so_o very_a much_o caution_n in_o its_o explanation_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o general_a moment_n and_o concern_v that_o i_o profess_v to_o you_o i_o scarce_o know_v where_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o begin_v or_o how_o to_o deliver_v my_o conception_n free_o on_o this_o weighty_a argument_n i_o will_v however_o venture_v some_o few_o of_o my_o own_o thought_n rude_a and_o indigested_a as_o they_o have_v occur_v upon_o a_o short_a reflection_n if_o the_o philosopher_n shall_v happen_v to_o get_v the_o ascendant_n of_o the_o christian_a
of_o that_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o know_v what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_v be_v say_v to_o imply_v one_o but_o if_o for_o quietness_n sake_n and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o content_v their_o own_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o admit_v of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a concession_n from_o they_o who_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o then_o to_o ease_v their_o mind_n of_o such_o troublesome_a companion_n as_o their_o fear_n they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n they_o be_v content_v he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o excellent_a be_v that_o shall_v do_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o signify_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o activity_n of_o their_o own_o spirit_n may_v make_v they_o think_v that_o such_o a_o excellent_a be_v may_v sometime_o draw_v the_o curtain_n and_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n than_o every_o advantage_n which_o another_o have_v get_v above_o they_o and_o every_o cross_a accident_n which_o befall_v themselves_o which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o self-flattery_n most_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o call_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n serve_v they_o for_o mighty_a charge_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o divine_a providence_n thus_o either_o god_n shall_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n at_o all_o or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o they_o please_v or_o approve_v of_o so_o great_a be_v the_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o it_o love_v to_o be_v condemn_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v and_o true_o there_o need_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n give_v concern_v the_o many_o dispute_n in_o the_o world_n about_o divine_a providence_n than_o that_o god_n be_v wise_a and_o we_o be_v not_o but_o will_v fain_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a we_o shall_v be_v always_o quarrel_v and_o those_o who_o contend_v most_o do_v it_o that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o other_o to_o see_v when_o they_o know_v themselves_o that_o they_o do_v not_o the_o variety_n of_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o unaccountable_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o argument_n bring_v by_o design_v man_n to_o overthrow_v this_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v found_v in_o religious_a mind_n though_o they_o have_v pervert_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o like_o a_o impetuous_a torrent_n overwhelm_v and_o confound_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a as_o well_o as_o heathen_a world_n have_v yet_o prove_v ineffectual_a to_o bias_n or_o seduce_v those_o who_o modesty_n have_v be_v great_a than_o to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o a_o adequate_a rule_n of_o truth_n who_o have_v have_v more_o piety_n and_o solid_a wisdom_n than_o to_o limit_v the_o power_n even_o of_o omnipotence_n itself_o to_o their_o own_o bound_a and_o very_o narrow_o circumscribe_v intellectual_n and_o too_o much_o consideration_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o information_n of_o their_o external_n sense_n or_o to_o take_v every_o slight_a appearance_n of_o reason_n for_o a_o convince_a argument_n it_o be_v sure_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a folly_n and_o presumption_n of_o which_o any_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a to_o pretend_v to_o set_v limit_n to_o that_o most_o excellent_a be_v by_o who_o power_n we_o live_v or_o to_o deny_v the_o alwise_a author_n that_o homage_n and_o fealty_n due_a unto_o he_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o we_o can_v acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o the_o secretâ—_n of_o his_o design_n have_v very_o little_a knowledge_n of_o final_a cause_n can_v dive_v into_o the_o motive_n of_o every_o single_a dispensation_n and_o be_v not_o choose_v privy_a councillor_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n but_o before_o i_o attempt_v any_o explication_n of_o the_o forego_n difficulty_n or_o make_v any_o reply_n to_o these_o usual_a atheistical_a objection_n i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o sentiment_n of_o two_o very_a learned_a man_n concern_v the_o general_a concourse_n or_o act_n of_o conservation_n which_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v please_v to_o term_v a_o continue_a act_n of_o creation_n a_o business_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o import_n and_o necessity_n that_o shall_v it_o please_v the_o almighty_a architect_n for_o the_o least_o moment_n of_o time_n whole_o to_o withdraw_v his_o divine_a power_n of_o preservation_n or_o ordinary_a concourse_n the_o universal_a system_n must_v fall_v to_o ruin_n and_o this_o beautiful_a fabric_n be_v immediate_o translate_v into_o its_o primitive_a chaos_n in_o our_o reflection_n upon_o divine_a providence_n soul_n we_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v happen_v otherwise_o than_o the_o same_o providence_n have_v determine_v for_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v guide_v by_o his_o providence_n who_o decree_n be_v so_o immutable_a that_o unless_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o say_a decree_n have_v please_v to_o let_v depend_v on_o our_o free_a disposition_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v for_o our_o part_n that_o nothing_o happen_v but_o what_o must_v of_o necessity_n nor_o can_v we_o without_o a_o crime_n desire_v that_o the_o same_o shall_v happen_v otherwise_o mr._n boil_v in_o his_o enquiry_n into_o the_o notion_n of_o nature_n have_v some_o particular_a thought_n which_o however_o at_o first_o view_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o thwart_v a_o especial_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o interpose_v or_o miraculous_o intervene_v so_o often_o as_o we_o expect_v he_o shall_v yet_o they_o will_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a insight_n into_o our_o mistake_a notion_n concern_v that_o semideity_n we_o call_v nature_n and_o help_v we_o to_o reconcile_v some_o very_a odd_a effect_n not_o only_o to_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v but_o of_o his_o general_a concourse_n 1._o i_o conceive_v say_v that_o excellent_a philosopher_n that_o the_o omniscient_a author_n of_o thing_n nature_n who_o in_o his_o vast_a and_o boundless_a understanding_n comprehend_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o his_o work_n and_o every_o part_n do_v not_o main_o intend_v the_o welfare_n of_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a creature_n but_o subordinate_v his_o care_n of_o their_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n to_o his_o care_n of_o maintain_v the_o universal_a systeme_n and_o primitive_a scheme_n and_o contrivance_n of_o his_o work_n and_o especial_o those_o catholic_a rule_n of_o motion_n and_o other_o grand_a law_n which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v among_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o mundane_a matter_n so_o that_o when_o there_o happen_v such_o a_o concourse_n of_o circumstance_n that_o particular_a body_n few_o or_o more_o must_v suffer_v or_o else_o the_o settle_a frame_n or_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v alter_v or_o general_a law_n of_o motion_n hinder_v from_o take_v place_n in_o such_o case_n i_o say_v the_o welfare_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n himself_o as_o a_o animal_n and_o much_o more_o that_o of_o inferior_a animal_n and_o of_o other_o particular_a creature_n must_v give_v way_n to_o the_o care_n that_o providence_n take_v of_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o general_a and_o important_a nature_n and_o condition_n this_o premised_a to_o obviâ—â—â—_n misconstruction_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v choke_v with_o a_o hair_n which_o they_o be_v unable_a either_o to_o cough_v up_o or_o to_o swallow_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o fatal_a accident_n be_v probable_o say_v to_o be_v the_o irritation_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o stay_n of_o so_o unusual_a a_o thing_n as_o a_o hair_n in_o the_o throat_n which_o occasion_n every_o violent_a and_o disorderly_a or_o convulsive_a motion_n to_o expel_v it_o in_o the_o organ_n of_o respiration_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o continue_a circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n necessary_a to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v hinder_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v speedy_a death_n but_o this_o agree_v very_o ill_a with_o the_o vulgar_a supposition_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n and_o provident_a be_v as_o they_o represent_v nature_n which_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o animal_n and_o succour_v they_o in_o their_o physical_a danger_n and_o distress_n as_o occasion_n require_v for_o since_o a_o hair_n be_v so_o slender_a a_o body_n that_o it_o can_v stop_v the_o throat_n so_o as_o to_o hinder_v either_o the_o free_a passage_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n into_o the_o stomach_n or_o that_o of_o the_o air_n to_o and_o from_o the_o lung_n as_o may_v he_o argue_v from_o divers_a no_o way_n mortal_a excrescency_n and_o ulcer_n in_o the_o throat_n be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o for_o nature_n
and_o servile_a refuge_n as_o they_o express_v themselves_o of_o recur_v to_o a_o miracle_n the_o founder_n say_v they_o of_o which_o have_v always_o be_v some_o subtle_a impostor_n who_o to_o promote_v a_o interest_n or_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o turn_n have_v find_v it_o no_o very_o difficult_a matter_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o mole-eyed_a multitude_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n not_o only_o the_o supernatural_a action_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o surprise_v and_o stupendous_a one_o of_o their_o master_n jesus_n christ_n must_v either_o by_o these_o man_n be_v utter_o deny_v or_o resolve_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o the_o general_o establish_a law_n or_o in_o their_o own_o word_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v pure_a forgery_n a_o romantic_a legend_n fob_v upon_o we_o by_o design_v man_n or_o else_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o man_n of_o this_o pierce_a apprehension_n and_o consult_v they_o as_o our_o oracle_n for_o a_o explanation_n of_o those_o account_n which_o we_o poor_a silly_a creature_n believe_v to_o have_v be_v miraculous_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a i_o know_v to_o send_v you_o to_o that_o sacred_a history_n where_o so_o many_o of_o these_o stupendous_a and_o divine_a operation_n be_v faithful_o record_v whilst_o you_o continue_v so_o sceptical_a as_o to_o doubt_v concern_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o historian_n or_o so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o to_o deny_v the_o history_n to_o be_v a_o authentic_a record_n if_o you_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v ever_o such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n or_o such_o man_n as_o his_o apostle_n which_o i_o think_v in_o reason_n you_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o contemporary_a prince_n or_o people_n at_o that_o time_n upon_o earth_n nay_o set_v aside_o the_o remoteness_n of_o place_n and_o time_n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o in_o england_n or_o lowis_n the_o thirteen_o in_o france_n if_o i_o say_v you_o can_v concede_fw-la this_o i_o will_v then_o beg_v you_o to_o consider_v which_o way_n or_o by_o what_o mean_v you_o can_v conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o surprise_v and_o supernatural_a act_n of_o those_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o the_o turn_a water_n into_o wine_n satisfy_v the_o hungry_a appetite_n of_o many_o hundred_o with_o no_o more_o than_o natural_o suffice_v for_o some_o few_o single_a person_n walk_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o water_n restore_v the_o sick_a by_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o command_v the_o dead_a to_o arise_v from_o the_o grave_a with_o many_o other_o which_o be_v perform_v not_o clandestine_o or_o in_o private_a but_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o very_o great_a assembly_n or_o a_o large_a concourse_n of_o people_n and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n implacable_a enemy_n and_o consequent_o very_o curious_a in_o sift_v out_o the_o truth_n i_o say_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v which_o way_n you_o can_v conjecture_v a_o possibility_n that_o a_o design_n of_o this_o import_n and_o universal_a tendency_n can_v be_v fraudulent_o carry_v on_o inperceptible_o to_o that_o great_a number_n of_o auditor_n and_o spectator_n who_o be_v not_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o the_o giddy_a rabble_n or_o inconsiderate_a mob_n but_o have_v some_o even_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n man_n doubtless_o too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o many_o of_o these_o operation_n we_o may_v easy_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o gospel_n promulgation_n as_o a_o insupportable_a burden_n and_o encroachment_n and_o account_v it_o no_o other_o than_o a_o kind_n of_o heretical_a innovation_n upon_o their_o more_o ancient_o establish_a law_n will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o pry_v into_o and_o inquire_v with_o their_o utmost_a caution_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n which_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v supernatural_a or_o surmount_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o force_n of_o second_o cause_n yet_o rather_o than_o confess_v any_o such_o matter_n as_o a_o divine_a energy_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v transact_v by_o a_o diabolical_a assistance_n i_o may_v make_v i_o think_v a_o far_a very_o rational_a query_n whether_o you_o can_v believe_v the_o account_n we_o have_v give_v we_o in_o ecclesiastic_a history_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n or_o painful_a suffering_n of_o some_o of_o these_o apostle_n if_o you_o do_v believe_v any_o of_o these_o account_n as_o i_o think_v you_o may_v those_o at_o lest_o which_o be_v record_v by_o some_o friend_n even_o of_o the_o tyrant_n themselves_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o patriarchal_a tragedy_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a while_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o motive_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o hazard_v their_o life_n by_o take_v on_o they_o their_o several_a embasss_n if_o instead_o of_o honour_n you_o find_v they_o have_v disgrace_n instead_o of_o riches_n and_o grandeur_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n if_o instead_o of_o courtesy_n civility_n and_o respect_n they_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o reproach_n and_o raillery_n last_o if_o for_o all_o their_o hardship_n instead_o of_o temporal_a promotion_n and_o preferment_n they_o willing_o submit_v to_o a_o accurse_a ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n you_o then_o must_v either_o think_v there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o same_o liberty_n you_o may_v disbelieve_v any_o such_o place_n as_o the_o country_n where_o it_o be_v report_v they_o suffer_v death_n or_o if_o you_o think_v there_o be_v you_o must_v believe_v they_o either_o distract_a or_o final_o that_o in_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o great_a patron_n they_o act_v like_o man_n true_o reasonable_a and_o discreet_a and_o in_o that_o they_o prefer_v a_o life_n of_o misery_n anguish_n disquiet_a and_o tribulation_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o have_v a_o assurance_n as_o well_o as_o expectation_n of_o their_o reward_n elsewhere_o and_o that_o they_o question_v not_o to_o find_v a_o sufficient_a recompense_n bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o all_o their_o suffering_n in_o those_o sacred_a mansion_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v discourse_v more_o hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o give_v you_o my_o opinion_n of_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o none_o of_o those_o unaccountable_a phaenomena_n which_o latter_a age_n have_v produce_v some_o of_o which_o have_v be_v transact_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o memory_n and_o many_o more_o within_o a_o century_n last_o pass_v such_o as_o voice_n spectre_n apparition_n stupendous_a recovery_n of_o the_o sick_a and_o lame_a together_o with_o the_o satanical_a power_n of_o fascination_n and_o diabolical_a possession_n if_o these_o i_o say_v however_o sufficient_o attest_v will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o supernatural_a production_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v bury_v on_o by_o a_o establish_a law_n or_o in_o your_o own_o more_o please_a word_n by_o a_o irresistible_a fate_n or_o destiny_n and_o that_o all_o effect_n be_v the_o pure_a result_n of_o matter_n under_o its_o several_a modification_n who_o power_n be_v never_o supersede_v by_o any_o high_a principle_n and_o far_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a print_n of_o a_o divinity_n or_o mark_v of_o wisdom_n conspicuous_a in_o the_o creation_n i_o will_v then_o desire_v you_o with_o as_o much_o attention_n as_o you_o can_v considerate_o to_o examine_v the_o structure_n of_o your_o own_o body_n and_o if_o you_o begin_v with_o a_o survey_n even_o of_o a_o inconsiderable_a part_n thereof_o such_o as_o your_o finger_n in_o each_o of_o these_o as_o be_v well_o remark_v by_o mr._n b_o you_o will_v find_v bone_n and_o cartilage_n ligament_n and_o membrane_n muscle_n and_o tendon_n nerve_n and_o artery_n vein_n and_o skin_n and_o cuticle_n and_o nail_n together_o with_o the_o medulla_n the_o fat_a and_o blood_n and_o other_o nutritious_a juice_n and_o all_o these_o solid_a part_n of_o a_o determinate_a size_n and_o figure_n texture_n and_o situation_n and_o each_o of_o they_o make_v up_o of_o miriads_o of_o little_a fibre_n and_o filament_n not_o discoverable_a to_o the_o naked_a eye_n i_o say_v when_o you_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a part_n must_v constitute_v so_o small_a a_o member_n sure_o you_o can_v look_v upon_o it_o or_o the_o whole_a body_n wherein_o appear_v so_o much_o fitness_n use_n and_o subserviency_n to_o infinite_a function_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o skill_n and_o contrivance_n if_o this_o will_v not_o extort_v a_o
and_o the_o adjoin_a territory_n yet_o since_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o it_o happen_v otherwise_o than_o that_o the_o thunderbolt_n fall_v in_o great_a plenty_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o bituminous_a pit_n the_o vein_n of_o that_o combustible_a matter_n take_v fire_n immediate_o and_o as_o the_o fire_n penetrate_v into_o the_o lowermost_a bowel_n of_o this_o bituminous_a soil_n those_o wicked_a city_n be_v subvert_v by_o a_o tremor_n or_o sink_v of_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v instanced_a in_o these_o few_o among_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a import_n not_o so_o much_o to_o justify_v or_o countenance_v these_o deviation_n from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o history_n or_o in_o favour_n of_o every_o phanciful_a interpretation_n of_o they_o as_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o tie_v to_o think_v that_o every_o miracle_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a production_n or_o effect_v by_o power_n every_o way_n supernatural_a but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a a_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o natural_a agent_n and_o that_o many_o of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n have_v be_v execute_v by_o their_o be_v put_v into_o action_n though_o perhaps_o after_o a_o uncommon_a manner_n at_o particular_a time_n as_o to_o what_o relate_v to_o spectre_n or_o apparition_n together_o with_o inorganic_n sound_v and_o voice_n i_o shall_v reserve_v my_o thought_n for_o another_o letter_n where_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v entertain_v you_o with_o some_o thing_n divert_v i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n just_a mention_n that_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o history_n of_o real_a demoniac_n of_o place_n and_o particular_a family_n disturb_v by_o facination_n of_o other_o miserable_o torment_v with_o diabolical_a delusion_n and_o odd_a transaction_n with_o which_o notwithstanding_o i_o be_v never_o otherwise_o acquaint_v then_o at_o second_o hand_n yet_o i_o take_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o well_o attest_v by_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o detect_v any_o suppose_a fallacy_n that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a injustice_n to_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o a_o affront_n to_o their_o authority_n shall_v we_o suspect_v they_o or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o because_o many_o such_o like_a story_n have_v be_v prove_v false_a that_o these_o matter_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o especial_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o reconcileable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v undertake_v as_o i_o be_o tell_v by_o a_o learned_a pen_n to_o be_v prove_v among_o other_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o which_o reason_n i_o shall_v pass_v on_o to_o some_o other_o seem_o insoluble_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o infernal_a emissary_n to_o perplex_v this_o argument_n to_o which_o that_o i_o may_v reply_v effectual_o and_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v affirm_v with_o a_o judicious_a author_n atheism_n that_o every_o man_n in_o who_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o dampt_v by_o fatuity_n either_o native_a and_o temperamental_a or_o casual_o supervenient_a have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o impress_n of_o a_o especial_a providence_n decree_a and_o dispose_v all_o event_n that_o have_v do_v or_o shall_v befall_v he_o and_o this_o i_o think_v as_o sufficient_o manifest_a from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n though_o edicate_v in_o the_o wild_a ignorance_n or_o high_a barbarity_n imaginable_a but_o what_o be_v natural_o and_o by_o the_o adviso_n '_o s_z of_o his_o intestine_a dictator_n incline_v either_o to_o conceive_v or_o embrace_v some_o kind_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o homage_n due_a from_o he_o to_o that_o supreme_a power_n in_o who_o hand_n he_o apprehend_v the_o rain_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v hold_v and_o who_o favour_n and_o benign_a aspect_n he_o think_v procurable_a and_o anger_n atoneable_a by_o the_o seasonable_a address_n of_o invocation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o he_o who_o meditation_n shall_v sink_v deep_a enough_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o this_o anticipation_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o religion_n for_o though_o man_n stand_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n yet_o will_v not_o that_o alone_o suffice_v to_o convince_v he_o into_o a_o necessity_n of_o a_o deâ—out_a adoration_n of_o he_o unless_o his_o mind_n be_v also_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o proper_a attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o felicity_n or_o infelicity_n viz._n his_o especial_a providence_n which_o regulate_v all_o the_o affair_n and_o appoint_v all_o the_o contingenciet_a of_o every_o individual_a man_n life_n for_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o defect_n imperfection_n and_o dependency_n that_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o alsufficiency_n perfection_n and_o self-subsistance_n the_o apprehension_n of_o our_o necessity_n be_v the_o school_n wherein_o we_o first_o learn_v our_o orison_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v blessing_n from_o his_o immense_a bounty_n be_v both_o the_o excitement_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o devotion_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o spark_n at_o which_o all_o the_o tapor_n of_o religion_n be_v first_o kindle_v the_o very_a ethnic_n themselves_o whilst_o grope_v in_o the_o chaos_n of_o idolatry_n have_v discover_v this_o witness_v their_o magnificent_a temple_n costly_a hecatomb_n humane_a holocau_v and_o frequent_v solemn_a invocation_n all_o which_o kind_n of_o address_n they_o general_o make_v use_v of_o and_o oblige_v themselves_o unto_o as_o the_o only_a hopeful_a mean_n as_o well_o to_o atone_v the_o displeasure_n as_o conciliate_v the_o favour_n of_o that_o power_n in_o who_o hand_n they_o conceive_v the_o book_n of_o fate_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o who_o have_v the_o guardianship_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o fortune_n not_o only_o of_o city_n nation_n and_o family_n but_o even_o of_o every_o single_a person_n witness_v also_o that_o glorious_a pagan_a cicero_n who_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o religion_n father_n it_o immediate_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o especial_a providence_n in_o these_o word_n sâ—nt_fw-la phylosophi_fw-la &_o fuerunt_fw-la 1._o qui_fw-la omnino_fw-la nullam_fw-la habere_fw-la censerent_fw-la humanarum_fw-la rerum_fw-la procurationem_fw-la deos_fw-la quorum_fw-la si_fw-la vera_fw-la est_fw-la sententia_fw-la quae_fw-la potest_fw-la esse_fw-la pietas_n quae_fw-la religio_fw-la haec_fw-la enim_fw-la omne_fw-la pure_a ac_fw-la cante_fw-la tribuenda_fw-la deorum_fw-la numini_fw-la ita_fw-la sunt_fw-la si_fw-la animadvertuntur_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la &_o si_fw-la est_fw-la aliquid_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la hominum_fw-la generi_fw-la tributum_fw-la sin_v autem_fw-la dij_fw-la neque_fw-la possunt_fw-la nec_fw-la volunt_fw-la nos_fw-la juvare_fw-la nec_fw-la curant_fw-la omnino_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la agamus_fw-la animadvertant_fw-la nec_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la ad_fw-la hominum_fw-la vitam_fw-la permanere_fw-la possit_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nullos_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la cultus_fw-la honour_n preces_fw-la adhibeamus_fw-la in_o specie_fw-la autem_fw-la fictae_fw-la simulationis_fw-la sicut_fw-la reliquae_fw-la vertutes_fw-la ita_fw-la pietas_n inesse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la cum_fw-la qua_fw-la simul_fw-la &_o sanctitatem_fw-la &_o religionem_fw-la tolli_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la quibus_fw-la sublatis_fw-la perturbatio_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la sequitur_fw-la &_o magna_fw-la confusio_fw-la moreover_o as_o this_o inoppugnable_a propensity_n to_o religion_n be_v a_o cyon_n of_o god_n own_o engraff_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o also_o be_v it_o out_o of_o his_o power_n though_o assist_v by_o all_o the_o hellish_a stratagem_n total_o to_o eradicate_v it_o thence_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o insolent_a pretence_n and_o blasphemous_a rhoâ—omontado's_n of_o many_o miscreant_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o most_o execrable_a cognomen_fw-la of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o study_v to_o advance_v their_o name_n to_o the_o high_a pinnacle_n of_o fame_n by_o be_v account_v man_n of_o such_o absolute_a and_o fearless_a spirit_n as_o that_o they_o scorn_v to_o own_o any_o be_v superior_a to_o their_o own_o to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o their_o action_n yet_o have_v they_o be_v compel_v so_o violent_a be_v the_o secret_a touch_n of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d which_o convert_v all_o thing_n into_o demonstration_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n either_o by_o the_o scourge_n of_o some_o sharp_a calamity_n or_o the_o rack_n of_o some_o excruciate_a disease_n in_o their_o life_n to_o repent_v or_o at_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o king_n of_o terror_n death_n to_o confess_v this_o their_o horrid_a impiety_n thus_o the_o proud_a adamant-hearted_n pharaoh_n who_o deride_v the_o divine_a embassy_n of_o moses_n in_o a_o imperious_a strain_n of_o scorn_n and_o expostulatory_a bravado_n demand_v of_o he_o quis_fw-la est_fw-la jehovah_n cujus_fw-la
prone_a to_o follow_v blind_o and_o when_o once_o our_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n have_v place_v they_o in_o the_o chair_n of_o infallibility_n the_o first_o false_a step_n they_o make_v at_o once_o subvert_v our_o faith_n and_o take_v all_o before_o for_o grant_v which_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o we_o now_o dispute_v the_o verity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n we_o have_v inbibe_v from_o they_o bad_a precedent_n be_v always_o very_o prevalent_a contagion_n among_o our_o equal_n but_o when_o we_o find_v our_o pastor_n or_o our_o parent_n our_o master_n our_o governor_n or_o our_o prince_n infect_v with_o any_o manner_n of_o vice_n we_o quick_o become_v their_o ape_n and_o ready_o excuse_v ourselves_o because_o we_o do_v but_o imitate_v those_o who_o we_o imagine_v to_o know_v better_a than_o ourselves_o thus_o many_o man_n have_v have_v their_o faith_n stagger_v by_o a_o view_n of_o the_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n of_o learned_a and_o great_a man_n by_o the_o dissolute_a life_n of_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n in_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v as_o if_o these_o by_o their_o vicious_a practice_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n even_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o man_n immerse_v in_o matter_n though_o never_o so_o profound_o skilled_a in_o science_n can_v regulate_v their_o life_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n whilst_o they_o contemn_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o regard_v not_o his_o assistance_n instead_o of_o this_o it_o be_v become_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o town_n to_o ridicule_n virtue_n and_o render_v vice_n as_o amiable_a as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o find_v it_o possible_a to_o prevail_v upon_o some_o simple_a clergyman_n who_o be_v natural_o as_o loose_v as_o themselves_o to_o be_v drink_v to_o whore_n to_o game_n to_o curse_n and_o swear_v profane_o there_o be_v many_o man_n so_o extravagant_o proud_a of_o such_o a_o conquest_n over_o a_o hypocritical_a sinner_n as_o to_o think_v they_o give_v hereby_o a_o fatal_a stroke_n to_o all_o true_a piety_n as_o if_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o every_o other_o sacred_a truth_n be_v by_o such_o trivial_a and_o childish_a instance_n to_o be_v obliterated_a or_o wipe_v out_o i_o have_v premise_v this_o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n or_o to_o caution_n you_o how_o requisite_a it_o be_v before_o you_o set_v up_o for_o a_o libertine_n to_o go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v unbecoming_a any_o pretender_n to_o reason_n to_o run_v a_o hazard_n especial_o one_o of_o this_o consequence_n or_o to_o declare_v himself_o either_o open_o or_o private_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n till_o he_o have_v positive_o assure_v himself_o beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v no_o superintendent_n power_n take_v notice_n of_o his_o action_n or_o if_o there_o shall_v that_o he_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o his_o last_o breath_n will_v carry_v all_o into_o perpetual_a oblivion_n for_o if_o he_o go_v not_o far_a than_o probability_n that_o matter_n may_v be_v so_o yet_o if_o there_o remain_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o they_o may_v not_o he_o forfeit_v at_o once_o both_o his_o reason_n and_o security_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pitiful_a satisfaction_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v involve_v themselves_o with_o he_o in_o the_o same_o misery_n it_o be_v the_o less_o admirable_a that_o man_n shall_v so_o very_o easy_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n who_o never_o examine_v their_o first_o principle_n who_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o found_v than_o on_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n the_o credit_n of_o their_o ancestor_n or_o the_o example_n of_o those_o under_o who_o guardianship_n and_o tutelage_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o true_o in_o one_o sense_n what_o the_o poet_n remark_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n by_o education_n most_o have_v be_v mislead_v panther_n so_o they_o believe_v because_o they_o so_o be_v breed_v the_o priest_n continue_v what_o the_o nurse_n begin_v and_o thus_o the_o child_n impose_v on_o the_o man._n he_o who_o never_o consider_v the_o why_o or_o wherefore_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o once_o ever_o right_o weigh_v the_o motive_n of_o his_o belief_n become_v a_o perfect_a weathercock_n every_o blast_n of_o a_o new_a doctrine_n carry_v he_o to_o and_o fro_o till_o at_o length_n be_v unsettle_a he_o despiseâ—_n all_o this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v think_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o my_o discourse_n of_o the_o immortality_n which_o i_o intend_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a letter_n for_o have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a endeavour_v to_o establish_v those_o two_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o his_o providence_n order_n require_v that_o i_o take_v notice_n how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v if_o we_o concede_fw-la or_o admit_v the_o forego_n proposition_n for_o if_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o or_o have_v no_o future_a dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n pure_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o believe_v they_o or_o not_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o have_v by_o my_o belief_n in_o god_n if_o i_o be_o secure_a that_o he_o have_v leave_v i_o to_o my_o own_o disposal_n and_o inspect_v not_o any_o of_o my_o action_n or_o why_o shall_v i_o deny_v myself_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o my_o desire_n how_o exorbitant_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v since_o i_o know_v the_o worst_a and_o that_o if_o death_n will_v at_o length_n come_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o my_o delight_n it_o will_v likewise_o finish_v all_o my_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v however_o i_o may_v resign_v up_o my_o own_o reason_n or_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o judgement_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o you_o that_o when_o i_o have_v very_o often_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o once_o admit_v a_o supreme_a intelligent_a and_o powerful_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n i_o present_o find_v myself_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o irresistible_a necessity_n to_o believe_v our_o soul_n must_v be_v immortal_a and_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o down_o right_a necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o argument_n either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a that_o it_o be_v so_o do_v at_o this_o time_n overcome_v i_o for_o however_o short_a of_o demonstration_n they_o may_v prove_v we_o must_v take_v up_o with_o the_o most_o notorious_a absurdity_n imaginable_a if_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o alwise_a just_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o theft_n rapine_n murder_n and_o all_o other_o the_o most_o egregious_a vice_n shall_v go_v unpunished_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o however_o this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o my_o own_o think_v and_o a_o consequence_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a you_o may_v not_o allow_v i_o speak_v it_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o prepossess_v your_o judgement_n neither_o do_v i_o desire_v you_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o same_o either_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o so_o much_o as_o rational_a evidence_n aâ—â—m_n it_o will_v add_v little_a to_o the_o illustration_n of_o my_o present_a task_n that_o you_o be_v inform_v at_o large_a with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v the_o humane_a soul_n let_v it_o suffice_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o as_o some_o of_o they_o affirm_v the_o sâ—me_n to_o be_v a_o substance_n exist_v of_o itself_o and_o immortal_a so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v any_o substance_n but_o be_v only_o a_o accidental_a form_n the_o platonist_n and_o pythagorean_n opine_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o live_a creature_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o worldâ—_n that_o they_o be_v immerge_v in_o body_n as_o in_o a_o sepulchre_n and_o that_o when_o the_o body_n die_v they_o be_v by_o a_o various_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inhabitant_n or_o guest_n to_o other_o body_n sometime_o to_o those_o of_o man_n at_o other_o time_n to_o those_o of_o beast_n the_o manichee_v suppose_v that_o all_o soul_n in_o general_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o substance_n itself_o of_o god_n that_o they_o actuate_v terrestrial_a body_n and_o go_v from_o hence_o again_o return_v into_o god_n himself_o the_o originist_n that_o all_o soul_n be_v create_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n at_o first_o to_o subsist_v of_o themselves_o then_o as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o body_n be_v form_v they_o enter_v into_o they_o actuate_v they_o during_o life_n and_o at_o length_n return_v into_o their_o primitive_a and_o singular_a substance_n oâ—hers_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v arise_v up_o of_o her_o own_o accord_n from_o power_n only_o of_o matter_n right_o dispose_v make_v she_o to_o be_v no_o more_o
put_v at_o the_o focus_n of_o the_o convex_a glass_n a_o little_a piece_n of_o stuff_n or_o brown_a paper_n the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n upon_o this_o stuff_n or_o paper_n and_o agitate_v the_o small_a particle_n thereof_o with_o so_o great_a a_o violence_n that_o they_o break_v and_o separate_v they_o from_o one_o another_o in_o a_o word_n they_o burn_v they_o or_o reduce_v they_o into_o smoke_n and_o ash_n thus_o we_o must_v conclude_v from_o this_o experience_n that_o if_o the_o pupil_n through_o which_o the_o light_n pass_v be_v so_o dilate_v that_o it_o will_v admit_v a_o easy_a passage_n for_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o contract_v as_o to_o obstruct_v they_o our_o retina_fw-la will_v suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o paper_n or_o piece_n of_o stuff_n and_o the_o fibre_n will_v be_v so_o very_a much_o agitate_a that_o they_o will_v soon_o be_v break_v and_o burn_v it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o most_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o a_o pain_n if_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n but_o for_o one_o moment_n because_o they_o can_v so_o well_o close_o up_o the_o orifice_n of_o the_o pupil_n but_o that_o there_o will_v enter_v sufficient_a ray_n to_o agitate_v the_o string_n of_o the_o optic_a nerve_n with_o much_o violence_n and_o not_o without_o danger_n of_o break_v they_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o when_o it_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n it_o neither_o perceive_v its_o optic_a nerve_n noâ—_n any_o motion_n in_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o error_n it_o be_v only_o a_o simple_a ignorance_n the_o first_o error_n it_o fall_v into_o be_v that_o it_o judge_n the_o pain_n it_o feel_v be_v in_o its_o eye_n if_o immediate_o after_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n we_o go_v into_o a_o dark_a place_n with_o our_o eye_n open_a the_o motion_n of_o the_o fibre_n of_o the_o optic_a nerve_n cause_v by_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n diminish_v and_o change_v by_o little_a and_o little_a this_o be_v all_o the_o change_n that_o can_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o eye_n however_o it_o be_v not_o what_o the_o soul_n perceive_v there_o but_o only_o a_o white_a and_o yellow_a light_n its_o second_o error_n be_v it_o judge_n that_o the_o light_n it_o see_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n or_o upon_o the_o next_o wall_n in_o fine_a the_o agitation_n of_o the_o fibre_n of_o the_o retina_fw-la always_o diminish_v and_o cease_v by_o little_a and_o little_a for_o when_o a_o body_n have_v be_v shake_v nothing_o can_v be_v perceive_v in_o it_o but_o a_o diminution_n of_o its_o motion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o soul_n perceive_v in_o its_o eye_n it_o see_v the_o white_a become_v a_o orange_a colour_n afterward_o red_a and_o then_o blue_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o error_n be_v that_o we_o judge_v there_o be_v change_n in_o our_o eye_n or_o upon_o the_o next_o wall_n that_o differ_v much_o as_o to_o the_o more_o or_o less_o because_o the_o blue_n orange_n and_o red_a colour_n which_o we_o see_v differ_v much_o otherwise_o among_o themselves_o beside_o in_o the_o more_o or_o less_o these_o be_v some_o error_n which_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o in_o reference_n to_o light_n and_o colour_n and_o these_o error_n beget_v many_o other_o thus_o the_o learned_a and_o devout_a father_n proceed_v in_o this_o sublime_a and_o curious_a speculation_n and_o whatever_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v by_o design_v man_n from_o the_o modification_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o supreme_a be_v as_o may_v be_v instanced_a in_o some_o few_o particular_n yet_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v many_o weighty_a truth_n depend_v on_o this_o noble_a theory_n and_o whoever_o dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o notion_n may_v not_o unlikely_a find_v that_o however_o some_o superficial_a wit_n may_v calumniate_v and_o despise_v it_o his_o divine_a faith_n may_v be_v exalt_v and_o a_o more_o profound_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n raise_v for_o that_o power_n from_o who_o be_v derive_v all_o the_o benefit_n we_o can_v enjoy_v by_o a_o serious_a enquiry_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o may_v undoubted_o arrive_v at_o a_o more_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o usefulness_n of_o that_o infinite_a number_n of_o little_a being_n which_o we_o call_v species_n and_o idea_n which_o be_v as_o nothing_o and_o which_o represent_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o create_v and_o destroy_v when_o we_o please_v and_o that_o our_o ignorance_n have_v make_v we_o imagine_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n for_o thing_n that_o we_o understand_v not_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v enable_v to_o show_v the_o solidity_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o believe_v god_n be_v the_o true_a father_n of_o light_n who_o only_o instruct_v all_o man_n without_o who_o the_o most_o simple_a truth_n can_v not_o be_v intelligible_a nor_o will_v the_o sun_n how_o bright_a soever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o visible_a to_o we_o and_o of_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o nature_n than_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o upon_o such_o like_a reflection_n have_v confess_v that_o the_o idea_n which_o represent_v the_o creature_n to_o we_o be_v only_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v which_o answer_n to_o those_o same_o creature_n and_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o the_o second_o of_o these_o new_a hypothesis_n though_o i_o conceive_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o the_o same_o fountain_n with_o the_o former_a yet_o i_o find_v the_o same_o very_o strenuous_o plead_v for_o and_o judicious_o vindicate_v by_o our_o countryman_n mr._n norris_n and_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o humane_a intellect_n of_o which_o that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o short_a specimen_fw-la or_o brief_o hint_n to_o you_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o in_o one_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n he_o cite_v mounseur_fw-fr malebranch_n who_o consider_v with_o himself_o all_o the_o possible_a way_n of_o humane_a understanding_n or_o whereby_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o idea_n of_o thing_n without_o we_o make_v this_o division_n or_o enumeration_n of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o idea_n shall_v either_o proceed_v from_o the_o object_n or_o 2._o that_o our_o mind_n have_v a_o power_n of_o produce_v they_o or_o 3._o that_o god_n shall_v produce_v they_o either_o with_o the_o mind_n when_o he_o create_v it_o or_o occasional_o as_o often_o as_o we_o think_v of_o any_o object_n 4_o or_o that_o the_o mind_n shall_v possess_v in_o itself_o all_o the_o perfection_n which_o it_o see_v in_o thing_n or_o 5thly_a and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o some_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v that_o include_v in_o himself_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o create_a being_n after_o this_o enumeration_n i_o find_v that_o both_o the_o father_n and_o after_o he_o mr._n norris_n have_v pitch_v upon_o the_o last_o of_o these_o as_o the_o only_a expedient_a to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o knowledge_n or_o understanding_n and_o it_o be_v on_o the_o same_o basis_n that_o the_o latter_a have_v erect_v the_o follow_a scheme_n light_n i._o whereas_o say_v he_o the_o cue_n r_n talk_v of_o this_o light_n within_o as_o of_o some_o divine_a communication_n or_o manifestation_n only_o i_o make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o i_o suppose_v virtual_o to_o contain_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o and_o to_o be_v intimate_o unite_v to_o our_o mind_n ii_o they_o represent_v this_o light_n within_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n whence_o they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o enthusiast_n whereas_o according_a to_o my_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o man_n natural_a and_o ordinary_a way_n of_o understanding_n iii_o farther_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o they_o confine_v their_o light_n within_o to_o some_o certain_a object_n namely_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a truth_n in_o order_n only_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o practice_n and_o according_o make_v it_o a_o supplement_n to_o scripture_n which_o they_o say_v be_v not_o sufficient_a without_o it_o nor_o indeed_o any_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a dead_a letter_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o appropriate_v not_o this_o divine_a light_n to_o moral_a or_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o thing_n but_o extend_v it_o as_o far_o as_o all_o truth_n yea_o as_o far_o as_o all_o that_o be_v intelligible_a which_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v perceive_v and_o understand_v in_o this_o divine_a light_n as_o i_o explain_v it_o iv._o they_o viz._n the_o q_o r_n make_v their_o light_n within_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n their_o own_o party_n not_o indeed_o as_o to_o the_o possibility_n because_o they_o suppose_v all_o man_n to_o be_v indifferent_o capable_a of_o this_o divine_a
illumination_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o their_o contend_v against_o predestination_n and_o for_o universal_a grace_n but_o though_o they_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o special_a privilege_n as_o to_o the_o possibility_n yet_o they_o do_v as_o to_o the_o act_n make_v none_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o way_n to_o be_v actual_o enlighten_v by_o it_o whereas_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n this_o be_v no_o special_a privilege_n but_o the_o common_a and_o universal_a benefit_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o intelligent_a creation_n who_o all_o see_v and_o understand_v in_o this_o light_n of_o god_n without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o truth_n nor_o understanding_n v._o again_o by_o their_o light_n within_o they_o understand_v some_o determinate_a form_v dictate_v or_o proposition_n express_o and_o positive_o direct_v and_o instruct_v they_o to_o do_v so_o or_o so_o now_o according_a to_o my_o notion_n this_o divine_a light_n be_v only_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o indeed_o be_v always_o present_a to_o my_o understanding_n as_o be_v intimate_o unite_v with_o it_o but_o do_v not_o formal_o enlighten_v or_o instruct_v i_o unless_o when_o i_o attend_v to_o it_o and_o read_v what_o be_v write_v in_o those_o divine_a ideal_o character_n vi_o and_o last_o they_o offer_v not_o any_o rational_a or_o intelligible_a account_n of_o the_o light_n within_o neither_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n nor_o as_o to_o the_o mode_n of_o it_o but_z cant_z only_o in_o some_o loose_a general_a expression_n about_o the_o light_n which_o they_o confirm_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n though_o they_o understand_v neither_o one_o nor_o tother_o whereas_o i_o have_v offer_v a_o natural_a distinct_a and_o philosophical_a way_n of_o explain_v both_o namely_o by_o the_o omniformity_n of_o the_o ideal_o world_n or_o the_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v in_o himself_o the_o essence_n and_o idea_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o who_o the_o same_o be_v perceive_v by_o we_o and_o by_o all_o creature_n i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o with_o my_o own_o comment_n hereupon_o any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o inform_v you_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o apprehend_v the_o same_o may_v be_v a_o solid_a truth_n i_o mean_v mr._n norris_n explanation_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n futurity_n will_v make_v we_o all_o wise_a and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o those_o recluse_n arcana_fw-la or_o hidden_a mystery_n which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v veil_v from_o our_o eye_n adieu_n letter_n iv._o of_o religion_n to_o mr._n etc._n etc._n the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n in_o time_n past_a the_o fallacy_n of_o modern_a inspiration_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o enthusiasm_n my_o good_a friend_n it_o be_v with_o no_o small_a concern_v that_o i_o have_v leave_v my_o former_a argument_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o methinks_v i_o be_o not_o perfect_o without_o hope_n that_o you_o will_v find_v something_o therein_o to_o evidence_n its_o immortality_n for_o although_o the_o one_o half_a of_o what_o may_v be_v allege_v in_o its_o vindication_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o the_o physical_a argument_n do_v manifest_o evince_v that_o without_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a incorporeal_a substance_n whatever_o jargon_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o the_o absolute_a corporealist_n there_o be_v many_o of_o its_o phaenomena_n will_v be_v eternal_o incapable_a of_o any_o tolerable_a or_o allowable_a explanation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o earnest_o request_v you_o that_o you_o live_v not_o in_o a_o contempt_n of_o it_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n may_v so_o obscure_a and_o darken_v the_o pure_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o to_o persuade_v you_o that_o will_v and_o reason_n arise_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n assure_v yourself_o that_o a_o immediate_a prospect_n of_o another_o life_n will_v change_v the_o scene_n the_o intercept_n curtain_n will_v open_v and_o represent_v the_o antichamber_n of_o death_n where_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o confusion_n horror_n consternation_n and_o perplexity_n as_o nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o mitigate_v but_o a_o sincere_a penitence_n or_o fervent_a contrition_n a_o devout_a and_o humble_a prosternation_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o power_n offend_v and_o if_o the_o dread_n of_o this_o be_v insufficient_a still_o heighten_v your_o disturbance_n you_o may_v taste_v perhaps_o that_o hell_n you_o so_o very_o late_o have_v ridicule_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n before_o your_o fatal_a leap_n from_o the_o dismal_a and_o horrid_a precipice_n of_o life_n 1._o miscellan_o it_o must_v be_v do_v my_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a a_o dismal_a and_o mysterious_a change_n when_o thou_o shall_v leave_v this_o tenement_n of_o clay_n and_o to_o a_o unknown_a somewhere_o wing_n away_o when_o time_n shall_v be_v eternity_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v thou_o know_v not_o what_o and_o live_v thou_o know_v not_o how_o 2._o amase_v state_n no_o wonder_v that_o we_o dread_v to_o think_v of_o death_n or_o view_v the_o dead_a thou_o be_v all_o wrap_a up_o in_o cloud_n as_o if_o to_o thou_o our_o very_a knowledge_n have_v antipathy_n death_n can_v not_o a_o more_o sad_a retinue_n find_v sickness_n and_o pain_n before_o and_o darkness_n all_o behind_o 3._o some_o courteous_a ghost_n tell_v this_o great_a secrecy_n what_o it_o be_v you_o be_v and_o we_o must_v be_v you_o warn_v we_o of_o approach_a death_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o know_v from_o you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o die_v but_o you_o have_v shoot_v the_o gulf_n delight_v to_o see_v succeed_v soul_n plunge_v in_o with_o like_a uncertainty_n 4._o when_o life_n be_v close_a knot_n by_o writ_n from_o destiny_n disease_n shall_v cut_v or_o age_n untie_v when_o after_o some_o delay_n some_o die_a strife_n the_o soul_n stand_v shiver_v on_o the_o ridge_n of_o life_n with_o what_o a_o dreadful_a curiosity_n do_v she_o launch_v out_o into_o the_o sea_n of_o vast_a eternity_n 5._o so_o when_o the_o spacious_a globe_n be_v deluge_v over_o and_o low_a hold_n can_v save_v no_o more_o on_o the_o utmost_a bough_n the_o astonish_a sinner_n stand_v and_o view_v the_o advances_n of_o the_o encroach_a flood_n o'retopt_v at_o length_n by_o the_o element_n increase_n with_o horror_n they_o resign_v to_o the_o untried_a abyss_n thus_o have_v the_o ingenious_a mr._n norris_n most_o lively_o represent_v the_o frightful_a exit_fw-la of_o the_o depart_a soul_n but_o to_o avoid_v any_o far_a interruption_n i_o shall_v hasten_v to_o my_o intend_a discourse_n with_o this_o expectation_n if_o not_o assurance_n that_o on_o whatsoever_o side_n you_o find_v right_a reason_n you_o will_v make_v no_o opposition_n or_o where_o the_o light_n of_o your_o understanding_n shine_v clear_o forth_o that_o you_o by_o no_o mean_n stifle_v or_o study_v to_o obscure_v the_o same_o whoever_o then_o have_v once_o admit_v and_o do_v unfeigned_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o three_o proposition_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a and_o wise_a be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o same_o be_v do_v inspect_n or_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o action_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v retribute_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o those_o action_n in_o a_o life_n to_o come_v whoso_o i_o say_v have_v grant_v these_o will_v find_v himself_o at_o no_o great_a loss_n to_o conceive_v that_o it_o high_o behoove_v he_o to_o have_v a_o regard_n both_o to_o his_o thought_n and_o action_n to_o do_v nought_o indeliberate_o but_o to_o regulate_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n by_o some_o such_o certain_a just_a and_o immutable_a rule_n as_o he_o foresee_v be_v most_o likely_a to_o tend_v to_o his_o security_n and_o wellbeing_a now_o it_o have_v please_v this_o alwise_a be_v to_o endow_v his_o darling_n favourite_n man_n above_o the_o other_o creature_n with_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o be_v himself_o a_o light_n unto_o his_o soul_n wherein_o he_o may_v contemplate_v those_o other_o being_n which_o surround_v he_o we_o need_v not_o dispute_v but_o that_o by_o a_o devout_a consult_v this_o intestine_a director_n or_o dictator_n we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v what_o measure_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o our_o information_n if_o by_o the_o alone_a assistance_n of_o this_o natural_a light_n in_o the_o understanding_n we_o find_v it_o neither_o practicable_a nor_o possible_a to_o invent_v any_o such_o law_n or_o rule_n as_o will_v be_v agree_v unto_o by_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n or_o such_o as_o will_v never_o need_v any_o alteration_n but_o be_v comply_v with_o and_o understand_v and_o all_o this_o while_n contain_v every_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o
our_o duty_n to_o our_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o if_o humane_a reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v insufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o uniform_a and_o steady_a rule_n or_o system_v of_o law_n or_o if_o it_o can_v since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n will_v think_v themselves_o unconcern_v or_o under_o no_o necessity_n to_o observe_v they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o deficiency_n in_o authority_n or_o a_o want_n of_o a_o divine_a sanction_n or_o manumission_n it_o be_v reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a for_o we_o to_o wish_v and_o expect_v upon_o these_o account_n that_o our_o maker_n will_v in_o some_o manner_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v prescribe_v our_o law_n and_o stamp_v the_o same_o with_o some_o divine_a impression_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o discover_v their_o authority_n and_o read_v in_o they_o the_o character_n of_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a contrivance_n or_o composition_n deist_n whether_o or_o no_o this_o almighty_a be_v have_v make_v any_o such_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n or_o reveal_v to_o they_o such_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o worship_n as_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n for_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o whatever_o noise_n our_o deist_n have_v make_v in_o the_o world_n about_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n we_o have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n if_o their_o natural_a religion_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o result_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v so_o little_a conspicuous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n which_o aim_v at_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o contain_v the_o compleat_a system_v both_o of_o moral_a and_o divine_a law_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o regard_v it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o every_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o reveal_v religion_n that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a even_o to_o a_o real_a deist_n he_o that_o be_v a_o deist_n in_o good_a earnest_n will_v find_v it_o his_o high_a interest_n and_o concern_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n which_o christianity_n have_v enjoin_v upon_o which_o score_n since_o we_o find_v it_o otherwise_o we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v with_o a_o bently_n learned_a man_n that_o revelation_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o the_o stumble_a block_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n nor_o yet_o the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v such_o a_o inconsistent_a incredible_a legend_n he_o who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o nominal_a deist_n must_v hearty_o subscribe_v this_o follow_a confession_n which_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o better_o opinion_v of_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o their_o own_o word_n 125._o we_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_o powerful_a wise_a and_o good_a god_n who_o superintend_v the_o action_n of_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o retribute_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o boggle_v at_o this_o creed_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o it_o we_o ruin_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o humane_a happiness_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n no_o better_o than_o mere_a atheist_n whatsoever_o be_v adorable_a say_v another_o of_o they_o aimiable_a and_o imitable_a by_o mankind_n be_v in_o one_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o perfect_a be_v 88_o which_o we_o call_v god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o a_o inviolable_a adherence_n in_o our_o life_n to_o all_o the_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o imitation_n of_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n especial_o his_o goodness_n and_o believe_v magnificent_o of_o it_o again_o in_o their_o new_a scheme_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o find_v acknowledge_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v one_o infinite_a eternal_a god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n 195._o 2._o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o providence_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o governor_n 4._o that_o our_o worship_n consist_v in_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o praise_v of_o he_o 5._o that_o our_o obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v moral_a virtue_n 6._o that_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v reward_n and_o punishment_n hereafter_o according_a to_o our_o action_n in_o this_o life_n 7._o and_o last_o when_o we_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o repent_v we_o and_o trust_v in_o god_n mercy_n for_o our_o pardon_n now_o show_v i_o the_o man_n who_o act_n according_a to_o this_o faith_n and_o let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o well_o opinion_v of_o natural_a religion_n i_o make_v it_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o most_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a of_o they_o have_v always_o do_v that_o christianity_n however_o mysterious_a be_v indisputable_o the_o best_a method_n of_o cultivate_a man_n mind_n and_o manure_v their_o conscience_n i_o must_v confess_v with_o 212._o mr._n norris_n be_v we_o to_o consult_v the_o perverse_a gloss_n and_o comment_n of_o some_o christian_a rabbin_n and_o to_o take_v our_o measure_n of_o this_o religion_n from_o those_o ill-favoured_a draught_n of_o it_o we_o may_v sometime_o meet_v with_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o as_o some_o christian_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n so_o will_v their_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o religion_n a_o institution_n unworthy_a the_o contrivance_n even_o of_o a_o wise_a politician_n much_o less_o of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o wisdom_n and_o indeed_o whatever_o declamation_n be_v make_v against_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n the_o worst_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o teach_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o reality_n as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n describe_v it_o we_o may_v bold_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n nor_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o those_o of_o who_o this_o author_n more_o particular_o take_v notice_n as_o the_o misrepresenter_n of_o christianity_n be_v first_o of_o all_o the_o antinomian_o who_o be_v impudent_a and_o ignorant_a enough_o in_o express_a term_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n do_v whole_o excuse_v we_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n second_o the_o solifidian_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o â—he_v freeness_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n require_v nothing_o of_o a_o christian_a in_o order_n to_o his_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n before_o god_n but_o firm_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v to_o apply_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o three_o those_o who_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o forementioned_a charge_n be_v such_o who_o make_v christianity_n a_o matter_n of_o bare_a speculation_n rend_v and_o divide_v themselves_o from_o one_o another_o by_o those_o unhappy_a and_o dangerous_a disputation_n which_o instead_o of_o make_v proselyte_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n have_v draw_v men_n first_o of_o all_o to_o deism_n afterward_o to_o scepticism_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o very_a easy_a step_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n these_o be_v they_o who_o think_v all_o religion_n absolve_v in_o orthodoxy_n of_o opinion_n that_o care_v not_o how_o man_n live_v but_o only_o how_o they_o teach_v and_o be_v so_o over-intent_n upon_o the_o creed_n that_o they_o neglect_v the_o commandment_n little_o consider_v that_o opinion_n be_v pure_o in_o order_n to_o practise_v and_o that_o orthodoxy_n of_o judgement_n be_v necessary_a only_o in_o such_o matter_n where_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a influence_n to_o our_o action_n that_o be_v in_o fundamental_o so_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o think_v right_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v right_o and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o have_v touch_v on_o some_o few_o of_o those_o particular_a opinion_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o scandal_n upon_o reveal_v religion_n and_o very_o much_o obscure_v its_o glorious_a lustre_n it_o behoove_v i_o to_o say_v something_o to_o revelation_n itself_o f._n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a author_n as_o
all_o mankind_n have_v agree_v in_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o be_v imbue_v with_o the_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v they_o be_v convince_v also_o that_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n at_o present_a towards_o god_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n in_o all_o the_o address_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o god_n they_o constant_o apply_v to_o he_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o defilement_n and_o gild_n in_o all_o their_o transaction_n from_o time_n to_o time_n with_o the_o deity_n they_o have_v be_v study_v how_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o to_o atone_v and_o appease_v he_o now_o sinner_n can_v perform_v nothing_o due_o in_o religion_n towards_o god_n without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o subordination_n we_o be_v create_v in_o at_o first_o to_o he_o his_o right_a and_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v law_n to_o we_o the_o capacity_n we_o be_v in_o both_o of_o know_v and_o keep_v they_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o sin_n enter_v that_o god_n will_v not_o desert_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o that_o ruin_n which_o it_o have_v incur_v by_o its_o own_o folly_n but_o that_o he_o be_v yet_o appeasable_a towards_o we_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o worship_n and_o service_n at_o our_o hand_n with_o the_o way_n mean_n and_o term_n that_o he_o will_v receive_v we_o again_o into_o favour_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o defilement_n we_o labour_v under_o without_o some_o information_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sinner_n to_o apply_v in_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o god_n at_o all_o and_o shall_v they_o attempt_v it_o they_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o prevaricate_v see_v then_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v evidence_v the_o ineffectualness_n of_o natural_a light_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v the_o necessity_n that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a whether_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n be_v certain_o void_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o admission_n for_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a record_n and_o our_o reason_n be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o the_o like_a demonstrative_a evidence_n that_o this_o claim_n be_v also_o most_o undue_o ascribe_v to_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v true_a that_o mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n most_o think_v that_o he_o counterfeit_v in_o his_o pretence_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n he_o do_v so_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a interposure_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o he_o be_v deceive_v himself_o ere_o he_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v other_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o epileptical_a distemper_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a have_v in_o other_o be_v attend_v with_o diabolical_a insinuation_n the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v be_v enthusiastical_o incline_v and_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o arabian_a wit_n together_o with_o the_o subserviency_n of_o ethnic_a idolatry_n which_o remain_v up_o and_o down_o among_o they_o may_v encourage_v satan_n to_o make_v a_o attempt_n that_o way_n among_o that_o people_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o whether_o the_o whole_a be_v single_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o himself_o and_o one_o or_o two_o impostor_n more_o that_o assist_v he_o be_v not_o material_a nor_o make_v to_o the_o business_n itself_o mahometism_n begin_v not_o till_o the_o six_o century_n about_o which_o time_n and_o for_o a_o considerable_a season_n before_o the_o whole_a east_n be_v sore_o infect_v by_o heresy_n and_o rend_v by_o schism_n which_o together_o with_o the_o impure_a life_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o west_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o permit_v this_o deceiver_n to_o accost_v the_o world_n but_o obtrude_a a_o new_a religion_n and_o such_o a_o one_o too_o as_o neither_o reason_n nor_o any_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n befriend_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o have_v justify_v his_o mission_n by_o some_o miracle_n or_o other_o as_o to_o what_o he_o go_v about_o and_o these_o himself_n plain_o disclaim_v for_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v such_o to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o disparage_v both_o the_o person_n and_o the_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v bring_v i_o know_v that_o all_o person_n who_o have_v speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v not_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o always_o needful_a especial_o when_o they_o only_o call_v man_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o so_o attest_v before_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v spare_v of_o miracle_n and_o indeed_o be_v thereby_o better_o provide_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o doctrine_n as_o be_v either_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n new_a and_o also_o more_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v wrought_v wonder_n in_o attestation_n of_o every_o ordinary_a messenger_n or_o familiar_a truth_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o none_o of_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v report_v to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n save_v moses_n the_o giver_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o promulger_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o every_o herald_n of_o heaven_n have_v not_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n yet_o no_o one_o come_v inspire_v by_o god_n who_o have_v not_o some_o testimony_n or_o other_o bear_v to_o he_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o a_o impostor_n either_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v be_v of_o that_o sublimeness_n that_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v have_v invent_v they_o and_o yet_o when_o discover_v be_v so_o correspondent_a to_o our_o rational_a desire_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o our_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v due_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v what_o i_o look_v for_o but_o can_v not_o find_v or_o else_o they_o make_v know_v some_o present_a matter_n which_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n such_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o declare_v some_o fact_n do_v either_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o with_o that_o secrecy_n that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v it_o or_o else_o they_o foretell_v some_o future_a contingent_a soon_o after_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o according_o fell_a out_o in_o every_o circumstance_n nor_o be_v it_o unlikely_a but_o that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n prophet_n have_v their_o mission_n confirm_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o something_o future_a which_o humane_a prudence_n can_v not_o foresee_v or_o else_o they_o be_v bear_v witness_n to_o by_o the_o prevalency_n and_o immediate_a success_n of_o their_o prayer_n or_o the_o prevent_v some_o impendent_a judgement_n or_o in_o the_o procure_n some_o needful_a mercy_n for_o thereby_o be_v declare_v either_o their_o foresight_n of_o what_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o the_o interest_n favour_n and_o power_n they_o have_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o without_o probability_n that_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n justify_v their_o mission_n by_o some_o such_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o mahomet_n though_o he_o not_o only_o pretend_v to_o speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n but_o withal_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n real_o new_a yet_o he_o come_v authorise_v by_o no_o miracle_n sign_n or_o badge_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o impostor_n yea_o whereas_o he_o own_v that_o both_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o his_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a beside_o it_o have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o by_o heathen_n and_o that_o agreeable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o prophetic_a illapse_n never_o befall_v impure_a and_o unclean_a soul_n and_o that_o god_n never_o make_v a_o unhallowed_a person_n his_o oracle_n at_o least_o that_o never_o any_o such_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o divine_a amannenses_n now_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o alcoran_n by_o this_o prophetic_a text_n we_o find_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o person_n lustful_a and_o tyrannical_a make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o blood_n and_o dirt_n gross_o sensual_a and_o