as_o a_o vice_n and_o not_o a_o mere_a error_n in_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o deny_v providence_n natural_a law_n or_o a_o future_a state_n be_v as_o much_o a_o atheist_n as_o he_o that_o deny_v god_n be_v for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o respect_n to_o practice_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o obedience_n due_a to_o he_o or_o no_o punishment_n for_o disobedience_n if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v likewise_o all_o one_o to_o deny_v divine_a punishment_n direct_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o at_o present_a deny_v these_o thing_n for_o they_o who_o say_v the_o soul_n die_v with_o the_o body_n think_v hereby_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v punish_v and_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o scripture_n do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v that_o be_v in_o another_o life_n and_o as_o to_o the_o present_a they_o perceive_v that_o 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that_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conveyance_n and_o be_v not_o level_v to_o his_o reason_n or_o discoverable_a by_o it_o and_o if_o a_o deist_n be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v it_o will_v be_v as_o just_a a_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o person_n to_o who_o this_o title_n belong_v as_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o real_a atheist_n in_o the_o world_n for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o positive_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o true_a deist_n in_o that_o sense_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o word_n because_o i_o believe_v there_o hardly_o be_v any_o opinion_n know_v among_o man_n that_o some_o body_n be_v not_o of_o but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v venture_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o difficult_a thing_n imaginable_a to_o find_v a_o man_n in_o a_o christian_a country_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o common_a proof_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o 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religion_n and_o so_o proper_o come_v within_o my_o subject_n and_o not_o as_o mere_a opposer_n of_o revelation_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o argument_n and_o now_o have_v point_v out_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v particular_o concern_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o to_o they_o to_o embrace_v those_o principle_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v there_o prove_v and_o to_o bestow_v some_o serious_a thought_n about_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o unbelief_n but_o i_o be_o too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o character_n to_o trouble_v they_o with_o any_o advice_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o argument_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v never_o yield_v to_o persuasion_n neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o proper_a to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o in_o this_o manner_n who_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o you_o will_v persuade_v they_o to_o but_o want_v sufficient_a motive_n and_o incitement_n to_o practice_v i_o shall_v therefore_o shut_v up_o this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o my_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o incline_v and_o dispose_v those_o who_o be_v doubtful_a and_o waver_a in_o the_o concern_v point_n of_o religion_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v well_o the_o proof_n it_o stand_v upon_o before_o they_o venture_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o government_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o such_o as_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o irreligion_n from_o the_o false_a suggestion_n and_o insinuation_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o careless_a and_o indifferent_a of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o have_v some_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v further_o please_v to_o enable_v those_o that_o be_v already_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n to_o 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p._n 174._o l._n 13._o d._n to_o p._n 175._o l._n 16._o and_o there_o r._n and_o then_o there_o p._n 187._o l._n 20._o d._n 4._o p._n 188._o l._n 1._o r._n advance_v or_o profess_v p._n 189._o l._n 6._o d._n the._n p._n 194._o l._n 16._o may_v make_v r._n may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v p._n 201._o l._n 8._o r._n variety_n p_o 208._o l._n antepenult_n r._n be_v any_o such_o 209._o l._n ult_n one_o r._n a_o p._n 210._o l._n 10._o these_o consideration_n p._n 238._o l._n 16._o self_n r._n self_n
carry_v our_o observation_n to_o the_o far_a end_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o different_a point_n of_o distance_n from_o we_o which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n for_o except_o we_o be_v able_a to_o take_v a_o full_a and_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o all_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o bear_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v ill_o contrive_v in_o it_o except_o we_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n we_o can_v condenm_fw-la the_o present_a course_n of_o humane_a affair_n as_o unequal_a or_o fortuitous_a and_o except_o we_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o another_o world_n the_o just_a proportion_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o exact_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o we_o hereafter_o we_o 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most_o perfect_a model_n of_o it_o there_o lay_v down_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n etc._n etc._n heb._n xi_o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o religion_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o possession_n so_o powerful_a have_v be_v its_o influence_n and_o so_o universal_a its_o authority_n so_o near_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o all_o it_o promive_v or_o threaten_v and_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n attend_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o its_o pretension_n that_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o the_o man_n of_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o thing_n dare_v dispute_v a_o title_n so_o well_o own_v and_o attest_v the_o denial_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o which_o if_o it_o have_v at_o first_o be_v false_a they_o have_v no_o possible_a mean_n leave_v of_o disprove_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v still_o in_o be_v still_o fresh_a and_o in_o all_o their_o strength_n of_o conviction_n as_o i_o hope_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o be_o engage_v in_o a_o subject_a which_o several_a great_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v already_o and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o late_o treat_v of_o with_o the_o wise_a reflection_n and_o just_a reason_v imaginable_a but_o beside_o that_o truth_n itself_o be_v fruitful_a and_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n hardly_o ever_o to_o be_v exhaust_v the_o same_o object_n may_v admit_v of_o different_a view_n there_o may_v be_v new_a and_o more_o suitable_a way_n of_o offer_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n or_o old_a argument_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o fence_v in_o from_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v be_v former_o raise_v against_o they_o by_o some_o additional_a support_v or_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v to_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n who_o have_v hitherto_o find_v nothing_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o and_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o conviction_n which_o nothing_o but_o unpromise_v irresistible_a grace_n can_v effect_v as_o the_o secure_n and_o confirm_v other_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o since_o the_o increase_n and_o propagate_a a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n be_v my_o principal_a design_n and_o not_o a_o learned_a triumph_n over_o a_o adversary_n i_o have_v suit_v my_o method_n according_o and_o consequent_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o one_o which_o in_o the_o general_a management_n be_v different_a though_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o it_o must_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o that_o of_o other_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n be_v what_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v religion_n all_o together_o in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o notion_n and_o shall_v not_o insist_v whole_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n as_o a_o first_o cause_n mover_n or_o eternal_a be_v but_o so_o far_o only_o as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o these_o obligation_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o relation_n the_o one_o stand_v in_o to_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v chief_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v take_v from_o what_o we_o know_v of_o ourselves_o be_v best_a perceive_v by_o we_o and_o entertain_v with_o the_o least_o resistance_n or_o suspicion_n all_o nice_a and_o philosophical_a reason_n i_o shall_v forbear_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v but_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o particular_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v satisfy_v require_v a_o more_o speculative_a and_o metaphysical_a proof_n of_o thing_n i_o shall_v choose_v out_o such_o argument_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o will_v give_v the_o understanding_n the_o least_o difficulty_n to_o comprehend_v and_o shall_v avoid_v all_o such_o which_o though_o convince_a to_o some_o that_o be_v already_o well_o use_v to_o speculation_n may_v chance_v to_o be_v suspect_v by_o other_o of_o too_o much_o fineness_n and_o so_o will_v probable_o though_o very_o unjust_o create_v in_o they_o a_o disgust_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v a_o due_a care_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o such_o notion_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o those_o other_o which_o though_o oftentimes_o use_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o do_v not_o destroy_v what_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v false_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n or_o obligation_n of_o religion_n now_o in_o order_n to_o pursue_v my_o intend_a method_n with_o the_o more_o clearness_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v in_o this_o place_n to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o religion_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o which_o be_v first_o lay_v down_o it_o will_v afterward_o more_o easy_o and_o plain_o appear_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a or_o necessary_a for_o mankind_n to_o be_v influence_v by_o it_o by_o religion_n then_o in_o general_a i_o mean_v all_o that_o worship_n service_n or_o obedience_n we_o that_o call_v ourselves_o men_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n or_o whatever_o we_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n oblige_v to_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o this_o or_o a_o future_a state_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o order_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n we_o must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o some_o superior_a be_v who_o can_v and_o do_v oblige_v man_n to_o live_v after_o such_o a_o particular_a manner_n and_o that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o actual_o under_o such_o a_o obligation_n the_o performance_n or_o neglect_v of_o which_o will_v be_v attend_v with_o very_o different_a consequence_n and_o those_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v he_o to_o act_v one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v desirous_a of_o convince_a such_o person_n
own_o misery_n but_o by_o rectify_v our_o perception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v future_a do_v not_o by_o immediate_a impression_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o real_o be_v what_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v and_o if_o we_o strict_o examine_v ourselves_o about_o these_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o what_o we_o now_o actual_o feel_v or_o perceive_v we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o feel_v or_o perceive_v that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v undeceivable_o conscious_a of_o all_o our_o own_o sensation_n and_o perception_n but_o how_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v we_o can_v not_o otherwise_o know_v than_o by_o know_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o affect_v or_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n upon_o another_o in_o order_n to_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o one_o being_n so_o affect_v by_o the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o far_a observation_n upon_o ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v some_o idea_n or_o notion_n that_o appear_v with_o that_o light_n and_o clearness_n to_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o immediate_o perceive_v they_o in_o all_o their_o extent_n and_o a_o necessary_a agreement_n or_o disagreement_n betwixt_o they_o and_o afterward_o the_o dependence_n or_o independance_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o appearance_n we_o can_v possible_o deny_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v with_o such_o evidence_n as_o to_o command_v our_o assent_n but_o have_v more_o to_o incline_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o true_a than_o false_a and_o this_o according_a to_o different_a degree_n that_o there_o be_v other_o that_o appear_v with_o equal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o hold_v we_o in_o suspense_n and_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v we_o to_o determine_v either_o way_n and_o 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shall_v be_v otherwise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n certain_a may_v appear_v doubtful_a to_o we_o at_o one_o time_n and_o probable_a at_o another_o and_o what_o we_o assent_v to_o as_o probable_a now_o may_v afterward_o command_v our_o assent_n as_o certain_a and_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o although_o '_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o their_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o know_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v of_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o present_a faculty_n as_o to_o the_o other_o difference_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o action_n and_o its_o consequence_n it_o often_o so_o happen_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n seem_v doubtful_a to_o we_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o more_o to_o our_o present_a advantage_n or_o afford_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o future_a happiness_n to_o act_v one_o way_n than_o another_o and_o abundance_n of_o instance_n there_o be_v in_o which_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o act_v one_o way_n or_o other_o where_o neither_o side_n appear_v certain_o true_a but_o one_o only_a probable_a or_o both_o equal_o doubtful_a this_o be_v all_o the_o account_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o my_o present_a design_n of_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o upon_o this_o subject_a which_o any_o man_n that_o fair_o consult_v himself_o can_v possible_o call_v in_o question_n but_o if_o any_o objection_n do_v lie_v against_o any_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o they_o shall_v be_v consider_v before_o i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o all_o question_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o separate_a existence_n i_o have_v purposely_o wave_v as_o thing_n which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o admit_v of_o no_o certain_a proof_n from_o thence_o be_v as_o common_o handle_v involve_v in_o great_a ambiguity_n of_o term_n and_o which_o way_n soever_o explain_v i_o think_v as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o see_v make_v no_o manner_n of_o change_n either_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o soul_n be_v infuse_v or_o derive_v material_a or_o immaterial_a whether_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o all_o its_o action_n or_o sometime_o act_n of_o itself_o be_v dissolve_v with_o it_o or_o exist_v after_o it_o if_o what_o i_o say_v before_o concern_v our_o own_o experience_n be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o religion_n have_v a_o very_a good_a bottom_n to_o stand_v upon_o without_o be_v support_v by_o any_o of_o these_o opinion_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n come_v from_o without_o the_o body_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o it_o can_v act_n independent_o of_o it_o and_o exist_v after_o its_o dissolution_n as_o there_o be_v several_a very_o probable_a reason_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o certain_a revelation_n for_o then_o be_v there_o so_o many_o additional_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v without_o they_o from_o plain_a and_o more_o undeniable_a principle_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o do_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o what_o that_o notion_n or_o idea_n be_v to_o which_o i_o affix_v that_o name_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o a_o eternal_a be_v of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o who_o every_o thing_n else_o derive_v its_o be_v and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o my_o thought_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v one_o unchangeable_a be_v of_o a_o intelligent_a nature_n who_o always_o necessary_o exi_v of_o himself_o who_o know_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v who_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v who_o do_v every_o thing_n he_o will_v and_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v himself_o who_o enjoy_v a_o unalterable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o can_v be_v enjoy_v who_o never_o will_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o this_o state_n who_o make_v himself_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o he_o do_v and_o next_o to_o that_o the_o good_a or_o happiness_n of_o all_o such_o being_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o which_o together_o with_o all_o other_o being_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o be_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o continuance_n and_o last_o who_o bring_v about_o whatever_o he_o will_v or_o design_n by_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a mean_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o easy_a notion_n of_o god_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o conceive_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v here_o describe_v i_o think_v it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a upon_o this_o subject_a with_o respect_n to_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v for_o whether_o we_o represent_v god_n to_o our_o thought_n as_o a_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n a_o spiritual_a substance_n or_o subtle_a matter_n as_o the_o whole_a mass_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n take_v all_o together_o or_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o active_a principle_n of_o it_o as_o confine_v to_o the_o heaven_n or_o diffuse_v through_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o be_v as_o the_o maker_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v or_o consider_v he_o under_o any_o other_o idea_n our_o reason_n or_o imagination_n can_v frame_v
universality_n of_o the_o perception_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o the_o suitableness_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n perceive_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v it_o that_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v perceive_v god_n at_o any_o time_n this_o way_n and_o therefore_o all_o sensible_a idea_n apply_v to_o he_o must_v be_v as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a as_o the_o idea_n of_o blind_a man_n concern_v colour_n or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o of_o any_o other_o man_n concern_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o planet_n and_o ethereal_a region_n because_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o faculty_n and_o those_o of_o another_o nor_o any_o discoverable_a betwixt_o a_o new_a idea_n and_o those_o we_o perceive_v already_o so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v a_o pure_a idea_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o reflection_n only_o by_o sensible_a image_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o representation_n be_v very_o different_a when_o all_o the_o idea_n of_o sense_n have_v a_o equal_a pretence_n to_o be_v representative_n no_o one_o be_v like_a the_o original_a it_o stand_v for_o than_o another_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o new_a unknown_a idea_n for_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o whatever_o resemblance_n there_o be_v betwixt_o that_o and_o any_o other_o we_o have_v already_o perceive_v out_o of_o our_o whole_a stock_n of_o idea_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o choose_v one_o than_o another_o to_o represent_v it_o by_o and_o consequent_o different_a man_n must_v represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o very_o different_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o intellectual_a or_o if_o there_o be_v something_o sensible_a in_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v actual_o perceive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v not_o the_o sensible_a representation_n of_o he_o must_v be_v very_o various_a and_o therefore_o very_o false_a but_o when_o all_o man_n think_v alike_o concern_v object_n not_o perceivable_a by_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o their_o idea_n be_v suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o faculty_n that_o perceive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o they_o be_v true_o sort_v and_o put_v together_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o general_a agreement_n in_o the_o perception_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o appearance_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o universal_a error_n as_o a_o universal_a truth_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v all_o man_n mistake_v about_o the_o bulk_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o whatever_o appear_v to_o the_o sense_n in_o this_o case_n appear_v the_o same_o to_o all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o error_n occasion_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v not_o in_o the_o sense_n but_o belong_v to_o another_o faculty_n nor_o be_v they_o either_o necessary_a or_o invincible_a not_o necessary_a because_o we_o need_v not_o have_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o concern_v these_o appearance_n offer_v to_o our_o sense_n several_a requisite_n to_o a_o just_a sensation_n be_v want_v without_o which_o we_o know_v we_o can_v judge_v with_o assurance_n not_o invincible_a because_o our_o opinion_n concern_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v afterward_o alter_v and_o correct_v by_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o faculty_n superior_a to_o sense_n may_v preserve_v we_o from_o the_o illusion_n of_o it_o but_o when_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reflection_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o whence_o shall_v any_o error_n proceed_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o appearance_n must_v in_o this_o supposition_n be_v uniform_a and_o the_o faculty_n employ_v about_o its_o proper_a object_n beside_o if_o there_o be_v a_o clearness_n in_o the_o appearance_n the_o understanding_n necessary_o close_v with_o it_o and_o if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o shall_v be_v deceive_v there_o be_v no_o high_a faculty_n to_o correct_v the_o mistake_n how_o then_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v deceive_v as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o a_o constant_a universal_a appearance_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v only_o the_o veil_n of_o falsehood_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n help_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o always_o appear_v so_o to_o he_o and_o concern_v which_o he_o can_v receive_v no_o other_o information_n from_o himself_o or_o any_o body_n else_o but_o here_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v say_v where_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o to_o command_v our_o assent_n error_n may_v wear_v the_o face_n of_o truth_n though_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o sense_n since_o we_o be_v not_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o give_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o appearance_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o allow_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o err_v in_o the_o present_a case_n all_o that_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o argument_n of_o general_n consent_n hold_v good_a still_o which_o be_v that_o because_o all_o people_n have_v agree_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o probable_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v so_o so_o that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v not_o from_o hence_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o he_o can_v help_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a opinion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v very_o great_a likelihood_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o sure_a foundation_n though_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o search_v so_o far_o as_o to_o discover_v they_o for_o he_o can_v give_v a_o account_n how_o all_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o be_v how_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v undeceive_v which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o sense_n or_o imagination_n in_o which_o any_o error_n can_v be_v judge_v possible_a all_o that_o can_v be_v far_o suppose_v to_o countenance_v a_o suspicion_n be_v that_o possible_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o man_n believe_v otherwise_o but_o some_o people_n have_v start_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o dress_v it_o up_o very_o plausible_o it_o take_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v hand_v down_o from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n spread_v and_o prevail_v till_o it_o become_v universal_a but_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o 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continuance_n or_o have_v be_v lose_v again_o after_o they_o be_v once_o invent_v the_o same_o objection_n have_v constant_o lie_v against_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o have_v be_v strengthen_v by_o several_a other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o many_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o eternal_a succession_n all_o which_o and_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v say_v against_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n when_o assert_v together_o with_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n do_v more_o strong_o conclude_v against_o this_o supposition_n when_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o take_v into_o it_o under_o which_o respect_n i_o now_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v moreover_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o allege_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n and_o chargeable_a with_o the_o same_o objection_n as_o the_o former_a hypothesis_n be_v for_o matter_n and_o motion_n 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then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o one_o mind_n or_o conscious_a be_v shall_v produce_v another_o entire_a distinct_a mind_n or_o be_v of_o equal_a perfection_n with_o its_o self_n without_o lose_v any_o thing_n from_o itself_o or_o borrow_v any_o assistance_n from_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o be_v exist_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v as_o strange_a do_v all_o this_o without_o be_v conscious_a of_o this_o its_o chief_a perfection_n as_o well_o as_o it_o be_v of_o all_o its_o other_o this_o i_o say_v can_v possible_o be_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o god_n all_o the_o continual_a change_n and_o new_a production_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o it_o must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o matter_n and_o motion_n but_o matter_n and_o motion_n not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v such_o effect_n from_o hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n consider_v as_o it_o now_o be_v without_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v impossible_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v consider_v all_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n which_o pretend_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n call_v the_o world_n with_o exclusion_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n i_o shall_v now_o take_v a_o short_a review_n of_o each_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o then_o pass_v to_o more_o general_a reflection_n to_o show_v the_o incompetency_n and_o falsehood_n of_o any_o other_o account_n whatsoever_o that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o original_a and_o existence_n of_o thing_n beside_o that_o of_o their_o proceed_n in_o some_o manner_n from_o god_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o hypothesis_n which_o do_v all_o though_o in_o different_a manner_n establish_v a_o eternal_a coexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o mind_n i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o premise_v something_o concern_v the_o
ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o after_o this_o or_o that_o manner_n or_o be_v so_o and_o so_o relate_v to_o one_o another_o as_o for_o example_n i_o may_v be_v as_o full_o satisfy_v that_o i_o ought_v to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o my_o own_o happiness_n and_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v away_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o man_n when_o i_o know_v i_o shall_v not_o add_v to_o my_o own_o by_o it_o as_o i_o can_v be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n that_o every_o thing_n that_o move_v be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v exist_v and_o not_o exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v in_o both_o these_o instance_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o have_v the_o same_o suitableness_n or_o agreeableness_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o the_o same_o force_n or_o violence_n will_v be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o a_o denial_n of_o either_o which_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o criterion_n of_o certainty_n assignable_a by_o we_o several_a other_o moral_a proposition_n may_v be_v bring_v or_o deduce_v from_o these_o that_o carry_v a_o irresistible_a conviction_n along_o with_o they_o not_o to_o be_v overrule_v by_o any_o after_o consideration_n but_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o maxim_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o natural_a be_v not_o so_o general_a as_o those_o before_o instance_a in_o nor_o have_v in_o all_o respect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o certainty_n belong_v to_o they_o but_o what_o they_o be_v how_o they_o be_v know_v and_o how_o far_o they_o partake_v of_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n i_o shall_v now_o give_v a_o short_a account_n and_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o assent_v to_o and_o approve_v these_o also_o and_o to_o condemn_v and_o deny_v the_o contrary_a of_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v it_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n to_o act_v up_o to_o these_o principle_n than_o to_o pursue_v a_o different_a course_n of_o life_n the_o high_a and_o most_o general_a moral_a duty_n common_o instance_a in_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v that_o parent_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o all_o other_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n proportionable_o to_o be_v respect_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n and_o provide_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v any_o other_o man_n a_o injury_n but_o contribute_v all_o we_o can_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o more_o particular_o that_o society_n we_o be_v of_o now_o these_o and_o such_o like_a proposition_n as_o these_o be_v know_v or_o find_v out_o by_o the_o use_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o other_o truth_n be_v that_o be_v man_n be_v teach_v or_o make_v to_o have_v the_o idea_n these_o term_n belong_v to_o or_o they_o get_v they_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o then_o by_o compare_v they_o together_o they_o immediate_o acknowledge_v such_o or_o such_o a_o relation_n betwixt_o they_o without_o be_v influence_v by_o any_o other_o motive_n to_o judge_v so_o but_o what_o result_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o relation_n indeed_o of_o moral_a idea_n as_o well_o as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v common_o learn_v from_o other_o first_o before_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o find_v they_o out_o themselves_o but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o their_o assent_n to_o such_o kind_n of_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o education_n and_o consequent_o a_o mere_a prejudice_n and_o no_o right_a judgement_n than_o it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o mathematical_a knowledge_n a_o man_n have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o set_a of_o false_a notion_n thrust_v upon_o his_o understanding_n by_o education_n because_o he_o happen_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o element_n of_o this_o science_n while_o he_o be_v young_a before_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o find_v they_o out_o by_o his_o own_o observation_n for_o when_o we_o afterward_o come_v to_o review_v the_o moral_a knowledge_n we_o get_v when_o we_o be_v child_n let_v we_o be_v never_o so_o jealous_a over_o ourselves_o and_o take_v all_o the_o care_n we_o can_v to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n we_o shall_v still_o adhere_v to_o and_o be_v far_o satisfy_v of_o most_o of_o those_o truth_n we_o be_v then_o teach_v as_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o several_a thus_o educate_v the_o certainty_n and_o impartiality_n of_o who_o judgement_n have_v be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o joint_a assent_n of_o several_a of_o a_o contrary_a education_n and_o for_o a_o far_a illustration_n of_o this_o point_n shall_v we_o suppose_v a_o person_n entire_o ignorant_a of_o all_o such_o matter_n but_o capable_a of_o understand_v they_o when_o propose_v and_o one_o of_o these_o moral_a rule_n or_o maxim_n shall_v be_v bare_o explain_v to_o he_o without_o any_o reason_n offer_v to_o move_v or_o incline_v his_o assent_n either_o way_n i_o believe_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v how_o he_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v as_o for_o example_n suppose_v such_o a_o person_n as_o this_o be_v just_o inform_v concern_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o worship_n and_o all_o the_o notion_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o he_o be_v ask_v which_o he_o shall_v rather_o do_v perform_v such_o act_n as_o will_v express_v this_o worship_n or_o neglect_v slight_a and_o omit_v they_o or_o else_o ridicule_n dishonour_n and_o blaspheme_v that_o be_v we_o call_v god_n or_o suppose_v he_o be_v tell_v what_o a_o parent_n be_v and_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v his_o parent_n and_o that_o he_o be_v himself_o sensible_a of_o a_o great_a many_o kindness_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o it_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o after_o a_o due_a explication_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o thing_n to_o murder_v he_o defend_v he_o from_o some_o imminent_a danger_n without_o any_o hazard_n to_o himself_o or_o stand_v still_o and_o do_v neither_o who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o in_o these_o case_n fair_o propose_v and_o state_v such_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n as_o this_o will_v not_o choose_v to_o worship_v his_o god_n and_o defend_v his_o parent_n we_o have_v therefore_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o moral_a truth_n concern_v humane_a action_n be_v knowable_a the_o same_o way_n that_o all_o other_o truth_n be_v which_o terminate_v in_o speculation_n only_o and_o that_o man_n know_v more_o or_o few_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n and_o application_n of_o those_o that_o be_v employ_v in_o these_o inquiry_n and_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o these_o it_o be_v as_o in_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o proposition_n consider_v be_v near_o too_o or_o far_o from_o the_o first_o general_a axiom_n or_o rule_n of_o morality_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v deduce_v such_o as_o be_v those_o before_o mention_v of_o seek_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o not_o take_v away_o another_o man_n when_o we_o can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o own_o by_o it_o and_o such_o as_o immediate_o follow_v from_o hence_o as_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o prefer_v a_o great_a good_a or_o pleasure_n to_o a_o less_o a_o lesser_a evil_a or_o pain_n to_o a_o great_a and_o the_o like_a the_o evidence_n of_o which_o be_v as_o great_a as_o of_o any_o metaphysical_a or_o mathematical_a axiom_n whatever_o but_o the_o other_o moral_a duty_n i_o have_v occasion_n to_o instance_n in_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n obedience_n to_o parent_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v less_o general_a have_v not_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n because_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o action_n with_o our_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o original_a foundation_n of_o all_o action_n and_o duty_n be_v not_o so_o clear_o discoverable_a that_o we_o immediate_o perceive_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v before_o as_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n be_v so_o great_a that_o when_o they_o be_v fair_o offer_v to_o the_o understanding_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o happiness_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o if_o this_o may_v be_v suppose_v as_o in_o several_a instance_n no_o
if_o beside_o the_o natural_a pleasure_n which_o result_v from_o religious_a act_n while_o we_o be_v practise_v they_o here_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o certain_a prospect_n and_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o a_o state_n of_o great_a bliss_n hereafter_o i_o dare_v venture_v to_o assert_v that_o general_o speak_v religion_n will_v prove_v the_o sure_a way_n to_o happiness_n even_o in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o though_o sometime_o the_o suffering_n of_o some_o particular_a man_n upon_o that_o account_n may_v exceed_v all_o the_o noble_a satisfaction_n religion_n can_v afford_v they_o here_o yet_o all_o thing_n consider_v and_o the_o different_a method_n of_o act_v weigh_v together_o with_o all_o the_o probable_a consequence_n that_o according_a to_o the_o common_a course_n of_o thing_n may_v attend_v they_o there_o will_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o prefer_v the_o practice_n of_o religious_a duty_n to_o the_o way_n of_o irreligion_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o present_a happiness_n he_o be_v very_o like_a to_o enjoy_v by_o that_o mean_n reckon_v in_o the_o hope_n and_o prospect_n only_o and_o not_o the_o possession_n of_o another_o state_n as_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v under_o the_o next_o general_n head_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o religion_n from_o a_o comparison_n of_o it_o with_o irreligion_n and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n arise_v from_o thence_o advertisement_n what_o be_v here_o print_v be_v deliver_v in_o five_o sermon_n upon_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o january_n february_n march_n april_n and_o may._n the_o three_o remain_a sermon_n will_v be_v preach_v upon_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n and_o be_v publish_v soon_o after_o in_o the_o same_o volume_n and_o character_n with_o the_o page_n continue_v which_o together_o with_o these_o will_v make_v up_o one_o entire_a discourse_n the_o three_o remain_v sermon_n preach_v at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697._o four_o i_o have_v before_o give_v a_o positive_a direct_a proof_n of_o religion_n from_o certain_a principle_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o relation_n of_o the_o being_n concern_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o same_o truth_n by_o show_v what_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n will_v follow_v from_o a_o denial_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o mankind_n the_o establishment_n of_o a_o contrary_a belief_n and_o practice_n will_v be_v in_o the_o management_n of_o which_o subject_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o several_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o irreligion_n and_o then_o show_v how_o far_o they_o all_o lead_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a consequence_n of_o each_o irreligion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o consist_v in_o opinion_n or_o belief_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n for_o either_o man_n deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o consequent_o all_o religious_a duty_n fall_v a_o course_n by_o the_o take_n away_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o or_o they_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n but_o deny_v that_o man_n be_v any_o way_n oblige_v by_o he_o to_o act_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n as_o we_o pretend_v he_o be_v or_o else_o they_o own_v they_o be_v in_o several_a instance_n oblige_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o those_o rational_a principle_n of_o action_n we_o have_v before_o mention_v but_o do_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n now_o these_o be_v very_o different_a notion_n consider_v bare_o in_o themselves_o as_o matter_n of_o speculation_n only_o but_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o practical_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o several_a way_n which_o be_v the_o establish_v a_o general_a liberty_n of_o live_v as_o every_o man_n please_v upon_o principle_n contrary_a to_o those_o of_o religion_n this_o be_v plain_a of_o the_o two_o first_o opinion_n which_o take_v away_o all_o manner_n of_o religious_a obgation_n and_o upon_o strict_a examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v true_a of_o the_o last_o which_o so_o far_o loosen_v and_o weaken_v the_o influence_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o force_n of_o contrary_a motive_n to_o action_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v these_o notion_n apart_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o perceive_v what_o the_o direct_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o each_o opinion_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o one_o another_o first_o then_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o consequent_o no_o religion_n this_o be_v suppose_v what_o be_v we_o to_o think_v of_o ourselves_o what_o kind_n of_o being_n be_v we_o how_o come_v we_o first_o to_o exist_v and_o what_o be_v we_o to_o do_v while_o we_o continue_v to_o be_v that_o we_o be_v and_o that_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o so_o and_o so_o affect_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o doubt_v and_o among_o the_o several_a thing_n that_o i_o be_o infallible_o conscious_a of_o i_o perceive_v such_o a_o agreement_n and_o connexion_n betwixt_o some_o of_o they_o that_o let_v i_o do_v what_o i_o can_v i_o can_v help_v perceive_v they_o as_o together_o and_o such_o a_o disagrement_n betwixt_o other_o that_o i_o can_v help_v perceive_v they_o as_o asunder_o or_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o these_o complex_fw-la perception_n or_o appearance_n i_o be_o assure_v of_o the_o same_o way_n i_o be_o assure_v of_o my_o own_o be_v or_o any_o simple_a perception_n whatsoever_o but_o if_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o necessary_o perceive_v as_o together_o or_o asunder_o and_o can_v possible_o perceive_v otherwise_o shall_v not_o be_v join_v or_o separate_v according_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o in_o the_o mind_n then_o do_v i_o know_v nothing_o certain_a beyond_o appearance_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o my_o own_o mind_n and_o yet_o be_o invincible_o dispose_v to_o believe_v what_o may_v be_v false_a with_o so_o strong_a a_o assent_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o command_v myself_o to_o entertain_v the_o least_o sufpition_n of_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n as_o any_o man_n may_v experience_n in_o himself_o if_o he_o will_v but_o try_v to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o call_v a_o self-evident_a proposition_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v through_o sceptic_n if_o there_o ever_o be_v real_o any_o such_o which_o i_o dare_v confident_o affirm_v there_o never_o be_v but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n after_o a_o full_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o this_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o see_v where_o my_o doubt_n can_v stop_v or_o what_o can_v determine_v my_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o reason_n truth_n and_o evidence_n will_v be_v bare_a uninform_a sound_n which_o will_v cause_v no_o other_o perception_n in_o i_o my_o whole_a life_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o suspense_n and_o amazement_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n will_v cover_v my_o understanding_n and_o continual_a uneasiness_n will_v arise_v from_o a_o restless_a succession_n of_o vain_a undetermined_a thought_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o those_o appearance_n of_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v we_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o distrust_v all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n and_o a_o continual_a desire_n of_o know_v with_o a_o constant_a agitation_n of_o thought_n in_o the_o search_n or_o pursuit_n of_o knowledge_n join_v with_o a_o continual_a distrust_n of_o all_o appearance_n of_o truth_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o rest_n or_o acquiescence_n which_o we_o shall_v then_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o will_v be_v such_o a_o uneasy_a state_n as_o no_o man_n i_o believe_v can_v bear_v and_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n ever_o yet_o feel_v and_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o appearance_n of_o evidence_n for_o his_o be_v as_o we_o have_v for_o any_o other_o truth_n as_o those_o that_o have_v full_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o must_v acknowledge_v but_o this_o perhaps_o be_v too_o much_o to_o suppose_v it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o imagine_v that_o there_o may_v be_v man_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o religion_n without_o distrust_v their_o other_o knowledge_n who_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n argue_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o act_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o person_n who_o never_o give_v
he_o that_o be_v know_v to_o act_v for_o himself_o only_o will_v be_v trust_v and_o assist_v no_o further_o than_o his_o own_o present_a interest_n be_v perceive_v unavoidable_o to_o concur_v with_o another_o man_n and_o last_o the_o happiness_n a_o religious_a man_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o another_o life_n be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v exceed_v all_o experience_n imagination_n or_o possibility_n of_o comprehension_n and_o consequent_o the_o hope_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o belief_n must_v afford_v he_o great_a pleasure_n here_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o the_o great_a and_o happy_a condition_n a_o man_n can_v frame_v to_o himself_o here_o gradual_o increase_v by_o a_o successful_a advance_n of_o the_o fine_a best-formed_a design_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o be_v i_o believe_v compare_v with_o any_o actual_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o pleasure_n we_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o without_o a_o future_a prospect_n which_o must_v be_v all_o this_o and_o as_o much_o high_a as_o this_o religious_a hope_n be_v great_a and_o more_o durable_a in_o the_o possession_n and_o the_o present_a assurance_n of_o it_o less_o liable_a to_o disappointment_n and_o defeat_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v there_o be_v no_o external_a accident_n or_o endeavour_n that_o can_v deprive_v we_o of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o religious_a man_n he_o must_v be_v general_o happy_a than_o the_o wicked_a in_o truth_n and_o reality_n though_o perhaps_o not_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o he_o as_o enjoy_v more_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o himself_o by_o a_o constant_a unalterable_a success_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o main_a end_n as_o be_v less_o expose_v to_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o by_o assist_v some_o and_o a_o due_a care_n not_o to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o happiness_n 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no_o better_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o do_v than_o those_o upon_o examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o subject_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o step_n or_o measure_n 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v what_o kind_a or_o degree_n of_o proof_n it_o admit_v of_o 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o common_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o 3._o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a objection_n make_v use_v of_o against_o religion_n 4._o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o who_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o proof_n that_o be_v how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o god_n no_o obligation_n of_o act_v such_o a_o way_n if_o there_o be_v or_o no_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n be_v a_o man_n dispose_v to_o believe_v all_o or_o any_o of_o this_o or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o convince_v other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n what_o way_n or_o method_n can_v he_o take_v to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o or_o their_o understanding_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n inquire_v into_o be_v object_n of_o sense_n or_o internal_a consciousness_n we_o can_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n nor_o feel_v with_o any_o intimate_a perception_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n religion_n or_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o no_o new_a experiment_n or_o observation_n of_o this_o nature_n nor_o any_o old_a testimony_n or_o authority_n ground_v upon_o such_o have_v any_o place_n upon_o this_o subject_a any_o further_a than_o they_o furnish_v matter_n for_o reason_v and_o reflection_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v immediate_o derive_v all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n all_o which_o be_v negative_a there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o by_o show_v either_o their_o repugnancy_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o those_o other_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o doubt_v of_o the_o first_o way_n we_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v certain_a the_o latter_a we_o make_v they_o appear_v probable_a as_o to_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v but_o by_o prove_a it_o be_v impossible_a and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v and_o who_o will_v undertake_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n or_o suppose_v there_o be_v that_o religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v downright_a contradiction_n what_o be_v there_o in_o any_o of_o these_o notion_n that_o shock_n our_o reason_n and_o restrain_v our_o assent_n what_o other_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n have_v we_o that_o make_v our_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o there_o be_v never_o any_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n offer_v or_o pretend_v to_o yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v easy_o discoverable_a upon_o the_o first_o trial_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o way_n all_o that_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o produce_v such_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n to_o show_v such_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o they_o as_o shall_v render_v they_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o upon_o a_o fair_a proposal_n we_o shall_v be_v easy_o incline_v to_o embrace_v and_o assent_v to_o they_o though_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o irresistible_o to_o determine_v we_o this_o we_o call_v argue_v from_o probability_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o what_o the_o generality_n of_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v upon_o due_a examination_n assent_v to_o as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n that_o opinion_n be_v most_o probable_a and_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reflection_n deduce_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n alike_o that_o have_v the_o same_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o probability_n but_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n will_v never_o stand_v this_o test_n the_o wise_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v constant_o reject_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o disquisition_n be_v to_o begin_v now_o and_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o opinion_n again_o how_o will_v a_o person_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n no_o religion_n nor_o future_a state_n than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o of_o these_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o our_o own_o existence_n and_o constitution_n and_o from_o the_o existence_n frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n without_o we_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v and_o we_o know_v not_o our_o original_a or_o by_o what_o power_n we_o come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v we_o perceive_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o we_o the_o beginning_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o come_v to_o exist_v be_v it_o therefore_o more_o likely_a and_o probable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n than_o that_o there_o real_o be_v some_o such_o
perfect_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o these_o effect_n we_o perceive_v can_v we_o from_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o govern_v and_o direct_v power_n in_o the_o universe_n can_v we_o from_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n prove_v that_o we_o be_v under_o no_o law_n or_o obligation_n of_o act_v or_o that_o religion_n be_v destructive_a of_o our_o happiness_n can_v we_o from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n without_o we_o make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o live_v again_o be_v conscious_a of_o all_o our_o former_a action_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a according_a to_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o they_o however_o true_a these_o thing_n may_v or_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v from_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o these_o imagine_a antecedent_n to_o they_o for_o if_o god_n religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v all_o possible_a as_o they_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o real_a existence_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o will_v never_o furnish_v any_o argument_n for_o their_o nonexistence_n 2._o in_o vain_a then_o do_v we_o expect_v any_o direct_a proof_n of_o irreligion_n in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o which_o be_v these_o four_n 1._o ridicul_v religion_n 2._o require_v a_o more_o certain_a mathematical_a proof_n of_o it_o 3._o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n subsist_v without_o it_o 4._o and_o raise_v some_o loose_a objection_n against_o it_o which_o chief_o aim_v at_o the_o present_a profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o way_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o advance_v or_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a opinion_n contain_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o irreligion_n be_v such_o as_o bare_o deny_v the_o contrary_a truth_n without_o give_v any_o reason_n for_o their_o disbelief_n they_o speak_v a_o bold_a thing_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o fall_v to_o their_o sin_n without_o ever_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v a_o light_a word_n or_o phrase_n apply_v to_o a_o serious_a thing_n a_o odd_a simile_n or_o comparison_n a_o ridiculous_a turn_v or_o allusion_n be_v all_o they_o pretend_v to_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o well_o establish_v or_o confirm_v but_o may_v be_v ridicule_v though_o it_o can_v be_v confute_v and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o sublime_a the_o subject_n be_v the_o fit_a for_o burlesque_fw-la the_o boldness_n of_o the_o raillery_n heighten_v the_o wit_n of_o it_o but_o i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o jest_n be_v no_o argument_n beside_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o person_n of_o this_o character_n in_o another_o place_n and_o so_o shall_v pass_v on_o 2._o to_o the_o second_o way_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n to_o justify_v their_o infidelity_n and_o that_o be_v by_o allege_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o proof_n give_v of_o it_o have_v not_o that_o degree_n of_o certainty_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n why_o say_v they_o be_v not_o such_o important_a point_n as_o those_o in_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o far_o concern_v make_v as_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o our_o understanding_n as_o any_o proposition_n in_o the_o mathematics_n prove_v they_o to_o we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v they_o the_o insufficiency_n and_o absurdity_n of_o which_o plea_n will_v manifest_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n for_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a for_o person_n to_o call_v for_o more_o and_o great_a proof_n towards_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n before_o they_o have_v confute_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v already_o advance_v and_o therefore_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o religion_n whatever_o it_o be_v be_v sufficient_a till_o it_o be_v overthrow_v by_o contrary_a allegation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o ask_v for_o other_o kind_a of_o proof_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o desire_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o therefore_o to_o call_v for_o mathematical_a demonstration_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v let_v religion_n be_v turn_v into_o mathematics_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v it_o the_o mean_v of_o which_o be_v only_o this_o that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o like_a mathematics_n better_o than_o they_o do_v religion_n for_o indeed_o the_o person_n that_o call_v for_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n in_o religion_n will_v allow_v of_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o demonstration_n any_o where_o but_o in_o number_n and_o figure_n whereas_o we_o have_v as_o clear_a idea_n of_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o do_v as_o evident_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o they_o and_o make_v as_o certain_a deduction_n from_o they_o and_o that_o particular_o in_o the_o present_a subject_n where_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o knowledge_n will_n power_n duration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o original_a idea_n from_o whence_o we_o take_v our_o first_o rise_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v of_o number_n and_o figure_n we_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o something_o must_v be_v eternal_a that_o motion_n must_v begin_v from_o will_n and_o several_a other_o from_o whence_o all_o our_o argument_n for_o religion_n be_v deduce_v as_o we_o be_v of_o such_o mathematical_a axiom_n as_o these_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v big_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n that_o when_o equal_a number_n be_v add_v to_o equal_v the_o whole_a be_v equal_a and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o deduction_n of_o other_o proposition_n from_o those_o former_a be_v in_o all_o the_o intermediate_v link_n of_o connexion_n as_o evident_o perceive_v there_o as_o here_o and_o the_o main_a conclusion_n as_o certain_a as_o any_o mathematical_a conclusion_n at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n this_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o if_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n will_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n yet_o they_o have_v all_o the_o certainty_n it_o be_v conceivable_a they_o shall_v have_v by_o way_n of_o deduction_n from_o any_o idea_n our_o mind_n be_v furnish_v with_o so_o that_o suppose_v they_o true_a they_o can_v be_v prove_v any_o otherwise_o from_o bare_a unassisted_a reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unjust_a to_o require_v a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o they_o when_o the_o rational_a ground_n they_o stand_v upon_o can_v be_v overthrow_v by_o contrary_a proof_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v the_o additional_a advantage_n of_o revelation_n not_o to_o be_v disprove_v by_o any_o counter-revelation_n because_o that_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o where_o we_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o judge_v one_o way_n as_o we_o be_v in_o all_o such_o matter_n where_o it_o concern_v our_o happiness_n to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o that_o degree_n of_o evidence_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o appear_v on_o one_o side_n when_o we_o have_v nothing_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o balance_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o take_v the_o party_n of_o irreligion_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o all_o that_o strength_n and_o evidence_n of_o conviction_n which_o some_o other_o truth_n seem_v to_o have_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o only_a defence_n some_o people_n make_v for_o their_o impiety_n and_o unbelief_n 3._o but_o other_o there_o be_v that_o pretend_v to_o build_v their_o irreligion_n upon_o positive_a principle_n some_o of_o which_o have_v make_v new_a scheme_n or_o hypothesis_n wherein_o they_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o original_n disposition_n and_o conduct_v of_o thing_n without_o a_o god_n but_o all_o that_o they_o prove_v be_v that_o they_o who_o only_o deny_v the_o common_a doctrine_n concern_v god_n providence_n etc._n etc._n without_o advance_v any_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n for_o all_o these_o new_a notion_n of_o they_o either_o signify_v
sure_a be_v more_o than_o any_o man_n that_o make_v the_o venture_n can_v pretend_v to_o i_o do_v not_o here_o argue_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o prefer_v religion_n before_o irreligion_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v safe_o so_o to_o do_v because_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n a_o man_n shall_v not_o suffer_v any_o thing_n in_o another_o state_n by_o such_o a_o choice_n whereas_o he_o that_o choose_v irreligion_n have_v only_o his_o own_o opinion_n for_o his_o security_n and_o be_v threaten_v by_o the_o person_n of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n with_o eternal_a misery_n after_o death_n i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o alone_a a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o determine_v a_o man_n choice_n to_o one_o side_n against_o all_o other_o argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v threaten_v out_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o evil_n threaten_v be_v very_o considerable_a and_o it_o be_v full_a as_o probable_a that_o it_o shall_v happen_v as_o it_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o which_o be_v the_o case_n now_o suppose_v he_o act_v very_o rational_o and_o wise_o who_o choose_v rather_o to_o undergo_v some_o lesser_a inconvenience_n at_o present_a than_o put_v himself_o in_o danger_n of_o great_a now_o that_o the_o misery_n annex_v to_o irreligion_n be_v very_o considerable_a can_v be_v deny_v it_o be_v suppose_v great_a than_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o conceive_v by_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o probable_a it_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o act_v by_o such_o principle_n as_o not_o must_v be_v allow_v whatever_o hypothesis_n be_v true_a for_o if_o chance_n make_v the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o character_n of_o wisdom_n we_o behold_v in_o it_o why_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o happen_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o future_a state_n and_o that_o those_o we_o call_v irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o it_o and_o the_o religious_a happy_a it_o look_v indeed_o like_o wisdom_n and_o so_o do_v the_o regularity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a many_o constant_a discrimination_n make_v there_o why_o shall_v the_o wind_n blow_v down_o the_o rot_a fruit_n and_o leave_v the_o sound_n why_o shall_v the_o plague_n sweep_v away_o some_o and_o leave_v other_o in_o the_o same_o city_n or_o house_n but_o there_o be_v natural_a reason_n and_o cause_n for_o these_o thing_n so_o there_o may_v be_v for_o the_o other_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o wicked_a may_v be_v peculiar_o dispose_v to_o be_v miserable_a the_o same_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o body_n or_o soul_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a may_v to_o be_v miserable_a also_o when_o they_o live_v again_o and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o chance_n for_o their_o live_n again_o as_o for_o their_o first_o be_v but_o if_o all_o thing_n exist_v by_o necessity_n than_o a_o future_a state_n may_v be_v necessary_a too_o and_o the_o wicked_a necessary_o miserable_a in_o it_o for_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o this_o hypothesis_n to_o the_o contrary_n where_o every_o thing_n be_v suppose_v casual_a or_o every_o thing_n necessary_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o reason_n why_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v conceive_v suture_a shall_v or_o shall_v not_o exist_v or_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v after_o such_o or_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v equal_o probable_a nothing_o can_v be_v allege_v to_o determine_v the_o mind_n one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o another_o state_n than_o that_o he_o will_v at_o least_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v produce_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o probable_a in_o every_o hypothesis_n that_o the_o irreligious_a will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a they_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o choose_v that_o side_n they_o be_v of_o than_o the_o other_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n and_o account_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n must_v not_o act_v at_o all_o or_o if_o he_o do_v prefer_v act_v one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o other_o concern_v the_o safe_a side_n shall_v determine_v he_o but_o moreover_o it_o be_v not_o only_o as_o probable_a that_o the_o irreligious_a shall_v be_v miserable_a in_o a_o future_a state_n allow_v any_o of_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o their_o own_o way_n of_o proof_n it_o appear_v that_o our_o hypothesis_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a as_o any_o advance_v by_o they_o nothing_o further_a than_o a_o possibility_n of_o they_o be_v aim_v at_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o we_o do_v moreover_o pretend_v by_o many_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n to_o evince_v the_o certainty_n of_o we_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o show_v all_o they_o to_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a wherefore_o if_o upon_o a_o equal_a probability_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v the_o safe_a measure_n much_o more_o be_v we_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v when_o reason_n and_o happiness_n be_v both_o of_o the_o same_o side_n nay_o far_o he_o that_o prefer_v that_o faith_n and_o practice_n which_o eternal_a misery_n in_o another_o state_n be_v denounce_v against_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o have_v more_o ground_n of_o probability_n of_o his_o side_n but_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o conviction_n he_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v from_o certain_a direct_a principle_n that_o his_o own_o opinion_n be_v right_a or_o that_o the_o contrary_a be_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a because_o the_o consequence_n be_v of_o that_o vast_a importance_n that_o the_o present_a inconvenience_n we_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v by_o act_v a_o contrary_a way_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o hazard_n or_o likelihood_n of_o misery_n that_o attend_v this_o thus_o do_v we_o of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n defend_v ourselves_o against_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o peremptory_o condemn_v we_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n for_o be_v of_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o they_o without_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o return_v from_o we_o and_o then_o urge_v we_o to_o take_v the_o safe_a side_n thus_o i_o say_v do_v we_o answer_v do_v we_o believe_v their_o opinion_n or_o censure_n probable_a the_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o to_o we_o perhaps_o seem_v as_o probable_a or_o more_o so_o that_o they_o may_v be_v false_a we_o will_v then_o allow_v some_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n but_o we_o do_v not_o now_o go_v over_o to_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o safety_n because_o we_o not_o only_o think_v our_o opinion_n certain_a and_o they_o impossible_a absurd_a or_o irrational_a and_o be_v full_o persuade_v we_o have_v prove_v they_o so_o but_o suppose_v ourselves_o to_o err_v in_o all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o we_o think_v it_o demonstrable_a from_o common_a principle_n own_a on_o both_o side_n that_o none_o of_o these_o error_n which_o upon_o due_a care_n for_o better_a information_n be_v believe_v by_o we_o as_o truth_n can_v expose_v we_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n if_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o atheist_n and_o irreligious_a can_v make_v the_o same_o defence_n for_o himself_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o suppose_a consequence_n of_o irreligion_n seem_v as_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o knowledge_n own_v by_o he_o as_o the_o popish_a tenet_n do_v to_o a_o protestant_n or_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o unwarrantable_a as_o the_o vision_n resvery_n or_o prediction_n of_o every_o little_a enthusiast_n or_o fortune-teller_n to_o a_o man_n of_o calm_a sedate_v sense_n and_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v this_o good_a in_o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o reason_v then_o may_v he_o despise_v our_o threaten_n and_o laugh_n at_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n secure_o but_o to_o deny_v all_o these_o important_a concern_v truth_n without_o offer_v at_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o falsehood_n to_o say_v they_o be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a point_n and_o yet_o to_o act_v with_o the_o same_o assurance_n and_o security_n as_o if_o they_o be_v certain_o false_a to_o refuse_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o for_o want_v of_o great_a and_o more_o evident_a proof_n without_o confute_v the_o argument_n already_o advance_v or_o produce_v strong_a on_o the_o contrary_a side_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o prove_v they_o first_o to_o be_v vain_a