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the_o truth_n of_o this_o maxim_n in_o vertute_fw-la sola_fw-la salus_fw-la or_o that_o none_o can_v ever_o arrive_v at_o the_o elysium_n of_o true_a felicity_n who_o constant_o pursue_v it_o through_o the_o garden_n of_o sensuality_n that_o the_o rose_n of_o happiness_n grow_v on_o the_o prickly_a stem_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o the_o just_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o ability_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o acquire_v a_o durable_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o this_o necessary_a caution_n that_o we_o take_v not_o too_o bold_a a_o freedom_n in_o our_o reflection_n upon_o providence_n or_o repine_v at_o some_o particular_a dispensation_n towards_o we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a imprudence_n we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o expect_v either_o that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v immediate_o reward_v or_o vice_n immediate_o punish_v for_o this_o will_v not_o only_o destroy_v a_o life_n of_o future_a 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incoherent_a thought_n and_o believe_v i_o to_o be_v what_o i_o be_o lond._n jan._n 26._o 1696_o 7_o your_o friend_n in_o all_o good_a office_n letter_n iii_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o mr._n etc._n etc._n my_o very_a good_a friend_n whatever_o success_n my_o last_o meet_v with_o i_o be_o embolden_v to_o believe_v my_o time_n not_o altogether_o misspend_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o a_o presumption_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a or_o more_o than_o many_o other_o may_v say_v upon_o these_o weighty_a subject_n but_o out_o of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o belief_n and_o expectation_n that_o you_o will_v more_o considerate_o peruse_v and_o attentive_o examine_v they_o as_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o friend_n who_o you_o may_v easy_o assure_v yourself_o write_v neither_o for_o secular_a interest_n nor_o popular_a applause_n but_o true_o and_o unfeigned_o with_o a_o pure_a design_n of_o discover_v the_o truth_n than_o if_o the_o same_o be_v deliver_v by_o those_o who_o interest_n we_o may_v judge_v it_o be_v to_o keep_v we_o under_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o who_o make_v it_o the_o proper_a and_o sole_a business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o furnish_v out_o such_o maxim_n argument_n and_o precept_n as_o they_o themselves_o too_o many_o of_o they_o be_v unmindful_a to_o observe_v so_o that_o what_o be_v much_o to_o be_v bewail_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o priest_n as_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a make_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n neither_o subject_n to_o the_o same_o desire_n natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o other_o man_n when_o they_o view_v they_o live_v as_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n perpetual_o conversant_a in_o prayer_n fast_v religious_a contemplation_n and_o divine_a meditation_n they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o implicit_a faith_n especial_o the_o common_a people_n rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v to_o they_o without_o ever_o 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priest_n craft_n the_o body_n of_o divinity_n a_o well_o contrive_v romance_n the_o great_a and_o mighty_a prop_n of_o it_o be_v all_o present_o shake_v to_o piece_n and_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n his_o providence_n and_o the_o soul_n separate_a existence_n or_o independency_n be_v now_o ridicule_v for_o mere_a fable_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o parson_n preach_v for_o money_n get_v many_o live_n and_o grow_v rich_a whilst_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o they_o discover_v the_o cheat_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o natural_a desire_n and_o keep_v under_o apprehension_n of_o invisible_a power_n a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o they_o know_v not_o what_o frightful_a bugbear_n heaven_n and_o hell_n devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n which_o they_o now_o find_v to_o be_v a_o dream_n for_o since_o the_o slip_n of_o the_o clergyman_n have_v open_v their_o eye_n they_o find_v nothing_o but_o nature_n time_n and_o chance_n say_v they_o attend_v we_o all_o 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their_o life_n they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o insupportable_a grievance_n to_o their_o nature_n to_o be_v abridge_v their_o liberty_n or_o tie_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o almost_o any_o single_a act_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n every_o little_a immorality_n in_o these_o man_n be_v look_v on_o through_o a_o magnify_v glass_n and_o the_o same_o which_o they_o account_v a_o venial_a fault_n or_o peccadillo_n in_o themselves_o must_v be_v deem_v in_o the_o other_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n a_o unpardonable_a transgression_n be_v oblige_v in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o remove_v what_o difficulty_n i_o can_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o to_o mention_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o mighty_a obstacle_n of_o our_o faith_n among_o other_o i_o have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o touch_v upon_o the_o clergy_n who_o we_o be_v too_o
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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 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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 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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 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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 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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
notwithstanding_o this_o her_o constitution_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o noble_a and_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o survey_v the_o secret_n of_o each_o other_o heart_n or_o to_o fathom_v their_o hypocrisy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o blemish_n and_o irregularity_n be_v such_o as_o will_v almost_o unavoidable_o creep_v in_o to_o any_o other_o universal_a church_n the_o great_a objection_n touch_v form_n and_o ceremony_n be_v to_o my_o think_a no_o other_o than_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o shall_v we_o to_o gratify_v the_o humour_n of_o some_o inconsiderate_a man_n dispense_v with_o or_o lay_v they_o aside_o i_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o presage_v with_o a_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o ch_z that_o religion_n itself_o will_v quick_o dwindle_v into_o nothing_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o public_a assembly_n meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o divine_a service_n as_o for_o the_o injunction_n of_o prescribe_a form_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o our_o public_a prayer_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o almighty_a god_n they_o have_v beyond_o controversy_n their_o proper_a use_n and_o advantage_n and_o will_v by_o every_o impartial_a judge_n be_v confess_v or_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v excellent_o design_v for_o notwithstanding_o that_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a objection_n of_o the_o noncon_n that_o we_o hereby_o stint_v or_o limit_v the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o set_v boundary_n to_o its_o power_n and_o that_o a_o formal_a worship_n be_v only_o invent_v to_o gratify_v the_o lazy_a humour_n of_o the_o priest_n we_o have_v not_o according_a to_o my_o sentiment_n any_o other_o way_n to_o petition_v heaven_n as_o we_o ought_v or_o as_o become_v the_o supplicant_n to_o a_o alwise_o be_v unless_o with_o our_o modern_a visionary_n we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o enjoy_v at_o those_o time_n some_o supernatural_a accession_n or_o influence_n to_o inspire_v we_o and_o that_o what_o we_o deliver_v have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o our_o own_o either_o natural_a or_o acquire_v faculty_n but_o be_v immediate_o dictate_v to_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o convey_v to_o our_o organ_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a impulse_n for_o otherwise_o whatever_o peculiar_a genius_n gift_n talent_n faculty_n or_o quality_n some_o man_n be_v endow_v with_o of_o speak_v ready_o without_o much_o forethought_a there_o be_v few_o such_o discourse_n however_o please_v to_o sense_n and_o imagination_n by_o the_o gesture_n or_o deportment_n of_o the_o speaker_n or_o by_o his_o air_n and_o manner_n of_o delivery_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n or_o be_v justify_v for_o the_o sense_n and_o grammar_n even_o by_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o if_o so_o i_o see_v not_o why_o such_o man_n who_o labour_n under_o the_o infirmity_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a delivery_n a_o want_n of_o think_v right_o as_o well_o as_o speak_v who_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v incoherent_a a_o medley_n of_o confusion_n make_v up_o of_o a_o useless_a redundancy_n of_o insignificant_a word_n of_o circumlocution_n frivolous_a repetition_n or_o tautology_n where_o the_o whole_a be_v downright_a nonsense_n in_o such_o case_n i_o say_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v the_o notion_n of_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v these_o man_n inspire_v from_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o their_o expression_n here_o be_v scarce_o the_o footstep_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n much_o less_o the_o character_n of_o divinity_n and_o so_o far_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o surmount_v the_o acquirement_n of_o natural_a man_n or_o deviate_a in_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o common_a mode_n of_o understanding_n that_o every_o profane_a hypocrite_n may_v play_v the_o counterfeit_n and_o the_o most_o extravagant_a whim_n suggest_v to_o the_o fantasy_n have_v a_o equal_a right_n of_o put_v in_o a_o plea_n for_o inspiration_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v they_o speak_v or_o teach_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_a probity_n or_o moral_a honesty_n their_o devout_a holy_a and_o exemplary_a life_n and_o conversation_n these_o indeed_o may_v sway_v we_o be_v we_o not_o satisfy_v of_o the_o as_o strict_a sanctity_n sincerity_n and_o undissembled_a piety_n of_o those_o who_o as_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o any_o special_a privilege_n of_o supernatural_a inspiration_n be_v utter_o averseto_o ethusiastic_a principle_n do_v true_a religion_n consist_v in_o a_o affect_a singularity_n of_o expression_n in_o a_o rustic_a or_o ungenteel_a behaviour_n and_o deportment_n in_o the_o dream_n and_o rapt_n of_o a_o delude_a fancy_n or_o to_o borrow_v a_o physical_a term_n be_v its_o pathagnomonic_a sign_n any_o set_a garb_n or_o habit_n be_v a_o green_a apron_n a_o ride_v hood_n a_o short_a crevat_n or_o a_o hang_a coat_n the_o only_a characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n these_o man_n above_o other_o have_v a_o just_a pretence_n to_o the_o title_n of_o its_o best_a and_o chief_a votary_n but_o if_o the_o real_a act_n of_o devotion_n such_o as_o watch_n fast_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n if_o charitable_a contribution_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o indigent_a if_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n in_o worldly_a satisfaction_n be_v as_o conspicuous_a and_o apparent_a perhaps_o more_o in_o some_o other_o than_o in_o these_o i_o see_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v they_o either_o to_o speak_v or_o act_v different_o from_o any_o other_o pious_a and_o devout_a person_n it_o be_v not_o the_o garb_n or_o habit_n that_o make_v either_o the_o true_a gentleman_n or_o the_o true_a christian_a though_o most_o certain_o a_o decent_a plainness_n be_v very_o become_v if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o world_n who_o take_v their_o estimate_n of_o thing_n from_o sense_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o value_v one_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o face_n or_o the_o propotionate_a symmetry_n of_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o measure_v each_o other_o capacity_n or_o mental_a endowment_n by_o their_o outside_n apparel_n but_o these_o be_v never_o overrate_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o extreme_a on_o either_o side_n and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n a_o extravagant_a dress_n look_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o be_v very_o often_o the_o signal_n of_o effeminacy_n at_o best_a a_o shallow_a apprehension_n so_o on_o the_o other_o the_o stiff_a and_o precise_a habit_n be_v very_o rare_o unattended_a with_o a_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o secret_a desire_n to_o distinguish_v ourselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o overfondness_n to_o value_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o indifferency_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o time_n some_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o divinity_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o prescribe_a form_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o particular_o those_o enjoin_v by_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o english_a ch_z if_o we_o ourselves_o through_o a_o preconceive_a prejudice_n or_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o different_a education_n can_v think_v they_o neither_o useful_a nor_o necessary_a nor_o find_v ourselves_o edify_v by_o the_o same_o it_o behoove_v we_o however_o to_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o not_o to_o condemn_v or_o censure_v those_o who_o do_v there_o be_v no_o person_n in_o this_o ch_z be_v ever_o that_o i_o hear_v of_o so_o childish_a as_o to_o think_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o duty_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o verbal_a recitation_n of_o a_o creed_n in_o the_o repetition_n of_o some_o certain_a prayer_n or_o the_o external_n compliance_n with_o any_o other_o performance_n but_o since_o it_o be_v by_o all_o grant_v that_o true_a piety_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o our_o will_n to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o humble_a elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o our_o most_o fervent_a supplication_n prayer_n praise_n and_o return_v of_o gratitude_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o certain_a that_o in_o these_o form_n so_o well_o adapt_v and_o fit_v for_o our_o necessity_n no_o true_o religious_a person_n do_v ever_o rest_n upon_o the_o form_n of_o word_n but_o know_v his_o heart_n and_o tongue_n must_v move_v together_o it_o become_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o prayer_n response_n and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o ch_z be_v always_o new_a to_o every_o sincere_a christian_a and_o that_o they_o lose_v nothing_o of_o their_o efficacy_n by_o be_v common_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o their_o usefulness_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a for_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n
be_v reject_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n pretend_v but_o far_a it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a when_o man_n exalt_v their_o own_o private_a revelation_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o when_o they_o esteem_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v mean_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o prefer_v this_o way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o inspiration_n above_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o they_o to_o join_v in_o external_n worship_n a_o state_n indeed_o of_o perfection_n that_o be_v above_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v describe_v and_o be_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n receive_v and_o which_o there_o need_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n for_o the_o want_n of_o which_o increase_v the_o suspicion_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o all_o this_o beyond_o their_o own_o simple_a affirmation_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o without_o good_a evidence_n can_v believe_v that_o those_o rapturous_a lady_n such_o as_o santa_n teresa_n and_o donna_n marina_n d'escobar_fw-la do_v in_o molinos_n '_o s_o phrase_n hear_v and_o talk_v with_o god_n hand_n in_o hand_n when_o he_o read_v the_o interlocutory_a matter_n that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o revelation_n have_v so_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n over_o the_o soul_n especial_o of_o such_o woman_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a dream_n but_o they_o will_v christen_v with_o the_o name_n of_o vision_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o credulous_a world_n have_v be_v much_o impose_v on_o this_o way_n the_o pretence_n abovesaid_a of_o maria_n visitationis_fw-la be_v a_o instance_n beyond_o all_o exception_n who_o impose_v upon_o her_o confessor_n no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o lewis_n granada_n the_o inquisition_n and_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o she_o pretend_v to_o somewhat_o more_o than_o internal_a for_o her_o converse_n with_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n be_v at_o last_o detect_v of_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o most_o of_o the_o visionary_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o pretend_v not_o to_o so_o much_o and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o external_n evidence_n attempt_v by_o they_o nor_o that_o we_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o intuition_n to_o see_v into_o their_o inward_a and_o self-evidence_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v otherwise_o of_o such_o illumination_n introversion_n and_o interlocution_n than_o at_o best_a the_o effect_n of_o a_o distemper_a brain_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o be_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o these_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o easy_a of_o belief_n because_o it_o may_v be_v very_o dangerous_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o for_o if_o instead_o of_o a_o star_n it_o shall_v prove_v a_o igâ—is_fw-la fatuus_fw-la whether_o may_v not_o person_n be_v lead_v under_o the_o delusion_n of_o it_o and_o what_o will_v not_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v lawful_a nay_o a_o duty_n which_o revelation_n shall_v warrant_v and_o where_o will_v this_o end_n if_o once_o it_o be_v credit_v and_o that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o implicit_o and_o blind_o to_o such_o a_o uncertain_a guide_n 1695._o now_o if_o a_o person_n come_v under_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n with_o a_o message_n to_o other_o and_o require_v they_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o salvation_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o such_o certificate_n as_o may_v give_v authority_n to_o it_o it_o be_v like_o one_o that_o shall_v take_v on_o he_o the_o style_n and_o character_n of_o a_o ambassador_n without_o any_o credential_n to_o give_v he_o authority_n and_o deserve_v no_o better_a acceptance_n it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n that_o a_o prophet_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n a_o inspiration_n to_o be_v a_o inspiration_n and_o by_o these_o character_n may_v we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o both_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o inspiration_n where_o the_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a there_o be_v never_o want_v one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o and_o though_o john_n do_v no_o miracle_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o people_n acknowledge_v 41._o for_o say_v they_o all_o thing_n john_n speak_v of_o this_o man_n jesus_n be_v true_a there_o may_v it_o be_v likely_a be_v inspiration_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a evidence_n but_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o other_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o the_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o as_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o be_v the_o obligation_n now_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a which_o rest_v sole_o on_o humane_a authority_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n or_o affirmation_n of_o the_o pretender_n to_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a the_o work_v i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o so_o that_o inspiration_n be_v as_o to_o other_o no_o inspiration_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v it_o may_v for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v no_o other_o than_o delusion_n or_o imposture_n let_v therefore_o the_o imagination_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a the_o confidence_n never_o so_o great_a the_o intent_n never_o so_o good_a the_o question_n be_v whence_o be_v this_o what_o evidence_n do_v the_o person_n bring_v of_o his_o mission_n from_o god_n upon_o what_o do_v it_o rest_n into_o what_o be_v it_o resolve_v what_o do_v he_o produce_v more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o imagination_n it_o may_v all_o be_v a_o fit_a of_o enthusiasm_n and_o if_o a_o person_n will_v pretend_v to_o 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call_v do_v ever_o empower_v person_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o to_o discourse_v ready_o at_o once_o with_o the_o parthian_n mede_n and_o elamites_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n when_o do_v nature_n or_o imagination_n enable_v person_n without_o any_o skill_n to_o cure_v disease_n natural_o incurable_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o humane_a learning_n to_o talk_v like_o philosopher_n of_o the_o sublimest_n argument_n and_o with_o as_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o foreign_a nation_n they_o instruct_v far_o what_o imagination_n nature_n or_o art_n can_v inspirit_v moses_n with_o such_o a_o supernatural_a power_n as_o to_o turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o to_o devour_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o by_o a_o stroke_n of_o it_o to_o fetch_v water_n out_o of_o a_o rock_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mighty_a current_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o imagination_n can_v form_v such_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o inspire_v a_o joseph_n or_o a_o daniel_n to_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o correspond_v event_n when_o do_v imagination_n give_v life_n to_o a_o fly_n or_o do_v the_o least_o act_n out_o of_o itself_o when_o do_v that_o or_o nature_n or_o imposture_n real_o and_o true_o raise_v the_o dead_a with_o elisha_n call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n with_o elijah_n or_o foretell_v what_o shall_v happen_v a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o or_o so_o much_o as_o what_o a_o person_n shall_v think_v to_o morrow_n here_o we_o may_v challenge_v all_o the_o magician_n all_o the_o man_n of_o art_n and_o science_n all_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o talk_v as_o the_o person_n real_o inspire_v do_v talk_v to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n as_o they_o
we_o discern_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o he_o that_o give_v those_o perfection_n unto_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o perfection_n in_o himself_o by_o the_o be_v then_o of_o god_n i_o mean_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o that_o make_v all_o thing_n what_o they_o be_v and_o endow_v they_o with_o all_o their_o different_a power_n and_o virtue_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a my_o own_o existence_n be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n no_o reflection_n can_v give_v unto_o a_o philosopher_n any_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o own_o existence_n than_o the_o intimate_a persuasion_n that_o every_o ploughman_n have_v of_o his_o without_o study_n or_o meditation_n now_o the_o idea_n that_o man_n have_v of_o themselves_o be_v twofold_a material_a and_o immaterial_a the_o material_a part_n of_o man_n be_v his_o body_n which_o be_v evident_o subject_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o material_a being_n the_o immaterial_a part_n be_v his_o mind_n which_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o capacity_n of_o think_v and_o reason_v for_o thought_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o matter_n that_o therefore_o which_o think_v viz._n the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o material_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n nor_o liable_a to_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o matter_n but_o capable_a of_o a_o subsistence_n notwithstanding_o any_o alteration_n or_o dissolution_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n this_o immateriality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v understand_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o reflection_n and_o ratiocination_n long_o before_o the_o evidence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o give_v of_o it_o unto_o 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that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v lead_v unto_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o duty_n impose_v on_o we_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o god_n towards_o who_o we_o stand_v first_o relate_v as_o to_o a_o benefactor_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v our_o be_v together_o with_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o our_o capacity_n of_o any_o far_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o next_o as_o to_o a_o lawgiver_n or_o governor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o certain_a rule_n or_o ordinance_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v subject_v we_o if_o we_o consider_v single_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o result_v from_o thence_o for_o our_o conduct_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o degenerate_a from_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o must_v therefore_o bridle_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o appetite_n and_o passion_n that_o arise_v from_o our_o corporeal_a constitution_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o those_o noble_a faculty_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o judgement_n wherewith_o our_o maker_n have_v endow_v our_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o one_o another_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o indespensable_o to_o truth_n equity_n charity_n benevolence_n and_o to_o every_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o settlement_n of_o society_n or_o to_o the_o general_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n great_a interest_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o observance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o general_a good_a be_v every_o particular_a man_n duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v transgress_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lesser_a or_o private_a advantage_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o god_n his_o law_n require_v our_o acknowledgement_n gratitude_n love_n dependence_n submission_n or_o in_o one_o word_n our_o humble_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o rule_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o say_a law_n of_o god_n the_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n a_o offence_n against_o the_o lawmaker_n or_o a_o sin_n law_n be_v of_o no_o vigour_n unless_o inforce_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n by_o mâ—n_z who_o bodily_a action_n depend_v upon_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o his_o mind_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o machinal_a act_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o voluntary_a motion_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o such_o observance_n and_o transgression_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v confer_v or_o inflict_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o that_o after_o the_o full_a course_n of_o his_o action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o general_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o they_o according_a to_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o tendency_n consist_v all_o true_a religion_n whatsoever_o else_o be_v introduce_v into_o any_o religion_n either_o national_a or_o practical_a i_o say_v whatever_o do_v not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o some_o of_o these_o branch_n or_o tend_v to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o rather_o the_o product_n of_o design_n and_o folly_n every_o man_n than_o be_v answerable_a unto_o god_n the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n for_o his_o own_o particular_a conduct_n in_o every_o branch_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o god_n to_o his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o himself_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o pure_a language_n of_o impartial_a reason_n unassisted_a by_o revelation_n and_o they_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a inference_n which_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o true_o rational_a proposition_n whatever_o false_a deduction_n or_o conclusion_n some_o man_n false_a judgement_n have_v invent_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o wretched_a cause_n the_o fallacy_n be_v soon_o detect_v and_o a_o strict_a inquisition_n will_v soon_o lay_v open_a the_o grand_a absurdity_n of_o their_o mischievous_a opinion_n but_o true_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o though_o some_o man_n may_v be_v repute_v a_o sort_n of_o reason_v atheist_n yet_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v infidel_n by_o imitation_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v the_o certainty_n of_o reveal_v religion_n or_o their_o own_o immortality_n that_o they_o scarce_o ever_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v serious_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n these_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o religion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o truth_n not_o be_v firm_o enough_o establish_v but_o their_o pique_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o fear_v it_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o put_v a_o check_n to_o their_o exorbitant_a desire_n and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n to_o conclude_v if_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v however_o rational_a or_o true_a you_o will_v notwithstanding_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v yourself_o that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a dream_n or_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o excellent_a be_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v create_v and_o to_o preserve_v we_o lecture_n but_o that_o all_o about_o we_o be_v dark_a senseless_a matter_n drive_v on_o by_o the_o blind_a impulse_n of_o fatality_n that_o man_n at_o first_o spring_v up_o out_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 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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
even_o by_o their_o own_o weapon_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o show_v my_o own_o good_a like_n of_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a and_o unprofitable_a argumentation_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o no_o disserviceable_a office_n to_o religion_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n that_o some_o man_n have_v leave_v both_o the_o atheist_n and_o his_o friend_n the_o deist_n without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o condemnation_n heighten_v by_o their_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a unprejudiced_a light_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o divine_a faith_n your_o character_n of_o mr._n b_o l_o i_o think_v no_o whit_n too_o large_a nor_o do_v i_o dislike_v your_o thought_n of_o his_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n as_o a_o demonstrative_a and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a world_n that_o the_o large_a portion_n 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come_v not_o such_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o maker_n they_o resolve_v to_o make_v themselves_o so_o and_o then_o foolish_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o childish_a expectation_n of_o escape_v divine_a judgement_n because_o they_o have_v so_o long_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v act_v by_o what_o they_o call_v the_o irresistible_a impulse_n of_o their_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o wilful_o indulge_v passion_n what_o every_o good_a man_n glory_n in_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o a_o capacity_n to_o shun_v the_o evil_a and_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a be_v the_o great_a misery_n of_o these_o man_n who_o find_v themselves_o able_a to_o dishonour_v their_o creator_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o religion_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n since_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n for_o they_o leave_v to_o blaspheme_v their_o god_n to_o trample_v upon_o all_o thing_n sacred_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o hereupon_o 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truth_n so_o clear_a to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o firm_o persuade_v you_o will_v find_v no_o sincere_o pious_a or_o true_a practical_a christian_a of_o a_o differ_a opinion_n the_o worldly_a wise_a man_n may_v despise_v and_o contemn_v we_o the_o libertine_n may_v scoff_n at_o we_o and_o impute_v all_o to_o our_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o fancy_n or_o prepossession_n let_v they_o mock_v on_o and_o mark_v the_o end_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o will_v recompense_v to_o we_o these_o indignity_n if_o we_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n i_o commit_v you_o to_o his_o protection_n and_o remain_v your_o faithful_a friend_n to_o serve_v you_o a._n h._n postscript_n i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v well_o of_o those_o you_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o neither_o do_v i_o think_v it_o become_v any_o man_n to_o dogmatise_v concern_v the_o creation_n or_o to_o ridicule_n the_o mosaic_a history_n if_o we_o can_v content_v ourselves_o with_o what_o be_v there_o 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