to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o dialectic_a or_o logick_n there_o be_v not_o one_o philosopher_n who_o have_v any_o reasonable_a no_o nor_o a_o probable_a hypothesis_n concern_v god_n except_o the_o platonist_n who_o accommodate_v their_o opinion_n so_o much_o to_o vulgar_a notion_n that_o by_o this_o medley_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a they_o render_v all_o the_o good_a they_o speak_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a notwithstanding_o such_o as_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n to_o hear_v this_o sort_n of_o people_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v out_o of_o a_o unpardonable_a negligence_n to_o understand_v what_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o they_o one_o will_v think_v no_o body_n can_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n among_o christian_n since_o they_o general_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v better_o spend_v his_o time_n than_o in_o discover_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v but_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n not_o 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practice_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o preserve_v our_o persuasion_n entire_a even_o when_o we_o contradict_v it_o by_o our_o action_n than_o to_o suit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o conduct_v we_o follow_v and_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o man_n may_v sincere_o believe_v a_o principle_n to_o be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o not_o order_v his_o life_n according_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v that_o what_o set_v most_o man_n action_n a_o go_v be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v not_o seldom_o entire_o repugnant_a to_o this_o knowledge_n no_o body_n for_o example_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o bribery_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o well-governed_a state_n and_o that_o all_o employment_n shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o those_o only_o who_o deserve_v they_o nay_o the_o law_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v bribery_n 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in_o
head_n but_o for_o this_o there_o be_v more_o caution_n and_o moderation_n requisite_a than_o unbeliever_n common_o have_v who_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o examen_fw-la to_o be_v impossible_a choose_v rather_o to_o deny_v all_o at_o once_o this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o any_o reader_n because_o he_o have_v discover_v by_o chance_n a_o error_n in_o some_o historian_n will_v immediate_o conclude_v without_o read_v any_o further_a that_o the_o whole_a be_v pure_a romance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a history_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a and_o hasty_a judgement_n unbeliever_n seem_v to_o live_v in_o as_o profound_a a_o tranquillity_n as_o a_o man_n can_v do_v who_o know_v by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o all_o religion_n be_v false_a they_o appear_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o indifference_n for_o truth_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o if_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v it_o they_o be_v ready_a while_o in_o this_o disposition_n to_o do_v whatever_o may_v render_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n more_o please_v nor_o will_v they_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o examine_v and_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o those_o pleasure_n as_o far_o as_o they_o judge_v it_o possible_a without_o do_v they_o any_o harm_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o this_o opinion_n open_v a_o door_n to_o numberless_a secret_a crime_n and_o give_v encouragement_n in_o public_a to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v practise_v with_o safety_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o such_o people_n be_v bad_a friend_n bad_a subject_n or_o bad_a citizen_n because_o they_o sacrifice_v every_o thing_n to_o their_o pleasure_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n they_o can_v enjoy_v no_o other_o quiet_n but_o what_o must_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o most_o notorious_a folly_n imaginable_a they_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n every_o moment_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o part_v for_o ever_o with_o what_o they_o love_v and_o which_o to_o acquire_v or_o preserve_v have_v frequent_o occasion_v they_o infinite_a trouble_n this_o loss_n may_v happen_v by_o a_o thousand_o unforeseen_a accident_n and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v unavoidable_o by_o death_n beyond_o which_o they_o expect_v nothing_o nevertheless_o they_o live_v secure_o they_o behave_v themselves_o much_o worse_o than_o a_o man_n will_v do_v who_o be_v serious_o tell_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n but_o that_o there_o be_v mean_n of_o escape_v it_o if_o he_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o know_v they_o and_o yet_o will_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o divert_v himself_o without_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v attention_n to_o what_o be_v say_v to_o he_o though_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v his_o life_n in_o case_n those_o adviser_n who_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v speak_v truth_n if_o what_o christianity_n tell_v we_o be_v indeed_o true_a there_o be_v pain_n infinite_o surpass_v death_n to_o be_v fear_v by_o such_o as_o reject_v it_o and_o yet_o unbeliever_n who_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a rest_v secure_o in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o lazine_n without_o inform_v themselves_o any_o further_a in_o good_a truth_n such_o as_o live_v in_o this_o disposition_n and_o who_o imagine_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o in_o this_o respect_n much_o elevate_v above_o the_o brute_n which_o be_v only_o concern_v about_o the_o present_a now_o on_o the_o contrary_a let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n who_o have_v well_o study_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a christianity_n satisfy_v in_o himself_o with_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v discover_v he_o observe_v the_o precept_n they_o enjoin_v he_o with_o all_o tranquillity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n he_o expect_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o faith_n with_o a_o contentment_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v be_v equal_v the_o most_o refine_a reason_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n wherein_o man_n must_v necessary_o live_v with_o one_o another_o require_v nothing_o of_o he_o but_o he_o obey_v it_o without_o hesitate_v and_o whatever_o befall_v he_o he_o look_v upon_o death_n only_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o a_o much_o better_a life_n than_o this_o i_o dare_v affirm_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o and_o it_o be_v that_o suppose_v this_o man_n deceive_v yet_o his_o condition_n will_v be_v infinite_o more_o desirable_a than_o that_o of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o examine_v religion_n reject_v it_o nevertheless_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v themselves_o for_o ever_o and_o be_v withal_o in_o a_o perpetual_a fear_n if_o not_o quite_o bewitch_v with_o their_o incredulity_n and_o laziness_n of_o lose_v for_o ever_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o infinite_o more_o reasonable_a and_o more_o sure_a both_o for_o this_o and_o the_o other_o life_n if_o there_o be_v one_o to_o search_v after_o truth_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o most_o extravagant_a carelessness_n imaginable_a this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v shall_v be_v grant_v i_o here_o and_o that_o can_v be_v deny_v i_o by_o any_o without_o act_v against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o see_v whether_o this_o laziness_n i_o have_v describe_v be_v not_o at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o incredulity_n this_o examination_n be_v of_o the_o utmost_a importance_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v lose_v by_o make_v of_o it_o and_o you_o risk_v all_o by_o neglect_v it_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n those_o disposition_n and_o motive_n contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o may_v bring_v unbeliever_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n although_o i_o have_v consider_v these_o different_a disposition_n one_o after_o another_o and_o have_v distinguish_v they_o by_o particular_a character_n i_o be_o not_o of_o opinion_n however_o that_o they_o act_n separately_z upon_o any_o or_o that_o there_o be_v unbeliever_n who_o may_v be_v reproach_v only_o with_o one_o of_o these_o fault_n there_o be_v not_o any_o questionless_a that_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o several_a of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v more_o culpable_a in_o one_o than_o in_o another_o immorality_n make_v one_o a_o infidel_n in_o another_o it_o be_v pride_n that_o chief_o oppose_v itself_o to_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n you_o see_v some_o blind_v by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o take_v for_o undoubted_a maxim_n there_o be_v other_o who_o do_v not_o reason_n well_o or_o neglect_v inform_v themselves_o of_o what_o they_o shall_v learn_v or_o who_o laziness_n keep_v from_o enter_v upon_o a_o discussion_n which_o to_o they_o appear_v too_o tedious_a and_o painful_a and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v those_o in_o who_o all_o these_o fault_n may_v meet_v in_o some_o degree_n though_o but_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v their_o predominant_a passion_n there_o be_v likewise_o infinite_a variety_n in_o man_n genius_n and_o understanding_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a quality_n and_o their_o different_a conjunction_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o unbeliever_n who_o can_v say_v that_o they_o renounce_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o most_o conformable_a principle_n to_o sound_a reason_n and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o more_o regular_a manner_n or_o more_o useful_a to_o society_n and_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o of_o they_o exempt_v from_o the_o fault_n i_o have_v describe_v it_o may_v then_o be_v just_o say_v that_o my_o enumeration_n 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blame_v for_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o their_o eloquence_n but_o see_v they_o say_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o impostor_n upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o apostle_n style_v to_o say_v so_o by_o the_o by_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v simple_a and_o plain_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v second_o it_o be_v a_o style_n without_o any_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o disposition_n if_o a_o thousand_o sublime_a stroke_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o they_o come_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a not_o from_o the_o word_n or_o order_n three_o we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o 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be_v external_o profess_v and_o that_o a_o man_n let_v no_o opportunity_n slip_v of_o show_v other_o by_o his_o life_n and_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o speculative_a science_n to_o continue_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n without_o bear_v any_o fruit_n out_o of_o it_o and_o without_o appear_v in_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o certain_a ardour_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o it_o command_v that_o the_o true_a christian_n be_v easy_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o earnest_n it_o be_v this_o disposition_n that_o be_v call_v zeal_n from_o a_o greek_a word_n which_o signify_v jealousy_n to_o show_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v less_o ardour_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n than_o a_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v concern_v to_o preserve_v that_o of_o his_o bride_n this_o zeal_n extend_v general_o to_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o to_o some_o of_o they_o only_o we_o ought_v zealous_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n we_o learn_v from_o it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v to_o betray_v and_o equal_v it_o to_o falsehood_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o manifest_v less_o ardour_n in_o observe_v its_o injunction_n see_v this_o be_v not_o less_o essential_a than_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o must_v be_v join_v for_o christianity_n be_v entire_o ruin_v if_o those_o thing_n be_v separate_v which_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v unite_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o this_o end_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n do_v indispensible_o suppose_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n be_v agree_v about_o this_o principle_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v very_o express_v about_o it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o prove_v it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o as_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o for_o the_o way_n of_o explain_v they_o in_o their_o country_n be_v frequent_o see_v to_o violate_v the_o clear_a precept_n of_o it_o after_o a_o most_o scandalous_a manner_n as_o if_o this_o ardour_n they_o show_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o men._n there_o be_v some_o people_n for_o instance_n who_o discourse_n breathe_v nothing_o else_o one_o will_v think_v but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o of_o propagate_a it_o among_o men._n they_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o they_o defend_v it_o with_o much_o heat_n against_o opposite_a error_n and_o they_o stick_v at_o no_o difficulty_n to_o make_v truth_n triumph_v over_o falsehood_n nay_o they_o expose_v themselves_o 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observation_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v long_o ago_o to_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n may_v be_v now_o say_v to_o many_o people_n you_o that_o make_v your_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n 2.23_o rom._n 2.23_o by_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_n god_n for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o gentile_n through_o you_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n draw_v a_o consequence_n very_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o see_v those_o who_o pass_v for_o the_o pillar_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v sometime_o the_o best_a employment_n and_o who_o be_v in_o most_o esteem_v be_v such_o ill_a people_n the_o religion_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a artifice_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o cover_v their_o passion_n under_o a_o pretence_n which_o gain_v they_o respect_n for_o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o the_o zealous_a do_v if_o you_o believe_v they_o be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o unbeliever_n come_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n which_o they_o can_v deny_v be_v only_o a_o fine_a idea_n to_o impose_v the_o more_o easy_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o their_o guard_n they_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o say_v they_o but_o the_o most_o zealous_a observe_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v other_o perhaps_o obey_v they_o exact_o that_o they_o may_v get_v by_o it_o but_o as_o for_o themselves_o they_o laugh_v at_o they_o you_o will_v hear_v those_o for_o example_n preach_v charity_n and_o impartiality_n who_o have_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o be_v wonderful_o please_v to_o find_v those_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o not_o selfish_a or_o uncharitable_a because_o it_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n this_o be_v what_o unbeliever_n say_v and_o they_o be_v never_o unfurnish_a with_o example_n to_o cite_v about_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o have_v not_o be_v violate_v by_o some_o zealot_n and_o many_o time_n without_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n because_o this_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n cover_v all_o defect_n the_o fact_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v foresee_v it_o by_o exalt_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v principal_o violate_v by_o this_o false_a zeal_n above_o not_o only_a orthodoxy_n but_o even_o the_o high_a knowledge_n and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n itself_o not_o every_o one_o that_o cry_v unto_o i_o lord_n 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o lord_n say_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v who_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o doctrine_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a admonition_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a example_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o st._n paul_n likewise_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o such_o emphatical_a term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o speak_v more_o home_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o a_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o it_o appear_v plain_o hereby_o that_o the_o carriage_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o unbeliever_n who_o can_v without_o injustice_n confound_v some_o person_n abuse_v of_o religion_n with_o religion_n itself_o if_o any_o pretend_v to_o have_v very_o much_o study_v a_o certain_a science_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o understand_v nothing_o of_o it_o can_v
system_n of_o divinity_n which_o raise_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v talk_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n propose_v some_o doubt_n to_o divine_n nay_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n viz._n that_o all_o other_o err_v in_o something_o it_o can_v be_v wonder_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o unbeliever_n offer_v some_o objection_n to_o divine_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n or_o which_o they_o resolve_v by_o contradict_v themselves_o divine_n upbraid_v one_o another_o with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n not_o altogether_o ignorant_a observe_v in_o the_o society_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v explain_v be_v subject_a to_o great_a difficulty_n or_o be_v altogether_o false_a let_v we_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o his_o country_n be_v very_o learn_v man_n and_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n better_o than_o other_o a_o opinion_n common_a enough_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o never_o go_v out_o of_o their_o country_n or_o never_o read_v the_o book_n of_o other_o sect_n when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o consult_v satisfy_v they_o not_o or_o maintain_v palpable_a falsity_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n be_v not_o true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o false_a if_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n have_v such_o thought_n never_o read_v the_o work_n of_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o error_n he_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o more_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n because_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o error_n have_v be_v find_v out_o the_o long_a it_o be_v think_v of_o the_o better_a it_o be_v know_v when_o man_n know_v nothing_o better_o about_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n and_o have_v not_o penetration_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n of_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n because_o they_o present_o suspect_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n which_o they_o have_v not_o examine_v be_v not_o better_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n be_v account_v as_o essential_a as_o other_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o a_o man_n take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o read_v book_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o ingenious_a man_n of_o both_o side_n he_o will_v often_o perceive_v that_o both_o party_n attack_v very_o well_o and_o defend_v themselves_o ill_a that_o man_n will_v conclude_v from_o 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that_o i_o do_v follow_v the_o particular_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o place_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v they_o see_v some_o opinion_n manifest_o false_a establish_v in_o those_o vast_a country_n by_o a_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o offer_v any_o objection_n they_o be_v pitiful_o resolve_v and_o than_o if_o they_o dare_v reply_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o censure_n and_o threaten_n not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o inquisition_n and_o burn_v if_o they_o grow_v obstinate_a nevertheless_o divine_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n though_o evident_o false_a with_o great_a heat_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o prove_v they_o many_o layman_n who_o want_v not_o penetration_n but_o know_v no_o better_o think_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o distinct_o apprehend_v the_o falsity_n of_o what_o be_v say_v they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a other_o add_v to_o their_o meditation_n the_o read_n of_o some_o controversial_a book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n author_n and_o they_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a altogether_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o right_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o their_o teacher_n can_v free_v they_o from_o that_o opinion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o often_o find_v some_o book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n author_n who_o attack_z well_o enough_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o certain_a protestant_n and_o those_o protestant_n be_v as_o unlucky_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v successful_a in_o assault_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n they_o also_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o because_o their_o examination_n reach_v not_o to_o all_o the_o sect_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o confound_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o condemn_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o beside_o other_o motive_n which_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o those_o thought_n and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o see_v two_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o so_o much_o that_o they_o retain_v their_o opinion_n for_o ever_o if_o no_o better_a book_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o if_o no_o body_n free_v they_o from_o the_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o divine_n to_o maintain_v those_o doctrine_n those_o who_o assert_v they_o with_o heat_n and_o declaim_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n against_o other_o christian_a society_n be_v prefer_v and_o get_v the_o most_o considerable_a dignity_n of_o the_o party_n they_o be_v in_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v moderate_a towards_o those_o who_o be_v call_v heretic_n or_o heterodox_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o favour_v if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o employment_n and_o ruin_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v altogether_o undo_v and_o almost_o every_o where_n if_o any_o intimate_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v in_o though_o he_o do_v it_o never_o so_o modest_o they_o show_v he_o no_o pity_n he_o must_v suffer_v whatever_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n can_v do_v when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o disposition_n be_v that_o divine_n will_v be_v judge_n and_o party_n in_o controvert_v doctrine_n against_o the_o clear_a principle_n of_o equity_n 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may_v the_o more_o easy_o triumph_v over_o they_o but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n about_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deceive_v other_o without_o do_v himself_o a_o great_a prejudice_n and_o when_o truth_n be_v equal_o advantageous_a to_o every_o body_n man_n shall_v only_o labour_v to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o instead_o of_o insult_v those_o who_o can_v show_v the_o way_n to_o it_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o put_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n the_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n say_v well_o 10._o well_o arist_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-la coelo_fw-la c._n 10._o that_o those_o who_o will_v right_o judge_v of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v arbitrator_n not_o party_n assoon_o as_o one_o have_v put_v on_o the_o character_n of_o a_o adversary_n he_o think_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n but_o of_o the_o glory_n which_o may_v be_v get_v by_o triumph_v over_o 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prove_v the_o apostle_n sincerity_n they_o be_v content_v to_o offer_v some_o objection_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o this_o in_o another_o letter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o letter_n ii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n 1._o sir_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o i_o must_v perform_v my_o promise_n see_v without_o it_o i_o shall_v but_o half_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a 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natural_a effect_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v well_o apply_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n who_o only_o by_o touch_v all_o sort_n of_o sick_a person_n or_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o use_v any_o sensible_a remedy_n cure_v they_o upon_o the_o spot_n that_o effect_n can_v be_v ascribe_v only_o to_o some_o supernatural_a cause_n some_o 6._o some_o spinosa_n in_o tract_n theologico-polit_a cap._n 6._o unbeliever_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o character_n of_o miracle_n uncertain_a by_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o so_o perfect_o natural_a cause_n and_o their_o effect_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o can_v produce_v from_o what_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o they_o pretend_v that_o what_o be_v call_v miraculous_a shall_v only_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o rare_a accident_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v not_o well_o know_v but_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o 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induce_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o after_o this_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v have_v some_o effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n i_o design_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o method_n in_o the_o present_a discourse_n where_o after_o have_v examine_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o show_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o those_o argument_n draw_v from_o without_o by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o i_o begin_v i_o must_v once_o more_o advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o i_o attack_z be_v neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o mahometans_n but_o those_o who_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n conceal_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o real_a thought_n from_o the_o world_n but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o do_v it_o without_o danger_n 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this_o work_n may_v be_v proper_o apply_v these_o own_o in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a but_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o admit_v of_o no_o particular_a therein_o that_o be_v absolute_o incompatible_a with_o their_o own_o inclination_n or_o habit_n such_o doctrine_n they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelic_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o reject_v half_a the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o entire_o renounce_v it_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v thus_o divide_v between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n whilst_o i_o prove_v against_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o their_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n i_o show_v to_o those_o half-vnbelievers_a that_o they_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o in_o receive_v nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o what_o serve_v their_o turn_n final_o i_o do_v 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to_o the_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v and_o all_o this_o without_o cause_v to_o they_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o thing_n needful_a than_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o reform_v their_o conduct_n but_o only_o to_o demonstrate_v those_o truth_n to_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a before_o and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o live_v not_o according_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o man_n form_n of_o most_o thing_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v contract_v and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o correct_v as_o upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o ratiocination_n such_o as_o be_v accustom_a for_o example_n to_o live_v idle_o never_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o that_o can_v thus_o pass_v away_o their_o time_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o poverty_n these_o i_o say_v look_v upon_o all_o reason_n offer_v for_o painstaking_a or_o study_n to_o be_v only_o the_o discourse_n of_o morose_a people_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n the_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v some_o way_n useful_a to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n appear_v to_o such_o without_o any_o foundation_n though_o other_o judge_v they_o demonstrative_a but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v it_o be_v because_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v get_v of_o live_v in_o idleness_n keep_v they_o from_o attentive_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o they_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o quite_o contrary_a idea_n the_o remembrance_n whereof_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o grateful_a to_o they_o they_o think_v upon_o that_o soft_a indolency_n and_o that_o please_a laziness_n wherein_o they_o spend_v the_o best_a of_o their_o day_n without_o any_o chagrin_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o these_o contemplation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o thing_n less_o agreeable_a as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o good_a and_o ill_a habit_n of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n and_o this_o truth_n every_o person_n have_v learn_v a_o thousand_o time_n from_o experience_n or_o may_v do_v it_o when_o he_o will_n some_o body_n perhaps_o that_o have_v not_o sufficient_o study_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o when_o a_o habit_n be_v find_v to_o be_v evil_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v present_o change_v into_o a_o good_a one_o this_o be_v indeed_o most_o easy_o say_v but_o nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o practice_v when_o a_o man_n be_v use_v to_o a_o certain_a manner_n of_o live_v and_o think_v it_o must_v be_v own_a that_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o all_o habit_n now_o when_o once_o a_o thing_n be_v accompany_v with_o pleasure_n we_o can_v forbear_v love_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o thus_o love_v it_o there_o be_v no_o leave_v of_o it_o without_o great_a struggle_n and_o put_v a_o extreme_a violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n as_o the_o habit_n we_o already_o have_v be_v contract_v by_o degree_n so_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquire_v other_o for_o as_o there_o be_v need_n of_o time_n to_o destroy_v a_o old_a habit_n so_o there_o be_v likewise_o to_o form_v a_o new_a one_o for_o if_o to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o listen_v like_o pure_a spirit_n we_o shall_v in_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o nothing_o make_v time_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o become_v virtuous_a but_o because_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v so_o and_o do_v we_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v quick_o learn_v to_o live_v honest_o and_o happy_o longam_fw-la facit_fw-la
operam_fw-la quod_fw-la repugnamus_fw-la erevis_fw-la est_fw-la institutio_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la honestae_fw-la beataeque_fw-la si_fw-la credas_fw-la quintil_n inst_z orat._n lib._n 12._o c._n 6._o shall_v it_o happen_v then_o that_o we_o haâ—â—_n habit_n quite_o contrary_a to_o such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v of_o man_n they_o will_v certain_o dispose_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n which_o that_o religion_n do_v teach_v to_o bâ—_n false_a and_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o itâ—_n law_n i_o do_v say_v yet_o that_o those_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a but_o i_o desire_v only_o the_o supposition_n which_o i_o now_o make_v to_o be_v grant_v i_o and_o i_o think_v none_o can_v deny_v i_o this_o without_o deny_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o i_o lay_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n concern_v the_o influence_n our_o habit_n have_v over_o our_o reason_n with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conquer_a they_o but_o these_o be_v truth_n so_o evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o disagree_v from_o they_o this_o be_v so_o behold_v the_o picture_n of_o man_n that_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o present_a disposition_n however_o he_o come_v by_o it_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o say_v to_o himself_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o religion_n be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o my_o condition_n i_o be_o too_o honest_a a_o man_n to_o deserve_v damnation_n but_o this_o must_v nevertheless_o be_v be_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a it_o be_v therefore_o false_a and_o i_o shall_v never_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v absurd_a some_o will_v say_v to_o suppose_v a_o man_n disposition_n to_o be_v good_a without_o any_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n be_v a_o troublesome_a thing_n and_o that_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v himself_o no_o body_n say_v they_o can_v reason_n after_o this_o manner_n unless_o it_o be_v some_o fool._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o there_o be_v many_o more_o fool_n of_o this_o sort_n than_o we_o imagine_v such_o as_o believe_v their_o own_o sentiment_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o in_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v almost_o all_o mankind_n what_o judgement_n do_v they_o make_v of_o those_o who_o without_o examine_v reject_v they_o do_v they_o not_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o act_v in_o that_o manner_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o own_o condition_n judge_v every_o thing_n true_a that_o agree_v with_o it_o and_o the_o contrary_a false_a it_o be_v true_a nevertheless_o that_o no_o body_n reason_n formal_o so_o distinct_o consider_v every_o proposition_n and_o their_o connection_n with_o one_o another_o no_o person_n make_v this_o formal_a paralogism_n i_o be_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o idea_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o idea_n and_o conduct_v be_v false_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mind_n suppose_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o express_o reflect_v upon_o they_o do_v thence_o infer_v the_o mention_a conclusion_n we_o pass_v over_o the_o premise_n so_o quick_o that_o we_o perceive_v not_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v only_o we_o find_v our_o selveâ—_n strong_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n let_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o cannibal_n and_o that_o we_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o maxim_n receive_v by_o almost_o all_o nation_n that_o to_o fatten_v man_n in_o order_n to_o eat_v they_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v immediate_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o they_o will_v detest_v their_o former_a custom_n and_o live_v ever_o afterward_o as_o we_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o will_v resist_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o long_o a_o time_n as_o other_o nation_n do_v all_o sentiment_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o but_o what_o reason_n can_v they_o pretend_v for_o this_o abominable_a manner_n of_o live_v none_o at_o all_o except_z what_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v so_o with_o all_o those_o who_o passion_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o error_n for_o neither_o the_o atrocity_n of_o the_o crime_n nor_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o mistake_n will_v cause_v any_o change_n in_o their_o conduct_n be_v any_o body_n assure_v that_o his_o disposition_n be_v good_a and_o conformable_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v what_o he_o real_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o change_v into_o better_a he_o may_v then_o just_o conclude_v that_o any_o doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o his_o disposition_n must_v be_v false_a know_v for_o example_n as_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n to_o eat_v one_o another_o if_o any_o 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see_v they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o without_o so_o many_o preamble_n i_o shall_v have_v come_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n and_o show_v that_o unbeliever_n refuse_v assent_v to_o the_o gospel_n from_o ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o principle_n whence_o i_o draw_v the_o follow_a consequence_n shall_v be_v serious_o consider_v as_o those_o who_o reason_n from_o their_o present_a disposition_n do_v it_o without_o think_v on_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o unbeliever_n commit_v the_o same_o fault_n and_o i_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o there_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o they_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n see_v the_o moral_n of_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o all_o the_o vice_n that_o reason_n condemn_v it_o be_v 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on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o cogent_a argument_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v false_a because_o many_o people_n believe_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a notwithstanding_o that_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o crowd_n a_o man_n frequent_o reject_v what_o he_o believe_v true_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o vulgar_a notion_n a_o vain_a spirit_n can_v bear_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v equal_v in_o any_o thing_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o knowledge_n he_o believe_v inferior_a to_o his_o own_o and_o who_o mean_a inclination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v common_a i_o be_o persuade_v that_o several_a be_v unbeliever_n because_o at_o least_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v extreme_o common_a they_o think_v it_o noble_a to_o be_v indeceive_v concern_v vulgar_a opinion_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o people_n that_o feed_v themselves_o upon_o chimera_n a_o man_n thus_o conceit_v of_o himself_o think_v he_o be_v elevate_v far_o above_o the_o credulous_a multitude_n which_o be_v lead_v rather_o by_o custom_n than_o guide_v by_o reason_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o pleasant_a say_v a_o epicurean_a poet_n as_o to_o live_v in_o the_o exalt_a temple_n of_o wisdom_n where_o you_o may_v enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a calm_a and_o whence_o you_o may_v look_v down_o upon_o other_o man_n wander_v and_o scatter_a in_o their_o different_a way_n of_o live_v nil_fw-la dulcius_fw-la est_fw-la benè_fw-la quam_fw-la munita_fw-la tenere_fw-la edita_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la sapientum_fw-la templa_fw-la serena_fw-la despicere_fw-la unde_fw-la queo_fw-la alios_fw-la passimque_fw-la videre_fw-la errare_fw-la atque_fw-la viam_fw-la palantes_fw-la quaerere_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la but_o at_o bottom_n one_o expose_v himself_o as_o i_o have_v say_v already_o as_o much_o to_o deception_n by_o contemn_v whatever_o the_o vulgar_a esteem_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o this_o as_o by_o blind_o embrace_v all_o that_o the_o multitude_n authorise_v neither_o its_o aprrobation_n nor_o its_o hatred_n be_v the_o proper_a mark_n of_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n if_o there_o have_v be_v chimera_n general_o receive_v there_o have_v be_v also_o as_o many_o ridiculous_a notion_n countenance_v by_o a_o small_a number_n of_o people_n who_o imagine_v themselves_o more_o know_v than_o other_o therefore_o when_o any_o find_v himself_o incline_v to_o forsake_v vulgar_a sentiment_n he_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o the_o agreeable_a thought_n of_o be_v exempt_v from_o those_o error_n wherein_o he_o see_v other_o engage_v this_o may_v be_v as_o well_o the_o delusion_n of_o a_o secret_a pride_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o uncommon_a knowledge_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a to_o fall_v out_o of_o vanity_n into_o any_o singular_a thought_n as_o that_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v govern_v by_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v he_o change_v his_o mind_n the_o same_o passion_n that_o lead_v he_o into_o it_o confirm_v he_o in_o it_o insensible_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o pleasure_n wherewith_o it_o fill_v those_o who_o will_v be_v blind_v by_o it_o represent_v they_o as_o i_o say_v to_o themselves_o as_o person_n high_o elevate_v above_o the_o vulgar_a beside_o all_o this_o vain_a people_n imagine_v they_o be_v more_o clear-sighted_a than_o other_o easy_o believe_v themselves_o never_o mistake_v and_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n have_v not_o the_o necessary_a sagacity_n for_o discover_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o when_o any_o whereof_o they_o have_v not_o so_o good_a a_o opinion_n as_o of_o themselves_o propose_v to_o they_o sentiment_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o give_v he_o the_o hear_v the_o first_o thought_n that_o offer_v itself_o then_o to_o their_o mind_n or_o if_o you_o please_v the_o sentiment_n that_o be_v awake_v in_o their_o heart_n be_v that_o if_o this_o man_n speak_v the_o truth_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o person_n who_o they_o despise_v and_o not_o as_o they_o think_v without_o reason_n shall_v have_v more_o penetration_n and_o a_o sound_a judgement_n than_o themselves_o but_o this_o be_v what_o they_o can_v never_o agree_v to_o for_o so_o they_o must_v entire_o change_v the_o please_a idea_n they_o hitherto_o entertain_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o allow_v those_o who_o they_o always_o believe_v much_o their_o inferior_n a_o more_o considerable_a rank_n in_o their_o esteem_n than_o themselves_o and_o in_o certain_a regard_v acknowledge_v their_o superiority_n i_o shall_v illustrate_v this_o truth_n by_o some_o example_n let_v we_o take_v a_o jewish_a doctor_n and_z if_o you_o will_v of_o the_o sacerdotal_a race_n suppose_v he_o to_o have_v study_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n with_o great_a application_n and_o the_o tradition_n currant_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n add_v
they_o appear_v not_o over-mortifyed_a who_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n nor_o will_v i_o set_v about_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o scepticism_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o no_o body_n stop_v at_o a_o mere_a doubt_n in_o religion_n those_o who_o say_v they_o have_v doubt_n be_v not_o content_a to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o possible_o deceive_v but_o as_o effectual_o so_o they_o consider_v not_o themselves_o as_o person_n who_o may_v well_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o as_o have_v find_v the_o true_a secret_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a pride_n as_o much_o as_o the_o bold_a determination_n let_v they_o have_v a_o great_a care_n therefore_o and_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o to_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v out_o of_o vanity_n be_v expose_v of_o one_o self_n to_o error_n let_v they_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o fallacious_a passion_n or_o at_o least_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o judge_v 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to_o employ_v in_o their_o conversion_n rather_o than_o reason_n this_o make_v nothing_o to_o my_o design_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o bring_v those_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o insidelity_n peculiar_a to_o they_o from_o the_o people_n of_o europe_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o credulous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o very_o serious_o embrace_v a_o great_a number_n of_o incredible_a thing_n whereof_o their_o theology_n be_v make_v up_o their_o incredulity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gospel_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o reason_v almost_o at_o all_o except_o about_o thing_n relate_v to_o life_n and_o that_o nothing_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n except_v from_o experience_n or_o education_n they_o be_v not_o man_n that_o meditate_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o attentive_o consider_v abstract_v idea_n nor_o of_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o to_o draw_v some_o 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not_o able_a to_o do_v especial_o to_o those_o insidel_n who_o be_v advance_v in_o year_n it_o be_v injustice_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o among_o infidel_n that_o man_n be_v find_v uncapable_a of_o discern_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o who_o upon_o this_o account_n reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v unbeliever_n among_o christian_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o such_o out_o of_o some_o disposition_n engage_v they_o against_o the_o gospel_n but_o likewise_o out_o of_o downright_a stupidity_n and_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o reason_n whereupon_o christianity_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v some_o people_n who_o from_o their_o childhood_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o some_o trade_n or_o other_o constant_a business_n without_o any_o care_n take_v about_o the_o form_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o even_o of_o instruct_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o who_o be_v moreover_o of_o a_o genius_n not_o very_o proper_a for_o conceive_v of_o 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ill_o concern_v those_o thing_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n and_o that_o they_o govern_v themselves_o with_o prudence_n enough_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o those_o i_o speak_v of_o may_v reason_v very_o well_o about_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o passion_n or_o when_o they_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o experience_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v not_o as_o much_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o reason_v solid_o about_o speculative_a thing_n that_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n such_o as_o be_v the_o proof_n whereupon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v build_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v only_o examine_v they_o if_o we_o can_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n first_o we_o must_v discourse_v they_o about_o some_o abstract_a subject_n such_o as_o be_v for_o example_n the_o general_a idea_n of_o most_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o 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not_o be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o nor_o seduce_v by_o their_o way_n chap._n v._o that_o the_o neglect_v of_o search_v into_o truth_n be_v often_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o have_v natural_o a_o genius_n good_a enough_o for_o abstract_a matter_n and_o that_o also_o be_v not_o whole_o neglect_v in_o their_o first_o education_n but_o who_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n have_v engage_v in_o occupation_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n the_o necessary_n of_o their_o family_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n do_v so_o take_v up_o their_o mind_n for_o several_a year_n together_o that_o they_o neglect_v all_o other_o thing_n never_o improve_v their_o natural_a part_n nor_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n with_o any_o application_n in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n this_o negligence_n lead_v they_o insensible_o into_o doubt_v for_o if_o the_o connection_n of_o 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be_v thing_n most_o near_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v they_o expect_v their_o messiah_n about_o that_o time_n they_o groan_v so_o heavy_o under_o the_o roman_a tyranny_n that_o they_o wish_v for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o liberty_n and_o they_o hope_v the_o messiah_n shall_v prove_v their_o deliverer_n in_o this_o disposition_n they_o ought_v to_o hearken_v i_o shall_v think_v to_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o a_o messiah_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o doubt_n whether_o the_o wish_a deliverer_n be_v yet_o come_v or_o not_o methinks_v too_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v be_v hear_v of_o all_o the_o world_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n especial_o his_o resurrection_n for_o indeed_o these_o miracle_n be_v so_o great_a and_o many_o that_o more_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o messiah_n the_o
disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o all_o place_n that_o not_o only_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v do_v work_v numberless_a miracle_n whilst_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n but_o that_o he_o also_o leave_v the_o same_o power_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o day_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o excite_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v nor_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v send_v they_o no_o more_o prophet_n to_o work_v any_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o expect_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o give_v so_o little_a heed_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o nation_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v they_o ill_o without_o examine_v in_o the_o least_o 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emendat_fw-la temp._n valesius_fw-la upon_o eusebius_n and_o thomas_n brown_a in_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o therapeutes_fw-gr and_o some_o learned_a man_n after_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr of_o alexandria_n who_o encomium_n be_v write_v by_o philo_n in_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n be_v christian_n but_o nothing_o except_o a_o desire_n of_o confound_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o author_n can_v discover_v christian_n to_o eusebius_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr where_o one_o syllable_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o where_o all_o that_o philo_n say_v do_v perfect_o quadrate_n to_o some_o of_o the_o essean_n who_o form_v as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v a_o particular_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o desire_n of_o convince_a infidel_n shall_v not_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o weak_a proof_n against_o they_o for_o certain_o such_o method_n must_v needs_o render_v they_o more_o averse_a to_o christianity_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o by_o man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a read_n or_o judgement_n but_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v with_o respect_n to_o 8._o to_o antiq._n jud._n l._n 18._o c._n 4_o &_o 8._o joseph_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o produce_v out_o of_o he_o wherein_o he_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o place_n to_o examine_v these_o passage_n which_o learned_a man_n letter_n man_n see_v le_fw-fr feure_n in_o his_o critical_a letter_n believe_v be_v insert_v by_o some_o christian_a into_o the_o text_n of_o joseph_n but_o be_v this_o as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o joseph_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o child_n whereof_o st._n matthew_n speak_v nor_o of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v suppose_v by_o any_o to_o have_v be_v acquaint_v 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tacitus_n ep._n l._n 10._o plinius_n and_o 25._o and_o in_o claud._n c._n 25._o suetonius_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o want_v not_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v it_o though_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v polite_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o have_v spend_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o age_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n now_o this_o philosophy_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n comparable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v the_o learned_a of_o rome_n neglect_v these_o thing_n only_o because_o barbarian_n as_o the_o grecian_n speak_v have_v declare_v they_o for_o they_o well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o famous_a sage_n of_o greece_n have_v undertake_v long_a voyage_n to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o learn_v their_o opinion_n what_o make_v they_o contemn_v the_o christian_n then_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o a_o scandalous_a neglect_n proceed_v from_o the_o predominant_a passion_n of_o most_o people_n for_o ordinary_o they_o apply_v themselves_o only_o to_o what_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o may_v contribute_v to_o have_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o abide_v the_o literature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o laertius_n the_o see_v the_o preface_n of_o diogen_n laertius_n greek_n be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a repute_n at_o rome_n and_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n do_v value_v themselves_o upon_o these_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a there_o because_o it_o contain_v not_o any_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o add_v more_o lustre_n to_o such_o as_o do_v aspire_v to_o the_o great_a dignity_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n make_v the_o athenian_n neglect_v the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n of_o understand_v the_o gospel_n when_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o their_o city_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o and_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o have_v they_o as_o much_o good_a sense_n as_o they_o have_v vanity_n at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o call_v he_o a_o babbler_n 22._o act_n 17.18_o 22._o and_o after_o listen_v a_o while_n to_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o of_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o other_o put_v he_o off_o till_o some_o other_o time_n and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o proceed_v in_o part_n from_o a_o unblamable_a neglect_n that_o will_v not_o let_v they_o inform_v themselves_o thorough_o about_o what_o st._n paul_n declare_v although_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o athenian_n and_o the_o stranger_n who_o follow_v their_o study_n there_o be_v man_n of_o much_o leisure_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o news_n 21._o ver._n 21._o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o hear_v whether_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o method_n or_o the_o elocution_n they_o be_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o his_o discourse_n let_v we_o suppose_v with_o they_o that_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v not_o so_o take_v as_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o shall_v this_o extinguish_v their_o curiosity_n be_v truth_n always_o necessary_o accompany_v with_o eloquence_n none_o of_o they_o dare_v maintain_v such_o a_o thing_n notwithstanding_o s._n paul_n be_v there_o do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o they_o neglect_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n they_o lose_v a_o world_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o very_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n as_o be_v the_o physics_n of_o all_o their_o philosopher_n without_o except_v any_o and_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o great_a part_n
that_o laziness_n may_v keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o incredulity_n we_o may_v reduce_v those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o believe_a christianity_n to_o two_o order_n of_o men._n some_o embrace_v it_o rather_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o as_o they_o esteem_v than_o for_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a number_n there_o be_v however_o many_o understand_a person_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o after_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o have_v be_v full_o convince_v we_o may_v also_o divide_v unbeliever_n into_o two_o party_n the_o one_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o christian_n build_v their_o belief_n but_o have_v not_o judge_v they_o worthy_a of_o assent_n either_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v now_o the_o other_o sort_n have_v never_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o examine_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o pronounce_v our_o proof_n not_o convince_a they_o may_v be_v lead_v to_o this_o hasty_a judgement_n by_o divers_a motive_n or_o several_a passion_n may_v contribute_v together_o to_o throw_v they_o into_o infidelity_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o nice_a discussion_n of_o these_o motive_n and_o passion_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a or_o particular_a in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v suffice_v to_o oblige_v unbeliever_n to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o self-love_n i_o must_v nevertheless_o add_v here_o some_o remark_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o particular_a source_n of_o incredulity_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a and_o whereof_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n this_o source_n be_v laziness_n which_o occasion_n many_o people_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n whatever_o demand_v attention_n and_o that_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n or_o by_o their_o passion_n we_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o have_v understanding_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o examine_v right_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o but_o the_o long_a habit_n they_o have_v acquire_v of_o not_o examine_v any_o of_o these_o abstract_a idea_n which_o require_v some_o application_n make_v they_o so_o averse_a to_o this_o examen_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o whilst_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o disposition_n to_o conquer_v it_o if_o this_o can_v be_v and_o to_o cure_v those_o who_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o or_o to_o keep_v other_o at_o least_o from_o fall_v into_o it_o we_o must_v examine_v it_o in_o its_o rise_n progress_n and_o consequence_n for_o if_o we_o can_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o consequence_n the_o most_o dangerous_a it_o must_v be_v necessary_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o become_v a_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o give_v way_n to_o it_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o quick_o excite_v our_o attention_n than_o what_o strike_v our_o sense_n or_o awaken_v some_o of_o our_o passion_n whatever_o be_v convey_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o either_o of_o these_o way_n do_v so_o move_v and_o occupy_v it_o that_o if_o the_o sensation_n be_v lively_a and_o the_o passion_n quick_a no_o other_o thing_n can_v enter_v whilst_o they_o act_v there_o and_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o aversion_n to_o all_o thing_n beside_o for_o if_o a_o man_n continue_v long_o in_o this_o disposition_n without_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o subdue_v it_o it_o happen_v at_o last_o that_o though_o he_o be_v extreme_o active_a with_o regard_n to_o sensible_a thing_n and_o those_o passion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o he_o fall_v nevertheless_o into_o a_o surprise_v laziness_n as_o to_o all_o other_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o read_v or_o examine_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o body_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o extreme_a love_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o repose_n to_o which_o we_o be_v accustom_a that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o lose_v it_o without_o trouble_n so_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o i'm_n now_o treat_v of_o do_v so_o seize_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o entertain_v it_o that_o they_o can_v shake_v it_o off_o without_o great_a pain_n and_o molestation_n be_v we_o assure_v that_o nothing_o merit_v our_o attention_n but_o what_o make_v impression_n upon_o our_o sense_n or_o relate_v to_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v then_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o this_o please_a laziness_n and_o live_v with_o respect_n to_o spiritual_a object_n in_o the_o same_o calm_a wherein_o we_o live_v with_o regard_n to_o whatever_o we_o think_v can_v neither_o hurt_v nor_o benefit_v we_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o part_v with_o a_o state_n full_a of_o pleasure_n only_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o in_o examine_v what_o will_v occasion_v pain_n but_o procure_v we_o no_o advantage_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o negligence_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o no_o way_n concern_v the_o sense_n shall_v occasion_v we_o infinite_o more_o harm_n than_o our_o laziness_n about_o they_o can_v procure_v we_o of_o pleasure_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v downright_a madness_n for_o we_o to_o live_v in_o this_o carelessness_n but_o we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v fear_v shall_v we_o neglect_v spiritual_a thing_n such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o without_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o this_o religion_n be_v ground_v and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o conquer_v this_o laziness_n that_o keep_v we_o from_o do_v it_o or_o else_o prefer_v the_o quiet_a of_o a_o fool_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o stupidity_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n wherein_o we_o be_v and_o of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o fear_v or_o hope_n notwithstanding_o those_o who_o once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o this_o laziness_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o any_o examination_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v the_o hard_a task_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v themselves_o some_o of_o they_o whereof_o we_o speak_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v whatever_o be_v tell_v they_o of_o religion_n than_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o other_o again_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o examine_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v of_o these_o last_o that_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o treat_v and_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o how_o understanding_n soever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v before_o they_o take_v up_o this_o careless_a way_n of_o live_v they_o be_v afterward_o very_a difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o 3._o tacit._n in_o agricol_n c._n 3._o subit_fw-la quip_n etiam_fw-la ipsius_fw-la inertiae_fw-la dulcedo_fw-la &_o invisa_fw-la primò_fw-la desidia_fw-la postremò_fw-la amatur_fw-la the_o pleasure_n of_o laziness_n get_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o at_o last_o we_o love_v that_o idleness_n which_o at_o first_o we_o hate_v he_o act_v plain_o against_o good_a sense_n who_o condemn_v what_o he_o have_v never_o well_o examine_v because_o he_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o he_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n who_o obstinate_o live_v in_o this_o condition_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n if_o he_o act_v thus_o in_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v if_o he_o take_v side_n without_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v who_o can_v he_o get_v to_o approve_v his_o conduct_n none_o sure_o unless_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n void_a of_o common_a sense_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v visible_o expose_v himself_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o error_n he_o may_v fall_v into_o let_v we_o suppose_v for_o a_o moment_n with_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a although_o this_o can_v be_v know_v till_o it_o be_v first_o examine_v but_o what_o risk_n do_v they_o run_v in_o hear_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_n none_o at_o all_o since_o if_o what_o they_o affirm_v be_v not_o conclusive_a nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o reject_v it_o all_o the_o loss_n they_o can_v fear_v be_v only_o
the_o want_n of_o a_o little_a quiet_a whereof_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o for_o some_o small_a time_n but_o methinks_v a_o short_a term_n of_o carelessness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a value_n with_o a_o man_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o quit_v it_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v live_v in_o this_o eternal_a indifference_n for_o all_o that_o require_v application_n if_o any_o leave_v this_o laziness_n for_o other_o thing_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o bring_v for_o not_o quit_v it_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v his_o own_o state_n as_o to_o religion_n if_o indeed_o after_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o man_n can_v not_o enjoy_v his_o former_a quiet_n he_o may_v plead_v very_o plausible_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o carriage_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a after_o fatigue_v himself_o a_o little_a his_o repose_n be_v but_o the_o more_o pleasant_a and_o so_o the_o lazy_a shall_v by_o this_o principle_n at_o least_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v religion_n but_o now_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o true_a as_o we_o maintain_v a_o more_o deplorable_a state_n can_v not_o well_o be_v conceive_v in_o this_o life_n than_o that_o of_o the_o lazy_a gentleman_n we_o have_v describe_v for_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o lamentable_a than_o to_o precipitate_v one_o self_n into_o eternal_a misery_n rather_o than_o take_v the_o pain_n of_o learning_n the_o mean_n to_o avoid_v it_o that_o man_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o lazy_a person_n who_o will_v not_o rise_v at_o night_n for_o fear_n of_o break_v his_o repose_n though_o the_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n no_o he_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o madman_n we_o see_v by_o these_o example_n very_o clear_o how_o unreasonable_a that_o spiritual_a laziness_n be_v which_o keep_v man_n from_o examine_v religion_n we_o perceive_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o the_o misery_n that_o may_v proceed_v from_o it_o nevertheless_o there_o have_v be_v former_o man_n of_o this_o character_n and_o there_o be_v now_o even_o among_o christian_n such_o be_v those_o jew_n of_o thessalonica_n 17.4_o act_n 17.4_o whereof_o very_a few_o be_v the_o better_a for_o s._n paul_n preach_v because_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v and_o whereof_o the_o most_o part_n very_o zealous_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n raise_v a_o commotion_n in_o the_o town_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o s._n luke_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o berea_n another_o city_n of_o macedonia_n to_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n these_o say_v the_o historian_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v if_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n have_v love_n enough_o for_o the_o truth_n to_o do_v as_o much_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v less_o ready_a to_o receive_v their_o reason_n who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o '_o they_o but_o the_o laziness_n that_o detain_v they_o in_o judaisme_n join_v to_o their_o other_o passion_n keep_v they_o from_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o consequent_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o live_v among_o the_o christian_n and_o perhaps_o a_o part_n of_o the_o mahometan_n may_v neglect_v the_o examen_fw-la of_o christianity_n out_o of_o divers_a principle_n such_o as_o those_o we_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n but_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o mix_v with_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o laziness_n we_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n they_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o all_o meditation_n and_o discussion_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o that_o they_o vouchsafe_v not_o even_o to_o examine_v why_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o judaisme_n or_o mahometanism_n be_v altogether_o busy_a about_o sensible_a object_n and_o the_o care_n of_o life_n they_o can_v without_o reluctancy_n think_v serious_o and_o attentive_o of_o any_o other_o subject_a they_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o people_n extreme_o weary_a after_o walk_v a_o great_a way_n on_o foot_n but_o desire_v to_o take_v a_o long_o walk_v to_o refresh_v and_o divert_v themselves_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v be_v sure_a to_o such_o a_o proposition_n but_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o repose_n they_o will_v think_v of_o no_o other_o thing_n except_o quiet_o enjoy_v their_o rest_n thus_o such_o as_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n and_o fatigue_v with_o the_o perpetual_a care_n they_o occasion_n be_v lazy_a as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n christianity_n be_v at_o this_o time_n divide_v into_o several_a sect_n whereof_o some_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o a_o error_n may_v we_o not_o therefore_o place_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lazy_a those_o person_n who_o full_a of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v never_o careful_o examine_v which_o of_o these_o sect_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o own_o that_o divers_a other_o motive_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o remain_v without_o know_v why_o themselves_o in_o that_o party_n wherein_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o condemn_v all_o other_o without_o vouchsafe_v to_o examine_v their_o tenet_n but_o if_o you_o remark_n it_o well_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n which_o occasion_n this_o conduct_n be_v a_o certain_a lazy_a aversion_n to_o the_o trouble_v of_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o may_v proceed_v yet_o further_o see_v there_o be_v people_n who_o condemn_v not_o only_o their_o native_a religion_n without_o have_v ever_o sufficient_o study_v it_o but_o likewise_o all_o other_o religion_n though_o still_o less_o know_v to_o they_o because_o first_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v discover_v some_o falsity_n therein_o they_o conclude_v next_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o so_o can_v never_o resolve_v upon_o serious_o or_o thorough_o examine_v the_o truth_n after_o have_v find_v out_o as_o they_o think_v that_o the_o able_a man_n they_o know_v teach_v a_o false_a doctrine_n for_o a_o gospel-truth_n they_o judge_v by_o this_o sample_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o country_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o laziness_n which_o keep_v they_o as_o it_o be_v enchant_v make_v they_o think_v it_o more_o convenient_a to_o condemn_v all_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o to_o engage_v in_o a_o solicitous_a enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o laziness_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o person_n who_o disagree_v to_o it_o but_o when_o they_o will_v actual_o get_v quit_v of_o this_o passion_n they_o find_v themselves_o so_o much_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o be_v cure_v or_o to_o form_v a_o opposite_a habit._n beside_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v in_o a_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o this_o idle_a temper_n which_o be_v not_o only_o infinite_o more_o satisfactory_a but_o likewise_o much_o more_o reasonable_a and_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n will_v be_v prefer_v to_o a_o shameful_a quiet_n worthy_a of_o beast_n then_o men._n let_v we_o imagine_v now_o such_o a_o lazy_a person_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o let_v we_o compare_v his_o condition_n to_o that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v accustom_a to_o enquiry_n find_v no_o repose_n except_v in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o have_v perceive_v some_o false_a doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v he_o as_o a_o true_a one_o for_o we_o may_v grant_v this_o to_o several_a of_o the_o lazy_a unbeliever_n he_o reject_v this_o doctrine_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v true_a concern_v religion_n without_o consider_v that_o important_a truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o falsehood_n in_o the_o theology_n of_o his_o country_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v people_n perhaps_o elsewhere_o exempt_v from_o those_o error_n that_o be_v teach_v he_o or_o final_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n may_v have_v be_v misunderstand_v common_a sense_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n at_o least_o till_o he_o have_v examine_v these_o three_o
upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n i._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v accuse_v but_o which_o nevertheless_o confirm_v they_o in_o these_o disposition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v ill_o do_v of_o they_o to_o forsake_v the_o truth_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o but_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v so_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o this_o second_o part_n where_o grant_v to_o unbeliever_n that_o many_o of_o they_o who_o profess_v christianity_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o several_a thing_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o those_o fault_n which_o we_o remark_n at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o their_o disciple_n the_o occasion_n which_o the_o latter_a give_v unbeliever_n to_o 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be_v always_o conclude_v from_o their_o carriage_n this_o be_v so_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o certain_a zealot_n may_v act_v very_o disagreeable_o to_o their_o profession_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o their_o persuasion_n from_o their_o manner_n we_o must_v confess_v however_o that_o if_o in_o those_o zealot_n there_o appear_v a_o continual_a series_n of_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o walk_a contrary_n to_o what_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n than_o we_o have_v great_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o design_n of_o cover_v their_o infidelity_n with_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o a_o strong_a and_o sincere_a belief_n shall_v at_o length_n eradicate_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n all_o habit_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o the_o most_o ingenuous_a man_n may_v act_v sometime_o against_o their_o persuasion_n by_o surprise_n or_o the_o sudden_a motion_n of_o a_o violent_a passion_n three_o as_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o government_n from_o the_o way_n how_o they_o be_v observe_v so_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ill_o reason_v to_o condemn_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o obey_v it_o not_o there_o may_v be_v most_o excellent_a law_n and_o acknowledge_v too_o for_o such_o yet_o not_o always_o strict_o observe_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o passion_n of_o those_o who_o break_v they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v remark_v in_o all_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n what_o cause_v this_o contradiction_n between_o the_o sentiment_n and_o carriage_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v be_v perhaps_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o apply_v the_o general_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o happen_v every_o day_n and_o that_o they_o mistake_v the_o most_o prohibit_v action_n for_o exception_n to_o the_o rule_n 26._o arrian_n upon_o epictetus_n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o a_o famous_a philosopher_n say_v that_o most_o of_o man_n error_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v general_a to_o particular_a idea_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o near_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n occasion_n at_o least_o in_o part_n the_o violation_n of_o many_o law_n which_o be_v all_o the_o while_n think_v just_a and_o wellgrounded_n zeal_n accompany_v with_o very_o great_a ignorance_n and_o the_o great_a as_o the_o ignorance_n be_v grosser_n furnish_v the_o incredulous_a likewise_o with_o another_o pretence_n of_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o blind_a persuasion_n mere_o build_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o have_v least_o examine_v thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o less_o discern_a appear_v frequent_o the_o hot_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o party_n with_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o furious_a zeal_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o mahometans_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o pagan_a populace_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v bring_v no_o example_n of_o it_o in_o those_o sect_n also_o into_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o present_a divide_v the_o heat_n wherewith_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n defend_v their_o sentiment_n and_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v they_o be_v but_o too_o common_a this_o blind_a zeal_n have_v so_o often_o break_v out_o and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o such_o ill_a method_n to_o advance_v each_o party_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o if_o this_o false_a zeal_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o heathen_n
may_v pretend_v to_o some_o force_n they_o can_v say_v that_o this_o promise_v not_o be_v perform_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o matter_n be_v quite_o contrary_a jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o man_n and_o foresee_v likewise_o future_a event_n have_v clear_o prophesy_v of_o the_o division_n that_o shall_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n suppose_v you_o say_v jesus_n christ_n that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o give_v peace_n on_o earth_n 12.51_o luke_n 12.51_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o rather_o division_n for_o from_o henceforth_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o in_o one_o house_n divide_v three_o against_o two_o and_o two_o against_o three_o etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o 11.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a among_o you_o here_o be_v express_v word_n signify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 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one_o towards_o another_o every_o one_o know_v this_o christ_n however_o know_v so_o perfect_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o he_o see_v very_o well_o the_o new_a command_n of_o love_v one_o another_o which_o he_o leave_v his_o disciple_n shall_v not_o be_v well_o obey_v and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n as_o peaceable_a as_o it_o be_v will_v frequent_o serve_v for_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n in_o occasion_v infinite_a broil_n so_o that_o if_o his_o design_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o event_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o say_v he_o come_v to_o bring_v division_n on_o the_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n i_o cite_v a_o little_a above_o but_o what_o some_o will_v say_v do_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o thing_n become_v god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n to_o prevent_v its_o produce_v any_o disorder_n not_o even_o by_o accident_n no_o sure_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o intervene_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o his_o power_n to_o keep_v the_o peace_n among_o christian_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o his_o design_n as_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o revelation_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o bring_v man_n at_o least_o ordinary_o to_o his_o obedience_n by_o miracle_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o only_o by_o law_n to_o which_o he_o fix_a reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v in_o 3._o in_o part_v 1_o ch._n 3._o another_o place_n this_o be_v what_o st._n paul_n hint_v to_o in_o one_o word_n in_o that_o passage_n i_o cite_v before_o when_o he_o say_v that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a this_o plain_o signify_v that_o if_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n will_v hinder_v all_o division_n about_o his_o doctrine_n among_o christian_n it_o shall_v be_v no_o long_o a_o virtue_n to_o remain_v steadfast_a on_o the_o good_a side_n or_o to_o quit_v the_o bad_a in_o 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that_o god_n who_o foresee_v all_o thing_n aught_o by_o consequence_n to_o express_v his_o will_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o prevent_v all_o the_o dispute_n which_o we_o see_v now_o among_o christian_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n have_v express_v himself_o plain_o enough_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o about_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o necessary_n if_o man_n do_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o scripture-notion_n what_o make_v division_n spring_v among_o christian_n be_v the_o addition_n and_o ill-drawn_a consequence_n and_o not_o the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o as_o look_v in_o it_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n they_o easy_o find_v this_o and_o be_v never_o deceive_v about_o any_o thing_n essential_a but_o those_o who_o will_v find_v therein_o what_o vain_a subtlety_n and_o humane_a interest_n or_o passion_n have_v add_v to_o it_o be_v apt_a i_o confess_v to_o be_v deceive_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o sincere_a person_n who_o love_v the_o truth_n preferable_o to_o every_o other_o thing_n the_o gospel_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v occasion_v any_o considerable_a dispute_n but_o to_o man_n govern_v by_o their_o passion_n and_o conceit_v of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o most_o evident_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v obscure_a there_o be_v no_o law_n so_o clear_a but_o a_o wrangler_n may_v raise_v a_o thousand_o difficulty_n about_o it_o and_o if_o a_o legislator_n shall_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o wise_a man_n except_o he_o express_o prevent_v all_o possible_a difficulty_n and_o mark_v all_o the_o case_n wherein_o ill-disposed_a person_n will_v abuse_v his_o law_n there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o legislator_n to_o who_o any_o wisdom_n can_v be_v attribute_v none_o ever_o undertake_v to_o perform_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o write_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o volume_n to_o which_o something_o new_a must_v be_v add_v every_o moment_n since_o there_o may_v happen_v infinite_a case_n every_o day_n therefore_o if_o god_n have_v design_v to_o prevent_v all_o those_o controversy_n already_o move_v or_o that_o shall_v hereafter_o arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n and_o reject_v by_o name_n all_o possible_a error_n he_o must_v have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o volume_n that_o to_o use_v st._n john_n expression_n the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o and_o their_o multitude_n will_v render_v they_o useless_a for_o proof_n that_o the_o clear_a law_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a to_o prevent_v all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n become_v obscure_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o observe_v they_o we_o need_v only_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v already_o say_v of_o the_o charity_n to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o error_n about_o any_o article_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o speak_v more_o clear_o or_o effectual_o upon_o this_o head_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o nevertheless_o the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_n practise_v at_o this_o time_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v say_v just_o the_o contrary_n thus_o they_o dispute_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n rather_o because_o they_o be_v blind_v by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o willing_a to_o dispute_v than_o because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o obscure_a with_o regard_n to_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o condemn_v express_o all_o possible_a error_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christians_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o incredulous_a
their_o life_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o example_n do_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o society_n it_o be_v therefore_o false_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v arbitrary_a law_n and_o no_o commandment_n give_v to_o man_n for_o their_o good_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o god_n will_v have_v mystery_n in_o religion_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a only_o to_o humble_v man._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v no_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v none_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o confuse_a one_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o exact_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o general_a and_o confuse_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o understand_v not_o at_o all_o see_v to_o believe_v that_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v perceive_v between_o the_o term_n it_o be_v make_v of_o as_o logician_n teach_v and_o none_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o a_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o perceive_v for_o example_n when_o i_o be_o tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o dead_a and_o to_o rise_v but_o also_o clear_o perceive_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o those_o two_o thing_n though_o i_o do_v know_v distinct_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o if_o i_o be_v tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o not_o rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n dead_a and_o to_o rise_v perceive_v no_o relation_n between_o a_o affirmation_n and_o a_o negation_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o 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the_o wrong_n they_o bold_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v mere_a imposture_n fancy_v the_o former_a be_v so_o too_o those_o who_o cast_v in_o their_o way_n that_o stumbling-block_n be_v bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o man_n of_o no_o judgement_n or_o less_o conscience_n but_o though_o unbeliever_n may_v triumph_v over_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o assert_v some_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v they_o can_v say_v against_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v ground_v be_v like_o those_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v every_o day_n first_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n affect_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n every_o minute_n and_o out_o of_o ostentation_n such_o as_o be_v those_o that_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o second_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v get_v no_o money_n by_o publish_v they_o abroad_o as_o it_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o to_o who_o those_o church_n belong_v wherein_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v that_o very_a thing_n viz._n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n bring_v wealth_n to_o the_o master_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v one_o right_o suspect_v whatever_o be_v say_v about_o it_o three_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v ground_v be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o who_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o those_o miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o have_v examine_v they_o shall_v have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v such_o a_o discovery_n have_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o man_n ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o inquisition_n where_o it_o be_v set_v up_o or_o of_o draw_v on_o themselves_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o mob_n which_o sometime_o be_v not_o less_o to_o be_v fead_v than_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o be_v wellgrounded_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a but_o when_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n beside_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o fact_n one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v it_o but_o no_o body_n dare_v do_v that_o now_o with_o respect_n to_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o place_n 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so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v god_n be_v not_o less_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n out_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v now_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ancient_a miracle_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v of_o use_n to_o cure_v our_o doubt_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v establish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a because_o the_o history_n of_o religion_n preserve_v the_o proof_n of_o those_o that_o be_v do_v at_o its_o first_o establishment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o history_n be_v doubt_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o new_a miracle_n be_v now_o 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apostle_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v but_o i_o affirm_v again_o that_o that_o very_a thing_n will_v raise_v suspicion_n against_o they_o and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n before_o i_o show_v it_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v blame_v art_n and_o eloquence_n as_o be_v pernicious_a and_o useless_a on_o all_o occasion_n on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o can_v be_v too_o much_o esteem_v that_o be_v those_o who_o use_v it_o to_o vindicate_v and_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n i_o only_o design_v to_o show_v that_o it_o fall_v out_o better_o that_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v destitute_a of_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o happen_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o leave_v to_o posterity_n the_o life_n discourse_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v man_n of_o great_a eloquence_n and_o perfect_a master_n 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the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o eloquence_n of_o its_o first_o preacher_n not_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v at_o most_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o rational_a philosophy_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v till_o that_o time_n but_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o moral_a rule_n they_o will_v have_v doubt_v of_o its_o divinity_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o rather_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostle_n meditation_n than_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o have_v write_v the_o life_n of_o their_o master_n and_o publish_v his_o discourse_n without_o any_o art_n or_o method_n they_o can_v be_v suspect_v neither_o to_o have_v contrive_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o to_o have_v use_v any_o artifice_n to_o make_v a_o lie_n look_v with_o the_o air_n of_o truth_n their_o great_a simplicity_n which_o appear_v every_o where_o and_o their_o take_a no_o care_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o reader_n be_v evident_a mark_v not_o only_o of_o their_o being_n not_o able_a to_o deceive_v but_o also_o of_o their_o sincerity_n the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o their_o preach_v though_o destitute_a of_o whatever_o raise_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o orator_n and_o philosopher_n be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v favour_v by_o heaven_n 5._o heaven_n 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v say_v one_o of_o they_o be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n to_o wit_n in_o the_o miracle_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o circumstance_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o all_o the_o other_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o make_v one_o doubt_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o examine_v we_o shall_v see_v that_o god_n can_v not_o give_v more_o sensible_a mark_n of_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o it_o but_o by_o choose_v those_o who_o ministry_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o propagate_v it_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o resolve_v the_o particular_a objection_n which_o unbeliever_n may_v raise_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o answer_n to_o which_o must_v be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o have_v direct_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v now_o nor_o can_v unbeliever_n accuse_v i_o of_o draw_v a_o consequence_n that_o extend_v far_a than_o the_o proof_n i_o make_v use_v of_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o to_o fancy_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o mere_a credulity_n that_o the_o ignorance_n or_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o in_o the_o least_o that_o though_o many_o profess_v it_o out_o of_o interest_n for_o many_o age_n past_a rather_o than_o out_o of_o persuasion_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v suspect_v concern_v its_o first_o founder_n that_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v one_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o that_o the_o falsity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o christian_n now_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n last_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n represent_v it_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o maker_n 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