therein_o contain_v as_o far_o as_o consist_v with_o that_o frail_a and_o mortal_a state_n wherein_o he_o have_v create_v they_o this_o proposition_n have_v already_o be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n wherein_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o all_o the_o species_n of_o creature_n and_o consequent_o of_o mankind_n as_o one_o of_o they_o do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o god_n providence_n and_o as_o for_o the_o individual_n or_o particular_a person_n since_o god_n knowledge_n be_v infinite_a and_o extend_v even_o to_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o also_o that_o of_o these_o particular_n each_o species_n of_o creature_n be_v make_v up_o and_o consist_v it_o be_v likewise_o as_o evident_a that_o god_n design_n their_o good_a and_o preservation_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a kind_n though_o i_o grant_v he_o prefer_v the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a species_n before_o that_o of_o the_o individual_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a mind_n shall_v be_v make_v conscious_a of_o this_o his_o intention_n of_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v operate_v as_o his_o subordinate_a mean_n or_o instrument_n towards_o this_o great_a end_n which_o i_o shall_v prove_v thus_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o man_n of_o sound_a mind_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o of_o themselves_o 2_o that_o this_o notion_n or_o idea_n when_o true_o pursue_v will_v at_o last_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o mankind_n for_o it_o can_v never_o stop_v short_a of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o it_o may_v still_o proceed_v far_o and_o find_v new_a and_o fit_a object_n to_o work_v on_o every_o individual_a member_n of_o mankind_n make_v a_o part_n of_o this_o universal_a idea_n 3._o that_o this_o notion_n of_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o be_v also_o high_o rational_a and_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a end_n we_o can_v imagine_v or_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o as_o comprehend_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o rational_a being_n and_o be_v also_o true_a i._n e._n agreeable_a with_o the_o divine_a intellect_n which_o i_o thus_o make_v out_o these_o ground_n be_v suppose_v §_o 4._o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o truth_n our_o mind_n be_v endue_v with_o or_o capable_a of_o be_v from_o god_n since_o whatever_o perfection_n be_v find_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v first_o more_o eminent_o in_o its_o cause_n therefore_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n be_v a_o perfection_n as_o doubtless_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o god_n the_o original_a cause_n thereof_o so_o that_o if_o this_o idea_n of_o the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n as_o the_o high_a good_a we_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a though_o complext_v idea_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o of_o all_o other_o rational_a agent_n it_o must_v be_v true_a and_o consequent_o from_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a intellect_n do_v as_o certain_o agree_v with_o our_o idea_n concern_v it_o as_o it_o do_v when_o we_o judge_v that_o the_o base_a of_o a_o equilateral_a triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o either_o of_o the_o crura_fw-la or_o leg_n therefore_o this_o idea_n of_o the_o common_a good_a be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o all_o truth_n be_v from_o god_n as_o likewise_o that_o he_o have_v make_v we_o true_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o will_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v likewise_o as_o certain_a that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o act_v as_o rational_a agent_n conscious_a of_o this_o his_o great_a design_n §_o 5._o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o proposition_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o operate_v as_o his_o instrument_n to_o this_o end_n will_v be_v likewise_o as_o clear_v when_o you_o consider_v what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o god_n who_o have_v make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a will_v not_o have_v endue_v we_o with_o a_o idea_n of_o this_o common_a good_a as_o the_o great_a end_n we_o can_v propose_v ourselves_o for_o mere_a speculation_n but_o rather_o for_o some_o practical_a end_n in_o order_n to_o our_o own_o good_a and_o happiness_n with_o that_o of_o other_o especial_o since_o god_n have_v place_v it_o so_o much_o in_o our_o power_n to_o promote_v and_o procure_v this_o common_a good_a since_o as_o far_o as_o we_o endeavour_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o particular_a person_n we_o do_v so_o far_o contribute_v our_o share_n to_o that_o of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o one_o aggregate_v body_n thus_o whatsoever_o do_v good_a to_o any_o one_o member_n do_v so_o far_o benefit_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o a_o aggregate_v body_n consist_v of_o divers_a distinct_a member_n consist_v in_o that_o of_o each_o of_o its_o part_n so_o then_o if_o god_n intend_v the_o end_n viz._n the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v he_o design_v likewise_o the_o mean_n to_o produce_v it_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o better_a mean_n or_o fit_a instrument_n for_o this_o end_n than_o the_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o all_o man_n express_v by_o all_o the_o act_n of_o benevolence_n and_o kindness_n towards_o each_o other_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o man_n can_v contribute_v more_o to_o the_o hurt_a or_o benefit_n of_o each_o other_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n put_v together_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v design_v the_o end_n and_o ordain_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o produce_v it_o viz._n man_n kind_n and_o benevolent_a action_n so_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o man_n as_o the_o necessary_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n though_o i_o grant_v he_o have_v ordain_v we_o to_o operate_v not_o only_o as_o mechanic_n cause_n but_o rather_o as_o free_v and_o voluntary_a agent_n to_o produce_v it_o that_o be_v as_o true_a subject_n to_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n 24._o thus_o by_o the_o same_o step_n that_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v we_o be_v likewise_o bring_v to_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o his_o great_a design_n of_o the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n and_o if_o from_o all_o the_o wonderful_a observation_n and_o curious_a contrivance_n observe_v in_o this_o last_o chapter_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o mankind_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o dispose_v by_o a_o most_o wise_a intelligent_a be_v towards_o this_o great_a end_n and_o the_o very_a same_o appearance_n that_o discover_v these_o thing_n must_v likewise_o declare_v his_o intention_n of_o make_v use_n of_o we_o man_n as_o necessary_a mean_n thereunto_o §_o 7._o the_o last_o proposition_n for_o the_o prove_v this_o description_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v true_a be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o we_o we_o thereupon_o lie_v under_o a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o observe_v this_o great_a law_n of_o endeavour_v this_o common_a good_a to_o prove_v which_o i_o first_o suppose_v that_o obligation_n to_o a_o action_n enjoin_v by_o the_o natural_a law_n be_v the_o necessary_a and_o constant_a effect_n thereof_o upon_o every_o person_n subject_n to_o it_o and_o that_o this_o immediate_o result_v from_o its_o own_o nature_n this_o law_n be_v always_o just_a and_o right_o as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n the_o legislator_n be_v from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v so_o that_o i_o understand_v obligation_n to_o active_a obedience_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o this_o law_n yet_o that_o it_o primary_o flow_v from_o that_o will_n of_o god_n which_o ordain_v this_o law_n and_o make_v man_n a_o creature_n subject_a to_o it_o as_o heat_n in_o we_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n or_o action_n of_o fire_n upon_o we_o but_o original_o both_o the_o fire_n and_o heat_n be_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n now_o there_o be_v no_o legal_a liberty_n leave_v we_o in_o the_o case_n of_o natural_a law_n to_o choose_v whether_o we_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o the_o action_n therein_o command_v or_o rather_o will_v submit_v to_o the_o punishment_n attend_v the_o violation_n thereof_o and_o although_o our_o natural_a liberty_n of_o will_n be_v not_o destroy_v thereby_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o right_n leave_v we_o to_o determine_v ourselves_o otherwise_o than_o natural_a law_n direct_v because_o all_o moral_a truth_n or_o rectitude_n be_v comprehend_v
or_o felicity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o sure_o this_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n but_o as_o the_o felicity_n of_o any_o particular_a people_n or_o nation_n be_v contain_v in_o general_a or_o the_o common_a good_a and_o happiness_n of_o rational_a being_n and_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o pierce_v into_o the_o internal_a fabric_n and_o real_a essence_n of_o body_n as_o the_o abovementioned_a author_n of_o the_o essay_n of_o humane_a understanding_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v yet_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o also_o grant_v that_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o lead_v we_o into_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o as_o be_v the_o great_a concernment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o it_o become_v we_o as_o rational_a creature_n to_o employ_v our_o faculty_n about_o what_o they_o be_v most_o adapt_v to_o and_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o nature_n where_o it_o seem_v to_o point_v we_o out_o the_o way_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o our_o proper_a employment_n lie_v in_o moral_a rather_o than_o natural_a truth_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o author_n have_v in_o his_o four_o book_n and_o three_o chapter_n pag._n 274._o this_o passage_n the_o idea_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o wisdom_n who_o workmanship_n we_o be_v and_o on_o who_o we_o depend_v and_o the_o idea_n of_o ourselves_o as_o understanding_n rational_a creature_n be_v such_o as_o be_v clear_a to_o we_o these_o will_v i_o suppose_v if_o due_o consider_v and_o pursue_v afford_v such_o foundation_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o rule_n of_o action_n as_o may_v place_v morality_n among_o the_o science_n capable_a of_o demonstration_n wherein_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o from_o principle_n as_o incontestable_a as_o those_o of_o the_o mathematics_n by_o necessary_a consequence_n the_o measure_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n may_v be_v make_v out_o to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v apply_v himself_o with_o the_o same_o indifferency_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o other_o of_o these_o science_n and_o in_o the_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n he_o say_v p._n 325._o this_o give_v i_o the_o confidence_n to_o advance_v that_o conjecture_n which_o i_o suggest_v chap._n 3._o viz._n that_o morality_n be_v capable_a of_o demonstration_n as_o well_o as_o mathematics_n for_o the_o idea_n that_o ethic_n be_v conversant_a about_o be_v all_o real_a essence_n and_o such_o as_o i_o imagine_v have_v a_o discoverable_a connexion_n and_o agreement_n one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v their_o habitude_n and_o relation_n so_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v possess_v of_o certain_a real_a and_o general_a truth_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o a_o right_a method_n be_v take_v a_o great_a part_n of_o morality_n may_v be_v make_v out_o with_o that_o clearness_n that_o can_v leave_v to_o a_o consider_v man_n no_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v than_o he_o can_v have_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n in_o mathematics_n which_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o he_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a our_o author_n have_v find_v out_o this_o only_a right_a method_n and_o make_v use_v of_o the_o fit_a demonstration_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n as_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o natural_a law_n so_o that_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o have_v as_o full_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o so_o many_o mathematical_a demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o since_o as_o in_o the_o mathematics_n there_o be_v require_v certain_a principle_n or_o postulatum_n which_o must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v before_o its_o professor_n be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v reduce_v all_o we_o have_v to_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a into_o six_o plain_a postulata_fw-la the_o three_o first_o of_o which_o have_v be_v already_o make_v out_o by_o other_o both_o in_o latin_a and_o english_a i_o shall_v wave_v the_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o shall_v confine_v myself_o whole_o to_o the_o three_o last_o the_o proposition_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v one_o infinite_a most_o powerful_a intelligent_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o universe_n or_o world_n 2._o that_o god_n as_o he_o have_v create_v so_o he_o likewise_o govern_v and_o preserve_v this_o world_n consist_v of_o body_n and_o spirit_n by_o certain_a corporeal_a motion_n and_o dictate_v of_o reason_n by_o which_o spirit_n act_n as_o the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n 3._o that_o god_n thereby_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v all_o his_o creature_n and_o far_a design_n the_o happiness_n and_o preservation_n of_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v sensible_a as_o far_o as_o their_o frail_a and_o mortal_a nature_n will_v admit_v and_o that_o power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n over_o they_o 4._o that_o of_o all_o animate_v or_o sensible_a creature_n god_n have_v make_v man_n alone_o to_o be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o existence_n and_o also_o that_o it_o be_v more_o particular_o his_o duty_n to_o act_v as_o his_o subservient_fw-fr instrument_n not_o only_o for_o his_o own_o private_a good_a and_o happiness_n but_o also_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o rational_a being_n 5._o that_o this_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n as_o our_o duty_n be_v plain_o discover_v to_o we_o from_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o those_o thing_n without_o we_o which_o he_o have_v make_v necessary_a for_o our_o use_n and_o preservation_n 6._o that_o these_o dictate_v or_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n all_o tend_v to_o one_o great_a end_n viz._n the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n in_o which_o our_o own_o be_v contain_v be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o legislator_n for_o the_o well_o govern_v or_o right_o order_v of_o our_o action_n to_o this_o end_n constitute_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v establish_v by_o sufficient_a reward_n and_o punishment_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o that_o to_o come_v to_o the_o bookseller_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o this_o treatise_n send_v it_o to_o i_o then_o be_v in_o a_o private_a station_n above_o a_o year_n ago_o but_o then_o conceal_v his_o name_n from_o i_o either_o through_o his_o great_a modesty_n or_o because_o in_o his_o prudence_n he_o think_v that_o if_o i_o know_v he_o i_o may_v be_v bias_v in_o my_o judgement_n by_o the_o honour_n which_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o have_v to_o his_o family_n and_o especial_o to_o his_o grandfather_n by_o his_o mother_n side_n the_o most_o learned_a primate_n of_o ireland_n wherefore_o i_o read_v the_o book_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o unknown_a writer_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o performance_n thus_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o well_o translate_v and_o epitomise_v in_o some_o place_n what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o latin_a but_o have_v full_o digest_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o my_o design_n in_o a_o well_o choose_a method_n of_o his_o own_o with_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o have_v add_v some_o illustration_n of_o his_o own_o or_o from_o other_o learned_a author_n with_o a_o philosophical_a liberty_n which_o i_o must_v needs_o allow_v for_o this_o reason_n i_o judge_v that_o the_o then_o unknown_a author_n have_v give_v too_o low_a a_o title_n to_o his_o book_n and_o that_o i_o be_v to_o esteem_v he_o a_o good_a hyperaspistes_n or_o able_a second_n in_o this_o combat_n for_o truth_n and_o justice_n rather_o than_o a_o translater_n or_o epitomiser_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v this_o oblige_a i_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o after_o the_o author_n name_n and_o quality_n and_o then_o i_o soon_o obtain_v the_o favour_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o more_o intimate_a conversation_n with_o he_o hereby_o i_o soon_o find_v that_o i_o may_v safe_o leave_v the_o maintenance_n of_o that_o good_a cause_n in_o which_o i_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o great_a ability_n and_o diligence_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o since_o this_o learned_a gentleman_n have_v conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o search_n into_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o many_o of_o our_o young_a gentry_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o way_n which_o this_o his_o treatise_n make_v plain_a before_o they_o for_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v receive_v assistance_n not_o
all_o these_o difficulty_n a_o much_o easy_a way_n only_o by_o suppose_v certain_a innate_a idea_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a impress_v by_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n but_o i_o must_v indeed_o confess_v myself_o not_o yet_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v able_a thus_o easy_o to_o attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o perfection_n as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o this_o natural_a instinct_n or_o impression_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o either_o safe_a or_o convenient_a to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o morality_n upon_o a_o hypothesis_n which_o have_v be_v explode_v by_o all_o philosopher_n except_o themselves_o and_o which_o can_v never_o alone_o serve_v to_o convince_v those_o of_o epicurean_a principle_n for_o who_o we_o chief_o design_v this_o work_n but_o whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v what_o have_v be_v write_v against_o these_o innate_a idea_n by_o the_o inquisitive_a and_o sagacious_a lock_n author_n of_o the_o late_a essay_n of_o humane_a understanding_n will_v find_v they_o very_o hard_o if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v to_o have_v ever_o be_v innate_a in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n therefore_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o absolute_o to_o deny_v the_o be_v or_o impossibility_n of_o such_o idea_n so_o i_o shall_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o in_o this_o discourse_n though_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o any_o reason_n or_o motive_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o promote_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n may_v prevail_v as_o far_o as_o they_o deserve_v with_o all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a men._n and_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o deter_v i_o from_o suppose_v any_o natural_a law_n innate_a in_o our_o mind_n have_v also_o make_v i_o not_o present_o suppose_v as_o many_o do_v without_o any_o due_a proof_n that_o such_o idea_n have_v exi_v in_o the_o divine_a intellect_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a and_o necessary_a to_o begin_v from_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o know_v and_o familiar_a to_o we_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o prove_v that_o certain_a proposition_n of_o immutable_a truth_n prescribe_v our_o care_n of_o the_o happiness_n or_o common_a good_a of_o all_o rational_a agent_n consider_v together_o be_v necessary_o imprint_v upon_o our_o mind_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o which_o the_o first_o cause_n perpetual_o determine_v so_o to_o act_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o in_o the_o term_n of_o these_o proposition_n be_v intrinsical_o include_v a_o evident_a declaration_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n as_o proceed_v from_o god_n the_o first_o cause_n in_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a constitution_n of_o thing_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v also_o manifest_a that_o such_o practical_a proposition_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o law_n as_o be_v declare_v and_o establish_v by_o due_a reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v to_o they_o by_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a legislator_n but_o after_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o law_n and_o a_o practice_n conformable_a to_o they_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n or_o most_o happy_a state_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n it_o will_v likewise_o follow_v that_o a_o perfection_n analogous_fw-la to_o this_o knowledge_n and_o a_o practice_n conformable_a to_o these_o law_n must_v necessary_o be_v in_o the_o first_o cause_n from_o whence_o proceed_v not_o only_o our_o own_o natural_a perfection_n but_o also_o the_o most_o wise_a ordination_n of_o all_o effect_n without_o we_o for_o the_o common_a conservation_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a natural_a system_n or_o universe_n which_o our_o eye_n daily_o behold_v for_o that_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o i_o among_o the_o thing_n most_o certain_o prove_v that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o know_v what_o justice_n be_v and_o what_o those_o law_n enjoin_v in_o who_o observation_n all_o justice_n consist_v before_o we_o can_v distinct_o know_v that_o justice_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o that_o his_o justice_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o as_o a_o pattern_n or_o example_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v since_o we_o do_v not_o know_v god_n by_o a_o immediate_a intuition_n of_o his_o essence_n or_o perfection_n but_o only_o from_o the_o outward_a effect_n of_o his_o providence_n first_o know_v by_o our_o sense_n and_o experience_n neither_o be_v it_o safe_a to_o affix_v attribute_n to_o he_o which_o we_o can_v sufficient_o understand_v or_o make_v out_o from_o thing_n without_o we_o have_v now_o show_v you_o in_o general_a the_o difference_n between_o our_o method_n and_o that_o which_o other_o have_v hitherto_o follow_v it_o be_v fit_a we_o here_o declare_v in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o we_o can_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o this_o treatise_n suppose_v therefore_o those_o natural_a principle_n concern_v the_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o rest_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v by_o naturalist_n especial_o such_o as_o depend_v upon_o mathematical_a principle_n since_o we_o have_v only_o here_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o to_o deduce_v they_o from_o some_o suppose_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o they_o refer_v to_o our_o moral_a practice_n i_o have_v here_o therefore_o suppose_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o corporeal_a motion_n which_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a and_o perform_v without_o any_o intervention_n of_o humane_a liberty_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o two_o which_o mr._n h._n himself_o likewise_o in_o his_o leviathan_n admit_v that_o from_o the_o consideration_n and_o inquisition_n into_o these_o cause_n and_o from_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o natural_a body_n may_v be_v discover_v the_o existence_n of_o one_o eternal_a infinite_a omnipotent_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n so_o that_o every_o motion_n impress_v upon_o the_o organ_n of_o our_o sense_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v carry_v on_o to_o apprehend_v thing_n without_o we_o and_o to_o give_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o they_o be_v a_o natural_a effect_n which_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o other_o inferior_a cause_n owe_v its_o original_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n by_o these_o natural_a motion_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n delineate_v the_o idea_n or_o image_n of_o all_o natural_a and_o moral_a action_n on_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o same_o god_n after_o he_o have_v thus_o make_v we_o draw_v various_a notion_n from_o the_o same_o object_n do_v then_o excite_v we_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o each_o other_o and_o then_o join_v they_o together_o and_o so_o determine_v we_o to_o form_v true_a proposition_n of_o the_o thing_n thus_o single_o receive_v and_o understand_v so_o that_o sometime_o a_o thing_n be_v expose_v whole_a and_o all_o at_o once_o to_o our_o view_n and_o sometime_o it_o be_v more_o natural_o consider_v successive_o or_o according_a to_o its_o several_a part_n and_o the_o mind_n thereby_o perceive_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o awhole_n signify_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o all_o the_o several_a idea_n of_o the_o particular_a part_n put_v together_o and_o so_o be_v thence_o carry_v on_o to_o make_v a_o proposition_n of_o the_o identity_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o all_o its_o part_n and_o can_v true_o affirm_v that_o the_o same_o cause_n which_o preserve_v the_o whole_a must_v also_o conserve_v all_o its_o constituent_a part_n and_o then_o from_o a_o diligent_a contemplation_n of_o all_o these_o proposition_n which_o may_v just_o challenge_v the_o title_n of_o the_o more_o general_a law_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v all_o reduceable_a to_o one_o proposition_n from_o who_o fit_a and_o just_a explication_n all_o the_o limit_n or_o exception_n under_o which_o the_o particular_a proposition_n be_v propose_v may_v be_v seek_v for_o and_o discover_v as_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o one_o proposition_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v into_o this_o or_o the_o like_a sense_n viz._n the_o endeavour_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a of_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o rational_a being_n conduce_v as_o far_o as_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o its_o several_a part_n or_o member_n in_o which_o our_o own_o felicity_n be_v also_o contain_v as_o part_v thereof_o whereas_o the_o act_n opposite_a to_o this_o endeavour_n do_v bring_v along_o with_o they_o effect_n quite_o opposite_a thereunto_o and_o will_v certain_o procure_v our_o own_o ruin_n or_o misery_n at_o last_o therefore_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o this_o proposition_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o which_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o
be_v the_o same_o infinite_a good_a and_o wise_a disposer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o rational_a being_n and_o this_o our_o benevolence_n by_o give_v he_o glory_n love_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n fulfil_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o humanity_n towards_o those_o of_o our_o own_o kind_n which_o answer_v both_o the_o table_n of_o the_o moral_a or_o natural_a law_n and_o in_o this_o consent_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o the_o divine_a intellect_n consist_v that_o complete_a harmony_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o intellectual_a being_n the_o great_a influence_n of_o these_o principle_n upon_o all_o the_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n may_v be_v more_o full_o express_v and_o make_v out_o by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o the_o voluntary_a acknowledgement_n and_o consent_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o action_n include_v the_o agreement_n and_o concurrence_n of_o our_o chief_a faculty_n viz._n the_o understanding_n and_o will_v therewith_o and_o moreover_o natural_o excite_v all_o our_o affection_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o so_o strong_o dispose_v we_o in_o our_o future_a life_n and_o action_n to_o compose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o imitation_n thereof_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o ability_n particular_o these_o principle_n natural_o produce_v in_o we_o first_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n private_a and_o public_a for_o good_n already_o do_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o prayer_n be_v contain_v 2._o hence_o also_o arise_v hope_n affiance_n or_o trust_v in_o god_n which_o i_o willing_o acknowledge_v be_v full_a of_o assurance_n when_o found_v not_o only_o on_o observation_n or_o past_a experience_n of_o providence_n but_o have_v also_o reveal_v promise_n annex_v relate_v to_o future_a good_n 3._o to_o conclude_v when_o our_o acknowledgement_n and_o high_a esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n move_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n thereof_o we_o must_v needs_o thereby_o arise_v to_o those_o high_a degree_n of_o charity_n or_o the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o great_a public_a good_a which_o we_o observe_v in_o god_n to_o prosecute_v and_o such_o charity_n import_v not_o only_o exact_a justice_n to_o all_o but_o that_o overflow_a bounty_n tenderness_n and_o sympathy_n with_o other_o beyond_o which_o humane_a nature_n can_v arrive_v because_o these_o not_o only_o harmonious_o consent_v with_o the_o like_a perfection_n in_o god_n but_o also_o cooperate_v with_o he_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o finite_a part_n of_o the_o rational_a system_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o infinite_a yet_o sympathize_v head_n who_o declare_v he_o take_v all_o that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o member_n of_o this_o intellectual_a society_n as_o do_v to_o himself_o nevertheless_o i_o profess_v myself_o to_o understand_v this_o sympathy_n or_o compassion_n in_o god_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n only_o as_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o holy_a writ_n for_o that_o infinite_a concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o best_a creature_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o be_v a_o real_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n not_o imply_v any_o mistake_n of_o other_o for_o himself_o nor_o any_o capacity_n of_o be_v lessen_v or_o hurt_v by_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n malice_n but_o yet_o full_o answer_v nay_o infinite_o exceed_v that_o solicitous_a care_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o which_o charity_n and_o compassion_n work_v in_o the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o short_a if_o the_o reader_n will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v the_o three_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n he_o will_v find_v that_o we_o have_v in_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o this_o proposition_n not_o only_o give_v a_o bare_a interpretation_n of_o word_n but_o also_o have_v propose_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v take_v as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o purpose_n and_o may_v observe_v that_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o labour_n we_o have_v direct_o and_o immediate_o explain_v the_o power_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o humane_a action_n which_o be_v require_v to_o the_o common_a happiness_n of_o all_o man_n and_o also_o to_o the_o private_a good_a and_o necessity_n of_o particular_a person_n although_o it_o seem_v most_o convenient_a to_o use_v such_o general_a word_n which_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o to_o have_v do_v it_o with_o that_o design_n that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o analogy_n thus_o suppose_v not_o only_o our_o obligation_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o dominion_n may_v be_v from_o hence_o better_o understand_v but_o as_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o form_n of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v whole_o practical_a as_o that_o which_o determine_v concern_v the_o certain_a effect_n of_o humane_a action_n but_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o although_o the_o word_n conduce_v or_o render_v in_o either_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v put_v in_o the_o present_a tense_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n present_a but_o abstract_n from_o it_o and_o because_o its_o truth_n do_v chief_o depend_v upon_o the_o identity_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o the_o part_n it_o be_v as_o plain_o true_a of_o all_o future_a time_n and_o be_v as_o often_o use_v by_o we_o in_o this_o discourse_n with_o respect_n to_o future_a as_o well_o as_o present_a action_n and_o therefore_o this_o proposition_n be_v more_o fit_a for_o our_o purpose_n because_o build_v upon_o no_o particular_a hypothesis_n for_o it_o do_v not_o suppose_v man_n bear_v in_o a_o civil_a state_n nor_o yet_o out_o of_o it_o neither_o see_v any_o kindred_n or_o relation_n to_o be_v among_o man_n as_o derive_v from_o the_o same_o common_a parent_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n since_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o acknowledge_v they_o neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v it_o suppose_v as_o mr._n h._n do_v in_o his_o the_o cive_z a_o great_a many_o man_n already_o grow_v and_o spring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n like_o mushroom_n but_o our_o proposition_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v deduce_v from_o it_o may_v have_v be_v understand_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n if_o they_o have_v only_o consider_v themselves_o together_o with_o god_n and_o their_o posterity_n which_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n neither_o may_v it_o less_o easy_o be_v understand_v and_o admit_v by_o those_o nation_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o hear_v of_o adam_n and_o eve_n neither_o may_v it_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v concern_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o in_o the_o same_o word_n in_o which_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a and_o best_a effect_n be_v lay_v down_o there_o be_v also_o deliver_v in_o short_a the_o mean_n to_o the_o chief_a end_n because_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o rational_a agent_n after_o it_o be_v conceive_v in_o its_o mind_n and_o that_o it_o have_v determine_v to_o bestow_v its_o endeavour_n in_o produce_v it_o be_v call_v the_o end_n and_o the_o act_n or_o cause_n by_o which_o it_o endeavour_v to_o effect_v it_o be_v call_v the_o mean_n and_o from_o this_o observation_n may_v be_v show_v a_o true_a method_n of_o reduce_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o moral_a philosopher_n have_v speak_v about_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o best_a end_n into_o natural_a theorem_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o humane_a action_n in_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o in_o this_o form_n they_o may_v more_o easy_o be_v examine_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o may_v be_v more_o evident_o demonstrate_v so_o to_o be_v and_o also_o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v by_o the_o like_a reason_n how_o easy_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o force_n of_o those_o natural_a cause_n which_o we_o may_v any_o way_n apply_v to_o our_o use_n do_v suggest_v fit_a medium_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n intend_v and_o so_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o practise_v according_a to_o occasion_n last_o from_o thence_o it_o appear_v that_o either_o of_o these_o proposition_n which_o we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o do_v so_o far_o approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o law_n as_o they_o respect_v a_o end_n true_o worthy_a of_o it_o viz._n the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o rational_a being_n or_o else_o if_o you_o please_v to_o word_n it_o otherwise_o the_o honour_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n conjoin_v with_o the_o common_a good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o though_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o this_o proposition_n be_v a_o law_n because_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v not_o yet_o mention_v nevertheless_o i_o doubt_v
knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o nature_n §_o 2._o and_o also_o that_o all_o moral_a virtue_n be_v contain_v under_o this_o one_o law_n of_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a that_o prudence_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o the_o graet_fw-la end_n the_o common_a good_a as_o constancy_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o be_v therefore_o true_a fortitude_n §_o 3._o that_o temperance_n or_o moderation_n in_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o virtue_n than_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n that_o under_o love_n and_o benevolence_n be_v contain_v the_o virtue_n of_o innocence_n meekness_n etc._n etc._n §_o 4_o 5._o equity_n a_o virtue_n as_o it_o promote_v the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n §_o 6._o the_o same_o prove_v likewise_o of_o justice_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v call_v we_o either_o by_o natural_a or_o civil_a law_n but_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o this_o great_a end_n and_o a_o natural_a and_o civil_a property_n necessary_a thereunto_o the_o one_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n the_o other_o in_o a_o civil_a society_n §_o 7._o from_o property_n arise_v the_o necessity_n of_o contract_n promise_n gift_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v still_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o this_o great_a law_n §_o 8._o from_o this_o natural_a property_n arise_v the_o virtue_n of_o moderation_n set_v bound_n to_o inordinate_a self-love_n in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a good_a frugality_n no_o otherwise_o a_o virtue_n than_o as_o it_o render_v we_o not_o burdensome_a not_o injurious_a to_o other_o §_o 9_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o limit_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a §_o 10._o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o moral_a virtue_n such_o as_o temperance_n frugality_n etc._n etc._n more_o particular_o explain_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o original_n and_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o it_o §_o 11._o the_o same_o more_o particular_o apply_v and_o make_v out_o in_o every_o particular_a virtue_n which_o constitute_v justice_n §_o 12._o all_o the_o homolitical_a virtue_n i._n e._n such_o as_o respect_v conversation_n or_o the_o due_a use_n of_o speech_n explain_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o a_o like_a respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a §_o 13_o 14_o 15._o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n only_o lawful_a in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n §_o 16._o some_o far_a explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o temperance_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v §_o 17._o that_o part_n of_o it_o call_v chastity_n a_o virtue_n only_o as_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n §_o 18._o another_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n modesty_n in_o seek_v of_o riches_n honour_n etc._n etc._n virtue_n only_a as_o they_o limit_v our_o self-love_n from_o pretend_v to_o more_o than_o we_o have_v need_n of_o or_o deserve_v in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a good_a §_o 19_o that_o a_o regard_n to_o this_o great_a rule_n run_v through_o all_o the_o moral_a virtue_n which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o contain_v under_o the_o most_o diffusive_a benevolence_n towards_o rational_a being_n §_o 20._o right_o reason_n explain_v to_o be_v only_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o this_o end_n in_o all_o moral_a action_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o moral_a rule_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n and_o effect_n concern_v the_o preservation_n of_o animal_n §_o 21._o and_o that_o from_o their_o true_a understanding_n proceed_v all_o the_o certainty_n we_o can_v have_v of_o natural_a law_n notwithstanding_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a latitude_n leave_v we_o for_o indifferent_a action_n §_o 22._o the_o common_a good_a as_o it_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o all_o other_o good_n so_o it_o be_v a_o true_a standard_n or_o measure_n of_o they_o as_o show_v what_o good_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o or_o desire_v before_o other_o §_o 23._o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o hence_o what_o degree_n of_o passion_n or_o affection_n be_v lawful_a that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o common_a good_a and_o consequent_o thereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o proportion_n of_o goodness_n and_o happiness_n §_o 24._o piety_n towards_o god_n a_o virtue_n as_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o happiness_n of_o rational_a being_n §_o 25._o nothing_o a_o good_a but_o as_o it_o contribute_v to_o this_o great_a end_n §_o 26._o the_o reason_n of_o this_o disquisition_n into_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o be_v that_o which_o make_v all_o moral_a philosophy_n a_o practical_a science_n and_o not_o mere_o speculative_a like_o that_o of_o the_o stoic_n §_o 27._o a_o brief_a conclusion_n out_o of_o dr._n parker_n demonstration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o 28._o the_o content_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n the_o objection_n of_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n platonist_n and_o epicurean_o against_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o common_a good_a the_o objection_n of_o the_o former_a to_o be_v first_o consider_v their_o first_o objection_n that_o it_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o god_n goodness_n to_o imprint_v certain_a innate_a idea_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n on_o our_o mind_n §_o 1._o answer_v thereunto_o out_o of_o mr._n lock_n be_v essay_n etc._n etc._n §_o 2._o a_o far_a answer_n from_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o visible_a thing_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o 3._o the_o laboriousness_n of_o our_o method_n no_o material_a objection_n §_o 4._o a_o explicit_a idea_n of_o this_o common_a good_a not_o always_o necessary_a to_o its_o observation_n §_o 5._o another_o objection_n against_o our_o method_n that_o it_o make_v every_o man_n obligation_n to_o endeavour_v this_o common_a good_a to_o arise_v from_o its_o be_v chief_o good_a to_o himself_o answer_v that_o this_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v will_v prove_v a_o mistake_n though_o i_o grant_v our_o obligation_n to_o it_o as_o a_o law_n can_v extend_v far_o than_o as_o it_o concern_v our_o happiness_n or_o misery_n §_o 6_o 7._o a_o reply_n to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o epicurean_o the_o first_o objection_n that_o it_o seem_v not_o suitable_a to_o god_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n to_o permit_v this_o great_a end_n of_o the_o common_a good_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o unreasonable_a passion_n and_o lust_n of_o mankind_n answ._n that_o god_n intend_v man_n for_o a_o voluntary_a creature_n to_o be_v move_v by_o moral_a evil_n as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o that_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o this_o restrain_v his_o action_n by_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o providence_n §_o 8_o 9_o second_o objection_n if_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o nation_n seem_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o it_o many_o live_n without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n or_o of_o a_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a §_o 10._o answer_n this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o more_o weight_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o law_n than_o it_o be_v against_o that_o of_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n but_o that_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o ignorance_n it_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o creation_n or_o else_o from_o want_n of_o time_n or_o opportunity_n to_o consider_v these_o thing_n §_o 11._o man_n not_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o their_o faculty_n in_o discover_v these_o truth_n no_o objection_n against_o their_o certainty_n §_o 12._o the_o last_o objection_n that_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o common_a good_a be_v a_o mere_a platonic_a idea_n without_o any_o reality_n in_o nature_n §_o 13._o this_o objection_n in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o common_a good_a be_v make_v up_o of_o particular_n and_o that_o from_o thence_o arise_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o common_a or_o general_a good_a which_o though_o a_o complex_fw-la one_o be_v as_o true_a and_o real_a as_o any_o other_o and_o as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n far_o prove_v from_o lock_n be_v essay_n and_o that_o mr._n h._n himself_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o notion_n §_o 14._o mr._n h_n great_a rule_n of_o do_v as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v by_o signify_v nothing_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n §_o 15._o so_o neither_o that_o of_o preserve_v a_o man_n self_n or_o any_o other_o innocent_a person_n unless_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n §_o 16._o not_o only_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o moses_n and_o
the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n reducible_a to_o this_o one_o proposition_n of_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n §_o 17_o 18._o a_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a §_o 19_o to_o the_o bookseller_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o this_o treatise_n send_v it_o to_o i_o then_o be_v in_o a_o private_a station_n above_o a_o year_n ago_o but_o then_o conceal_v his_o name_n from_o i_o either_o through_o his_o great_a modesty_n or_o because_o in_o his_o prudence_n he_o think_v that_o if_o i_o know_v he_o i_o may_v be_v bias_v in_o my_o judgement_n by_o the_o honour_n which_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o have_v to_o his_o family_n and_o especial_o to_o his_o grandfather_n by_o his_o mother_n side_n the_o most_o learned_a primate_n of_o ireland_n wherefore_o i_o read_v the_o book_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o unknown_a writer_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o performance_n thus_o i_o find_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o well_o translate_v and_o epitomise_v in_o some_o place_n what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o latin_a but_o have_v full_o digest_v the_o chief_a thing_n of_o my_o design_n in_o a_o well-chosen_a method_n of_o his_o own_o with_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o have_v add_v some_o illustration_n of_o his_o own_o or_o from_o other_o learned_a author_n with_o a_o philosophical_a liberty_n which_o i_o must_v needs_o allow_v for_o this_o reason_n i_o judge_v that_o the_o then_o unknown_a author_n have_v give_v too_o low_a a_o title_n to_o his_o book_n and_o that_o i_o be_v to_o esteem_v he_o a_o good_a hyperaspistes_n or_o able_a second_n in_o this_o combat_n for_o truth_n and_o justice_n rather_o than_o a_o translater_n or_o epitomiser_n of_o what_o i_o have_v write_v this_o oblige_a i_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o after_o the_o author_n name_n and_o quality_n and_o then_o i_o soon_o obtain_v the_o favour_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o more_o intimate_a conversation_n with_o he_o hereby_o i_o soon_o find_v that_o i_o may_v safe_o leave_v the_o maintenance_n of_o that_o good_a cause_n in_o which_o i_o be_v engage_v to_o his_o great_a ability_n and_o diligence_n and_o i_o hope_v that_o since_o this_o learned_a gentleman_n have_v conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o search_n into_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n now_o many_o of_o our_o young_a gentry_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o way_n which_o this_o his_o treatise_n make_v plain_a before_o they_o for_o from_o thence_o they_o may_v receive_v assistance_n not_o only_o to_o discern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o morality_n which_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o ornament_n as_o they_o be_v man_n but_o also_o they_o may_v here_o see_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o property_n which_o they_o be_v most_o oblige_v to_o understand_v because_o as_o gentleman_n they_o be_v bear_v to_o the_o great_a interest_n in_o they_o both_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o to_o give_v you_o assurance_n that_o i_o free_o consent_v to_o your_o print_n of_o this_o book_n and_o be_o your_o affectionate_a friend_n ric._n peterborough_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o its_o obligation_n chap._n i._n of_o the_o first_o mean_n of_o discover_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n viz._n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o introduction_n to_o this_o discourse_n show_v you_o those_o several_a method_n by_o which_o divers_a author_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v also_o give_v my_o reason_n though_o in_o short_a why_o i_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o lay_v too_o weak_a foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v so_o great_a and_o weighty_a a_o building_n and_o have_v likewise_o give_v you_o the_o only_a true_a ground_n by_o which_o it_o can_v as_o i_o suppose_v be_v make_v out_o viz._n from_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n declare_v his_o will_n to_o we_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n or_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n without_o we_o as_o also_o from_o our_o own_o nature_n or_o that_o of_o mankind_n in_o general_n we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n or_o reason_n draw_v true_a conclusion_n from_o all_o these_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v particular_o to_o declare_v in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o i_o understand_v by_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o existence_n and_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v real_o and_o true_o a_o law_n oblige_v all_o person_n of_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o sound_a mind_n to_o its_o observation_n which_o be_v perform_v i_o shall_v then_o proceed_v to_o our_o own_o nature_n as_o include_v in_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n §_o 2._o but_o though_o the_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o modern_a sceptic_n and_o epicurean_o have_v of_o old_a and_o do_v still_o at_o this_o day_n deny_v the_o existence_n of_o any_o law_n of_o nature_n proper_o so_o call_v yet_o i_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v both_o sufficient_o agree_v what_o we_o understand_v by_o this_o term_n since_o we_o both_o thereby_o mean_v certain_a principle_n of_o immutable_a truth_n and_o certainty_n which_o direct_v our_o voluntary_a action_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o good_a and_o the_o avoid_n of_o evil_a thing_n and_o so_o lie_v a_o obligation_n as_o to_o our_o external_a action_n even_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o out_o of_o a_o civil_a society_n or_o common-weal_n that_o such_o eternal_a truth_n be_v necessary_o and_o unavoidable_o present_v to_o and_o perceive_v by_o man_n mind_n and_o retain_v in_o their_o memory_n for_o the_o due_a order_n or_o govern_v of_o their_o action_n be_v what_o be_v here_o by_o we_o affirm_v and_o by_o they_o as_o confident_o deny_v and_o i_o far_o conceive_v that_o the_o action_n so_o direct_v and_o choose_v be_v first_o know_v to_o be_v natural_o good_a as_o productive_a of_o the_o great_a public_a benefit_n and_o afterward_o be_v call_v moral_o good_a because_o they_o agree_v with_o those_o dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o be_v here_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o our_o manner_n or_o voluntary_a action_n so_o also_o the_o evil_a to_o be_v avoid_v be_v first_o the_o great_a natural_a evil_a which_o afterward_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v call_v moral_a §_o 3._o therefore_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o proposition_n may_v more_o plain_o appear_v and_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o indifferent_a reader_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o first_o careful_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o divers_a thing_n without_o we_o as_o also_o that_o of_o mankind_n and_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a whether_o natural_a or_o moral_a last_o we_o shall_v show_v what_o those_o general_a proposition_n be_v which_o we_o affirm_v carry_v with_o they_o the_o force_n or_o obligation_n of_o natural_a law_n as_o declare_v their_o exercise_n or_o performance_n necessary_a to_o the_o compass_v of_o a_o end_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v endeavour_v or_o seek_v after_o in_o order_n to_o our_o true_a and_o great_a happiness_n §_o 4._o nor_o let_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o i_o suppose_v the_o nature_n of_o divers_a thing_n about_o which_o we_o be_v daily_o conversant_a ought_v first_o to_o be_v look_v into_o and_o consider_v for_o i_o will_v here_o suppose_v the_o soul_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v at_o first_o rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la like_o fair_a paper_n that_o have_v no_o connate_a character_n or_o idea_n imprint_v upon_o it_o as_o that_o noble_a theorist_n mr._n 11._o lock_n have_v i_o suppose_v full_o prove_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o any_o thing_n at_o its_o come_n into_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v own_o existence_n and_o action_n but_o receive_v all_o its_o idea_n afterward_o from_o such_o object_n as_o it_o have_v receive_v in_o by_o the_o sense_n so_o that_o our_o understanding_n be_v natural_o destitute_a of_o all_o notion_n or_o idea_n we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o they_o can_v operate_v unless_o they_o be_v first_o excite_v by_o outward_a object_n and_o indeed_o how_o can_v we_o understand_v what_o may_v be_v helpful_a and_o agreeable_a or_o else_o hurtful_a and_o destructive_a to_o man_n mind_n and_o body_n unless_o we_o first_o consider_v as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a all_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o near_o as_o remote_a which_o have_v make_v constitute_v and_o still_o preserve_v mankind_n or_o else_o may_v tend_v to_o its_o destruction_n either_o for_o the_o time_n present_a or_o to_o come_v nor_o indeed_o can_v it_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v the_o fit_a and_o best_a thing_n or_o action_n any_o person_n can_v perform_v in_o a_o
glad_a if_o any_o of_o mr._n h_n disciple_n can_v show_v we_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o that_o opinion_n §_o 17._o so_o that_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o concern_v the_o natural_a mean_n of_o man_n happiness_n do_v appear_v so_o evident_a from_o our_o common_a reason_n and_o daily_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v of_o like_a certainty_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n in_o all_o who_o operation_n there_o be_v still_o suppose_v certain_a act_n depend_v upon_o our_o free_a humane_a faculty_n and_o yet_o neither_o of_o these_o science_n be_v render_v the_o more_o uncertain_a from_o the_o supposition_n of_o man_n freewill_n whether_o they_o will_v draw_v line_n or_o cast_v up_o sum_n or_o not_o since_o it_o suffice_v for_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o such_o act_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o exert_v and_o all_o the_o effect_n seek_v for_o to_o the_o find_n of_o which_o both_o the_o pleasure_n annex_v to_o their_o contemplation_n and_o the_o various_a use_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v at_o once_o invite_v we_o and_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o moral_a knowledge_n be_v found_v in_o the_o immutable_a coherence_n between_o the_o high_a felicity_n which_o humane_a power_n can_v attain_v to_o with_o those_o act_n of_o universal_a benevolence_n that_o be_v of_o love_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o which_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o particular_a moral_a virtue_n yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v still_o suppose_v that_o man_n desire_v and_o seek_v the_o high_a felicity_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o also_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v this_o benevolence_n not_o only_o towards_o themselves_o but_o god_n and_o man_n as_o partaker_n with_o they_o of_o the_o same_o rational_a or_o intelligent_a nature_n this_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o add_v to_o prevent_v all_o those_o cavil_n which_o mr._n h_n disciple_n be_v use_v to_o make_v against_o morality_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o wi_n §_o 18._o but_o before_o i_o proceed_v far_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v in_o the_o introduction_n to_o this_o discourse_n that_o this_o truth_n concern_v the_o efficacy_n of_o universal_a benevolence_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n of_o rational_a being_n as_o also_o all_o other_o proposition_n alike_o evident_a and_o contain_v under_o it_o do_v all_o proceed_v from_o god_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o ordainer_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o of_o our_o humane_a understanding_n and_o of_o all_o truth_n therein_o contain_v and_o since_o these_o rule_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o procure_a god_n end_n and_o design_n viz._n the_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o also_o that_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o annex_v certain_a natural_a reward_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o punishment_n to_o their_o transgression_n so_o that_o they_o thereby_o become_v apt_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o due_a order_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o as_o i_o shall_v far_o make_v out_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o see_v nothing_o want_v to_o give_v it_o the_o essence_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o law_n and_o i_o shall_v far_o show_v before_o i_o have_v do_v that_o under_o this_o general_a rule_n of_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n or_o universal_a benevolence_n be_v contain_v piety_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o high_a goodwill_n or_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o be_v the_o sum_n both_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n §_o 19_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o propose_v in_o general_a i_o come_v now_o more_o particular_o to_o show_v that_o a_o due_a observation_n and_o knowledge_n of_o these_o natural_a thing_n without_o we_o will_v true_o and_o clear_o teach_v we_o what_o operation_n or_o motion_n of_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a for_o all_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o and_o also_o show_v we_o how_o necessary_o and_o unalterable_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v produce_v for_o natural_a knowledge_n search_v into_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o generation_n and_o corruption_n which_o daily_o happen_v to_o all_o natural_a body_n and_o especial_o to_o man_n and_o so_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o necessary_a coherence_n of_o these_o effect_n with_o their_o cause_n and_o therefore_o those_o cause_n that_o help_v to_o generate_v or_o preserve_v man_n and_o that_o make_v they_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o life_n be_v natural_a good_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o dissolution_n be_v natural_a evil_n and_o it_o then_o as_o plain_o follow_v that_o by_o this_o knowledge_n we_o can_v as_o certain_o demonstrate_v and_o foretell_v what_o thing_n be_v natural_o good_a or_o evil_a for_o all_o mankind_n as_o for_o any_o single_a person_n §_o 20._o therefore_o we_o may_v true_o conclude_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o effect_n which_o either_o nature_n or_o humane_a industry_n can_v produce_v for_o man_n food_n clothe_v habitation_n and_o medicine_n be_v part_n of_o this_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v the_o understanding_n of_o all_o other_o humane_a operation_n and_o of_o the_o effect_n proceed_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o use_v of_o humane_a life_n for_o although_o the_o voluntary_a action_n of_o man_n as_o they_o exert_v themselves_o towards_o thing_n without_o they_o do_v not_o work_v exact_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o mere_a mechanic_n motion_n viz._n from_o the_o pulsion_n or_o motion_n of_o other_o body_n but_o either_o from_o their_o reason_n or_o will_n yet_o since_o all_o the_o outward_a motion_n we_o exert_v receive_v their_o measure_n and_o force_n from_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o humane_a body_n which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o other_o and_o so_o must_v perform_v their_o natural_a function_n as_o they_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o other_o natural_a motion_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o voluntary_a action_n whenever_o they_o be_v thus_o exert_v be_v regulate_v by_o the_o same_o natural_a law_n and_o it_o be_v common_o know_v how_o much_o man_n industry_n by_o the_o various_a motion_n of_o their_o body_n which_o a_o philosopher_n can_v easy_o resolve_v into_o mechanic_n one_o do_v contribute_v to_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n preservation_n by_o provide_v and_o administer_a victual_n clothes_n physic_n house_n etc._n etc._n in_o perform_v which_o effect_n man_n strength_n and_o skill_n in_o husbandry_n building_n navigation_n and_o other_o manual_a trade_n be_v chief_o employ_v nor_o be_v the_o liberal_a art_n absolute_o free_a from_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n since_o by_o the_o help_n of_o certain_a sensible_a sign_n and_o articulate_v note_n or_o mark_n as_o word_n letter_n or_o cipher_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n and_o direct_v in_o most_o of_o their_o civil_a and_o moral_a duty_n i_o have_v only_o think_v fit_a to_o hint_n thus_o much_o concern_v humane_a action_n consider_v as_o mere_a natural_a thing_n exist_v without_o we_o but_o i_o shall_v treat_v more_o full_o of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o a_o voluntary_a agent_n §_o 21._o hence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o these_o natural_a thing_n and_o the_o mutual_a help_n by_o which_o they_o be_v procure_v may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o foresee_v by_o we_o to_o be_v natural_o and_o unalterable_o good_a that_o be_v tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o those_o contrary_a cause_n or_o motion_n by_o which_o man_n body_n be_v weaken_v or_o destroy_v by_o lessen_v or_o take_v away_o the_o necessary_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n such_o as_o food_n raiment_n liberty_n quiet_n etc._n etc._n and_o also_o those_o action_n by_o which_o virtue_n and_o knowledge_n may_v be_v root_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n and_o error_n and_o unbridled_a passion_n destructive_a to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n introduce_v into_o their_o room_n be_v necessary_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n evil._n therefore_o when_o we_o determine_v of_o natural_a good_n or_o evil_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o preservation_n of_o a_o few_o particular_a person_n since_o the_o punishment_n nay_o death_n of_o these_o may_v often_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a good_a
health_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n so_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o order_n of_o divers_a subordinate_a good_n and_o the_o proportion_n which_o any_o one_o of_o they_o bear_v to_o the_o common_a or_o great_a good_a may_v easy_o be_v deduce_v how_o much_o the_o wellbeing_a or_o happiness_n of_o every_o single_a person_n may_v contribute_v to_o that_o of_o the_o whole_a family_n the_o felicity_n of_o a_o family_n to_o that_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n that_o of_o a_o common-weal_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o of_o all_o these_o consider_v together_o what_o proportion_n they_o may_v bear_v to_o the_o common_a felicity_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o hence_o you_o may_v be_v easy_o satisfy_v how_o much_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o one_o truth_n conduce_v to_o our_o right_a prosecution_n of_o this_o great_a end_n and_o indeed_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o 25._o last_o which_o yet_o ought_v rather_o to_o have_v be_v put_v in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_n of_o all_o the_o moral_a virtue_n love_n or_o piety_n towards_o god_n express_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o prayer_n praise_n thanksgiving_n etc._n etc._n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o virtue_n since_o it_o do_v that_o which_o be_v high_o grateful_a and_o please_a to_o god_n the_o head_n of_o all_o rational_a being_n and_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o we_o man_n perform_v somewhat_o good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o which_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a not_o only_o by_o render_v the_o deity_n propitious_a to_o we_o but_o also_o by_o a_o near_a spiritual_a approach_n and_o conversation_n with_o it_o in_o those_o holy_a exercise_n it_o put_v we_o in_o the_o happy_a state_n we_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o mortal_a life_n and_o so_o make_v we_o more_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n viz._n our_o contribute_v to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n §_o 26._o i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o lay_v down_o and_o explain_v this_o law_n as_o a_o measure_n or_o standard_n of_o all_o good_a action_n to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o shall_v esteem_v all_o good_a or_o evil_a not_o as_o it_o more_o or_o less_o profit_n or_o hurt_v our_o own_o particular_a body_n alone_o but_o as_o it_o may_v more_o or_o less_o add_v to_o or_o detract_v from_o this_o common_a good_a so_o that_o in_o compare_v of_o all_o good_n together_o whether_o natural_a or_o moral_a we_o ought_v still_o to_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o great_a good_n which_o conferr_v most_o and_o that_o to_o be_v the_o least_o which_o contribute_v least_o to_o this_o great_a end_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o prosecute_v by_o we_o with_o proportionable_a affection_n and_o endeavour_n from_o whence_o also_o may_v be_v draw_v a_o general_a and_o powerful_a remedy_n against_o all_o those_o inordinate_a passion_n proceed_v from_o excessive_a self-love_n by_o which_o man_n be_v most_o common_o draw_v to_o hurt_v or_o injure_v other_o for_o a_o man_n who_o thus_o govern_v himself_o will_v not_o extravagant_o desire_v any_o of_o these_o outward_a thing_n nor_o suffer_v his_o soul_n to_o be_v disturb_v by_o the_o consciousness_n of_o any_o crime_n who_o judge_n nothing_o true_o good_a but_o what_o real_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_n §_o 27._o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a or_o of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v moral_a philosophy_n or_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n a_o practical_a science_n and_o not_o mere_o speculative_a or_o notional_a like_o that_o of_o the_o stoic_n who_o whilst_o they_o allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v real_o good_a but_o virtue_n or_o evil_a except_o vice_n and_o keep_v such_o a_o pother_n to_o extol_v the_o real_a good_a of_o the_o former_a and_o declaim_v against_o the_o certain_a evil_n of_o the_o latter_a yet_o by_o not_o give_v we_o the_o true_a reason_n or_o ground_n why_o virtue_n shall_v be_v embrace_v and_o vice_n avoid_v they_o render_v their_o philosophy_n mere_o speculative_a and_o only_o fit_a for_o those_o idle_a porch_n in_o which_o they_o declaim_v scarce_o have_v any_o far_a influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o life_n when_o either_o their_o own_o affection_n or_o any_o powerful_a outward_a temptation_n do_v at_o any_o time_n prompt_v they_o to_o act_v contrary_a thereunto_o for_o virtue_n be_v only_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o high_a or_o most_o perfect_a good_a not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o well-sounding_a word_n or_o that_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o some_o vain_a empty_a notion_n but_o as_o it_o determine_v our_o action_n to_o their_o utmost_a influeence_n upon_o the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a piety_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o god_n by_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o divine_a goodness_n and_o beneficence_n §_o 28._o so_o that_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o dr._n parker_n excellent_a consideration_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o which_o being_n better_a than_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v now_o think_v of_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o give_v it_o you_o almost_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 23._o with_o a_o little_a alteration_n so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o demonstrative_o certain_a by_o induction_n of_o particular_n according_a to_o the_o method_n we_o have_v now_o take_v that_o every_o virtue_n have_v some_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o promote_v the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_n and_o be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o virtue_n but_o as_o it_o contribute_v to_o this_o great_a end_n and_o that_o each_o man_n be_v true_a private_a interest_n and_o happiness_n be_v therein_o contain_v and_o inseparable_o connect_v with_o it_o by_o the_o necessary_a order_n of_o nature_n i._n e_o by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o its_o author_n command_v all_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v suitable_o to_o that_o order_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n which_o he_o have_v make_v by_o that_o establishment_n in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n about_o this_o great_a end_n of_o the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n chap._n v._n contain_v a_o answer_n to_o such_o objection_n as_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n thus_o explain_v and_o reduce_v into_o this_o proposition_n of_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n with_o a_o conclusion_n prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o law_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v §_o 1._o since_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o according_a to_o their_o several_a principle_n and_o inclination_n may_v make_v different_a objection_n against_o this_o our_o method_n of_o prove_v and_o deduce_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o contract_v it_o into_o this_o sing'e_v easy_a proposition_n of_o our_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a of_o rational_a being_n i_o shall_v therefore_o divide_v they_o into_o platonist_n or_o epicurean_o those_o who_o put_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o innate_a idea_n or_o principle_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a impress_v by_o god_n upon_o man_n soul_n and_o who_o i_o doubt_v not_o may_v have_v a_o true_a zeal_n though_o without_o knowledge_n for_o this_o common_a good_a which_o be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v promise_v for_o those_o who_o falâ—ing_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o can_v have_v any_o true_a or_o certain_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o this_o common_a good_a so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v those_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o first_o objection_n may_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n certain_a character_n and_o notion_n of_o himself_o and_o also_o of_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o in_o doubt_n about_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n to_o they_o since_o by_o that_o mean_v he_o will_v not_o only_o have_v secure_v himself_o of_o that_o worship_n and_o veneration_n which_o be_v due_a from_o so_o intelligent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n