produce_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o the_o various_a way_n of_o its_o manifestation_n if_o we_o have_v such_o inspiration_n such_o vision_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o remote_a etc._n etc._n what_o evidence_n can_v we_o desire_v more_o to_o attest_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v and_o what_o absurdity_n must_v we_o be_v cast_v upon_o if_o we_o shall_v venture_v to_o call_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o question_n which_o though_o peculiar_a to_o those_o time_n lose_v not_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o nor_o have_v be_v for_o several_a age_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v again_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o person_n be_v himself_o the_o recipient_a to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v impart_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a need_n of_o a_o sign_n of_o far_a evidence_n to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o he_o when_o if_o god_n so_o please_v the_o revelation_n of_o itself_o may_v be_v make_v as_o clear_v as_o it_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o sign_n but_o when_o the_o revelation_n come_v at_o second_o hand_n to_o a_o person_n and_o rest_v on_o humane_a testimony_n on_o the_o ability_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o relator_n or_o person_n suppose_v to_o be_v inspire_v there_o need_v some_o further_a evidence_n some_o sign_n or_o sign_n that_o may_v show_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n since_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n psalm_n 116.11_o that_o be_v may_v be_v deceive_v or_o may_v deceive_v may_v either_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o the_o imposture_n and_o practice_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o so_o wicked_a as_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o 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voluntary_a motion_n which_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o only_o by_o the_o free_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o impulse_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o blind_a matter_n in_o or_o upon_o our_o body_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n or_o choice_n to_o alter_v it_o for_o example_n my_o right_a hand_n write_v whilst_o my_o left_a hand_n be_v still_o what_o cause_n rest_v in_o one_o and_o motion_n in_o the_o other_o nothing_o but_o my_o will_n a_o thought_n of_o my_o mind_n my_o thought_n only_o change_v the_o right_a hand_n rest_v and_o the_o left_a hand_n move_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v explain_v this_o and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a and_o then_o the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v to_o understand_v creation_n for_o the_o give_v a_o new_a determination_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o explain_v 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man_n and_o its_o different_a existence_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o brute_n i_o shall_v discourse_v elsewhere_o have_v here_o confine_v myself_o more_o particular_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o author_n of_o our_o own_o be_v and_o all_o other_o which_o surround_v we_o there_o have_v be_v many_o method_n use_v in_o handle_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o indeed_o be_v our_o opponent_n so_o full_a of_o reason_n as_o they_o pretend_v one_o might_n wonder_n that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v prove_v insufficient_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o stay_v to_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o cartesian_a notion_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v have_v have_v any_o idea_n of_o that_o infinite_a eternal_a alwise_a be_v we_o call_v god_n if_o such_o a_o be_v do_v not_o real_o exist_v or_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la but_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o immense_a be_v have_v create_v we_o with_o a_o design_n not_o 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the_o trouble_n to_o inform_v himself_o after_o what_o manner_n most_o people_n account_v for_o the_o production_n they_o see_v daily_o bring_v to_o pass_v may_v easy_o understand_v that_o where_o one_o man_n speak_v either_o reasonable_o or_o becoming_o of_o the_o great_a author_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o be_v as_o superintend_v the_o agency_n of_o second_o cause_n there_o be_v abundant_o more_o who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o empty_a sound_n of_o fate_n fortune_n chance_n destiny_n and_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o structure_n of_o humane_a body_n or_o the_o discord_n of_o the_o animal_n oeconomy_n you_o rare_o find_v any_o thing_n more_o particular_o take_v notice_n of_o than_o the_o archaeus_n by_o some_o by_o other_o the_o plastic_a power_n and_o indeed_o by_o all_o most_o common_o a_o certain_a nature_n which_o though_o continual_o in_o their_o expression_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o excuse_v i_o sir_n if_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o examine_v which_o of_o these_o can_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o almighty_a or_o of_o any_o real_a efficient_a cause_n or_o with_o what_o reason_n we_o can_v ascribe_v unto_o either_o of_o these_o nominal_a agent_n the_o operation_n impute_v to_o they_o â—â—tural_a fate_n or_o destiny_n say_v seneca_n be_v a_o immutable_a and_o invincible_a law_n impose_v upon_o thing_n and_o action_n you_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o this_o thing_n shall_v happen_v or_o not_o happen_v if_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v although_o '_o you_o vow_n and_o make_v your_o request_n yet_o shall_v it_o take_v effect_n if_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v vow_v and_o pray_v as_o much_o as_o you_o list_v yet_o it_o shall_v not_o fall_v out_o now_o the_o consequence_n say_v he_o of_o this_o argument_n be_v false_a because_o you_o have_v forget_v the_o exception_n that_o i_o have_v put_v between_o they_o both_o that_o be_v to_o say_v this_o shall_v happen_v provide_v a_o 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organ_n of_o respiration_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o continue_a circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n necessary_a to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v hinder_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v speedy_a death_n but_o this_o agree_v very_o ill_a with_o the_o vulgar_a supposition_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n and_o provident_a be_v as_o they_o represent_v nature_n which_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o animal_n and_o succour_v they_o in_o their_o physical_a danger_n and_o distress_n as_o occasion_n require_v for_o since_o a_o hair_n be_v so_o slender_a a_o body_n that_o it_o can_v stop_v the_o throat_n so_o as_o to_o hinder_v either_o the_o free_a passage_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n into_o the_o stomach_n or_o that_o of_o the_o air_n to_o and_o from_o the_o lung_n as_o may_v he_o argue_v from_o divers_a no_o way_n mortal_a excrescency_n and_o ulcer_n in_o the_o throat_n be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o for_o nature_n
the_o truth_n of_o this_o maxim_n in_o vertute_fw-la sola_fw-la salus_fw-la or_o that_o none_o can_v ever_o arrive_v at_o the_o elysium_n of_o true_a felicity_n who_o constant_o pursue_v it_o through_o the_o garden_n of_o sensuality_n that_o the_o rose_n of_o happiness_n grow_v on_o the_o prickly_a stem_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o the_o just_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o ability_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o acquire_v a_o durable_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o this_o necessary_a caution_n that_o we_o take_v not_o too_o bold_a a_o freedom_n in_o our_o reflection_n upon_o providence_n or_o repine_v at_o some_o particular_a dispensation_n towards_o we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a imprudence_n we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o expect_v either_o that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v immediate_o reward_v or_o vice_n immediate_o punish_v for_o this_o will_v not_o only_o destroy_v a_o life_n of_o future_a retribution_n but_o if_o punishment_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o delinquent_n our_o obedience_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o virtue_n as_o proceed_v from_o our_o fear_n more_o than_o our_o choice_n beside_o we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o a_o prospect_n of_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n providence_n be_v one_o entire_a system_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o part_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a for_o what_o at_o first_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o we_o be_v very_o often_o bring_v to_o approve_v by_o a_o subsequent_a course_n of_o dispensation_n and_o we_o do_v as_o frequent_o understand_v that_o have_v our_o desire_n be_v gratify_v or_o our_o expectation_n answer_v in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o same_o will_v have_v prove_v troublesome_a if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v quite_o ruin_v or_o undo_v by_o they_o excuse_v the_o imperfection_n of_o these_o incoherent_a thought_n and_o believe_v i_o to_o be_v what_o i_o be_o lond._n jan._n 26._o 1696_o 7_o your_o friend_n in_o all_o good_a office_n letter_n iii_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o mr._n etc._n etc._n my_o very_a good_a friend_n whatever_o success_n my_o last_o meet_v with_o i_o be_o embolden_v to_o believe_v my_o time_n not_o altogether_o misspend_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o a_o presumption_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a or_o more_o than_o many_o other_o may_v say_v upon_o these_o weighty_a subject_n but_o out_o of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o belief_n and_o expectation_n that_o you_o will_v more_o considerate_o peruse_v and_o attentive_o examine_v they_o as_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o friend_n who_o you_o may_v easy_o assure_v yourself_o write_v neither_o for_o secular_a interest_n nor_o popular_a applause_n but_o true_o and_o unfeigned_o with_o a_o pure_a design_n of_o discover_v the_o truth_n than_o if_o 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than_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o work_n for_o that_o be_v his_o portion_n for_o who_o shall_v bring_v he_o to_o see_v what_o shall_v be_v after_o he_o this_o be_v now_o become_v the_o common_a language_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o if_o the_o intestine_a dictator_n conscience_n take_v the_o advantage_n of_o some_o lucid_a interval_n and_o whisper_v they_o in_o the_o ear_n with_o what_o be_v to_o come_v their_o hearts-ease_n be_v still_o ready_a and_o a_o post_n mortem_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la or_o their_o sempiternal_a hush_n lull_v all_o asleep_a i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v you_o to_o take_v this_o as_o a_o reflection_n in_o general_n upon_o the_o pastoral_n function_n for_o god_n be_v thank_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o as_o remarkable_a for_o their_o learning_n as_o conspicuous_a for_o their_o unfeigned_a piety_n and_o do_v their_o adversary_n come_v up_o with_o some_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o in_o the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o 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notwithstanding_o this_o her_o constitution_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o noble_a and_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o survey_v the_o secret_n of_o each_o other_o heart_n or_o to_o fathom_v their_o hypocrisy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o blemish_n and_o irregularity_n be_v such_o as_o will_v almost_o unavoidable_o creep_v in_o to_o any_o other_o universal_a church_n the_o great_a objection_n touch_v form_n and_o ceremony_n be_v to_o my_o think_a no_o other_o than_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o shall_v we_o to_o gratify_v the_o humour_n of_o some_o inconsiderate_a man_n dispense_v with_o or_o lay_v they_o aside_o i_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o presage_v with_o a_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o ch_z that_o religion_n itself_o will_v quick_o dwindle_v into_o nothing_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o public_a assembly_n meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o divine_a service_n as_o for_o the_o injunction_n of_o prescribe_a 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discourse_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v incoherent_a a_o medley_n of_o confusion_n make_v up_o of_o a_o useless_a redundancy_n of_o insignificant_a word_n of_o circumlocution_n frivolous_a repetition_n or_o tautology_n where_o the_o whole_a be_v downright_a nonsense_n in_o such_o case_n i_o say_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v the_o notion_n of_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v these_o man_n inspire_v from_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o their_o expression_n here_o be_v scarce_o the_o footstep_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n much_o less_o the_o character_n of_o divinity_n and_o so_o far_o be_v the_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o surmount_v the_o acquirement_n of_o natural_a man_n or_o deviate_a in_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o common_a mode_n of_o understanding_n that_o every_o profane_a hypocrite_n may_v play_v the_o counterfeit_n and_o the_o most_o extravagant_a whim_n suggest_v to_o the_o fantasy_n have_v a_o equal_a right_n of_o 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coat_n the_o only_a characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n these_o man_n above_o other_o have_v a_o just_a pretence_n to_o the_o title_n of_o its_o best_a and_o chief_a votary_n but_o if_o the_o real_a act_n of_o devotion_n such_o as_o watch_n fast_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n if_o charitable_a contribution_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o indigent_a if_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n in_o worldly_a satisfaction_n be_v as_o conspicuous_a and_o apparent_a perhaps_o more_o in_o some_o other_o than_o in_o these_o i_o see_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v they_o either_o to_o speak_v or_o act_v different_o from_o any_o other_o pious_a and_o devout_a person_n it_o be_v not_o the_o garb_n or_o habit_n that_o make_v either_o the_o true_a gentleman_n or_o the_o true_a christian_a though_o most_o certain_o a_o decent_a plainness_n be_v very_o become_v if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o world_n who_o take_v their_o estimate_n of_o thing_n from_o sense_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o value_v one_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o face_n or_o the_o propotionate_a symmetry_n of_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o measure_v each_o other_o capacity_n or_o mental_a endowment_n by_o their_o outside_n apparel_n but_o these_o be_v never_o overrate_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o extreme_a on_o either_o side_n and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n a_o extravagant_a dress_n look_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o be_v very_o often_o the_o signal_n of_o effeminacy_n at_o best_a a_o shallow_a apprehension_n so_o on_o the_o other_o the_o stiff_a and_o precise_a habit_n be_v very_o rare_o unattended_a with_o a_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o secret_a desire_n to_o distinguish_v ourselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o overfondness_n to_o value_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o indifferency_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o time_n some_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o divinity_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o prescribe_a form_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o particular_o those_o enjoin_v by_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o english_a ch_z if_o we_o ourselves_o through_o a_o preconceive_a prejudice_n or_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o different_a education_n can_v think_v they_o neither_o useful_a nor_o necessary_a nor_o find_v ourselves_o edify_v by_o the_o same_o it_o behoove_v we_o however_o to_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o not_o to_o condemn_v or_o censure_v those_o who_o do_v there_o be_v no_o person_n in_o this_o ch_z be_v ever_o that_o i_o hear_v of_o so_o childish_a as_o to_o think_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o duty_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o verbal_a recitation_n of_o a_o creed_n in_o the_o repetition_n of_o some_o certain_a prayer_n or_o the_o external_n compliance_n with_o any_o other_o performance_n but_o since_o it_o be_v by_o all_o grant_v that_o true_a piety_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o our_o will_n to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o humble_a elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o our_o most_o fervent_a supplication_n prayer_n praise_n and_o return_v of_o gratitude_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o certain_a that_o in_o these_o form_n so_o well_o adapt_v and_o fit_v for_o our_o necessity_n no_o true_o religious_a person_n do_v ever_o rest_n upon_o the_o form_n of_o word_n but_o know_v his_o heart_n and_o tongue_n must_v move_v together_o it_o become_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o prayer_n response_n and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o ch_z be_v always_o new_a to_o every_o sincere_a christian_a and_o that_o they_o lose_v nothing_o of_o their_o efficacy_n by_o be_v common_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o their_o usefulness_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a for_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n
be_v reject_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n pretend_v but_o far_a it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a when_o man_n exalt_v their_o own_o private_a revelation_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o when_o they_o esteem_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v mean_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o prefer_v this_o way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o inspiration_n above_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o they_o to_o join_v in_o external_n worship_n a_o state_n indeed_o of_o perfection_n that_o be_v above_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v describe_v and_o be_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n receive_v and_o which_o there_o need_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n for_o the_o want_n of_o which_o increase_v the_o suspicion_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o all_o this_o beyond_o their_o own_o simple_a affirmation_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o without_o good_a evidence_n can_v believe_v that_o those_o rapturous_a lady_n such_o as_o santa_n teresa_n and_o donna_n marina_n d'escobar_fw-la do_v in_o molinos_n '_o s_o phrase_n hear_v and_o talk_v with_o god_n hand_n in_o hand_n when_o he_o read_v the_o interlocutory_a matter_n that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o revelation_n have_v so_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n over_o the_o soul_n especial_o of_o such_o woman_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a dream_n but_o they_o will_v christen_v with_o the_o name_n of_o vision_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o credulous_a world_n have_v be_v much_o impose_v on_o this_o way_n the_o pretence_n abovesaid_a of_o maria_n visitationis_fw-la be_v a_o instance_n beyond_o all_o exception_n who_o impose_v upon_o her_o confessor_n no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o lewis_n granada_n the_o inquisition_n and_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o she_o pretend_v to_o somewhat_o more_o than_o internal_a for_o her_o converse_n with_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n be_v at_o last_o detect_v of_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o most_o of_o the_o visionary_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o pretend_v not_o to_o so_o much_o and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o external_n evidence_n attempt_v by_o they_o nor_o that_o we_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o intuition_n to_o see_v into_o their_o inward_a and_o self-evidence_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v otherwise_o of_o such_o illumination_n introversion_n and_o interlocution_n than_o at_o best_a the_o effect_n of_o a_o distemper_a brain_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o be_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o these_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o easy_a of_o belief_n because_o it_o may_v be_v very_o dangerous_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o for_o if_o instead_o of_o a_o star_n it_o shall_v prove_v a_o igâ—is_fw-la fatuus_fw-la whether_o may_v not_o person_n be_v lead_v under_o the_o delusion_n of_o it_o and_o what_o will_v not_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v lawful_a nay_o a_o duty_n which_o revelation_n shall_v warrant_v and_o where_o will_v this_o end_n if_o once_o it_o be_v credit_v and_o that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o implicit_o and_o blind_o to_o such_o a_o uncertain_a guide_n 1695._o now_o if_o a_o person_n come_v under_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n with_o a_o message_n to_o other_o and_o require_v they_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o salvation_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o such_o certificate_n as_o may_v give_v authority_n to_o it_o it_o be_v like_o one_o that_o shall_v take_v on_o he_o the_o style_n and_o character_n of_o a_o ambassador_n without_o any_o credential_n to_o give_v he_o authority_n and_o deserve_v no_o better_a acceptance_n it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n that_o a_o prophet_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n a_o inspiration_n to_o be_v a_o inspiration_n and_o by_o these_o character_n may_v we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o both_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o inspiration_n where_o the_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a there_o be_v never_o want_v one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o and_o though_o john_n do_v no_o miracle_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o people_n acknowledge_v 41._o for_o say_v they_o all_o thing_n john_n speak_v of_o this_o man_n jesus_n be_v true_a there_o may_v it_o be_v likely_a be_v inspiration_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a evidence_n but_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o other_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o the_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o as_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o be_v the_o obligation_n now_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a which_o rest_v sole_o on_o humane_a authority_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n or_o affirmation_n of_o the_o pretender_n to_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a the_o work_v i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o so_o that_o inspiration_n be_v as_o to_o other_o no_o inspiration_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v it_o may_v for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v no_o other_o than_o delusion_n or_o imposture_n let_v therefore_o the_o imagination_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a the_o confidence_n never_o so_o great_a the_o intent_n never_o so_o good_a the_o question_n be_v whence_o be_v this_o what_o evidence_n do_v the_o person_n bring_v of_o his_o mission_n from_o god_n upon_o what_o do_v it_o rest_n into_o what_o be_v it_o resolve_v what_o do_v he_o produce_v more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o imagination_n it_o may_v all_o be_v a_o fit_a of_o enthusiasm_n and_o if_o a_o person_n will_v pretend_v to_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v it_o a_o age_n for_o it_o much_o more_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o it_o after_o inspiration_n hâ—s_v cease_v he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o fortify_v it_o by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o he_o from_o who_o the_o inspiration_n come_v if_o it_o be_v divine_a the_o case_n than_o be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n and_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o measure_n here_o lay_v down_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o venture_v the_o whole_a cause_n of_o revelation_n upon_o it_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v towards_o the_o justification_n of_o its_o veracity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o pretence_n for_o apply_v the_o same_o term_n of_o evidence_n and_o sincerity_n to_o imagination_n as_o to_o inspiration_n or_o to_o imposture_n whether_o enthusiastic_a or_o diabolical_a as_o be_v to_o revelation_n for_o when_o be_v it_o know_v that_o imagination_n or_o nature_n vulgar_o so_o call_v do_v ever_o empower_v person_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o to_o discourse_v ready_o at_o once_o with_o the_o parthian_n mede_n and_o elamites_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n when_o do_v nature_n or_o imagination_n enable_v person_n without_o any_o skill_n to_o cure_v disease_n natural_o incurable_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o humane_a learning_n to_o talk_v like_o philosopher_n of_o the_o sublimest_n argument_n and_o with_o as_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o foreign_a nation_n they_o instruct_v far_o what_o imagination_n nature_n or_o art_n can_v inspirit_v moses_n with_o such_o a_o supernatural_a power_n as_o to_o turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o to_o devour_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o by_o a_o stroke_n of_o it_o to_o fetch_v water_n out_o of_o a_o rock_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mighty_a current_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o imagination_n can_v form_v such_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o inspire_v a_o joseph_n or_o a_o daniel_n to_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o correspond_v event_n when_o do_v imagination_n give_v life_n to_o a_o fly_n or_o do_v the_o least_o act_n out_o of_o itself_o when_o do_v that_o or_o nature_n or_o imposture_n real_o and_o true_o raise_v the_o dead_a with_o elisha_n call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n with_o elijah_n or_o foretell_v what_o shall_v happen_v a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o or_o so_o much_o as_o what_o a_o person_n shall_v think_v to_o morrow_n here_o we_o may_v challenge_v all_o the_o magician_n all_o the_o man_n of_o art_n and_o science_n all_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o talk_v as_o the_o person_n real_o inspire_v do_v talk_v to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n as_o they_o
we_o discern_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o he_o that_o give_v those_o perfection_n unto_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o perfection_n in_o himself_o by_o the_o be_v then_o of_o god_n i_o mean_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o that_o make_v all_o thing_n what_o they_o be_v and_o endow_v they_o with_o all_o their_o different_a power_n and_o virtue_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a my_o own_o existence_n be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n no_o reflection_n can_v give_v unto_o a_o philosopher_n any_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o own_o existence_n than_o the_o intimate_a persuasion_n that_o every_o ploughman_n have_v of_o his_o without_o study_n or_o meditation_n now_o the_o idea_n that_o man_n have_v of_o themselves_o be_v twofold_a material_a and_o immaterial_a the_o material_a part_n of_o man_n be_v his_o body_n which_o be_v evident_o subject_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o material_a being_n the_o immaterial_a part_n be_v his_o mind_n which_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o capacity_n of_o think_v and_o reason_v for_o thought_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o matter_n that_o therefore_o which_o think_v viz._n the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o material_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n nor_o liable_a to_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o matter_n but_o capable_a of_o a_o subsistence_n notwithstanding_o any_o alteration_n or_o dissolution_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n this_o immateriality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v understand_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o reflection_n and_o ratiocination_n long_o before_o the_o evidence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o give_v of_o it_o unto_o 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that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v lead_v unto_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o duty_n impose_v on_o we_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o god_n towards_o who_o we_o stand_v first_o relate_v as_o to_o a_o benefactor_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v our_o be_v together_o with_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o our_o capacity_n of_o any_o far_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o next_o as_o to_o a_o lawgiver_n or_o governor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o certain_a rule_n or_o ordinance_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v subject_v we_o if_o we_o consider_v single_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o result_v from_o thence_o for_o our_o conduct_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o degenerate_a from_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o must_v therefore_o bridle_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o appetite_n and_o passion_n that_o arise_v from_o our_o corporeal_a constitution_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o those_o noble_a faculty_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o judgement_n wherewith_o our_o maker_n have_v endow_v our_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o one_o another_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o indespensable_o to_o truth_n equity_n charity_n benevolence_n and_o to_o every_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o settlement_n of_o society_n or_o to_o the_o general_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n great_a interest_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o observance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o general_a good_a be_v every_o particular_a man_n duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v transgress_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lesser_a or_o private_a advantage_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o god_n his_o law_n require_v our_o acknowledgement_n gratitude_n love_n dependence_n submission_n or_o in_o one_o word_n our_o humble_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o rule_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o say_a law_n of_o god_n the_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n a_o offence_n against_o the_o lawmaker_n or_o a_o sin_n law_n be_v of_o no_o vigour_n unless_o inforce_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n by_o mâ—n_z who_o bodily_a action_n depend_v upon_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o his_o mind_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o machinal_a act_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o voluntary_a motion_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o such_o observance_n and_o transgression_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v confer_v or_o inflict_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o that_o after_o the_o full_a course_n of_o his_o action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o general_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o they_o according_a to_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o tendency_n consist_v all_o true_a religion_n whatsoever_o else_o be_v introduce_v into_o any_o religion_n either_o national_a or_o practical_a i_o say_v whatever_o do_v not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o some_o of_o these_o branch_n or_o tend_v to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o rather_o the_o product_n of_o design_n and_o folly_n every_o man_n than_o be_v answerable_a unto_o god_n the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n for_o his_o own_o particular_a conduct_n in_o every_o branch_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o god_n to_o his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o himself_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o pure_a language_n of_o impartial_a reason_n unassisted_a by_o revelation_n and_o they_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a inference_n which_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o true_o rational_a proposition_n whatever_o false_a deduction_n or_o conclusion_n some_o man_n false_a judgement_n have_v invent_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o wretched_a cause_n the_o fallacy_n be_v soon_o detect_v and_o a_o strict_a inquisition_n will_v soon_o lay_v open_a the_o grand_a absurdity_n of_o their_o mischievous_a opinion_n but_o true_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o though_o some_o man_n may_v be_v repute_v a_o sort_n of_o reason_v atheist_n yet_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v infidel_n by_o imitation_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v the_o certainty_n of_o reveal_v religion_n or_o their_o own_o immortality_n that_o they_o scarce_o ever_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v serious_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n these_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o religion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o truth_n not_o be_v firm_o enough_o establish_v but_o their_o pique_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o fear_v it_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o put_v a_o check_n to_o their_o exorbitant_a desire_n and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n to_o conclude_v if_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v however_o rational_a or_o true_a you_o will_v notwithstanding_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v yourself_o that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a dream_n or_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o excellent_a be_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v create_v and_o to_o preserve_v we_o lecture_n but_o that_o all_o about_o we_o be_v dark_a senseless_a matter_n drive_v on_o by_o the_o blind_a impulse_n of_o fatality_n that_o man_n at_o first_o spring_v up_o out_o
even_o by_o their_o own_o weapon_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o show_v my_o own_o good_a like_n of_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a and_o unprofitable_a argumentation_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o no_o disserviceable_a office_n to_o religion_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n that_o some_o man_n have_v leave_v both_o the_o atheist_n and_o his_o friend_n the_o deist_n without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o condemnation_n heighten_v by_o their_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a unprejudiced_a light_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o divine_a faith_n your_o character_n of_o mr._n b_o l_o i_o think_v no_o whit_n too_o large_a nor_o do_v i_o dislike_v your_o thought_n of_o his_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n as_o a_o demonstrative_a and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a world_n that_o the_o large_a portion_n of_o right_a reason_n or_o solid_a knowledge_n a_o man_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o clear_a prospect_n he_o enjoy_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unlikely_a but_o impossible_a to_o philosophise_v as_o become_v reasonable_a man_n without_o think_v venerable_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n the_o true_a christian_a vertuoso_fw-la be_v indeed_o not_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o whether_o the_o character_n of_o a_o practical_o religious_a man_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o very_a great_a philosopher_n suit_v any_o man_n so_o well_o as_o it_o do_v the_o decease_a b_o l_o may_v very_o well_o be_v make_v a_o question_n for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o the_o less_o value_n the_o attempt_n or_o endeavour_n of_o man_n philosophise_v about_o religion_n be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o sincere_o pious_a convert_v make_v thereby_o religion_n want_v not_o the_o rhetorical_a flourish_n of_o fine_a language_n airy_a notion_n and_o school_n distinction_n render_v she_o but_o confuse_a and_o be_v real_o blemish_n to_o her_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n her_o path_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a in_o her_o natural_a dress_n she_o be_v all_o over_o amiable_a and_o want_v not_o the_o embellishment_n of_o philosophic_a lustre_n there_o be_v argument_n enough_o already_o from_o the_o storehouse_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o silence_v the_o complaint_n of_o atheism_n it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o will_v satisfy_v the_o unreasonable_a infidel_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v be_v there_o no_o mortification_n or_o self-denial_n in_o the_o case_n no_o restraint_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o brutish_a appetite_n the_o truth_n we_o plead_v for_o will_v be_v clear_a enough_o to_o the_o unbeliever_n the_o depth_n of_o their_o philosophy_n lie_v here_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n because_o he_o have_v not_o make_v they_o irrational_a or_o brute_n creature_n which_o since_o they_o come_v not_o such_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o maker_n they_o resolve_v to_o make_v themselves_o so_o and_o then_o foolish_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o childish_a expectation_n of_o escape_v divine_a judgement_n because_o they_o have_v so_o long_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v act_v by_o what_o they_o call_v the_o irresistible_a impulse_n of_o their_o sensitive_a appetite_n and_o wilful_o indulge_v passion_n what_o every_o good_a man_n glory_n in_o viz._n that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o a_o capacity_n to_o shun_v the_o evil_a and_o to_o choose_v the_o good_a be_v the_o great_a misery_n of_o these_o man_n who_o find_v themselves_o able_a to_o dishonour_v their_o creator_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o religion_n and_o to_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n since_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n for_o they_o leave_v to_o blaspheme_v their_o god_n to_o trample_v upon_o all_o thing_n sacred_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o hereupon_o immediate_o destroy_v by_o the_o divine_a anger_n and_o indignation_n they_o grow_v harden_v in_o their_o vice_n their_o continue_a habit_n be_v at_o length_n weave_v into_o their_o constitution_n and_o they_o act_v indeed_o but_o little_a different_o from_o irrational_a agent_n right_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n will_v do_v but_o little_a good_a with_o such_o the_o reformation_n if_o at_o all_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o skill_n of_o man_n to_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n we_o may_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o some_o speculative_a notion_n we_o may_v confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n as_o find_v ourselves_o unable_a to_o resist_v or_o to_o hold_v out_o any_o long_o but_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o must_v complete_a our_o conviction_n and_o cooperate_v with_o our_o soul_n in_o a_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n this_o be_v a_o 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