in_o its_o true_a lineament_n and_o proportion_n in_o a_o word_n be_v happiness_n carry_v no_o further_a than_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o animal_n part_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o temperance_n that_o friendship_n that_o generosity_n and_o that_o justice_n which_o natural_a reason_n from_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n suggest_v and_o prescribe_v be_v the_o only_a instrument_n for_o secure_v it_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v since_o a_o alwise_a and_o almighty_a creator_n can_v not_o act_v blindfold_a since_o he_o assign_v every_o order_n of_o creature_n peculiar_a end_n and_o establish_v a_o general_a end_n from_o all_o of_o they_o and_o since_o a_o alwise_a creator_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o have_v those_o end_v answer_v which_o he_o have_v assign_v reason_n must_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o a_o standard_n of_o action_n in_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n without_o which_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v be_v attain_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n evince_v from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n §_o 7._o there_o be_v one_o argument_n more_o that_o prove_v the_o obligation_n and_o authority_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o certain_a dictate_v of_o reason_n to_o be_v such_o and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o flow_v from_o '_o they_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o inseparable_a appendage_n of_o a_o law_n and_o where_o we_o be_v not_o only_o direct_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n that_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v but_o reward_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o punishment_n to_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o do_v the_o contrary_a there_o the_o authority_n be_v express_v and_o represent_v and_o consequent_o the_o thing_n direct_v be_v propose_v as_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n but_o now_o it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o those_o dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o necessary_o arise_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n carry_v inseparable_a reward_n in_o they_o and_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o entail_v inseparable_a mischief_n or_o punishment_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o such_o dictate_v of_o reason_n do_v as_o evident_o declare_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o law_n as_o if_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o last_o requisite_a assign_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o '_o they_o and_o true_o there_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n suggest_v it_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o deny_v that_o we_o can_v think_v by_o nature_n as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o 8._o but_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o authority_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n some_o perhaps_o will_v imagine_v that_o the_o argument_n already_o suggest_v be_v rather_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n under_o a_o state_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o civilise_a education_n than_o the_o discovery_n of_o reason_n in_o a_o pure_a state_n of_o nature_n i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v difficult_a to_o distinguish_v the_o pure_a effort_n of_o natural_a reason_n from_o those_o improvement_n she_o receive_v from_o revelation_n and_o a_o polish_a education_n but_o certain_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o revelation_n itself_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o particular_o that_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n be_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o our_o action_n for_o first_o conscience_n we_o know_v be_v the_o result_n and_o decree_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o be_v advance_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n in_o the_o christian_a institution_n that_o we_o can_v reject_v the_o instruction_n of_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n without_o entail_v sin_n and_o gild_n upon_o we_o for_o even_o to_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n and_o certain_o it_o amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n that_o if_o god_n have_v give_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o reasonable_a being_n but_o reason_n to_o act_v by_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o reason_n must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o action_n and_o consequent_o every_o one_o be_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o pursue_v it_o unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v we_o be_v not_o to_o exert_v action_n peculiar_a to_o our_o nature_n or_o that_o god_n have_v not_o as_o industrious_o distinguish_v the_o action_n of_o man_n from_o those_o of_o brute_n as_o their_o soul_n and_o shape_v too_o in_o a_o word_n whosoever_o own_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n must_v discern_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o he_o may_v plain_o read_v both_o in_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o grace_n consist_v in_o restore_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o nature_n and_o renew_v that_o image_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o which_o we_o be_v create_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o apostle_n language_n in_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o col._n 3.10_o in_o a_o word_n christianity_n be_v the_o put_n on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o the_o put_n on_o the_o new_a man_n be_v the_o put_n on_o the_o first_o man_n that_o be_v form_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o model_n which_o god_n impress_v on_o our_o nature_n be_v design_v to_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o our_o action_n and_o consequent_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n will_v have_v think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o law_n have_v revelation_n never_o interpose_v in_o the_o matter_n thus_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n even_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o formality_n of_o a_o law_n it_o be_v a_o law_n distinct_a from_o the_o law_n of_o revelation_n since_o it_o arise_v and_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o pure_a dint_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a law_n for_o it_o contain_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o proper_a law_n the_o subject-matter_n be_v fix_v and_o determine_v it_o have_v the_o form_n of_o a_o law_n because_o it_o determine_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o too_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o competent_a authority_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o give_v we_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o law_n i_o mean_v reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o if_o reason_n dictate_v certain_a indispensable_a rule_n of_o action_n from_o the_o authority_n will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sovereign_a creator_n reason_n must_v beside_o those_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o accompany_v the_o observance_n of_o such_o rule_n at_o least_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o nonobservance_n of_o they_o must_v bring_v gild_n and_o punishment_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o see_v nothing_o want_v notwithstanding_o mr._n hobbs_n notion_n of_o a_o law_n to_o give_v it_o the_o title_n and_o denomination_n of_o a_o proper_a law_n for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o vox_fw-la imperantis_fw-la and_o as_o true_o promulge_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v record_v in_o write_v or_o engrave_v on_o table_n of_o brass_n chap._n ii_o objection_n answer_v it_o now_o only_o remain_v that_o something_o be_v offer_v to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o those_o objection_n that_o be_v advance_v against_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n exclusive_a of_o revelation_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v in_o a_o few_o word_n this_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v hitherto_o attribute_v to_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n seem_v to_o exist_v no_o where_n but_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o speculative_a men._n for_o not_o only_o the_o life_n and_o opinion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n but_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a moralist_n and_o philosopher_n have_v overturn_v the_o scheme_n and_o pass_v off_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o quite_o opposite_a notion_n this_o be_v a_o objection_n that_o will_v fall_v in_o with_o other_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o consequent_o will_v require_v something_o of_o a_o return_n under_o each_o respective_a head_n but_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a answer_n i_o shall_v take_v liberty_n to_o make_v a_o few_o remark_n upon_o the_o origin_n of_o error_n §_o 1._o and_o first_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unquestionable_a truth_n that_o the_o error_n of_o mankind_n be_v original_o found_v in_o vicious_a habit_n or_o
the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o natural_a religion_n discover_v in_o the_o principal_a branch_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o prevail_a notion_n of_o the_o modern_a sceptic_n and_o latitudinarian_o with_o a_o introduction_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o tho._n beconsall_n b._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o brasenose_n college_n in_o oxford_n london_n print_v by_o w.o._n for_o george_n west_n bookseller_n in_o oxford_n mdcxcviii_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o reluctancy_n that_o i_o determine_v with_o myself_o to_o commit_v my_o thought_n upon_o the_o follow_a subject_n to_o the_o public_a i_o be_o sensible_a a_o new_a author_n be_v like_o a_o strange_a bird_n stray_v from_o his_o company_n and_o consequent_o not_o only_a liable_a to_o be_v peck_v at_o by_o the_o whole_a flight_n of_o critic_n but_o expose_v to_o their_o most_o exquisite_a cruelty_n rather_o than_o wit_n or_o judgement_n indeed_o the_o first_o adventure_n of_o this_o kind_n will_v receive_v advantage_n from_o few_o even_o among_o the_o learned_a order_n since_o the_o soft_a the_o grave_a censure_n be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v already_o too_o full_a of_o book_n that_o rather_o serve_v to_o distract_v our_o thought_n than_o inform_v our_o judgement_n or_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n that_o the_o press_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o more_o impertinence_n or_o crude_a and_o empty_a notion_n than_o useful_a truth_n and_o consequent_o serve_v to_o detain_v a_o unadvised_a reader_n upon_o the_o surface_n whilst_o a_o few_o well-chosen_a author_n will_v let_v he_o into_o the_o marrow_n and_o quintessence_n of_o learning_n these_o be_v indeed_o unquestionable_a truth_n and_o perhaps_o this_o adventure_n may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v '_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o it_o be_v observable_a some_o man_n of_o figure_n and_o station_n on_o every_o turn_n discover_v their_o aversion_n by_o their_o wish_n they_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o present_a dispute_n or_o controversy_n may_v fall_v have_v no_o prospect_n of_o any_o good_a effect_n or_o advantage_n by_o '_o they_o i_o must_v confess_v these_o be_v admonition_n that_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o with_o caution_n to_o prevent_v any_o man_n from_o be_v overhasty_a in_o commence_v author_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o industry_n insolence_n and_o boldness_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o open_a attack_n of_o some_o author_n and_o the_o artificial_a insinuation_n of_o other_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o unite_a zeal_n of_o these_o person_n to_o unhinge_v and_o demolish_v without_o propose_v the_o least_o model_n to_o succeed_v their_o ruin_n i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o be_v advocate_n for_o truth_n and_o guardian_n of_o a_o establish_v church_n shall_v suffer_v controversy_n to_o fall_v by_o allow_v they_o to_o empty_v their_o gall_n and_o filth_n without_o opposition_n or_o control_v it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o notion_n now_o so_o current_a and_o industrious_o propagate_v be_v the_o whole_a stock_n or_o cargo_n of_o infidelity_n and_o irreligion_n of_o error_n prejudice_n or_o disgust_v that_o have_v be_v hatch_v and_o nurse_v in_o private_a for_o a_o whole_a age_n together_o and_o be_v now_o vent_v by_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o press_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o discountenance_n the_o assailment_n of_o such_o pernicious_a adversary_n seem_v to_o establish_v a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o indulgence_n which_o no_o one_o but_o criminal_n must_v have_v the_o least_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o conceit_n of_o error_n and_o boldness_n of_o irreligion_n be_v such_o that_o the_o most_o crude_a and_o frothy_a performance_n not_o reply_v to_o must_v pass_v for_o unanswerable_a and_o this_o give_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o industry_n of_o a_o adversary_n in_o propagate_a his_o notion_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o weak_a and_o most_o uncouth_a suggestion_n be_v by_o tract_n of_o time_n rivet_v in_o a_o injudicious_a reader_n when_o a_o early_a reply_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n from_o these_o consideration_n the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o member_n of_o our_o church_n may_v be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v and_o i_o hope_v in_o some_o measure_n lie_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o apology_n to_o my_o present_a undertake_n i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v the_o foundation_n and_o mesure_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v a_o expedient_a not_o only_o to_o induce_v a_o sense_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o prepare_v the_o mind_n for_o a_o assent_n to_o reveal_v religion_n the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sensible_a there_o be_v several_a eminent_a hand_n have_v be_v engage_v on_o the_o subject_a but_o have_v few_o of_o the_o prevail_a principle_n of_o this_o age_n to_o contend_v with_o they_o have_v not_o fall_v in_o with_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o calculate_v a_o scheme_n of_o natural_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o '_o they_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o animadvert_v on_o some_o author_n not_o only_a where_o they_o seem_v to_o overturn_v the_o fundamantal_a principle_n of_o morality_n but_o where_o they_o have_v advance_v argument_n or_o insinuation_n that_o carry_v a_o manifest_a tendency_n that_o way_n this_o design_n i_o presume_v will_v easy_o obtain_v a_o favourable_a construction_n since_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o a_o artificial_a insinuation_n or_o a_o pernicious_a argument_n advance_v by_o a_o side-wind_n carry_v a_o more_o fatal_a influence_n than_o bold_a and_o peremptory_a position_n and_o assertion_n i_o must_v confess_v the_o author_n of_o the_o essay_n of_o humane_a understanding_n discover_v such_o a_o reserve_a way_n of_o write_v in_o all_o his_o performance_n that_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o design_n more_o than_o he_o as_o yet_o think_v it_o seasonable_a to_o express_v and_o therefore_o i_o have_v use_v he_o with_o more_o freedom_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o place_v some_o assertion_n in_o a_o better_a light_n and_o express_v his_o mean_v more_o full_o if_o not_o his_o intention_n i_o have_v differ_v in_o my_o opinion_n from_o two_o excellent_a discourse_n general_n discourse_n conference_n with_o a_o theist_n part_n 2._o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n but_o i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v find_v nothing_o but_o a_o difference_n in_o opinion_n determine_v by_o a_o thread_n of_o argument_n beside_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n that_o do_v not_o affect_v the_o main_a design_n of_o either_o of_o the_o discourse_n that_o stand_v firm_a and_o unshaken_a establish_v upon_o the_o clear_a argument_n and_o conclusion_n thus_o much_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o remark_n because_o i_o never_o intend_v to_o detract_v from_o the_o character_n these_o author_n have_v just_o merit_v or_o lessen_v the_o reputation_n or_o esteem_n of_o such_o useful_a performance_n and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o conclude_v with_o a_o few_o period_n with_o reference_n to_o myself_o and_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o have_v here_o deliver_v my_o thought_n form_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o great_a many_o avocation_n i_o have_v act_v with_o all_o imaginable_a sincerity_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o resign_v up_o my_o judgement_n to_o nothing_o but_o that_o light_n or_o those_o notice_n which_o be_v gain_v by_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o direct_a method_n of_o information_n i_o be_o as_o yet_o persuade_v i_o have_v represent_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o precise_a line_n of_o truth_n but_o if_o i_o have_v any_o where_o miscarry_v i_o can_v safe_o declare_v it_o be_v without_o design_n as_o much_o as_o without_o prejudice_n against_o any_o i_o have_v oppose_v my_o great_a aim_n be_v not_o only_o to_o recover_v discard_a notion_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n by_o establish_v it_o upon_o its_o true_a foundation_n not_o only_o to_o silence_v infidelity_n but_o to_o remove_v that_o scepticism_n those_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n that_o prevail_v concern_v the_o most_o important_a point_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o these_o be_v effect_n too_o great_a to_o be_v accomplish_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o heavenly_a influence_n we_o may_v wish_v and_o pray_v for_o they_o but_o we_o must_v commit_v the_o success_n of_o they_o to_o the_o father_z of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n there_o must_v be_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a effusion_n of_o grace_n to_o engage_v man_n in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n something_o to_o take_v off_o the_o contempt_n of_o those_o ordinance_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o end_n something_o that_o will_v correct_v those_o unjust_a but_o prevail_v prejudices_fw-la against_o a_o order_n of_o man_n establish_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n whereby_o they_o be_v render_v as_o
to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o rational_a being_n and_o consequent_o original_o design_v as_o a_o perpetual_a standard_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o action_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o perform_v one_a by_o prove_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o a_o think_v reason_v be_v two_o that_o man_n natural_o think_v and_o reason_n in_o a_o fix_a determinate_a way_n three_o that_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o can_v discern_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o 4thly_a that_o he_o discover_v it_o as_o the_o subject-matter_n of_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a law_n establish_v on_o a_o competent_a authority_n by_o discern_v and_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n §_o 2._o and_o one_a that_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n a_o think_v reason_v be_v indeed_o that_o a_o order_n of_o rational_a creature_n can_v of_o '_o emselve_n exert_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o proposition_n that_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n in_o the_o term_n of_o it_o and_o to_o imagine_v a_o creation_n of_o rational_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o that_o too_o ascribe_v to_o a_o infinite_o wise_a creator_n and_o yet_o deny_v a_o inherent_a power_n of_o exerting_fw-mi '_o emselve_n seem_v to_o reflect_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o disgrace_n upon_o the_o contrivance_n for_o it_o either_o represent_v infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n display_v '_o emselve_n as_o we_o say_v in_o vain_a or_o to_o no_o purpose_n or_o labour_v under_o the_o great_a imperfection_n it_o represent_v the_o great_a exemplar_n of_o a_o creative_a power_n to_o be_v little_a else_o than_o a_o senseless_a unactive_a sort_n of_o machin_n who_o effort_n entire_o depend_v on_o foreign_a impulse_n and_o the_o express_a image_n and_o representative_a of_o a_o glorious_a creator_n in_o one_o sense_n to_o be_v of_o a_o base_a alloy_n than_o the_o unthinking_a brute_n that_o perish_v since_o these_o in_o their_o original_a frame_n be_v make_v to_o exert_v those_o power_n and_o faculty_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o impart_v to_o '_o they_o but_o man_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n act_v like_o himself_o or_o display_v any_o of_o his_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n unless_o he_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v bear_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o skilful_a tutor_n and_o a_o polish_a education_n but_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o conjecture_n void_a of_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n for_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o activity_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o truth_n i_o think_v of_o universal_a allowance_n and_o approbation_n can_v imagine_v that_o man_n even_o in_o this_o state_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o perceive_v discern_a compare_v or_o think_v at_o all_o but_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v with_o great_a clearness_n in_o these_o matter_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o strip_v mankind_n of_o all_o the_o embellishment_n of_o education_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o the_o pure_a garb_n of_o nature_n and_o thereupon_o let_v we_o for_o once_o suppose_v a_o set_a of_o man_n spring_v up_o like_o mushroom_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o place_v in_o a_o unpeopled_a island_n in_o their_o full_a growth_n and_o vigour_n some_o perhaps_o in_o this_o case_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o attribute_v the_o whole_a product_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n to_o the_o business_n of_o education_n that_o they_o will_v deny_v they_o the_o power_n of_o exert_v one_o faculty_n peculiar_a to_o a_o rational_a be_v without_o it_o but_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o notion_n high_o improbable_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o our_o infant_n state_n discover_v such_o faint_a glimpse_n of_o thought_n or_o reason_n be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o any_o native_a obstruction_n in_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o indisposition_n of_o her_o faculty_n in_o receive_v and_o form_v idea_n but_o from_o unknown_a indisposition_n of_o the_o animal_n part._n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o act_n through_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o material_a vehicles_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v not_o exert_fw-mi '_o emselve_n till_o these_o be_v thorough_o fix_v and_o settle_v that_o be_v before_o they_o arrive_v at_o a_o due_a state_n of_o maturity_n or_o a_o suitable_a disposition_n or_o temperament_n and_o therefore_o be_v man_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o a_o exact_a disposition_n of_o the_o animal_n part_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a the_o faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a part_n will_v exert_v '_o emselve_n with_o wonderful_a vigour_n and_o expedition_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o idea_n will_v be_v collect_v and_o principle_n settle_v at_o a_o much_o slow_a rate_n where_o they_o be_v only_o gain_v by_o a_o man_n single_a observation_n and_o experience_n than_o where_o the_o instruction_n of_o parent_n and_o tutor_n contribute_v to_o the_o improvement_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o observation_n and_o attainment_n of_o past_a age_n be_v present_v in_o a_o establish_a method_n and_o order_n and_o add_v to_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o consequent_o the_o growth_n of_o idea_n will_v be_v more_o quick_a clear_a and_o last_v but_o yet_o when_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n be_v right_o fix_v and_o dispose_v and_o the_o mind_n lie_v under_o no_o real_a encumbrance_n or_o eclipse_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v exert_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o native_a light_n and_o activity_n in_o all_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o walk_v or_o perform_v any_o other_o indifferent_a action_n as_o a_o sensitive_a creature_n without_o instruction_n as_o affirm_v that_o he_o can_v not_o think_v and_o exert_v all_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n without_o special_a inspiration_n revelation_n or_o instruction_n it_o be_v visible_a there_o be_v certain_a spring_n or_o movement_n implant_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n that_o serve_v to_o put_v all_o native_a power_n and_o faculty_n into_o their_o proper_a motion_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o a_o rational_a soul_n or_o a_o soul_n frame_v for_o reason_n must_v act_v agreeable_o to_o its_o original_a frame_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o function_n of_o thought_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o great_a law_n of_o self-preservation_n a_o quick_a and_o pierce_a sense_n of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n and_o the_o incessant_a desire_n of_o ease_n and_o happiness_n which_o strict_o speak_v be_v rather_o natural_a instinct_n implant_v in_o all_o sensitive_a being_n than_o law_n peculiar_a to_o free_a agent_n will_v serve_v as_o forcible_a spring_n to_o every_o native_a power_n or_o faculty_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o suitable_a object_n as_o well_o as_o prompt_v they_o to_o exert_v upon_o they_o and_o consequent_o if_o rational_a faculty_n in_o their_o original_a frame_n be_v fit_v for_o thought_n and_o reason_n they_o will_v by_o a_o intrinsic_a impulse_n exert_v in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o '_o they_o and_o therefore_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o instance_n already_o give_v we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o mere_a savage_n will_v not_o only_o fall_v to_o think_v but_o after_o a_o few_o interview_n form_n sign_n and_o word_n and_o language_n apply_v '_o emselve_n to_o the_o settle_n of_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n i_o be_o persuade_v few_o will_v deny_v that_o man_n by_o his_o natural_a power_n can_v form_v word_n and_o language_n and_o word_n necessary_o suppose_v idea_n and_o thought_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n then_o as_o man_n by_o a_o law_n of_o his_o creator_n be_v peculiar_o fit_v with_o organ_n for_o speech_n and_o language_n so_o be_v he_o endue_v with_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o since_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o exert_v the_o one_o in_o all_o its_o design_n and_o function_n we_o may_v just_o allow_v he_o the_o same_o ability_n in_o exert_v the_o other_o and_o in_o one_o word_n it_o derogate_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o endue_v a_o creature_n with_o noble_a power_n and_o faculty_n and_o not_o put_v he_o into_o a_o condition_n to_o exert_v '_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o as_o man_n by_o a_o native_a endowment_n can_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o speak_v he_o can_v likewise_o think_v and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o first_o general_n propose_v in_o order_n to_o establish_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n §_o 3._o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o think_v and_o reason_n in_o a_o fix_a and_o determinate_a way_n and_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o colour_n of_o dispute_n for_o otherwise_o i_o can_v conceive_v why_o we_o may_v not_o question_v the_o perception_n
we_o actual_o to_o obey_v not_o wherein_o the_o right_a or_o duty_n of_o obedience_n be_v fix_v and_o therefore_o though_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a motive_n to_o secure_v a_o rational_a obedience_n yet_o the_o right_n of_o obedience_n may_v rest_v upon_o a_o distinct_a foundation_n now_o i_o have_v a_o precedent_n before_o i_o i_o may_v at_o least_o with_o leave_n of_o this_o author_n suppose_v something_o out_o of_o the_o way_n as_o well_o as_o he_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o assertion_n suppose_v a_o man_n create_v to_o infinite_a and_o irreversible_a happiness_n though_o god_n have_v no_o long_o a_o power_n of_o contribute_v or_o add_v to_o his_o happiness_n yet_o i_o hope_v this_o author_n in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o deny_v god_n right_a of_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o he_o as_o his_o creature_n in_o one_o word_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n be_v or_o will_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o irreversible_a and_o infinite_a misery_n and_o though_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o can_v be_v act_v with_o no_o inclination_n of_o obedience_n yet_o they_o must_v still_o believe_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o their_o creator_n and_o tremble_v i_o presume_v i_o have_v now_o in_o some_o measure_n fix_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o and_o though_o i_o have_v use_v some_o liberty_n in_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v fair_o account_v for_o it_o for_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v contend_v for_o be_v found_v on_o thing_n that_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o establish_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o be_v proper_o found_v in_o a_o creative_a preserve_a power_n and_o consequent_o they_o must_v command_v a_o submission_n and_o obedience_n upon_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o reason_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o argument_n suggest_v be_v cogent_a and_o satisfactory_a it_o be_v not_o prudence_n to_o leave_v the_o common_a road_n and_o put_v thing_n of_o moment_n and_o importance_n upon_o a_o issue_n that_o it_o may_v be_v want_v evidence_n or_o at_o least_o contradict_v some_o receive_a truth_n or_o notion_n but_o now_o a_o enquiry_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v be_v make_v i_o can_v dismiss_v the_o argument_n without_o adore_v our_o great_a and_o good_a god_n creator_n and_o sovereign_n for_o who_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o dwell_v on_o high_a and_o yet_o humble_v himself_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o earth_n psalm_n 113._o ver_fw-la 5_o 6._o though_o god_n be_v invest_v with_o such_o a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o son_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o have_v gracious_o condescend_v to_o consider_v their_o infirmity_n want_n and_o necessity_n it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o the_o law_n he_o original_o give_v to_o mankind_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o interest_n of_o our_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o only_o contrive_v to_o preserve_v its_o frame_n from_o violence_n and_o ruin_n but_o to_o advance_v and_o secure_v that_o happiness_n its_o capable_a of_o receive_v they_o be_v contrive_v not_o so_o much_o to_o represent_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o absolute_a creator_n as_o to_o establish_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n whatever_o right_o of_o dominion_n god_n may_v challenge_v to_o impose_v those_o law_n he_o have_v give_v we_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o carry_v their_o own_o argument_n of_o obedience_n along_o with_o '_o they_o he_o have_v not_o bind_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o fear_n but_o love_n indeed_o they_o have_v the_o high_a overture_n of_o love_n to_o recommend_v they_o love_v not_o only_o for_o the_o exceed_a recompense_n of_o reward_n that_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o but_o love_v that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o they_o even_o love_v as_o dear_a and_o valuable_a to_o we_o as_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o happiness_n since_o they_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o be_v god_n destitute_a of_o a_o right_n of_o impose_v law_n or_o even_o a_o power_n of_o contribute_v further_o to_o our_o happiness_n by_o fresh_a reward_n the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o those_o law_n he_o have_v actual_o impose_v if_o not_o obstruct_v by_o very_a debauch_a propension_n be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v a_o obedience_n to_o he_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n under_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n §_o 1._o indeed_o i_o have_v already_o touch_v upon_o this_o argument_n in_o the_o disquisition_n of_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o establish_v a_o scheme_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a further_o upon_o it_o and_o first_o i_o shall_v not_o appeal_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o natural_a conscience_n warrant_v by_o revelation_n itself_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o contain_v a_o absolve_a or_o condemn_v faculty_n in_o it_o and_o consequent_o must_v be_v act_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o immediate_a spring_n or_o appendage_n of_o such_o power_n or_o faculty_n this_o will_v be_v consider_v on_o another_o subject_a to_o proceed_v then_o it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n be_v true_a and_o proper_a law_n establish_v in_o a_o rightful_a and_o competent_a authority_n that_o be_v in_o one_o word_n they_o be_v the_o command_v of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o whole_a offspring_n of_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o legislator_n not_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o action_n arise_v from_o the_o observation_n or_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v at_o least_o the_o necessary_a appendage_n or_o concomitant_n of_o a_o law_n i_o will_v not_o run_v into_o the_o nice_a and_o tedious_a dispute_n of_o the_o school_n and_o examine_v whether_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n or_o essence_n of_o a_o law_n that_o it_o lose_v the_o denomination_n of_o a_o law_n without_o they_o this_o must_v be_v allow_v by_o those_o that_o place_n the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n pure_o in_o a_o power_n of_o reward_v or_o punish_v but_o this_o have_v be_v dispute_v already_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o the_o negative_a but_o however_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o reward_n be_v a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o law_n add_v perfection_n to_o it_o and_o a_o prerogative_n peculiar_a to_o every_o legislator_n for_o certain_o no_o one_o can_v be_v a_o rightful_a legislator_n without_o a_o right_a to_o despense_v reward_n and_o punishment_n they_o declare_v and_o signify_v a_o bind_a authority_n and_o no_o one_o can_v pass_v for_o a_o rightful_a legislator_n without_o a_o right_a to_o oblige_v or_o require_v obedience_n herein_o a_o law_n distinguish_v itself_o from_o counsel_n or_o exhortation_n again_o they_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o law_n since_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o can_v be_v secure_v without_o '_o they_o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a where_o the_o person_n that_o yield_v a_o obedience_n be_v act_v by_o contrary_a disposition_n and_o propension_n and_o consequent_o they_o may_v just_o be_v esteem_v inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o law_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v the_o power_n or_o prerogative_n of_o heaven_n whether_o god_n can_v not_o rightful_o enjoin_v a_o law_n without_o annex_v suitable_a reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o whosoever_o compare_v the_o law_n he_o have_v enjoin_v with_o the_o propension_n of_o human_a nature_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o impeach_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o not_o annex_v suitable_a reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n since_o without_o they_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o such_o law_n indeed_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v so_o much_o a_o property_n of_o a_o law_n that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o usher_v the_o first_o positive_a law_n he_o give_v to_o mankind_n into_o the_o world_n by_o annex_v they_o to_o it_o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2.17_o as_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o imprint_v a_o sense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o original_a idea_n of_o a_o law_n in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o property_n of_o a_o law_n that_o wherever_o there_o be_v the_o face_n of_o government_n and_o law_n enact_v reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v esteem_v the_o unquestionable_a prerogative_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n the_o whole_a offspring_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v ever_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o law_n be_v act_v with_o such_o a_o deep_a
every_o government_n pronounce_v the_o ignorance_n of_o law_n sufficient_o promulge_v as_o well_o as_o ignorance_n of_o the_o action_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o law_n a_o affect_a ignorance_n and_o consequent_o such_o as_o not_o only_o render_v the_o action_n criminal_a but_o such_o as_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o every_o government_n be_v criminal_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o reason_n assign_v for_o double_a punishment_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v visible_a where_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o the_o action_n may_v be_v impute_v and_o consequent_o criminal_a and_o for_o this_o reason_n government_n constant_o pronounce_v it_o so_o but_o then_o when_o this_o be_v want_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o downright_a madness_n where_o the_o mind_n rest_v under_o a_o physical_a disability_n if_o crime_n or_o mischief_n be_v commit_v upon_o it_o the_o government_n only_o inquire_v into_o the_o symptom_n of_o madness_n and_o upon_o evidence_n acquit_v the_o repute_a criminal_a and_o in_o these_o case_n i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v the_o like_a but_o now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v perfect_a demonstration_n the_o true_a reason_n why_o humane_a law_n punish_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v distinguish_v certain_o what_o be_v real_a what_o counterfeit_v three_o as_o for_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o great_a day_n i_o presume_v they_o may_v lawful_o move_v upon_o those_o measure_n and_o principle_n that_o humane_a tribunal_n have_v recourse_n to_o as_o their_o undoubted_a prerogative_n and_o though_o enormity_n commit_v through_o madness_n or_o sleep_v may_v not_o be_v strict_o account_v for_o yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o ignorance_n found_v in_o drunkenness_n will_v ever_o be_v admit_v a_o plea_n of_o innocence_n as_o be_v apparent_o suggest_v by_o this_o author_n it_o be_v abundant_o conclude_v that_o conscience_n will_v be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v ascribe_v to_o its_o self_n and_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o a_o great_a many_o action_n which_o the_o present_a state_n of_o some_o man_n conscience_n either_o know_v nothing_o of_o or_o at_o least_o have_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v pronounce_v innocent_a and_o certain_o where_o the_o conscience_n can_v be_v convince_v that_o such_o a_o particular_a enormity_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o wilful_a neglect_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o drunkenness_n it_o will_v ascribe_v the_o action_n and_o charge_v a_o gild_n upon_o we_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n may_v be_v harass_v with_o a_o accuse_v conscience_n at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v lay_v oper_n for_o thing_n he_o at_o present_a know_v little_a of_o the_o close_a i_o have_v now_o perform_v what_o be_v at_o first_o design_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v lay_v such_o a_o platform_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n and_o i_o have_v be_v more_o particular_a that_o i_o may_v obviate_v not_o only_o the_o irreligious_a notion_n and_o position_n that_o obtain_v in_o the_o present_a age_n but_o obstruct_v the_o growth_n of_o new_a one_o by_o the_o artificial_a but_o pernicious_a insinuation_n of_o the_o author_n i_o have_v so_o much_o animadvert_v upon_o i_o have_v form_v no_o design_n from_o the_o undertake_n but_o the_o advance_v of_o truth_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o religion_n by_o establish_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o performance_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n come_v up_o to_o it_o and_o appear_v to_o be_v draw_v according_a to_o the_o main_a line_n of_o truth_n i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o vindicate_v it_o against_o the_o applaud_a cavil_n of_o those_o that_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v devote_v to_o tear_v up_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n both_o root_n and_o branch_n but_o if_o among_o a_o great_a many_o truth_n i_o have_v make_v some_o false_a step_n some_o few_o errata_fw-la that_o be_v any_o wise_a inconsistent_a with_o truth_n or_o injurious_a to_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n or_o piety_n it_o be_v without_o design_n and_o upon_o the_o first_o conviction_n i_o shall_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n and_o the_o world_n by_o a_o free_a and_o ample_a retractation_n finis_fw-la