be_v know_v unto_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v all_o these_o way_n manifest_v himself_o unto_o we_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n that_o do_v not_o own_v he_o i._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v very_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o governor_z he_o shall_v give_v we_o such_o signification_n and_o token_n of_o his_o be_v and_o will_n as_o we_o may_v know_v he_o and_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o he_o that_o the_o atheist_n will_v have_v for_o his_o satisfaction_n i_o say_v he_o have_v it_o in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v god_n word_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o he_o say_v he_o will_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o of_o his_o word_n if_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v god_n word_n i_o ask_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o say_v so_o be_v it_o this_o that_o he_o will_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o of_o his_o word_n be_v he_o first_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o word_n it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v that_o what_o he_o call_v for_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o god_n can_v be_v no_o evidence_n for_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v it_o be_v his_o word_n till_o he_o be_v first_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v this_o be_v to_o play_v the_o fool_n downright_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n till_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n god_n reveal_v himself_o by_o his_o word_n and_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o word_n because_o he_o be_v not_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o god._n if_o he_o say_v he_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o what_o you_o show_v he_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o have_v not_o enough_o in_o it_o to_o convince_v one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o forgery_n of_o man_n if_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n than_o i_o ask_v he_o what_o be_v want_v to_o it_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o be_v a_o forgery_n of_o man_n if_o he_o can_v show_v this_o and_o yet_o except_v against_o it_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n for_o either_o that_o evidence_n wherein_o no_o defect_n can_v be_v discover_v must_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o world_n well_o then_o we_o say_v god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n by_o clear_a signification_n of_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o this_o word_n we_o have_v now_o write_v in_o a_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o bible_n and_o the_o scripture_n if_o this_o scripture_n or_o write_n be_v true_a then_o be_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o so_o much_o it_o affirm_v of_o itself_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o therefore_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o make_v this_o enquiry_n as_o short_a as_o may_v be_v let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o book_n be_v make_v up_o of_o divers_a small_a book_n whereof_o some_o be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n other_o of_o they_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a one_o and_o we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o but_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o at_o present_a for_o if_o what_o be_v write_v in_o these_o be_v true_a then_o be_v that_o so_o too_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o former_a for_o these_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n approve_v of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o the_o psalm_n which_o make_v up_o the_o old_a testament_n luke_n 24._o 44._o and_o of_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n say_v all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o st._n peter_n that_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n â—_o pet._n 1._o 12._o and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v that_o god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unâ—o_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o if_o then_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contain_v the_o word_n of_o god._n and_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o they_o be_v true_a we_o need_v but_o to_o understand_v three_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v these_o book_n and_o that_o these_o be_v their_o write_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v for_o write_v these_o book_n 3._o that_o what_o they_o have_v write_v have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o divine_a truth_n 1._o there_o be_v once_o such_o man_n as_o be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v these_o book_n and_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o they_o if_o any_o one_o doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v once_o such_o man_n as_o st_n matthew_n mark_n luke_n john_n paul_n peter_n james_n and_o jude_n or_o that_o the_o book_n which_o bear_v their_o name_n be_v write_v by_o they_o how_o will_v he_o have_v it_o prove_v these_o man_n die_v about_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o sure_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v show_v i_o the_o man_n or_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o ever_o they_o be_v but_o look_v what_o reason_n he_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o he_o be_v be_v bear_v and_o now_o he_o see_v not_o the_o same_o he_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o man_n once_o be_v and_o that_o they_o write_v these_o book_n history_n make_v express_a mention_n of_o they_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o from_o their_o time_n to_o this_o have_v preserve_v their_o memory_n and_o the_o book_n we_o have_v be_v their_o last_a monument_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o all_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n since_o their_o time_n who_o have_v own_a these_o book_n as_o they_o who_o have_v commented_a on_o they_o and_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o record_v their_o travel_n and_o the_o church_n which_o they_o plant_v and_o these_o witness_n be_v no_o inconsiderable_a person_n but_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o their_o time_n and_o such_o as_o make_v the_o most_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v as_o to_o shed_v their_o blood_n in_o vindication_n of_o it_o and_o venture_v their_o salvation_n upon_o it_o neither_o be_v this_o all_o but_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o enemy_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v they_o unto_o death_n and_o write_v against_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v now_o what_o can_v any_o one_o desire_n more_o than_o this_o to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n and_o that_o they_o write_v these_o book_n we_o have_v the_o book_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o historian_n friend_n and_o enemy_n make_v mention_n of_o they_o and_o all_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o best_a most_o learned_a and_o most_o civilise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n acknowledge_v receive_v and_o even_o unto_o death_n maintain_v they_o have_v we_o not_o the_o faith_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o man_n as_o cyrus_n darius_n alexander_n or_o julius_n caesar_n do_v not_o we_o believe_v that_o cicero_n demosthenes_n homer_n and_o virgil_n once_o be_v and_o that_o we_o have_v their_o book_n believe_v we_o not_o that_o we_o have_v have_v king_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o former_a day_n and_o that_o we_o have_v now_o law_n which_o they_o enact_v nor_o yet_o that_o we_o have_v grandfather_n and_o great-grandfather_n and_o inheritance_n derive_v from_o they_o and_o what_o better_a reason_n can_v we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n than_o such_o as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o man_n be_v and_o write_v these_o book_n true_o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o once_o a_o thing_n be_v when_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o have_v be_v be_v give_v he_o which_o can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o thing_n past_a must_v needs_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a fool_n and_o not_o to_o be_v discourse_v withal_o but_o laugh_v at_o for_o at_o this_o rate_n nothing_o that_o ever_o be_v and_o be_v not_o now_o can_v be_v believe_v without_o better_a evidence_n of_o it_o than_o can_v be_v give_v if_o it_o be_v which_o be_v impossible_a 2._o these_o man_n be_v sufficient_o qualify_v for_o write_v these_o
book_n for_o all_o that_o can_v be_v think_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o write_v these_o book_n be_v first_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o write_v and_o second_o honesty_n to_o write_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o they_o certain_o know_v 1._o we_o can_v in_o any_o reason_n suspect_v they_o to_o have_v want_v sufficient_a knowledge_n because_o they_o have_v all_o opportunity_n of_o well_o inform_v themselves_o they_o write_v either_o of_o the_o life_n and_o deed_n of_o jesus_n christ_n whereof_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n or_o of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v which_o they_o be_v ear-witness_n of_o or_o else_o of_o the_o deed_n and_o suffering_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o fellow_n whereof_o they_o be_v either_o actor_n and_o sufferer_n or_o spectator_n that_o which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v they_o unto_o we_o and_o that_o in_o writing_n as_o st._n john_n say_v 1._o joh._n i._n 1_o 2_o 3._o they_o have_v deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o they_o have_v have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o write_v unto_o other_o that_o they_o also_o may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o gather_v from_o st._n luke_n chap._n i._o v._n 2_o 3_o 4._o now_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o be_v crucify_a in_o the_o regn_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n be_v sentence_v to_o death_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o that_o he_o have_v such_o disciple_n and_o follower_n not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o christian_n but_o that_o of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n bitter_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n assure_v we_o and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v these_o man_n to_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v 2._o we_o have_v no_o less_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v honest_a man_n who_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n for_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o write_n by_o all_o who_o read_v they_o that_o they_o profess_v and_o teach_v sincerity_n truth_n simplicity_n plain_a and_o upright_o deal_v condemn_v all_o hypocrisy_n lie_v and_o guile_n as_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o damnable_a in_o man_n denounce_v the_o heavy_a wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o god_n against_o the_o practiser_n of_o these_o vice_n and_o as_o they_o teach_v so_o they_o live_v and_o for_o this_o they_o dare_v appeal_v to_o all_o who_o know_v they_o you_o be_v witness_n say_v st._n paul_n and_o god_n also_o how_o holy_o and_o just_o and_o unblamable_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o among_o you_o 1_o thess._n ii_o 10._o we_o have_v renounce_v say_v he_o again_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonestry_n not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n iu_o 2._o second_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o chief_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v they_o be_v bold_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o great_a multitude_n then_o live_v who_o may_v easy_o have_v disprove_v they_o have_v they_o tell_v any_o falsehood_n they_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o wonderful_a birth_n and_o life_n of_o jesus_n mention_v the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o place_n the_o manner_n his_o manifestation_n to_o the_o shepherd_n to_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o east_n his_o persecution_n by_o herod_n with_o all_o the_o remarkable_a circumstance_n thereto_o belong_v his_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v his_o miracle_n some_o whereof_o thousand_o at_o once_o taste_v of_o his_o death_n without_o jerusalem_n notorious_a to_o all_o his_o resurrection_n witness_v by_o his_o appear_v to_o hundred_o his_o visible_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n his_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o many_o who_o hear_v the_o apostle_n by_o he_o enable_v to_o speak_v to_o every_o one_o in_o his_o own_o language_n and_o many_o more_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n concern_v some_o of_o which_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o tell_v festus_n the_o governor_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o king_n agrippa_n the_o king_n know_v of_o these_o thing_n before_o who_o also_o i_o speak_v free_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v hide_v from_o he_o for_o this_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n act_v xxvi_o 26._o how_o easy_a now_o have_v it_o be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v prove_v these_o man_n liar_n have_v they_o be_v so_o and_o will_v they_o not_o have_v do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v three_o they_o be_v man_n but_o of_o a_o very_a mean_a education_n most_o of_o they_o and_o of_o no_o learning_n and_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v able_a to_o contrive_v and_o invent_v what_o they_o write_v of_o their_o own_o head_n and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v to_o defend_v it_o so_o brave_o as_o they_o do_v for_o real_a truth_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v instruct_v well_o in_o their_o business_n and_o have_v a_o teacher_n wise_a and_o more_o powerful_a too_o than_o themselves_o or_o indeed_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o this_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o he_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n send_v upon_o they_o act_n ii_o to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n xvi_o 13._o it_o be_v he_o alone_a who_o can_v as_o he_o have_v promise_v give_v they_o a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n be_v not_o able_a to_o gainsay_v or_o resist_v luke_n xxi_o 15._o indeed_o it_o appear_v whatever_o their_o education_n have_v be_v they_o be_v when_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o write_v man_n of_o good_a sense_n and_o understanding_n who_o can_v teach_v a_o religion_n which_o now_o for_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n have_v prevail_v over_o the_o most_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o can_v dispute_v with_o the_o learned_a grecian_n act_n ix_o 29._o and_o though_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n the_o most_o learned_a jew_n though_o they_o of_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o cyrenian_o and_o alexandrian_n of_o cicilia_n and_o asia_n dispute_v with_o they_o act_v vi_o 9_o though_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o encounter_v they_o act_v xvii_o 18._o yet_o be_v none_o of_o these_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o speak_v act_v vi_o 10._o four_o suppose_v they_o man_n of_o wit_n enough_o for_o such_o a_o contrivance_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v think_v such_o fool_n too_o as_o to_o contrive_v such_o thing_n without_o any_o rational_a motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o it_o sure_o they_o must_v have_v some_o great_a thing_n to_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o as_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o do_v this_o they_o well_o foresee_v that_o what_o they_o do_v will_v expose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o first_o undertake_v it_o they_o voluntary_o leave_v all_o they_o have_v in_o this_o world_n to_o follow_v christ_n they_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n matth._n xvi_o 24._o and_o tell_v that_o they_o must_v be_v send_v as_o sheep_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n be_v deliver_v up_o to_o council_n and_o scourge_v in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n matth._n x._o 16_o 17_o 22._o that_o in_o this_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n john_n xvi_o 33._o and_o be_v persecute_v joh._n xv._n 20._o put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o kill_v joh._n xvi_o 2._o all_o this_o they_o know_v and_o expect_v they_o go_v forth_o to_o preach_v a_o doctrine_n which_o by_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v account_v foolishness_n 1_o cor._n i._n 23._o and_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o man_n set_v forth_o of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n and_o make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n 1_o cor._n iu_o 9_o they_o hunger_v and_o thirst_v be_v naked_a and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n be_v revile_v they_o bless_v be_v persecute_v they_o suffer_v it_o be_v defame_v they_o entreat_v they_o be_v make_v the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n iu_o 11._o 2_o cor._n iu._n 8._o they_o constant_o and_o stout_o endure_v all_o that_o befall_v they_o rejoice_v
can_v not_o so_o easy_o as_o they_o desire_v get_v quit_v of_o that_o god_n who_o they_o use_v so_o confident_o to_o defy_v indeed_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o take_v a_o too_o effectual_a course_n to_o prevent_v this_o trouble_n they_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o keep_v their_o head_n day_n and_o night_n so_o full_a of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o their_o lust_n and_o vanity_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n can_v find_v no_o room_n and_o thus_o they_o constant_o busy_v their_o mind_n till_o sleep_n arrest_v they_o but_o take_v any_o think_v man_n that_o concern_v himself_o at_o all_o about_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n who_o be_v willing_a sometime_o to_o think_v what_o he_o be_v whence_o he_o come_v and_o whither_o he_o shall_v go_v when_o he_o die_v and_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o so_o full_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o he_o will_v find_v himself_o sometime_o afraid_a that_o there_o be_v and_o more_o especial_o when_o he_o think_v himself_o near_o die_v or_o in_o any_o great_a danger_n the_o bloody_a emperor_n that_o will_v own_v no_o god_n but_o himself_o will_v when_o it_o thunder_v run_v under_o his_o bed_n to_o hide_v himself_o and_o one_o that_o deny_v a_o god_n all_o his_o life_n long_o grow_v very_o sad_a upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o they_o who_o hear_v his_o sigh_n if_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v he_o sigh_v no_o say_v he_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o only_o i_o be_o think_v in_o what_o a_o sad_a condition_n i_o shall_v present_o be_v if_o there_o be_v one_o as_o i_o know_v not_o but_o there_o be_v and_o possible_o we_o may_v have_v hear_v of_o one_o too_o well_o know_v of_o many_o of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o many_o boast_n and_o great_a confidence_n he_o dare_v never_o be_v alone_o in_o the_o dark_a or_o go_v to_o sleep_v without_o a_o candle_n light_v up_o by_o he_o lay_v this_o together_o and_o then_o say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o fool_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n will_v needs_o be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v not_o he_o a_o fool_n who_o dare_v conclude_v that_o except_o himself_o and_o it_o may_v be_v two_o or_o three_o more_o just_a like_o himself_o who_o the_o world_n of_o all_o other_o can_v best_o spare_v and_o who_o it_o can_v hearty_o wish_v to_o be_v rid_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v either_o knave_n in_o make_v or_o fool_n in_o believe_v a_o lie_n 2._o but_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v yet_o capable_a of_o a_o far_a improvement_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v how_o and_o upon_o what_o account_n the_o whole_a world_n shall_v in_o this_o one_o point_n come_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a thing_n to_o find_v great_a multitude_n of_o people_n all_o of_o one_o mind_n about_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o near_a concernment_n if_o they_o be_v not_o very_o obvious_a and_o plain_a either_o to_o sense_n or_o reason_n man_n stand_v divide_v into_o contrary_a opinion_n about_o many_o thing_n and_o especial_o about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o as_o light_n and_o darkness_n even_o in_o their_o choice_n of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o worship_v how_o be_v it_o then_o that_o they_o all_o so_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o this_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n obvious_a to_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o all_o shall_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n give_v light_n to_o the_o world_n because_o they_o see_v it_o but_o they_o see_v not_o god._n how_o then_o be_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n unless_o this_o be_v as_o obvious_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o other_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o he_o that_o deny_v it_o must_v be_v a_o fool_n for_o deny_v what_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n i_o can_v think_v of_o no_o more_o but_o two_o way_n whereby_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v universal_o to_o consent_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o weighty_a concernment_n which_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o their_o sense_n either_o first_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o imprint_v in_o nature_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v be_v awake_a and_o consider_v thing_n but_o it_o must_v needs_o perceive_v it_o or_o second_o man_n have_v be_v teach_v it_o at_o first_o and_o have_v successive_o teach_v it_o to_o one_o another_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o take_v which_o we_o will_v of_o these_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n to_o believe_v it_o first_o if_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n imprint_v in_o nature_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o time_n and_o become_v invisible_a but_o so_o soon_o as_o man_n arrive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o can_v but_o see_v it_o then_o whosoever_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o fool._n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o fool_n who_o persuade_v or_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v himself_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o which_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o he_o to_o discern_v and_o which_o he_o can_v no_o soon_o open_v and_o use_v as_o he_o ought_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o look_v after_o but_o he_o must_v needs_o see_v it_o if_o then_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n general_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o other_o disagreement_n be_v agree_v in_o this_o belief_n then_o be_v it_o both_o reasonable_a and_o natural_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o believe_v it_o not_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a man_n but_o be_v defective_a in_o some_o faculty_n essential_a to_o mankind_n it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o he_o want_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n or_o because_o he_o will_v not_o use_v it_o and_o whichsoever_o it_o be_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o fool_n for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o to_o be_v a_o fool_n but_o either_o to_o want_v the_o common_a use_n of_o reason_n or_o to_o make_v no_o good_a use_n of_o it_o second_o if_o man_n have_v be_v at_o first_o teach_v this_o and_o so_o have_v teach_v it_o one_o another_o successive_o throughout_o all_o generation_n to_o this_o day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v universal_o receive_v as_o a_o truth_n by_o instruction_n and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o must_v also_o be_v account_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o true_a and_o that_o it_o can_v come_v original_o from_o no_o other_o but_o god_n himself_o yet_o here_o the_o atheist_n will_v needs_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v gain_v a_o considerable_a advantage_n some_o cunning_a man_n say_v he_o for_o end_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o will_v serve_v by_o it_o set_v abroach_o this_o opinion_n and_o most_o man_n see_v how_o useful_a it_o prove_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n and_o good_a government_n easy_o entertain_v it_o and_o ruler_n find_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o countenance_v it_o and_o have_v punish_v all_o that_o question_v it_o and_o thus_o though_o but_o a_o politic_a invention_n at_o first_o it_o have_v prevail_v at_o length_n as_o a_o certain_a truth_n now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o mere_a tradition_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o confess_v what_o be_v here_o say_v may_v seem_v more_o plausible_a and_o yet_o when_o well_o consider_v not_o very_o credible_a however_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o of_o the_o fool_n may-be's_a on_o which_o he_o be_v content_a to_o venture_v his_o soul_n and_o all_o his_o happiness_n and_o i_o think_v he_o no_o less_o a_o fool_n for_o that_o he_o imagine_v it_o may_v be_v thus_o but_o dare_v he_o say_v he_o know_v it_o be_v thus_o indeed_o no_o but_o he_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o all_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v any_o thing_n think_v true_a rather_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o world_n general_o have_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o
find_v many_o more_o and_o great_a in_o conceive_v how_o thing_n shall_v be_v as_o they_o be_v without_o a_o god._n seeing_n as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n let_v all_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n now_o judge_n whether_o he_o who_o make_v himself_o confident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v not_o past_a all_o dispute_n a_o very_a fool._n but_o now_o in_o vain_a have_v we_o all_o this_o while_n be_v consider_v the_o atheist_n folly_n if_o we_o ourselves_o resolve_v to_o be_v as_o much_o or_o great_a fool_n than_o he_o and_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o can_v be_v less_o foolish_a to_o live_v without_o any_o regard_n of_o god_n as_o too_o many_o among_o we_o seem_v to_o do_v who_o behave_v themselves_o so_o in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o god_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o or_o they_o with_o he_o or_o as_o though_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o they_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no._n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o none_o but_o fool_n deny_v this_o then_o be_v we_o to_o consider_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v necessary_o follow_v 1._o every_o one_o that_o be_v wise_a do_v take_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o confirm_v himself_o in_o so_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o doubt_v of_o it_o take_v heed_n therefore_o brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n heb._n iii_o 12._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n job_n xxviii_o 28._o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o behave_v himself_o religious_o towards_o god_n but_o this_o he_o can_v never_o do_v without_o firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n this_o belief_n be_v the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a point_n in_o religion_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n xi_o 6._o therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n let_v no_o one_o think_v himself_o excusable_a if_o he_o be_v not_o thorough_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n for_o no_o man_n live_v that_o have_v the_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o and_o be_v hold_v guiltless_a god_n have_v so_o many_o way_n manifest_v himself_o unto_o we_o that_o the_o blind_a heathen_a can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v not_o have_v mean_n enough_o of_o know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o if_o a_o heathen_a can_v have_v no_o excuse_n for_o his_o be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o who_o have_v but_o at_o most_o one_o half_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o every_o the_o most_o unlearned_a christian_a have_v how_o shall_v any_o ignorant_a christian_a be_v excuse_v though_o it_o be_v therefore_o too_o common_a a_o thing_n to_o hear_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n among_o we_o who_o both_o be_v of_o considerable_a age_n and_o also_o understanding_n and_o wise_a enough_o for_o the_o business_n of_o their_o worldly_a calling_n excuse_v their_o ignorance_n of_o god_n by_o their_o want_n of_o learning_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o can_v have_v no_o excuse_n at_o all_o for_o this_o ignorance_n it_o be_v their_o negligence_n and_o sloth_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o learn_v that_o keep_v they_o ignorant_a and_o for_o these_o there_o can_v be_v no_o excuse_n can_v any_o one_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o have_v hear_v enough_o if_o he_o will_v have_v mind_v it_o though_o he_o can_v read_v to_o convince_v he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v nay_o can_v any_o one_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o see_v enough_o every_o where_o to_o teach_v he_o this_o first_o and_o fundamental_a truth_n he_o that_o can_v read_v god_n word_n may_v yet_o if_o he_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a church_n hear_v it_o and_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o it_o and_o he_o that_o live_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n though_o he_o can_v see_v god_n himself_o yet_o he_o may_v every_o where_o see_v his_o work_n and_o in_o they_o all_o the_o be_v the_o power_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god._n nay_o if_o he_o can_v but_o eat_v and_o drink_v he_o may_v know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o feed_v he_o for_o he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o own_o power_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o creature_n to_o provide_v his_o food_n for_o he_o or_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o receive_v good_a by_o his_o food_n yet_o more_o no_o man_n how_o unlearned_a so_o ever_o he_o be_v can_v think_v serious_o of_o himself_o and_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v or_o how_o he_o live_v but_o he_o may_v easy_o discover_v a_o god_n that_o make_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o preserve_v he_o in_o be_v and_o life_n how_o inexcusable_a then_o must_v every_o one_o be_v for_o not_o learn_v that_o which_o every_o thing_n teach_v he_o and_o which_o he_o can_v but_o learn_v when_o he_o do_v but_o consider_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v something_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v none_o of_o we_o think_v it_o a_o needless_a thing_n very_o often_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n if_o we_o do_v not_o much_o consider_v it_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o vain_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v so_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o god_n manifest_v himself_o so_o full_o and_o so_o various_o to_o we_o consideration_n must_v make_v our_o knowledge_n useful_a to_o we_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o depend_v whole_o upon_o he_o and_o must_v needs_o owe_v a_o duty_n to_o he_o yet_o though_o we_o may_v know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n if_o we_o keep_v it_o not_o in_o mind_n and_o think_v but_o little_a of_o it_o our_o knowledge_n can_v have_v little_a influence_n on_o our_o life_n and_o behaviour_n but_o we_o shall_v demean_v ourselves_o as_o careless_o and_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o secure_v and_o unconcern_v how_o we_o live_v as_o though_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v or_o think_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god._n yea_o not_o to_o consider_v and_o have_v this_o much_o in_o our_o thought_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o inexcusable_a in_o we_o than_o not_o to_o know_v it_o at_o all_o as_o he_o who_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o deserve_v to_o be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n than_o he_o that_o do_v not_o his_o will_n mere_o because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o luke_n xii_o 47._o so_o he_o that_o consider_v not_o much_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n when_o he_o know_v it_o seem_v more_o blame-worthy_a than_o he_o who_o do_v not_o know_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v consider_v it_o both_o be_v faulty_a and_o can_v have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o but_o he_o that_o know_v and_o consider_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v more_o faulty_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o may_v be_v plead_v against_o he_o the_o one_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n when_o he_o may_v know_v he_o the_o other_o set_v light_a by_o god_n when_o he_o know_v he_o the_o one_o not_o know_v god_n know_v not_o how_o much_o he_o deserve_v his_o thought_n the_o other_o though_o he_o know_v he_o yet_o carry_v himself_o so_o towards_o he_o as_o if_o he_o think_v he_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v think_v upon_o he_o like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o his_o knowledge_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o rom._n i._n 28._o as_o then_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v and_o believe_v it_o that_o so_o we_o understand_v how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o live_v as_o we_o list_v have_v one_o over_o we_o to_o who_o we_o must_v be_v accountable_a even_o for_o every_o idle_a word_n mat._n xii_o 36._o so_o when_o we_o know_v this_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o necessary_a we_o shall_v much_o consider_v and_o think_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n unto_o all_o please_a col._n i._n 10._o and_o not_o wilful_o or_o giddy_o run_v upon_o our_o own_o destruction_n by_o disregard_v he_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a terrible_a thing_n to_o the_o ignorant_a person_n at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o meet_v with_o a_o god_n of_o who_o he_o never_o know_v and_o then_o to_o reflect_v thus_o upon_o himself_o have_v i_o be_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o fool_n i_o may_v have_v know_v this_o god_n to_o my_o eternal_a comfort_n who_o now_o i_o find_v to_o my_o