must_v all_o their_o perfection_n and_o qualification_n too_o for_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o most_o noble_a thing_n in_o their_o nature_n knowledge_n therefore_o and_o wisdom_n thought_n and_o reason_v and_o all_o the_o excellent_a power_n and_o faculty_n that_o be_v find_v in_o any_o creature_n must_v come_v from_o the_o same_o power_n that_o produce_v those_o being_n and_o nature_n in_o which_o they_o be_v inherent_a and_o if_o these_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n be_v derive_v from_o this_o necessary_o existent_a be_v they_o must_v certain_o be_v in_o he_o in_o the_o great_a perfection_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o in_o he_o they_o can_v not_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o since_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v give_v or_o communicate_v to_o another_o either_o what_o it_o have_v not_o itself_o or_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v master_n of_o this_o eternal_a and_o self-existent_a be_v therefore_o must_v have_v in_o it_o and_o that_o in_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n all_o the_o excellency_n that_o we_o admire_v and_o value_v in_o any_o other_o thing_n it_o must_v have_v the_o power_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o be_v almighty_a it_o must_v know_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v and_o therefore_o be_v omniscient_a in_o a_o word_n it_o must_v be_v alwise_a and_o good_a just_a and_o true_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a and_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o possible_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n now_o this_o may_v very_o well_o pass_v for_o a_o description_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n that_o can_v but_o think_v at_o all_o and_o it_o give_v we_o such_o a_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o we_o see_v be_v easy_o attainable_a by_o a_o obvious_a and_o familiar_a chain_n of_o consequence_n and_o which_o put_v our_o mind_n not_o at_o all_o on_o the_o wrack_n to_o conceive_v as_o for_o the_o word_n infinite_a which_o be_v often_o apply_v to_o god_n and_o which_o these_o gentleman_n quarrel_v so_o much_o at_o and_o of_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v any_o conception_n or_o idea_n i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v groundless_o and_o precarious_o assert_v and_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o wilful_a darkness_n and_o confusion_n which_o they_o have_v bring_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n can_v make_v it_o appear_v unintelligible_a for_o as_o the_o excellent_a dr._n cudworth_n have_v prove_v the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o infinite_a be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o we_o have_v of_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o power_n wisdom_n or_o goodness_n we_o mean_v by_o it_o that_o he_o be_v most_o perfect_o or_o complete_o so_o and_o that_o he_o want_v nothing_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o render_v he_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a in_o that_o respect_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v of_o he_o now_o a_o be_v that_o any_o way_n be_v deficient_a or_o imperfect_a and_o that_o have_v not_o all_o the_o possible_a excellency_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v finite_a and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o it_o be_v defective_a thus_o for_o instance_n those_o being_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o time_n which_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o will_v have_v a_o end_n be_v finite_a or_o imperfect_a as_o to_o their_o existence_n but_o god_n who_o be_v be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v who_o be_v and_o will_v be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a he_o be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v infinite_a 150._o or_o perfect_a as_o to_o existence_n or_o duration_n for_o there_o be_v no_o restriction_n limitation_n or_o imperfection_n in_o his_o nature_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o there_o be_v in_o that_o of_o all_o creature_n whatever_o a_o be_v who_o power_n extend_v to_o but_o a_o few_o thing_n be_v very_o imperfect_a or_o finite_a in_o power_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o possible_a thing_n that_o it_o can_v do_v it_o be_v still_o so_o far_o imperfect_a in_o power_n but_o a_o be_v that_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o contradictory_n to_o his_o nature_n or_o all_o possible_a thing_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v infinite_a or_o perfect_a in_o power_n or_o almighty_a so_o a_o be_v that_o know_v all_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v know_v be_v infinite_a or_o perfect_a in_o knowledge_n and_o the_o like_a of_o any_o other_o attribute_n or_o perfection_n in_o all_o the_o comparison_n or_o proportion_n be_v the_o same_o a_o be_v that_o want_v no_o degree_n of_o excellency_n or_o perfection_n be_v god_n infinite_a in_o power_n wisdom_n justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o be_v want_v any_o one_o or_o any_o degree_n or_o proportion_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v finite_a and_o imperfect_a and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n or_o proportion_n now_o where_o be_v the_o inconceivableness_n confusion_n absurdity_n and_o nonsense_n of_o all_o this_o be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_a to_o conceive_v or_o apprehend_v that_o a_o be_v may_v have_v in_o his_o nature_n all_o possible_a perfection_n as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o one_o that_o be_v imperfect_a and_o deficient_a for_o how_o come_v the_o idea_n of_o imperfection_n into_o our_o mind_n how_o come_v we_o to_o know_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v finite_a defective_a and_o limit_v unless_o we_o have_v also_o a_o idea_n or_o notion_n of_o infinity_o or_o perfection_n how_o can_v we_o know_v what_o be_v want_v in_o any_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o be_v most_o certain_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v have_v as_o true_a and_o clear_a a_o idea_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n x._o and_o in_o fact_n it_o be_v most_o notorious_o true_a that_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v have_v and_o do_v still_o appear_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v impress_v there_o i_o doubt_v not_o by_o the_o peculiar_a care_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o merciful_a be_v himself_o and_o therefore_o those_o that_o assert_v that_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v any_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n nor_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o on_o that_o account_n deny_v his_o existence_n discover_v such_o wretched_a ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o obstinacy_n that_o they_o be_v real_o a_o disgrace_n to_o humane_a nature_n for_o pretend_v to_o be_v over-wise_a they_o become_v fool_n they_o be_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n have_v debauch_v their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o though_o god_n be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o since_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v yet_o their_o wickedness_n and_o pride_n be_v such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n from_o which_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o stupidity_n may_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n deliver_v they_o by_o the_o gracious_a illumination_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o who_o with_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o rich._n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mr._n harris_n sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n january_n the_o 3d._n 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esquire_n his_o remark_n on_o some_o late_a paper_n relate_v to_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n dr._n woodward_n natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n dr._n abbadie_n vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n a_o serious_a proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o true_a and_o great_a interest_n part_v i._o by_o a_o lover_n of_o her_o sex_n the_o three_o edition_n in_o twelves_o a_o serious_a proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n part_v ii_o wherein_o a_o method_n be_v offer_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o twelves_o letter_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n between_o the_o author_n of_o the_o proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n and_o mr._n john_n norris_n in_o octavo_n a_o answer_n to_o w._n p._n his_o key_n about_o the_o quaker_n light_v within_o and_o oath_n with_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o octavo_n a_o letter_n to_o the_o honourable_a sir_n robert_n howard_n together_o with_o
spirit_n such_o a_o turn_v and_o air_n of_o countenance_n as_o argue_v a_o proud_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o troth_n on_o in_o the_o common_a road_n believe_v and_o worship_v a_o god_n and_o poor_o submit_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o law_n and_o precept_n and_o thus_o have_v dispatch_v my_o two_o first_o particular_n and_o show_v that_o wickedness_n and_o pride_n be_v two_o great_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n observable_a in_o my_o text_n viz._n iii_o the_o great_a charge_n which_o the_o psalmist_n bring_v against_o the_o wicked_a person_n here_o mention_v that_o he_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n but_o this_o i_o must_v leave_v for_o my_o next_o discourse_n and_o shall_v now_o conclude_v with_o a_o word_n or_o two_o by_o way_n of_o application_n since_o the_o case_n stand_v thus_o that_o wickedness_n in_o general_n and_o pride_n in_o particular_a do_v so_o natural_o lead_v to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n and_o that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o imagine_v a_o man_n can_v entertain_v such_o a_o opinion_n without_o they_o let_v every_o one_o then_o that_o have_v any_o inclination_n or_o temptation_n that_o way_n serious_o examine_v his_o own_o mind_n whether_o he_o be_v not_o prejudice_v towards_o it_o by_o some_o vicious_a desire_n and_o affection_n whether_o he_o do_v not_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o religion_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o by_o his_o past_a action_n real_o load_v himself_o with_o guilt_n and_o therefore_o be_v disturb_v in_o his_o mind_n with_o the_o apprehension_n that_o the_o divine_a punishment_n will_v overtake_v he_o and_o light_n upon_o he_o for_o his_o sin_n let_v he_o search_v diligent_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o recourse_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o a_o opiate_n in_o this_o case_n to_o allay_v the_o pain_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o to_o compose_v the_o disorder_n of_o his_o guilty_a mind_n and_o to_o gain_v as_o it_o be_v a_o insensibility_n in_o sin_v for_o if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o be_v not_o free_a and_o at_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n he_o be_v already_o a_o party_n and_o much_o more_o incline_v to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n than_o to_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o he_o will_v pitch_v on_o that_o as_o truth_n which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a partial_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o such_o as_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v use_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o engage_v one_o self_n rash_o in_o a_o determination_n before_o a_o thorough_a and_o careful_a examination_n of_o the_o evidence_n on_o both_o side_n this_o be_v to_o look_v on_o thing_n in_o a_o false_a light_n through_o colour_a glass_n through_o disease_a and_o icterical_a eye_n and_o then_o to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v in_o reality_n what_o our_o deprave_a and_o prejudicate_a apprehension_n make_v they_o the_o enemy_n to_o religion_n say_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v mind_v the_o argument_n they_o bring_v be_v all_o force_a and_o strain_v because_o it_o be_v their_o trade_n and_o they_o get_v money_n by_o it_o and_o their_o craft_n oblige_v they_o to_o cry_v out_o great_a be_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n i_o hope_v therefore_o this_o be_v so_o precarious_a and_o partial_a a_o way_n of_o proceed_v to_o subscribe_v to_o religion_n by_o implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o take_v it_o up_o upon_o trust_n from_o those_o who_o interest_n they_o say_v it_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v i_o say_v that_o man_n will_v not_o act_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o embrace_v atheism_n and_o infidelity_n on_o the_o same_o precarious_a ground_n i_o hope_v all_o such_o person_n can_v clear_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o moral_a in_o their_o inclination_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o have_v no_o strong_a inclination_n to_o such_o action_n as_o the_o world_n call_v vicious_a for_o if_o they_o have_v and_o do_v take_v real_a pleasure_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o wickedness_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o must_v be_v prejudice_v and_o bigoted_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o humour_n they_o can_v be_v free-thinker_n in_o the_o case_n the_o clog_n of_o ill_a custom_n and_o a_o loose_a education_n bear_v they_o down_o and_o they_o can_v shake_v they_o off_o their_o present_a interest_n influence_n and_o govern_v their_o belief_n and_o enslave_v and_o tyrannizes_n over_o their_o reason_n let_v they_o consider_v impartial_o the_o argument_n for_o infidelity_n and_o they_o will_v find_v they_o all_o force_v and_o strain_a paradox_n invent_v by_o sceptical_a and_o cant_v philosopher_n a_o crafty_a and_o design_v sort_n of_o man_n who_o set_v up_o atheism_n because_o they_o get_v by_o it_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o religion_n let_v not_o therefore_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a and_o blind_a as_o to_o talk_v of_o prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o never_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v any_o at_o all_o on_o that_o of_o infidelity_n if_o they_o scorn_v to_o take_v up_o religion_n on_o trust_n without_o examine_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n let_v they_o be_v as_o cautious_a and_o inquisitive_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o not_o run_v hood-winked_n into_o eternal_a destruction_n by_o subscribe_v to_o atheism_n in_o haste_n and_o without_o that_o previous_a consideration_n and_o regard_n which_o so_o great_a and_o important_a a_o affair_n require_v for_o if_o they_o will_v but_o strip_v themselves_o of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o their_o vice_n and_o avoid_v be_v impetuous_o bear_v down_o by_o their_o deprave_a inclination_n they_o will_v soon_o perceive_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n be_v abundant_o too_o precarious_a to_o afford_v they_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o demonstrative_a assurance_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o religion_n without_o which_o sure_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o that_o can_v think_v at_o all_o will_v ever_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o damnation_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o rich._n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n dr_n woodward_n natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n remark_n on_o some_o late_a paper_n relate_v to_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o j._n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n in_o octavo_n dr._n abbadie_n vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n a_o serious_a proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o true_a and_o great_a interest_n part_v i._o by_o a_o lover_n of_o their_o sex_n the_o three_o edition_n in_o twelves_o a_o serious_a proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n part_v ii_o wherein_o a_o method_n be_v offer_v for_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o twelves_o letter_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n between_o the_o author_n of_o the_o proposal_n to_o the_o lady_n and_o mr._n john_n norris_n in_o octavo_n a_o answer_n to_o w._n p._n his_o key_n about_o the_o quaker_n light_v within_o and_o oath_n with_o a_o appendix_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o octavo_n a_o letter_n to_o the_o honourable_a sir_n robert_n howard_n together_o with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a in_o octavo_n now_o in_o the_o press_n discourse_n on_o several_a practical_a subject_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_a w._n payne_n d.d._n with_o a_o preface_n give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n write_n and_o death_n in_o octavo_n the_o atheist_n objection_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n refute_v a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 7_o the_o 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o second_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o psal._n x._o 4_o the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n in_o these_o word_n i_o have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o three_o particular_n i._n the_o general_a character_n or_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n here_o mention_v which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man._n
ii_o the_o particular_a kind_a of_o wickedness_n or_o origin_n from_o whence_o the_o spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n do_v chief_o proceed_v and_o that_o be_v pride_n the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n etc._n etc._n iii_o the_o great_a charge_n which_o the_o psalmist_n bring_v against_o the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o in_o my_o text_n viz._n wilful_a atheism_n and_o infidelity_n he_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o dispatch_v and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o discourse_v on_o my_o three_o head_n viz._n the_o great_a charge_n here_o bring_v against_o this_o wicked_a person_n that_o he_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n neither_o be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o thought_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n with_o good_a ground_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v from_o the_o hebrew_n all_o his_o thought_n be_v there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o appear_v to_o i_o to_o imply_v a_o wilful_a and_o malicious_a slight_n and_o contemn_v of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o a_o endeavour_n to_o banish_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o his_o existence_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o under_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o enumerate_v all_o the_o pretend_a argument_n and_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n in_o general_a and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o weak_a and_o inconclusive_a they_o be_v and_o how_o miserable_a a_o support_n they_o will_v prove_v for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o first_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a brief_o to_o clear_v up_o one_o point_n and_o to_o obviate_v one_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o this_o very_a attempt_n of_o i_o of_o refute_v and_o answer_v the_o atheist_n argument_n and_o objection_n it_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o nor_o ever_o perhaps_o be_v in_o the_o world_n any_o such_o person_n as_o a_o speculative_a atheist_n or_o one_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v say_v with_o great_a assurance_n by_o some_o that_o the_o ancient_a atheist_n be_v only_o such_o as_o declare_v against_o the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o one_o very_o late_o apology_n that_o he_o have_v travel_v many_o country_n and_o can_v never_o meet_v with_o any_o atheist_n which_o be_v few_o if_o any_o and_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o clamour_n say_v he_o be_v against_o castle_n in_o the_o air._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o clear_a than_o that_o both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n do_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v know_v and_o repute_v atheist_n by_o those_o that_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o and_o do_v well_o understand_v their_o principle_n and_o tenet_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o proof_n from_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o plato_n diogenes_n laertius_n plutarch_n cicero_n and_o many_o other_o do_v acquaint_v we_o that_o such_o kind_n of_o man_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n though_o i_o shall_v particular_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o two_o author_n one_o ancient_a and_o the_o other_o it_o be_v probable_a now_o live_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n and_o these_o be_v sextus_n empiricus_n and_o he_o that_o write_v the_o thought_n on_o the_o comet_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o year_n 1680._o sextus_n be_v express_v 1621._o that_o diagoras_n melius_n prodicus_n chius_n euemerus_n critias_n atheniensis_fw-la theodorus_n and_o many_o other_o be_v absolute_a atheist_n and_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o god_n at_o all_o and_o the_o french_a gentleman_n 531._o say_v the_o same_o of_o most_o of_o those_o mention_v by_o sextus_n and_o other_o ancient_a writer_n and_o to_o the_o number_n add_v some_o other_o of_o a_o modern_a date_n and_o mr._n blount_n say_v 96._o that_o the_o epicurean_o constant_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o go_n now_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o author_n will_n i_o hope_v be_v allow_v because_o they_o seem_v wellwisher_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n themselves_o to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v be_v it_o necessary_a that_o vaninus_n himself_o tell_v we_o frequent_o of_o atheist_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o and_o no_o one_o will_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o know_v where_o to_o find_v one_o at_o any_o time_n and_o he_o call_v machiavelli_n express_o atheorum_fw-la facilè_fw-la princeps_fw-la 35._o but_o indeed_o this_o assertion_n of_o these_o gentleman_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n be_v like_o most_o other_o thing_n that_o they_o advance_v uncertain_a and_o precarious_a and_o often_o contradict_v by_o what_o at_o other_o time_n they_o deliver_v for_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o company_n for_o reason_n that_o be_v very_o obvious_a unwilling_a to_o take_v the_o title_n of_o atheist_n on_o themselves_o or_o their_o party_n yet_o they_o be_v often_o ready_a enough_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o other_o and_o when_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o their_o purpose_n will_v insinuate_v 84._o that_o the_o great_a light_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v as_o little_a of_o religion_n as_o themselves_o but_o i_o say_v also_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o to_o declare_v so_o to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o atheist_n because_o he_o do_v not_o open_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o company_n there_o be_v no_o writer_n so_o insincere_a as_o these_o kind_n of_o gentleman_n they_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o tender_a how_o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o the_o law_n vaninus_n himself_o though_o he_o do_v at_o last_o suffer_v death_n mad_o for_o his_o infidelity_n as_o one_o 54._o say_v of_o he_o that_o die_v as_o mad_o himself_o yet_o be_v he_o very_o cautious_a and_o careful_a in_o his_o write_n how_o he_o render_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o inquisition_n and_o he_o declare_v 1615._o that_o he_o will_v submit_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n so_o a_o gentleman_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n though_o he_o endeavour_n as_o effectual_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a underhand_o to_o ridicule_n and_o undermine_v religion_n yet_o he_o will_v say_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a and_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mighty_a veneration_n for_o god_n and_o his_o law_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o discover_v his_o true_a principle_n and_o design_n for_o he_o declare_v preface_n that_o he_o think_v it_o much_o safe_a to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o to_o pin_v his_o faith_n always_o on_o my_o lord_n of_o canterbury_n '_o s_o sleeve_n as_o he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v and_o subscribe_v to_o any_o ridiculous_a legend_n rather_o than_o incur_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o popish_a clergy_n as_o he_o base_o call_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o most_o excellent_a protestant_a church_n for_o the_o same_o laudable_a reason_n also_o he_o forbear_v communicate_v what_o he_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o think_v truth_n to_o mankind_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o many_o place_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n of_o honour_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o speak_v their_o mind_n nor_o discover_v their_o true_a sentiment_n plain_o to_o the_o world_n we_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n conclude_v over-hasty_o of_o their_o orthodoxy_n by_o what_o they_o say_v in_o discourse_n at_o some_o time_n or_o publish_v in_o print_n at_o other_o but_o in_o short_a if_o they_o 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all_o this_o the_o greek_a and_o the_o barbarian_a both_o say_v the_o islander_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o continent_n the_o wise_a and_o the_o unwise_a alike_o aristotle_n say_v 3._o that_o all_o man_n have_v a_o pre-notion_n concern_v the_o god_n even_o both_o greek_n and_o barbarian_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n to_o this_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n which_o our_o forefather_n have_v hand_v down_o to_o posterity_n in_o a_o mythological_a dress_n that_o there_o be_v god_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n sustain_v or_o encompass_v all_o thing_n but_o this_o tradition_n he_o say_v have_v in_o process_n of_o time_n some_o figment_n connect_v with_o it_o as_o that_o the_o god_n have_v humane_a shape_v or_o those_o of_o other_o creature_n etc._n etc._n which_o if_o we_o separate_v from_o it_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o at_o first_o divine_o speak_v and_o deliver_v that_o the_o god_n be_v the_o first_o being_n 1654._o many_o more_o testimony_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v this_o point_n that_o it_o be_v the_o concurrent_a opinion_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a writer_n that_o there_o be_v a_o common_a notion_n or_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o these_o i_o think_v be_v sufficient_a and_o now_o what_o can_v the_o atheist_n say_v to_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o this_o what_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o it_o have_v be_v believe_v by_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a way_n of_o argue_v from_o authority_n that_o aristotle_n use_v in_o his_o topic_n that_o say_v he_o which_o seem_v true_a to_o some_o wise_a man_n aught_o to_o appear_v a_o little_a probable_a what_o most_o wise_a man_n believe_v be_v yet_o further_o probable_a and_o what_o most_o man_n both_o wise_a and_o unwise_a do_v agree_v in_o be_v much_o more_o 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demonstration_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o inconsistent_a with_o what_o at_o other_o time_n they_o deliver_v thus_o sometime_o they_o will_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a idea_n or_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n at_o other_o time_n they_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o but_o that_o it_o be_v coin_v and_o invent_v by_o some_o cunning_a politician_n a_o long_a while_n ago_o before_o any_o book_n or_o history_n be_v write_v and_o by_o he_o communicate_v by_o tradition_n to_o posterity_n but_o here_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o this_o will_v necessary_o derive_v all_o mankind_n from_o one_o common_a parent_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n they_o will_v at_o another_o time_n by_o no_o mean_n admit_v of_o lest_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o countenance_v the_o story_n of_o adam_n or_o noah_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o old_a jewish_a tradition_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o account_v for_o the_o people_n of_o america_n and_o all_o island_n remote_a from_o the_o continent_n without_o suppose_v their_o inhabitant_n to_o be_v aborigines_n and_o to_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n like_o mushroom_n and_o then_o to_o account_v for_o the_o general_n notion_n that_o they_o can_v deny_v these_o aborigines_n have_v of_o a_o god_n as_o before_o they_o make_v one_o wise_a man_n invent_v it_o now_o they_o will_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o hundred_o such_o cunning_a politician_n who_o though_o in_o different_a place_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v all_o light_n by_o chance_n on_o the_o very_a same_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o abuse_v and_o cheat_v mankind_n just_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a and_o ridiculous_a assertion_n that_o ever_o can_v possible_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o contradictory_n to_o the_o former_a yet_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o that_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o shall_v be_v suppose_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o allow_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v a_o real_a foundation_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o find_v man_n that_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o clear_a light_n to_o go_v forward_o and_o backward_o and_o often_o time_n run_v against_o each_o other_o in_o the_o dark_a maze_n of_o error_n those_o must_v needs_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n who_o neglect_v his_o guidance_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o light_n and_o that_o spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o those_o no_o doubt_n may_v easy_o miss_v of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n who_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v not_o seek_v after_o he_o and_o all_o who_o thought_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o rich._n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n immorality_n and_o pride_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n january_n the_o 3_o d._n 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n in_o quarto_n the_o atheist_n objection_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n refute_v a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 7_o the_o 1697_o 8._o be_v the_o second_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n in_o quarto_n remark_n on_o some_o late_a paper_n relate_v to_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n all_o three_o by_o j._n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n dr._n woodward_n natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o octavo_n dr._n abbadie_n vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o octavo_n the_o atheist_n objection_n against_o the_o immaterial_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o incorporeal_a substance_n refute_v in_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 4_o the_o and_o may_v 2_o d._n 1698._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o john_n four_o 24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o our_o bless_a lord_n in_o his_o way_n into_o galilee_n pass_v through_o sychar_n a_o city_n of_o samaria_n near_o to_o which_o be_v the_o famous_a well_o of_o the_o patriarch_n jacob._n to_o this_o well_o our_o saviour_n go_v to_o refresh_v himself_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o as_o he_o always_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v do_v good_a take_v occasion_n from_o a_o woman_n come_v to_o draw_v water_n to_o discourse_v with_o she_o about_o the_o business_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o which_o he_o first_o give_v she_o some_o proof_n of_o his_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n from_o whence_o she_o just_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n or_o a_o person_n enrich_v with_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o qualification_n she_o ask_v he_o concern_v one_o great_a point_n that_o have_v be_v long_o in_o dispute_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n i._n e._n about_o the_o true_a place_n for_o religious_a worship_n the_o jew_n right_o assert_v jerusalem_n to_o be_v the_o place_n where_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_n the_o samaritan_n contend_v that_o
wise_a powerful_a just_a and_o good_a god_n though_o corporeal_a why_o shall_v not_o these_o gentleman_n look_v upon_o themselves_o oblige_v to_o obey_v such_o a_o god_n as_o well_o as_o a_o spiritual_a one_o why_o do_v they_o quarrel_v with_o and_o cast_v off_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o reject_v and_o despise_v his_o reveal_v will_n be_v not_o a_o corporeal_a deity_n according_a to_o their_o notion_n true_o a_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n be_v not_o he_o the_o first_o cause_n maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o he_o as_o fit_v and_o worthy_a to_o be_v worship_v as_o well_o as_o a_o spiritual_a one_o and_o can_v such_o a_o deity_n acquaint_v his_o creature_n how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v can_v he_o reward_v they_o for_o so_o do_v and_o punish_v they_o for_o offend_v against_o he_o equal_o as_o if_o he_o be_v incorporeal_a if_o he_o can_v indeed_o then_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o bare_a speculation_n in_o the_o case_n and_o there_o must_v be_v some_o substantial_a reason_n why_o deist_n and_o antiscripturist_n be_v always_o corporealist_n and_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o god_n of_o the_o corporealist_n be_v not_o the_o true_a deity_n whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v but_o a_o blind_a stupid_a senseless_a idol_n that_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o name_n of_o god_n wicked_o apply_v to_o it_o it_o be_v only_a nature_n or_o a_o plastic_a power_n in_o nature_n the_o whole_a mass_n of_o or_o some_o sine_fw-la subtle_a and_o active_a part_n of_o matter_n in_o rapid_a motion_n without_o any_o understanding_n 190._o wisdom_n or_o design_n without_o liberty_n of_o will_n or_o freedom_n of_o action_n but_o physical_o and_o mechanical_o necessary_a in_o all_o its_o operation_n their_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o herodotus_n speak_v he_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o necessity_n and_o can_v possible_o himself_o avoid_v the_o destine_a fate_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a if_o god_n be_v not_o a_o free_a agent_n nothing_o else_o can_v for_o all_o thing_n flow_v from_o he_o by_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n etc._n or_o be_v part_n of_o he_o as_o spinoza_n assert_n they_o must_v be_v under_o the_o same_o necessity_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o he_o say_v plain_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v determine_v to_o operate_v be_v so_o determine_v necessary_o by_o god_n and_o can_v not_o act_v at_o all_o if_o god_n do_v not_o thus_o necessary_o determine_v it_o 24._o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v be_v call_v free_a but_o be_v only_o a_o necessary_a cause_n 28._o and_o in_o another_o place_n 36._o he_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o final_a cause_n in_o nature_n they_o be_v only_o the_o ignorant_a figment_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v govern_v by_o absolute_a necessity_n a_o while_n after_o this_o 37._o he_o assert_v man_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a machine_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v only_o those_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o cause_n that_o say_v he_o be_v thus_o fine_o form_v by_o any_o art_n or_o design_n or_o who_o attribute_n his_o composition_n to_o any_o supernatural_a wisdom_n and_o then_o at_o last_o he_o come_v to_o the_o great_a point_n on_o which_o all_o this_o philosophy_n turn_v which_o be_v that_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o by_o nature_n but_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o they_o come_v only_o from_o man_n mistake_v opinion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v for_o they_o and_o who_o therefore_o call_v that_o good_a which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o fancy_n and_o that_o evil_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o by_o which_o short_a connexion_n of_o their_o opinion_n it_o be_v clear_a enough_o why_o spinoza_n be_v a_o corporealist_n as_o also_o why_o mr._n hobbs_n advance_v the_o same_o notion_n and_o i_o doubt_v those_o that_o espouse_v the_o same_o opinion_n now_o adays_o know_v too_o well_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o but_o of_o the_o precariousness_n of_o these_o notion_n i_o must_v say_v no_o more_o now_o design_v particular_o to_o confute_v they_o hereafter_o as_o they_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o obligation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n finis_fw-la advertisement_n remark_n on_o some_o late_a paper_n relate_v to_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o to_o the_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n in_o octavo_n discourse_n on_o several_a practical_a subject_n by_o the_o late_a reverend_a william_n payne_n d._n d._n with_o a_o preface_n give_v some_o account_n of_o his_o life_n write_n and_o death_n both_o print_v for_o richard_n wilkin_n a_o refutation_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n the_o five_o 1698._o be_v the_o six_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a_o and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o jerem._n ix_o 24_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n who_o exercise_n love_v kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n pride_n and_o vainglory_n be_v thing_n which_o human_a nature_n be_v strange_o subject_a to_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o so_o mean_a but_o who_o judge_n that_o he_o have_v something_o or_o other_o that_o he_o may_v just_o be_v proud_a of_o and_o value_v himself_o for_o but_o as_o pride_n be_v folly_n in_o the_o general_n so_o it_o apparent_o discover_v itself_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o those_o man_n be_v usual_o most_o vain_a who_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o and_o that_o too_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o least_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o thus_o as_o the_o prophet_n intimate_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n man_n frequent_o glory_n in_o bodily_a strength_n in_o beauty_n and_o agility_n and_o in_o the_o affluence_n of_o external_a possession_n thing_n which_o be_v the_o mean_a appurtenance_n to_o our_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v neither_o in_o our_o power_n to_o get_v nor_o keep_v wisdom_n indeed_o and_o judgement_n learning_n and_o part_n wit_n and_o penetration_n and_o all_o the_o noble_a endowment_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a intrinsic_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o esteem_v ourselves_o for_o they_o than_o for_o all_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n or_o any_o bodily_a excellency_n but_o yet_o let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n neither_o though_o as_o the_o targum_fw-la on_o the_o place_n hint_n it_o be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o solomon_n himself_o for_o we_o have_v in_o reality_n no_o just_a ground_n to_o value_v ourselves_o for_o even_o this_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v it_o but_o in_o a_o very_a slender_a proportion_n and_o that_o our_o high_a knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o modesty_n and_o humility_n of_o true_o know_v man_n increase_v with_o their_o learning_n and_o experience_n their_o be_v raise_v something_o above_o the_o common_a level_n instead_o of_o lessen_v and_o shorten_n in_o their_o eye_n the_o stature_n of_o other_o man_n increase_v their_o prospect_n of_o a_o boundless_a field_n of_o knowledge_n all_o around_o they_o the_o more_o of_o which_o they_o discover_v the_o more_o they_o find_v yet_o undiscovered_a but_o he_o that_o know_v but_o little_a vain_o think_v he_o know_v every_o thing_n and_o judge_n all_o be_v empty_a and_o void_a that_o be_v without_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o scanty_a horizon_n another_o great_a vanity_n there_o be_v also_o in_o pride_n which_o be_v that_o man_n be_v frequent_o conceit_v and_o proud_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v the_o least_o share_n of_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o such_o action_n as_o do_v plain_o discover_v their_o defect_n for_o usual_o those_o man_n be_v most_o forward_o to_o talk_v of_o learning_n who_o be_v least_o acquaint_v with_o book_n and_o those_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n about_o and_o pretension_n to_o philosophy_n who_o have_v the_o least_o insight_n into_o nature_n those_o who_o talk_v most_o of_o certainty_n and_o demonstration_n have_v usual_o the_o most_o confuse_a idea_n and_o the_o most_o superficial_a notion_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v the_o far_a of_o all_o man_n from_o true_a
just_a and_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o proceed_n and_o that_o he_o always_o execute_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o delight_n in_o these_o thing_n our_o adversary_n indeed_o do_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a that_o can_v be_v take_v from_o any_o common_a rule_n or_o from_o the_o object_n themselves_o but_o only_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o person_n that_o use_v they_o who_o call_v that_o good_a which_o he_o love_v and_o that_o evil_a which_o he_o hate_v 37._o that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n by_o his_o irresisistible_a power_n and_o that_o in_o that_o be_v found_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o and_o not_o in_o any_o principle_n of_o gratitude_n to_o he_o 187._o for_o benefit_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o that_o justice_n be_v found_v in_o power_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v enact_v by_o a_o sovereign_a power_n can_v be_v unjust_a the_o groundlessness_n of_o which_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a notion_n i_o shall_v full_o show_v in_o a_o subsequent_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o now_o observe_v that_o this_o way_n of_o deprive_v the_o deity_n of_o these_o most_o excellent_a and_o lovely_a attribute_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o make_v he_o to_o act_n only_o according_a to_o the_o arbitrary_a dictate_v of_o irresistible_a power_n give_v we_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o devil_n instead_o of_o a_o deity_n of_o a_o absolute_a tyrant_n instead_o of_o a_o righteous_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sober_a and_o considerate_a sentiment_n of_o all_o mankind_n motive_n in_o who_o mind_n a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v found_v and_o who_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v without_o do_v great_a violence_n to_o themselves_o to_o assert_v that_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o guide_v in_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n shall_v not_o do_v right_a they_o see_v the_o comeliness_n and_o loveliness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o good_a and_o just_a action_n among_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v suppose_v that_o a_o infinite_a and_o almighty_a be_v can_v do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o deviation_n from_o those_o rule_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n that_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n but_o that_o god_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o possess_v and_o sustain_v all_o thing_n can_v make_v use_n of_o any_o indirect_a mean_n to_o procure_v himself_o happiness_n or_o to_o stave_v off_o misery_n since_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n give_v he_o all_o the_o one_o and_o secure_v he_o from_o all_o the_o other_o and_o they_o which_o certain_o never_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v any_o action_n that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v suitable_a to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o good_a and_o just_a man_n but_o will_v on_o just_a ground_n conclude_v that_o whatever_o excellence_n or_o perfection_n they_o can_v any_o way_n discover_v to_o be_v in_o a_o good_a man_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o high_a proportion_n in_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o deity_n must_v be_v most_o righteous_a just_a and_o good_a and_o most_o kind_a merciful_a and_o gracious_a in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o creature_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o by_o consider_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o and_o attribute_v they_o in_o the_o high_a proportion_n to_o that_o supreme_a be_v the_o deity_n from_o whence_o they_o must_v all_o be_v derive_v we_o may_v attain_v to_o a_o good_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o property_n and_o attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o may_v find_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a reason_n and_o to_o philosophical_a truth_n and_o consequent_o conclude_v that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o such_o weak_a and_o precarious_a foundation_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n and_o be_v it_o now_o my_o business_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a from_o hence_o to_o show_v also_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o it_o do_v depend_v on_o the_o right_a apprehension_n and_o notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v found_v in_o our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o for_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n but_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a in_o another_o place_n finis_fw-la a_o refutation_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n the_o three_o 1698._o be_v the_o seven_o of_o the_o lecture_n for_o that_o year_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o john_n harris_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o royal-society_n london_n print_v by_o j._n l._n for_o richard_n wilkin_n at_o the_o king's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o jerem._n ix_o 24_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n who_o exercise_n love_v kindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n in_o these_o word_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n considerable_a i._n a_o supposition_n that_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v know_v to_o we_o by_o his_o attribute_n ii_o a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o those_o attribute_n which_o he_o exercise_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o which_o he_o delight_v on_o the_o former_a of_o these_o i_o do_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v plain_o discoverable_a by_o reason_n and_o agreeable_a to_o philosophical_a truth_n as_o to_o the_o second_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n mention_v here_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o he_o be_v say_v to_o delight_n to_o exercise_v in_o the_o earth_n i_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o discourse_v particular_o of_o they_o have_v in_o my_o last_o sermon_n show_v how_o they_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o we_o can_v discover_v in_o the_o creature_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o great_a perfection_n because_o they_o be_v all_o derive_v from_o he_o but_o that_o which_o i_o judge_v will_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o be_v do_v now_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o my_o design_n of_o answer_v the_o atheistical_a objection_n in_o their_o natural_a order_n will_v be_v from_o hence_o to_o remove_v two_o great_a barrs_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o attribute_n which_o sceptical_a and_o unbelieving_a man_n have_v here_o place_v in_o the_o way_n for_o indeed_o till_o this_o be_v do_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o perfection_n can_v be_v establish_v in_o man_n mind_n nor_o any_o ground_n fix_v whereon_o to_o build_v a_o rational_a belief_n of_o natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o almighty_a be_v and_o these_o two_o great_a objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v in_o reality_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a but_o that_o all_o action_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a 2._o that_o all_o thing_n be_v determine_v by_o absolute_a fatality_n and_o that_o god_n himself_o and_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a agent_n without_o have_v any_o power_n of_o choice_n or_o any_o real_a liberty_n in_o their_o nature_n at_o all_o these_o be_v two_o of_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n which_o it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o batter_v down_o and_o demolish_v and_o these_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n communicate_v with_o and_o run_v into_o one_o another_o and_o indeed_o the_o former_a plain_o follow_v from_o the_o latter_a but_o however_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o distinct_o by_o the_o opposer_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o former_a be_v maintain_v by_o some_o person_n who_o i_o can_v find_v do_v hold_v the_o latter_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o refute_v they_o several_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o i_o have_v first_o propose_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v in_o reality_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a but_o that_o all_o action_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n pure_o indifferent_a and_o this_o position_n our_o adversary_n be_v very_o express_v in_o maintain_v as_o