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of_o his_o general_a concourse_n 1._o i_o conceive_v say_v that_o excellent_a philosopher_n that_o the_o omniscient_a author_n of_o thing_n nature_n who_o in_o his_o vast_a and_o boundless_a understanding_n comprehend_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o his_o work_n and_o every_o part_n do_v not_o main_o intend_v the_o welfare_n of_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a creature_n but_o subordinate_v his_o care_n of_o their_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n to_o his_o care_n of_o maintain_v the_o universal_a systeme_n and_o primitive_a scheme_n and_o contrivance_n of_o his_o work_n and_o especial_o those_o catholic_a rule_n of_o motion_n and_o other_o grand_a law_n which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v among_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o mundane_a matter_n so_o that_o when_o there_o happen_v such_o a_o concourse_n of_o circumstance_n that_o particular_a body_n few_o or_o more_o must_v suffer_v or_o else_o the_o settle_a frame_n or_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v 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organ_n of_o respiration_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o continue_a circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n necessary_a to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v hinder_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v speedy_a death_n but_o this_o agree_v very_o ill_a with_o the_o vulgar_a supposition_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n and_o provident_a be_v as_o they_o represent_v nature_n which_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o animal_n and_o succour_v they_o in_o their_o physical_a danger_n and_o distress_n as_o occasion_n require_v for_o since_o a_o hair_n be_v so_o slender_a a_o body_n that_o it_o can_v stop_v the_o throat_n so_o as_o to_o hinder_v either_o the_o free_a passage_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n into_o the_o stomach_n or_o that_o of_o the_o air_n to_o and_o from_o the_o lung_n as_o may_v he_o argue_v from_o divers_a no_o way_n mortal_a excrescency_n and_o ulcer_n in_o the_o throat_n be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n better_o for_o nature_n
that_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o partly_o through_o supineness_n sloth_n and_o inadvertency_n we_o do_v often_o prevaricate_v in_o make_v deduction_n and_o inference_n from_o self-evident_a and_o universal_a maxim_n and_o thereupon_o establish_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v consequence_n as_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o then_o this_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o philosopher_n not_o of_o philosophy_n or_o of_o philosophy_n in_o the_o concrete_a as_o exist_v in_o this_o or_o that_o person_n not_o in_o the_o abstract_n as_o involve_v such_o a_o mischief_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o idea_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o tincture_v with_o lust_n enthral_v by_o prejudices_fw-la darken_v by_o passion_n engage_v by_o vain_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n distort_v by_o pride_n and_o self-love_n and_o fasten_v to_o earthly_a image_n do_v often_o impose_v upon_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o to_o obtrude_v upon_o other_o absurd_a axiom_n for_o undoubted_a and_o incontestable_a principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o adulterate_a reason_n which_o be_v both_o unfriendly_a and_o dangerous_a to_o religion_n it_o be_v to_o this_o that_o most_o of_o the_o malignant_a heresy_n which_o have_v infect_v the_o church_n do_v owe_v its_o rise_n and_o whoever_o will_v trace_v the_o error_n which_o have_v invade_v divinity_n to_o their_o source_n may_v resolve_v they_o into_o false_a reason_n or_o absurd_a maxim_n of_o philosophy_n which_o have_v be_v by_o their_o founder_n superscribe_v with_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o principle_n of_o reason_n indeed_o whatever_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o contradiction_n to_o right_a reason_n we_o may_v profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o abandon_v and_o disclaim_v but_o we_o be_v satisfy_v and_o do_v full_o believe_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n which_o only_o cross_v some_o false_a and_o lubricous_a principle_n that_o dogmatist_n have_v give_v that_o name_n to_o fall_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o disagreement_n with_o reason_n the_o repugnancy_n of_o reason_n fasten_v upon_o some_o tenet_n be_v rather_o the_o result_n of_o ignorance_n prepossession_n and_o sometime_o lust_n than_o their_o contrariety_n to_o universal_a reason_n or_o any_o genuine_a maxim_n of_o it_o far_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o have_v always_o be_v judge_v that_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o a_o doctrine_n through_o the_o sublimity_n and_o extension_n of_o its_o object_n be_v no_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v that_o any_o who_o have_v study_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a capacity_n the_o feebleness_n of_o intellectual_a light_n how_o soon_o it_o be_v dazzle_v with_o too_o bright_a a_o splendour_n the_o confinement_n and_o boundary_n our_o understanding_n be_v subject_a to_o together_o with_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o gospel_n truth_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v think_v the_o arduousness_n of_o frame_v distinct_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o they_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o be_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o standard_n by_o which_o some_o man_n regulate_v their_o belief_n as_o to_o the_o bible_n '_o tho_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v not_o alike_o necessary_a yet_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v alike_o true_a and_o our_o concernment_n lie_v more_o or_o less_o in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n beside_o this_o and_o therefore_o the_o import_n and_o meaning_n of_o its_o term_n can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n decide_v but_o by_o their_o habitude_n to_o their_o measure_n for_o this_o end_n do_v the_o almighty_a give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o foundation_n and_o standard_n of_o religion_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v we_o be_v to_o learn_v its_o law_n and_o constitution_n the_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o present_a or_o future_a happiness_n be_v our_o maker_n design_n in_o vouchsafe_v to_o we_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o respect_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o his_o sapience_n and_o goodness_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v adapt_v and_o proportion_v the_o mean_n thereunto_o now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o beside_o their_o be_v make_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a testimony_n have_v also_o a_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v natural_a medium_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v of_o or_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o in_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o or_o know_v but_o we_o be_v sole_o indebt_v to_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o their_o object_n have_v their_o source_n and_o rise_v only_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v absolute_o expedient_a to_o promulge_v they_o and_o these_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n which_o though_o our_o understanding_n by_o natural_a medium_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v yet_o be_v onâ—e_o reveal_v our_o mind_n can_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o reason_n facilitate_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v itself_o in_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_v of_o forgiveness_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n there_o be_v other_o which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v so_o when_o reveal_v it_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v they_o nor_o produce_v any_o medium_fw-la in_o nature_n by_o which_o either_o the_o existence_n of_o their_o object_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o their_o truth_n illustrate_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o these_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o any_o adequate_a conception_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n unite_v with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n can_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n have_v the_o like_a connexion_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o dispense_n of_o pardon_n to_o repent_v offender_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o corruption_n be_v both_o full_o confess_v and_o easy_o demonstrate_v by_o reason_n thus_o though_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o a_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n yet_o these_o very_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o lie_v remoâ—est_v from_o the_o territory_n of_o reason_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v least_o affinity_n with_o its_o light_n be_v necessary_o and_o clear_o connect_v with_o those_o other_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o when_o once_o discover_v reason_v both_o approve_v of_o and_o can_v rational_o confirm_v itself_o in_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o the_o most_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o 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reason_n 1._o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o
require_v to_o comprehend_v they_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o though_o we_o can_v frame_v adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o understand_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o faith_n to_o think_v to_o fathom_v the_o perfection_n council_n and_o work_v of_o god_n see_v reason_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a and_o itself_o finite_a 2._o if_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o reason_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o can_v lie_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o transcendency_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o god_n than_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v incomprehensible_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o that_o his_o design_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v be_v hold_v past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v as_o well_o irrational_a as_o unjust_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v penetrate_v those_o depth_n and_o abysm_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o look_v into_o as_o veil_v and_o hide_a from_o sight_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n yet_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o be_v contradictory_n thereunto_o to_o admit_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o dogm_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v at_o once_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o revelation_n as_o a_o romance_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o distract_a man_n and_o withal_o to_o open_v a_o door_n for_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o figment_n and_o lie_n under_o the_o palliation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n we_o can_v gratify_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n more_o than_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n in_o a_o word_n this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o receive_v will_v make_v we_o renounce_v man_n and_o espouse_v brute_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a concernment_n for_o without_o debase_v ourselves_o into_o a_o low_a species_n we_o can_v embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a and_o when_o man_n have_v fill_v religion_n with_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a light_n they_o be_v force_v to_o introduce_v a_o suitable_a faith_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o that_o commend_v itself_o from_o believe_v doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o evidence_n and_o principle_n of_o both_o thus_o the_o first_o heretic_n that_o trouble_v the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o teach_v mystery_n overthrow_v common_a sense_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o universal_a uniform_a and_o perpetual_a light_n of_o mankind_n some_o of_o they_o have_v teach_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v natural_o evil_a other_o of_o they_o have_v establish_v two_o several_a god_n one_o good_a another_o bad_a other_o have_v affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o falsity_n more_o all_o these_o they_o defend_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n about_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o do_v other_o to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtrude_v their_o fancy_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o unable_a to_o prove_v or_o defend_v what_o they_o say_v pretend_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o theorem_n nor_o can_v i_o assign_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o philosophy_n than_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o themselves_o confess_v by_o devote_v almansor_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n because_o he_o have_v weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o musselman_n in_o the_o alcoran_n through_o introduce_v learning_n and_o philosophy_n among_o they_o in_o brief_a though_o we_o make_v not_o natural_a light_n the_o positive_a measure_n of_o thing_n divine_a yet_o we_o may_v safe_o allow_v it_o a_o negative_a voice_n we_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o chair_n in_o council_n but_o only_o permit_v it_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n to_o hinder_v the_o entry_n of_o contradiction_n and_o irrational_a fancy_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n understand_v all_o that_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n vote_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o mistake_v philosophy_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o this_o or_o that_o man_n admit_v for_o theorem_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o very_o small_a importance_n man_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o sense_n affection_n interest_n and_o imagination_n do_v many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v so_o that_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o original_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o neglect_v there_o have_v be_v those_o and_o yet_o be_v who_o will_v hardly_o allow_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n a_o proper_a sense_n but_o do_v every_o where_o obtrude_v a_o allegoric_a meaning_n as_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o expositor_n do_v in_o effect_n little_o less_o than_o undermine_v the_o whole_a scripture_n betray_v religion_n and_o turn_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n into_o burlesque_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o any_o notion_n so_o romantic_a which_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o luxuriant_a fancy_n may_v not_o at_o this_o rate_n be_v wrest_v and_o debauch_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o yea_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o wit_n will_v serve_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n to_o quite_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o those_o who_o by_o turn_v the_o whole_a scripture_n into_o allusion_n have_v wrest_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o justify_v their_o own_o wild_a phantasm_n and_o frame_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o own_o private_a notion_n and_o thereby_o evacuate_v the_o sublimest_n doctrine_n and_o most_o glorious_a action_n into_o empty_a metaphor_n and_o vain_a similitude_n thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v allegorise_v into_o themselves_o and_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v construe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o aesop_n or_o phylostratus_n fable_n into_o useful_a moral_n as_o if_o these_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o we_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n but_o leave_v these_o and_o suppose_v only_o for_o the_o present_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o almighty_n will_n to_o mankind_n which_o every_o moral_a man_n will_v find_v his_o interest_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o afford_v we_o towards_o the_o secure_n both_o a_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a felicity_n by_o those_o excellent_a precept_n it_o contain_v above_o what_o be_v discoverable_a in_o natural_a religion_n suppose_v this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o admirable_a system_n essential_a to_o a_o save_v faith_n or_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o our_o future_a welfare_n but_o what_o be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o legible_a to_o every_o reasonable_a creature_n reason_n most_o certain_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o intricate_a or_o perplex_v theory_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o lord_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n again_o say_v another_o of_o they_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v
substance_n that_o the_o ray_n which_o cause_n the_o visible_a species_n be_v either_o certain_a particle_n or_o effluvia_n dart_v from_o a_o lucid_a body_n repercuss_v in_o their_o go_v forth_o and_o reflect_v various_o here_o and_o there_o according_a to_o gassendus_fw-la or_o that_o these_o particle_n beam_a forth_o from_o the_o same_o lucid_a body_n move_v other_o particle_n of_o a_o nitro-sulphureous_a quality_n implant_v in_o the_o air_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o enkindle_n they_o render_v they_o luminous_a and_o these_o at_o length_n other_o and_o that_o so_o a_o diffusion_n on_o every_o side_n of_o light_n or_o image_n be_v propagate_v by_o a_o certain_a undulation_n which_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a opinion_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v dr._n willis_n far_o admit_v in_o the_o case_n of_o hear_v that_o the_o audible_a species_n or_o sonorisick_n particle_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o saline_n little_a body_n after_o the_o manner_n describe_v or_o some_o other_o way_n stir_v up_o into_o act_n for_o the_o production_n of_o sound_n in_o a_o word_n admit_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o touch_n the_o smell_n and_o taste_n and_o all_o other_o phaenomena_n relate_v to_o the_o humane_a body_n may_v after_o some_o such_o manmer_n be_v explore_v by_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o substance_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n the_o speculation_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v indeed_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o be_v which_o exert_v such_o admirable_a power_n and_o judge_n so_o exquisite_o of_o each_o of_o these_o sensation_n must_v itself_o be_v independent_a both_o of_o matter_n and_o mechanism_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n without_o a_o wilful_a blindness_n or_o debauch_n of_o his_o understanding_n when_o he_o have_v make_v this_o enquiry_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o wonderful_a and_o divine_a contrivance_n of_o structure_n in_o the_o several_a organ_n destinate_a for_o so_o many_o function_n how_o be_v it_o i_o say_v that_o this_o shall_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o atheism_n unless_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v resolve_v that_o way_n or_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o strange_o degenerate_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o imagine_v where_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o conspicuous_a than_o the_o workmanship_n of_o a_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o intelligent_a be_v that_o the_o same_o at_o first_o proceed_v either_o from_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o or_o one_o no_o better_a viz._n chance_n or_o fortune_n so_o that_o to_o deal_v free_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o believe_v with_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n that_o whoever_o do_v profess_v philosophy_n and_o think_v not_o right_o of_o god_n may_v be_v judge_v not_o only_o to_o have_v shake_v hand_n with_o religion_n but_o with_o his_o reason_n also_o and_o that_o he_o have_v at_o once_o put_v off_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o christianity_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v here_o that_o no_o man_n can_v indeed_o scarce_o reason_n at_o all_o or_o to_o be_v sure_a can_v reason_v right_o and_o be_v irreligious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v true_o and_o indeed_o religious_a be_v to_o be_v true_o reasonable_a so_o that_o to_o put_v the_o cause_n upon_o this_o issue_n let_v we_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v that_o right_a reason_n teach_v we_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a let_v we_o consider_v whether_o it_o point_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o direct_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o future_a happiness_n or_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o path_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n for_o if_o in_o effect_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o imprint_n upon_o our_o mind_n any_o notion_n of_o irreligion_n or_o that_o in_o any_o manner_n incline_v we_o to_o vice_n we_o ought_v undoubted_o to_o reject_v it_o without_o the_o least_o hesitation_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o appear_v that_o true_a reason_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n both_o of_o true_a piety_n and_o real_a virtue_n and_o that_o any_o pretence_n either_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o the_o other_o not_o build_v on_o rational_a principle_n may_v in_o truth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n thâ—n_o certain_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o well_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v this_o which_o must_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v this_o must_v guide_v we_o in_o our_o enquiry_n after_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o when_o by_o our_o reason_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o that_o the_o penman_n thereof_o be_v supernatural_o inspire_v which_o as_o be_v intimate_v before_o we_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o believe_v we_o must_v then_o let_v our_o faith_n take_v place_n and_o not_o only_o assent_v unto_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o even_o of_o those_o also_o which_o though_o not_o contrary_a to_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o surmount_v our_o apprehension_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v that_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o perception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o that_o general_a light_n or_o capacity_n of_o discern_v which_o be_v impart_v to_o all_o mankind_n all_o the_o certainty_n say_v the_o pious_a father_n malebranch_n which_o we_o can_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n depend_v upon_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v one_o inestimable_a advantage_n derive_v to_o we_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o a_o powerful_a argument_n in_o favour_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n only_o we_o be_v make_v capable_a to_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v if_o you_o expect_v any_o definition_n or_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n i_o may_v answer_v with_o a_o very_a ingenious_a reason_n man_n that_o by_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o steady_a uniform_a light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n that_o divine_a touchstone_n or_o test_n by_o which_o all_o man_n be_v enable_v so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o congruity_n and_o incongruity_n of_o proposition_n and_o thereupon_o to_o pronounce_v they_o true_a or_o false_a there_o be_v indeed_o different_a degree_n of_o clearness_n in_o the_o intellectual_a perception_n of_o different_a man_n occasion_v by_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o attention_n in_o themselves_o and_o the_o different_a representation_n of_o thing_n from_o without_o but_o the_o light_n by_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v discern_v be_v universal_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o uniformity_n of_o this_o light_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o intellectual_a communication_n between_o man_n and_o man_n for_o if_o different_a man_n see_v always_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o different_a light_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o one_o man_n by_o any_o representation_n whatsoever_o to_o raise_v the_o same_o conception_n in_o another_o man_n mind_n that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o own_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o whatever_o extraordinary_a illumination_n some_o man_n may_v enjoy_v it_o can_v only_o be_v of_o authority_n and_o useful_a to_o themselves_o or_o at_o most_o it_o can_v be_v only_o so_o far_o useful_a and_o of_o authority_n to_o other_o as_o those_o that_o enjoy_v it_o be_v able_a to_o give_v extraordinary_a proof_n of_o it_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n even_o as_o all_o other_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v to_o be_v handle_v by_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o in_o method_n conformable_a to_o the_o universal_a and_o uniform_a light_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o religion_n i_o understand_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_v of_o those_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o he_o and_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v some_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o cause_n be_v i_o call_v it_o god_n and_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o this_o powerful_a â—â—cing_n arise_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o innumerable_a perfection_n that_o
the_o truth_n of_o this_o maxim_n in_o vertute_fw-la sola_fw-la salus_fw-la or_o that_o none_o can_v ever_o arrive_v at_o the_o elysium_n of_o true_a felicity_n who_o constant_o pursue_v it_o through_o the_o garden_n of_o sensuality_n that_o the_o rose_n of_o happiness_n grow_v on_o the_o prickly_a stem_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o the_o just_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o ability_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o acquire_v a_o durable_a content_a and_o satisfaction_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o this_o necessary_a caution_n that_o we_o take_v not_o too_o bold_a a_o freedom_n in_o our_o reflection_n upon_o providence_n or_o repine_v at_o some_o particular_a dispensation_n towards_o we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a imprudence_n we_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o expect_v either_o that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v immediate_o reward_v or_o vice_n immediate_o punish_v for_o this_o will_v not_o only_o destroy_v a_o life_n of_o future_a retribution_n but_o if_o punishment_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o delinquent_n our_o obedience_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o virtue_n as_o proceed_v from_o our_o fear_n more_o than_o our_o choice_n beside_o we_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o a_o prospect_n of_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n providence_n be_v one_o entire_a system_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o part_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a for_o what_o at_o first_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o we_o be_v very_o often_o bring_v to_o approve_v by_o a_o subsequent_a course_n of_o dispensation_n and_o we_o do_v as_o frequent_o understand_v that_o have_v our_o desire_n be_v gratify_v or_o our_o expectation_n answer_v in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o same_o will_v have_v prove_v troublesome_a if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v quite_o ruin_v or_o undo_v by_o they_o excuse_v the_o imperfection_n of_o these_o incoherent_a thought_n and_o believe_v i_o to_o be_v what_o i_o be_o lond._n jan._n 26._o 1696_o 7_o your_o friend_n in_o all_o good_a office_n letter_n iii_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o mr._n etc._n etc._n my_o very_a good_a friend_n whatever_o success_n my_o last_o meet_v with_o i_o be_o embolden_v to_o believe_v my_o time_n not_o altogether_o misspend_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o a_o presumption_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a or_o more_o than_o many_o other_o may_v say_v upon_o these_o weighty_a subject_n but_o out_o of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o belief_n and_o expectation_n that_o you_o will_v more_o considerate_o peruse_v and_o attentive_o examine_v they_o as_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o friend_n who_o you_o may_v easy_o assure_v yourself_o write_v neither_o for_o secular_a interest_n nor_o popular_a applause_n but_o true_o and_o unfeigned_o with_o a_o pure_a design_n of_o discover_v the_o truth_n than_o if_o the_o same_o be_v deliver_v by_o those_o who_o interest_n we_o may_v judge_v it_o be_v to_o keep_v we_o under_o a_o slavish_a subjection_n and_o who_o make_v it_o the_o proper_a and_o sole_a business_n of_o their_o life_n to_o furnish_v out_o such_o maxim_n argument_n and_o precept_n as_o they_o themselves_o too_o many_o of_o they_o be_v unmindful_a to_o observe_v so_o that_o what_o be_v much_o to_o be_v bewail_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o priest_n as_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a make_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n neither_o subject_n to_o the_o same_o desire_n natural_a inclination_n and_o passion_n of_o other_o man_n when_o they_o view_v they_o live_v as_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n perpetual_o conversant_a in_o prayer_n fast_v religious_a contemplation_n and_o divine_a meditation_n they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o implicit_a faith_n especial_o the_o common_a people_n rely_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n deliver_v to_o they_o without_o ever_o serious_o inquire_v or_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o truth_n themselves_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v no_o long_o religious_a than_o that_o they_o find_v their_o pastor_n to_o square_v his_o life_n by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o every_o immorality_n discover_v in_o their_o teacher_n they_o make_v the_o sufficient_a occasion_n of_o absolve_v they_o not_o only_o from_o their_o regard_n or_o respect_n to_o he_o but_o even_o god_n himself_o thus_o among_o some_o sensual_a inconsiderate_a man_n i_o have_v frequent_o meet_v with_o such_o pitiful_a argumentation_n as_o this_o they_o know_v a_o dr._n of_o divinity_n that_o be_v drink_v they_o hear_v another_o swear_v a_o three_o they_o find_v in_o secret_n with_o a_o prostitute_n a_o four_o they_o see_v game_n a_o five_o they_o hear_v be_v covetous_a and_o a_o miserable_a oppressor_n etc._n etc._n and_o present_o follow_v this_o ergo_fw-la all_o religion_n in_o gross_a be_v no_o more_o than_o priest_n craft_n the_o body_n of_o divinity_n a_o well_o contrive_v romance_n the_o great_a and_o mighty_a prop_n of_o it_o be_v all_o present_o shake_v to_o piece_n and_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n his_o providence_n and_o the_o soul_n separate_a existence_n or_o independency_n be_v now_o ridicule_v for_o mere_a fable_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o parson_n preach_v for_o money_n get_v many_o live_n and_o grow_v rich_a whilst_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o they_o discover_v the_o cheat_n be_v hinder_v from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o natural_a desire_n and_o keep_v under_o apprehension_n of_o invisible_a power_n a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o they_o know_v not_o what_o frightful_a bugbear_n heaven_n and_o hell_n devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n which_o they_o now_o find_v to_o be_v a_o dream_n for_o since_o the_o slip_n of_o the_o clergyman_n have_v open_v their_o eye_n they_o find_v nothing_o but_o nature_n time_n and_o chance_n say_v they_o attend_v we_o all_o and_o here_o the_o word_n of_o solomon_n come_v pat_o to_o their_o purpose_n which_o he_o give_v we_o as_o the_o natural_a argument_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n 3.18_o i_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o son_n of_o of_o man_n that_o god_n may_v manifest_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v beast_n for_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n befall_v beast_n even_o one_o thing_n befall_v they_o as_o the_o one_o die_v so_o die_v the_o other_o yea_o they_o have_v all_o one_o breath_n so_o that_o a_o man_n have_v no_o pre-eminence_n above_o a_o beast_n for_o all_o be_v vanity_n all_o go_v unto_o one_o place_n all_o be_v of_o the_o dust_n and_o all_o turn_n to_o dust_n again_o who_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o go_v upward_o and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o beast_n that_o go_v downward_o to_o the_o earth_n wherefore_o i_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a than_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o own_o work_n for_o that_o be_v his_o portion_n for_o who_o shall_v bring_v he_o to_o see_v what_o shall_v be_v after_o he_o this_o be_v now_o become_v the_o common_a language_n of_o the_o libertine_n and_o if_o the_o intestine_a dictator_n conscience_n take_v the_o advantage_n of_o some_o lucid_a interval_n and_o whisper_v they_o in_o the_o ear_n with_o what_o be_v to_o come_v their_o hearts-ease_n be_v still_o ready_a and_o a_o post_n mortem_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la or_o their_o sempiternal_a hush_n lull_v all_o asleep_a i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v you_o to_o take_v this_o as_o a_o reflection_n in_o general_n upon_o the_o pastoral_n function_n for_o god_n be_v thank_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o as_o remarkable_a for_o their_o learning_n as_o conspicuous_a for_o their_o unfeigned_a piety_n and_o do_v their_o adversary_n come_v up_o with_o some_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o they_o in_o the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n they_o will_v think_v it_o a_o insupportable_a grievance_n to_o their_o nature_n to_o be_v abridge_v their_o liberty_n or_o tie_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o almost_o any_o single_a act_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n every_o little_a immorality_n in_o these_o man_n be_v look_v on_o through_o a_o magnify_v glass_n and_o the_o same_o which_o they_o account_v a_o venial_a fault_n or_o peccadillo_n in_o themselves_o must_v be_v deem_v in_o the_o other_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n a_o unpardonable_a transgression_n be_v oblige_v in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o remove_v what_o difficulty_n i_o can_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o to_o mention_v at_o least_o some_o of_o the_o mighty_a obstacle_n of_o our_o faith_n among_o other_o i_o have_v be_v necessitate_v to_o touch_v upon_o the_o clergy_n who_o we_o be_v too_o
prone_a to_o follow_v blind_o and_o when_o once_o our_o great_a opinion_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n have_v place_v they_o in_o the_o chair_n of_o infallibility_n the_o first_o false_a step_n they_o make_v at_o once_o subvert_v our_o faith_n and_o take_v all_o before_o for_o grant_v which_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o we_o now_o dispute_v the_o verity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n we_o have_v inbibe_v from_o they_o bad_a precedent_n be_v always_o very_o prevalent_a contagion_n among_o our_o equal_n but_o when_o we_o find_v our_o pastor_n or_o our_o parent_n our_o master_n our_o governor_n or_o our_o prince_n infect_v with_o any_o manner_n of_o vice_n we_o quick_o become_v their_o ape_n and_o ready_o excuse_v ourselves_o because_o we_o do_v but_o imitate_v those_o who_o we_o imagine_v to_o know_v better_a than_o ourselves_o thus_o many_o man_n have_v have_v their_o faith_n stagger_v by_o a_o view_n of_o the_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n of_o learned_a and_o great_a man_n by_o the_o dissolute_a life_n of_o the_o gentry_n and_o nobility_n in_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v as_o if_o these_o by_o their_o vicious_a practice_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n even_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o man_n immerse_v in_o matter_n though_o never_o so_o profound_o skilled_a in_o science_n can_v regulate_v their_o life_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n whilst_o they_o contemn_v the_o divine_a aid_n and_o regard_v not_o his_o assistance_n instead_o of_o this_o it_o be_v become_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o town_n to_o ridicule_n virtue_n and_o render_v vice_n as_o amiable_a as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o they_o find_v it_o possible_a to_o prevail_v upon_o some_o simple_a clergyman_n who_o be_v natural_o as_o loose_v as_o themselves_o to_o be_v drink_v to_o whore_n to_o game_n to_o curse_n and_o swear_v profane_o there_o be_v many_o man_n so_o extravagant_o proud_a of_o such_o a_o conquest_n over_o a_o hypocritical_a sinner_n as_o to_o think_v they_o give_v hereby_o a_o fatal_a stroke_n to_o all_o true_a piety_n as_o if_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o every_o other_o sacred_a truth_n be_v by_o such_o trivial_a and_o childish_a instance_n to_o be_v obliterated_a or_o wipe_v out_o i_o have_v premise_v this_o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n or_o to_o caution_n you_o how_o requisite_a it_o be_v before_o you_o set_v up_o for_o a_o libertine_n to_o go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n for_o undoubted_o it_o be_v unbecoming_a any_o pretender_n to_o reason_n to_o run_v a_o hazard_n especial_o one_o of_o this_o consequence_n or_o to_o declare_v himself_o either_o open_o or_o private_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n till_o he_o have_v positive_o assure_v himself_o beyond_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v no_o superintendent_n power_n take_v notice_n of_o his_o action_n or_o if_o there_o shall_v that_o he_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o his_o last_o breath_n will_v carry_v all_o into_o perpetual_a oblivion_n for_o if_o he_o go_v not_o far_a than_o probability_n that_o matter_n may_v be_v so_o yet_o if_o there_o remain_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o they_o may_v not_o he_o forfeit_v at_o once_o both_o his_o reason_n and_o security_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o pitiful_a satisfaction_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v involve_v themselves_o with_o he_o in_o the_o same_o misery_n it_o be_v the_o less_o admirable_a that_o man_n shall_v so_o very_o easy_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n who_o never_o examine_v their_o first_o principle_n who_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o found_v than_o on_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n the_o credit_n of_o their_o ancestor_n or_o the_o example_n of_o those_o under_o who_o guardianship_n and_o tutelage_n they_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o and_o true_o in_o one_o sense_n what_o the_o poet_n remark_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n by_o education_n most_o have_v be_v mislead_v panther_n so_o they_o believe_v because_o they_o so_o be_v breed_v the_o priest_n continue_v what_o the_o nurse_n begin_v and_o thus_o the_o child_n impose_v on_o the_o man._n he_o who_o never_o consider_v the_o why_o or_o wherefore_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o once_o ever_o right_o weigh_v the_o motive_n of_o his_o belief_n become_v a_o perfect_a weathercock_n every_o blast_n of_o a_o new_a doctrine_n carry_v he_o to_o and_o fro_o till_o at_o length_n be_v unsettle_a he_o despiseâ—_n all_o this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v think_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o my_o discourse_n of_o the_o immortality_n which_o i_o intend_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a letter_n for_o have_v in_o the_o two_o former_a endeavour_v to_o establish_v those_o two_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v and_o his_o providence_n order_n require_v that_o i_o take_v notice_n how_o far_o we_o be_v concern_v if_o we_o concede_fw-la or_o admit_v the_o forego_n proposition_n for_o if_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o or_o have_v no_o future_a dependence_n upon_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n pure_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o believe_v they_o or_o not_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o have_v by_o my_o belief_n in_o god_n if_o i_o be_o secure_a that_o he_o have_v leave_v i_o to_o my_o own_o disposal_n and_o inspect_v not_o any_o of_o my_o action_n or_o why_o shall_v i_o deny_v myself_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o my_o desire_n how_o exorbitant_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v since_o i_o know_v the_o worst_a and_o that_o if_o death_n will_v at_o length_n come_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o my_o delight_n it_o will_v likewise_o finish_v all_o my_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v however_o i_o may_v resign_v up_o my_o own_o reason_n or_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o judgement_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o you_o that_o when_o i_o have_v very_o often_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o once_o admit_v a_o supreme_a intelligent_a and_o powerful_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n i_o present_o find_v myself_o under_o a_o kind_n of_o irresistible_a necessity_n to_o believe_v our_o soul_n must_v be_v immortal_a and_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o down_o right_a necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o argument_n either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a that_o it_o be_v so_o do_v at_o this_o time_n overcome_v i_o for_o however_o short_a of_o demonstration_n they_o may_v prove_v we_o must_v take_v up_o with_o the_o most_o notorious_a absurdity_n imaginable_a if_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o alwise_a just_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o theft_n rapine_n murder_n and_o all_o other_o the_o most_o egregious_a vice_n shall_v go_v unpunished_a both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o however_o this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o my_o own_o think_v and_o a_o consequence_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a you_o may_v not_o allow_v i_o speak_v it_o not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o prepossess_v your_o judgement_n neither_o do_v i_o desire_v you_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o same_o either_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o so_o much_o as_o rational_a evidence_n aâ—â—m_n it_o will_v add_v little_a to_o the_o illustration_n of_o my_o present_a task_n that_o you_o be_v inform_v at_o large_a with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v the_o humane_a soul_n let_v it_o suffice_v you_o to_o understand_v that_o as_o some_o of_o they_o affirm_v the_o sâ—me_n to_o be_v a_o substance_n exist_v of_o itself_o and_o immortal_a so_o there_o be_v other_o who_o deny_v that_o it_o have_v any_o substance_n but_o be_v only_o a_o accidental_a form_n the_o platonist_n and_o pythagorean_n opine_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o live_a creature_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o worldâ—_n that_o they_o be_v immerge_v in_o body_n as_o in_o a_o sepulchre_n and_o that_o when_o the_o body_n die_v they_o be_v by_o a_o various_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inhabitant_n or_o guest_n to_o other_o body_n sometime_o to_o those_o of_o man_n at_o other_o time_n to_o those_o of_o beast_n the_o manichee_v suppose_v that_o all_o soul_n in_o general_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o substance_n itself_o of_o god_n that_o they_o actuate_v terrestrial_a body_n and_o go_v from_o hence_o again_o return_v into_o god_n himself_o the_o originist_n that_o all_o soul_n be_v create_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n at_o first_o to_o subsist_v of_o themselves_o then_o as_o occasion_n serve_v that_o body_n be_v form_v they_o enter_v into_o they_o actuate_v they_o during_o life_n and_o at_o length_n return_v into_o their_o primitive_a and_o singular_a substance_n oâ—hers_n have_v affirm_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v arise_v up_o of_o her_o own_o accord_n from_o power_n only_o of_o matter_n right_o dispose_v make_v she_o to_o be_v no_o more_o
some_o thing_n taint_v with_o the_o cartesian_a principle_n he_o thus_o right_o argue_v that_o if_o all_o our_o cognition_n do_v proceed_v original_o from_o our_o sense_n as_o be_v affirm_v by_o aristotle_n in_o his_o maxim_n of_o nihil_fw-la in_o intellectu_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o that_o intellection_n be_v make_v by_o analogy_n by_o composition_n division_n ampliation_n extenuation_n and_o the_o like_a way_n of_o manage_v the_o species_n or_o image_n of_o thing_n immit_v into_o the_o common_a sensory_a by_o the_o external_n sense_n then_o certain_o we_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o image_n and_o consequent_o without_o imagination_n there_o be_v no_o intellection_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a to_o imagine_v and_o understand_v a_o thing_n will_v be_v all_o one_o whereas_o to_o answer_v this_o we_o may_v affirm_v that_o no_o corporeal_a image_n or_o species_n be_v ever_o receive_v into_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o pure_a intellection_n as_o well_o of_o a_o corporeal_a as_o incorporeal_a thing_n be_v make_v without_o any_o material_a image_n or_o species_n at_o all_o as_o for_o imagination_n to_o that_o indeed_o be_v require_v the_o presence_n of_o some_o corporeal_a image_n to_o which_o the_o mind_n may_v apply_v itself_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o imagination_n but_o of_o corporeal_a thing_n and_o yet_o nevertheless_o that_o corporeal_a image_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o mind_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o intellect_n also_o make_v use_n of_o image_n conceive_v by_o the_o fancy_n and_o therefore_o call_v phantasm_n yet_o only_o as_o certain_a mean_n or_o degree_n that_o progress_v through_o they_o it_o may_v at_o length_n attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o it_o afterward_o perceive_v as_o sequester_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n sublime_v from_o those_o phantasm_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o do_v sufficient_o argue_v its_o be_v immaterial_a because_o it_o carry_v itself_o beyond_o all_o image_n material_a and_o come_v to_o the_o science_n of_o some_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o have_v no_o phantasm_n all_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n that_o man_n have_v or_o can_v have_v concern_v finite_a and_o complete_a entity_n except_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v be_v only_o certain_a comparison_n or_o respect_n between_o particular_a thing_n but_o of_o respect_n there_o can_v be_v no_o image_n or_o representation_n at_o all_o in_o the_o fancy_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n be_v without_o image_n all_o the_o particular_a notion_n we_o have_v except_o of_o be_v do_v belong_v to_o some_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o predicament_n all_o which_o be_v so_o manifest_o respective_a that_o no_o man_n doubt_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o particular_a substance_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o be_v quantity_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o respect_n unto_o part_n quality_n have_v a_o respect_n unto_o that_o subject_n which_o be_v denominate_v from_o it_o action_n and_o passion_n result_v from_o the_o union_n of_o quality_n and_o substance_n relation_n denote_v the_o respect_n betwixt_o the_o relatum_fw-la and_o correlatum_fw-la ubi_fw-la and_o quando_fw-la arise_v from_o substance_n consider_v with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o time_n situation_n be_v from_o the_o respect_n of_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a habit_n be_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o substance_n wherein_o it_o be_v as_o be_v the_o propriety_n by_o which_o it_o be_v well_o or_o ill_o convenient_o or_o inconvenient_o affect_v in_o regard_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o you_o question_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o forego_n assertion_n exercise_v your_o mind_n in_o serious_o review_v all_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v find_v among_o they_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o call_v a_o respect_n it_o have_v neither_o figure_n nor_o colour_n nor_o sound_v nor_o odour_n nor_o taste_n and_o so_o can_v possible_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o sense_n or_o imagination_n hence_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o intellect_n or_o pure_a understanding_n be_v extreme_o different_a from_o whatsoever_o be_v immit_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o that_o the_o intellect_n have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n independent_a of_o corporeal_a image_n or_o idea_n for_o in_o simple_a imagination_n the_o mind_n do_v always_o apply_v itself_o to_o the_o thing_n speculate_v or_o the_o image_n rather_o of_o that_o thing_n but_o in_o pure_a intellection_n in_o quit_v the_o image_n and_o convert_v itself_o upon_o itself_o the_o former_a act_n be_v still_o accompany_v with_o some_o labour_n and_o contention_n of_o mind_n the_o latter_a free_a easy_a and_o instantaneous_a now_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o beast_n there_o be_v always_o a_o conjunction_n of_o the_o image_n of_o that_o particular_a good_a or_o harm_n they_o have_v former_o receive_v from_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n with_o the_o image_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o render_v the_o subtle_a of_o they_o conscious_a and_o be_v indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o so_o much_o admire_v effect_n call_v sympathys_n and_o antipathys_n among_o animal_n of_o different_a kind_n another_o sort_n of_o action_n evince_v the_o soul_n immateriality_n be_v those_o whereby_o we_o do_v not_o only_a form_n to_o ourselves_o universals_z or_o universal_a notion_n but_o also_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o universality_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a that_o any_o corporeal_a thing_n shall_v be_v exempt_v from_o all_o material_a condition_n and_o difference_n of_o singularity_n as_o magnitude_n figure_n colour_n time_n place_n etc._n etc._n and_o undeniable_o certain_a that_o the_o understanding_n have_v a_o power_n to_o divest_v they_o of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o to_o speculate_v they_o in_o that_o abstract_a state_n devoy_v of_o all_o particularity_n it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o the_o soul_n which_o have_v this_o power_n so_o to_o abstract_n they_o must_v itself_o be_v exempt_a from_o all_o matter_n and_o of_o a_o condition_n more_o eminent_a than_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o material_a condition_n to_o these_o few_o reason_n of_o the_o immateriality_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n defumed_a from_o the_o excellency_n of_o her_o operation_n i_o may_v here_o add_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o of_o the_o same_o extraction_n and_o equivalent_a force_n as_o in_o particular_a that_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o corporeal_a nature_n in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o power_n of_o apprehension_n that_o of_o she_o draw_v from_o multitude_n to_o unity_n her_o apprehension_n of_o negation_n and_o privation_n her_o contain_v of_o contrary_n without_o opposition_n her_o capacity_n to_o move_v without_o be_v move_v herself_o the_o incompossibility_n of_o opposite_a proposition_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o sundry_a other_o the_o least_o whereof_o be_v of_o evidence_n and_o vigour_n sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o cause_n against_o all_o those_o enemy_n to_o her_o immortality_n who_o will_v degrade_v she_o from_o the_o divine_a dignity_n of_o her_o nature_n to_o a_o equality_n with_o the_o soul_n of_o brute_n that_o be_v but_o certain_a disposition_n of_o matter_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o dissolution_n upon_o change_n of_o the_o same_o by_o contrary_a agent_n but_o far_o there_o be_v no_o corporeal_a faculty_n but_o what_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o perception_n of_o only_a some_o one_o certain_a genus_fw-la of_o thing_n as_o in_o particular_a the_o sight_n to_o visibles_n the_o hear_v to_o sound_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o the_o imagination_n seem_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o very_a many_o kind_n yet_o all_o those_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o sensible_fw-fr and_o thence_o it_o come_v that_o all_o animal_n endow_v only_o with_o fantasy_n be_v addict_v only_o to_o sensible_fw-fr no_o one_o affect_v the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o sense_n but_o the_o intellect_n alone_o be_v that_o which_o have_v for_o its_o object_n omne_fw-la verum_fw-la and_o as_o the_o schoolman_n speak_v ens_fw-la ut_fw-la ens_fw-la every_o be_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o matter_n but_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o it_o and_o incorporeal_a a_o truth_n so_o clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o anaxogoras_n and_o aristotle_n both_o subscribe_v esse_fw-la intellectum_fw-la necessario_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d immistum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quoniam_fw-la intelligit_fw-la universa_fw-la that_o incorporeal_n be_v within_o the_o orb_n of_o the_o intellect_n activity_n and_o do_v not_o escape_v the_o apprehension_n of_o this_o unbounded_a and_o universal_a capacity_n need_v no_o other_o proof_n beside_o that_o of_o our_o own_o sublime_a speculation_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o intelligency_n of_o angel_n
prodigious_o cruel_a which_o plain_o demonstrate_v how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o prophetic_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o steal_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misname_v time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o miserable_o corrupt_v and_o as_o wild_o blend_v together_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o impossible_a blasphemous_a or_o absurd_a the_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o foolish_a the_o whole_a be_v at_o first_o invent_v out_o of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n propagate_v by_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v establish_v profound_a ignorance_n sensual_a bait_n and_o force_v of_o arm_n give_v it_o its_o first_o promotion_n and_o do_v still_o maintain_v its_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o the_o mean_a reason_n if_o due_o exercise_v be_v able_a manifest_o to_o disprove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n this_o business_n of_o revelation_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o curious_o handle_v by_o the_o b_o of_o c_o that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o recommend_v to_o you_o a_o perusal_n of_o those_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n where_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o believe_v you_o will_v find_v but_o little_o want_v to_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reveal_v religion_n of_o a_o possibility_n for_o the_o almighty_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o last_o not_o only_o the_o probability_n but_o the_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o revelation_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o testament_n for_o the_o â—leing_n all_o which_o truth_n viz._n the_o possibility_n expedience_n usefulness_n necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o have_v offer_v such_o evidence_n rational_a natural_a traditionary_a and_o supernatural_a as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o unprejudiced_a infidel_n and_o will_v be_v find_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v make_v void_a or_o overthrow_v by_o the_o subtle_a of_o the_o hellish_a tribe_n our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n do_v indeed_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v must_v precede_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n i_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o own_o their_o truth_n but_o even_o to_o infidel_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o naked_a testimony_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n nature_n and_o quality_n that_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o author_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o arrive_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o a_o assurance_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o its_o effect_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n mere_a testification_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n it_o bring_v only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o again_o those_o who_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mere_a report_n to_o principle_n of_o education_n the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n or_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v their_o alcoran_n if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o repugnant_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o one_o another_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o enthusiast_n and_o pretend_a inspirato_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o such_o person_n can_v have_v of_o its_o divinity_n but_o 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v no_o man_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o enlighten_v he_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o its_o proceed_n from_o god_n be_v evidence_v and_o establishâ—_n there_o be_v no_o conviction_n beget_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherways_o than_o by_o rational_a evidence_n satisfy_v our_o understanding_n through_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n that_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o 2._o no_o man_n particular_a assurance_n obtain_v thus_o in_o way_n of_o illumination_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o another_o than_o by_o propose_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v erect_v the_o way_n of_o such_o man_n evidence_n be_v communicable_a to_o none_o unless_o they_o can_v kindle_v the_o same_o ray_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o which_o have_v irradiate_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o other_o by_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o conviction_n not_o plead_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o that_o another_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o weight_n and_o momentousness_n of_o the_o reason_n themselves_o not_o on_o the_o manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o so_o that_o in_o short_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionate_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n our_o reason_n be_v here_o just_o to_o be_v magnify_v as_o high_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v this_o i_o say_v our_o reason_n can_v do_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o the_o almighty_a to_o satisfy_v they_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadaequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bias_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n
produce_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o the_o various_a way_n of_o its_o manifestation_n if_o we_o have_v such_o inspiration_n such_o vision_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o remote_a etc._n etc._n what_o evidence_n can_v we_o desire_v more_o to_o attest_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v and_o what_o absurdity_n must_v we_o be_v cast_v upon_o if_o we_o shall_v venture_v to_o call_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o question_n which_o though_o peculiar_a to_o those_o time_n lose_v not_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o nor_o have_v be_v for_o several_a age_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v again_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o person_n be_v himself_o the_o recipient_a to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v impart_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a need_n of_o a_o sign_n of_o far_a evidence_n to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o he_o when_o if_o god_n so_o please_v the_o revelation_n of_o itself_o may_v be_v make_v as_o clear_v as_o it_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o sign_n but_o when_o the_o revelation_n come_v at_o second_o hand_n to_o a_o person_n and_o rest_v on_o humane_a testimony_n on_o the_o ability_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o relator_n or_o person_n suppose_v to_o be_v inspire_v there_o need_v some_o further_a evidence_n some_o sign_n or_o sign_n that_o may_v show_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n since_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n psalm_n 116.11_o that_o be_v may_v be_v deceive_v or_o may_v deceive_v may_v either_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o the_o imposture_n and_o practice_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o so_o wicked_a as_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o say_v no_o man_n affirmation_n or_o pretence_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v heed_v any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o testimony_n as_o real_o divine_a as_o he_o will_v have_v his_o revelation_n to_o be_v account_v for_o as_o before_o say_v all_o revelation_n must_v have_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o a_o revelation_n to_o another_o how_o evident_o and_o convince_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v represent_v to_o he_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_o full_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v have_v such_o a_o revelation_n but_o that_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o like_a immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o sufficient_a and_o uncontrollable_a testimony_n since_o the_o former_a will_v be_v absurd_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v alike_o actual_o inspire_v as_o they_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v immediate_o convey_v and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o these_o motive_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v 1._o into_o the_o veracity_n sincerity_n and_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n 2._o into_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o 3._o into_o the_o testimony_n produce_v for_o it_o by_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n we_o understand_v his_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n his_o capacity_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n which_o render_v he_o worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n of_o a_o divine_a missionary_n the_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o other_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o a_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v inspire_v by_o almighty_a god_n so_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o stead_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n who_o mouth_n and_o representatives_n they_o be_v to_o the_o people_n be_v a_o office_n of_o great_a dignity_n and_o require_v somewhat_o of_o the_o divine_a image_n as_o well_o as_o authority_n to_o recommend_v they_o and_o their_o message_n to_o other_o i_o grant_v in_o the_o ordinary_a case_n as_o there_o be_v prophet_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n or_o nursery_n of_o learning_n and_o morality_n there_o may_v be_v such_o person_n as_o be_v employ_v without_o a_o strict_a regard_n have_v to_o these_o qualification_n as_o messenger_n that_o carry_v a_o errand_n by_o the_o order_n of_o their_o superior_n i_o grant_v also_o that_o god_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o upon_o occasion_n inspire_v such_o person_n as_o have_v none_o of_o these_o qualification_n to_o recommend_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o when_o he_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ass_n to_o rebuke_v the_o madness_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o who_o be_v so_o ever-ruled_n by_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o against_o his_o will_n to_o bless_v those_o who_o he_o come_v to_o curse_v which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a as_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n but_o as_o revelation_n be_v a_o divine_a communication_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o divine_a favour_n so_o it_o do_v suppose_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o the_o person_n so_o dignify_v be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v so_o requisite_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o without_o it_o he_o will_v rather_o be_v account_v a_o impostor_n than_o a_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o ordinary_o have_v no_o more_o reverence_n pay_v to_o his_o errand_n than_o to_o his_o person_n what_o have_v be_v thus_o say_v in_o general_a as_o to_o the_o morality_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o inspire_a person_n will_v hold_v for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o to_o his_o prudence_n and_o understanding_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n that_o the_o divine_a election_n of_o person_n for_o so_o peculiar_a a_o service_n do_v in_o that_o way_n either_o find_v or_o make_v they_o fit_a lay_v all_o this_o together_o let_v we_o see_v what_o it_o amount_v to_o viz_o the_o capacity_n ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o revelation_n be_v make_v the_o unanimity_n and_o consent_n of_o person_n remote_a and_o distant_a in_o time_n and_o place_n the_o usefulness_n and_o reasonableness_n the_o excellency_n sublimity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o such_o operation_n and_o production_n as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a cause_n and_o be_v whole_o from_o the_o supreme_a where_o these_o be_v concur_v and_o with_o one_o mouth_n as_o it_o be_v give_v in_o their_o evidence_n we_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o his_o revelation_n which_o carry_v upon_o it_o the_o conspicuous_a stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n i_o hope_v these_o few_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o establish_v in_o you_o a_o belief_n that_o the_o divine_a be_v have_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o all_o other_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o by_o such_o who_o can_v give_v we_o the_o same_o convince_a evidence_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o satanical_a delusion_n a_o distemper_a head_n or_o a_o knavish_a combination_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o necessary_a to_o believe_v thisâ—_n that_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v carry_v aside_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o our_o faith_n will_v find_v nothing_o certain_a to_o take_v hold_n and_o fix_v on_o you_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n grass_n i_o need_v not_o name_v they_o who_o have_v amuse_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o with_o a_o confuse_a system_n of_o new_a principle_n of_o religion_n these_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v arrive_v at_o so_o happy_a a_o state_n as_o to_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o they_o carry_v it_o seem_v the_o deity_n always_o about_o they_o and_o will_v neither_o speak_v preach_v nor_o pray_v without_o a_o divine_a mandate_n nay_o far_o their_o very_a word_n and_o expression_n though_o why_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n i_o know_v not_o must_v be_v supernatural_o force_v on_o they_o and_o they_o will_v deliver_v nothing_o but_o in_o rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o by_o inspiration_n if_o we_o tax_v they_o with_o absurdity_n want_v of_o sense_n and_o incoherency_n in_o their_o discourse_n or_o if_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o religion_n be_v both_o a_o reasonable_a and_o a_o divine_a service_n they_o present_o exclaim_v against_o humane_a learning_n the_o art_n and_o science_n and_o misapply_v that_o scripture_n text_n which_o they_o think_v pat_o to_o
we_o discern_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v for_o he_o that_o give_v those_o perfection_n unto_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o perfection_n in_o himself_o by_o the_o be_v then_o of_o god_n i_o mean_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o that_o make_v all_o thing_n what_o they_o be_v and_o endow_v they_o with_o all_o their_o different_a power_n and_o virtue_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v he_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a my_o own_o existence_n be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n no_o reflection_n can_v give_v unto_o a_o philosopher_n any_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o own_o existence_n than_o the_o intimate_a persuasion_n that_o every_o ploughman_n have_v of_o his_o without_o study_n or_o meditation_n now_o the_o idea_n that_o man_n have_v of_o themselves_o be_v twofold_a material_a and_o immaterial_a the_o material_a part_n of_o man_n be_v his_o body_n which_o be_v evident_o subject_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o liable_a to_o all_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o material_a being_n the_o immaterial_a part_n be_v his_o mind_n which_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o capacity_n of_o think_v and_o reason_v for_o thought_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o matter_n that_o therefore_o which_o think_v viz._n the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o material_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n nor_o liable_a to_o the_o mutation_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o matter_n but_o capable_a of_o a_o subsistence_n notwithstanding_o any_o alteration_n or_o dissolution_n that_o shall_v happen_v to_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n this_o immateriality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v be_v understand_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o consequence_n of_o their_o own_o reflection_n and_o ratiocination_n long_o before_o the_o evidence_n that_o have_v be_v since_o give_v of_o it_o unto_o mankind_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n that_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v a_o notion_n discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n because_o they_o who_o have_v no_o other_o light_n can_v not_o otherways_o have_v discover_v it_o the_o relation_n that_o man_n stand_v in_o towards_o one_o another_o be_v chief_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a necessity_n that_o all_o man_n have_v of_o one_o another_o assistance_n and_o succour_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o subsist_v at_o all_o but_o absolute_o impossible_a to_o subsist_v comfortable_o without_o borrow_a help_n from_o other_o these_o be_v the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o we_o be_v place_v in_o these_o circumstance_n by_o god_n almighty_a the_o universal_a cause_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o be_v lead_v unto_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o circumstance_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o duty_n impose_v on_o we_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o god_n towards_o who_o we_o stand_v first_o relate_v as_o to_o a_o benefactor_n from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v our_o be_v together_o with_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o our_o capacity_n of_o any_o far_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o next_o as_o to_o a_o lawgiver_n or_o governor_n by_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o certain_a rule_n or_o ordinance_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v subject_v we_o if_o we_o consider_v single_o the_o idea_n that_o we_o have_v of_o our_o own_o be_v the_o rule_n that_o result_v from_o thence_o for_o our_o conduct_n be_v that_o we_o must_v not_o degenerate_a from_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o must_v therefore_o bridle_v and_o govern_v all_o the_o appetite_n and_o passion_n that_o arise_v from_o our_o corporeal_a constitution_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o those_o noble_a faculty_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o judgement_n wherewith_o our_o maker_n have_v endow_v our_o mind_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o one_o another_o the_o law_n of_o god_n oblige_v we_o indespensable_o to_o truth_n equity_n charity_n benevolence_n and_o to_o every_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o settlement_n of_o society_n or_o to_o the_o general_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n for_o every_o particular_a man_n great_a interest_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o observance_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o general_a good_a be_v every_o particular_a man_n duty_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v transgress_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o lesser_a or_o private_a advantage_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o towards_o god_n his_o law_n require_v our_o acknowledgement_n gratitude_n love_n dependence_n submission_n or_o in_o one_o word_n our_o humble_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o observance_n of_o these_o rule_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o say_a law_n of_o god_n the_o breach_n of_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n a_o offence_n against_o the_o lawmaker_n or_o a_o sin_n law_n be_v of_o no_o vigour_n unless_o inforce_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n the_o observance_n and_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n by_o mâ—n_z who_o bodily_a action_n depend_v upon_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o his_o mind_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o machinal_a act_n of_o the_o body_n but_o in_o the_o voluntary_a motion_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o such_o observance_n and_o transgression_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v confer_v or_o inflict_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o that_o after_o the_o full_a course_n of_o his_o action_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v accomplish_v which_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o its_o separation_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o sense_n of_o these_o general_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o they_o according_a to_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o tendency_n consist_v all_o true_a religion_n whatsoever_o else_o be_v introduce_v into_o any_o religion_n either_o national_a or_o practical_a i_o say_v whatever_o do_v not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o some_o of_o these_o branch_n or_o tend_v to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o rather_o the_o product_n of_o design_n and_o folly_n every_o man_n than_o be_v answerable_a unto_o god_n the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n for_o his_o own_o particular_a conduct_n in_o every_o branch_n of_o these_o duty_n as_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o god_n to_o his_o neighbour_n or_o to_o himself_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o pure_a language_n of_o impartial_a reason_n unassisted_a by_o revelation_n and_o they_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a inference_n which_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o true_o rational_a proposition_n whatever_o false_a deduction_n or_o conclusion_n some_o man_n false_a judgement_n have_v invent_v for_o the_o support_n of_o their_o wretched_a cause_n the_o fallacy_n be_v soon_o detect_v and_o a_o strict_a inquisition_n will_v soon_o lay_v open_a the_o grand_a absurdity_n of_o their_o mischievous_a opinion_n but_o true_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o though_o some_o man_n may_v be_v repute_v a_o sort_n of_o reason_v atheist_n yet_o the_o much_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v infidel_n by_o imitation_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v the_o certainty_n of_o reveal_v religion_n or_o their_o own_o immortality_n that_o they_o scarce_o ever_o give_v themselves_o time_n to_o consider_v serious_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n these_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o religion_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o truth_n not_o be_v firm_o enough_o establish_v but_o their_o pique_n proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o fear_v it_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o put_v a_o check_n to_o their_o exorbitant_a desire_n and_o hinder_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o their_o vicious_a inclination_n to_o conclude_v if_o after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v however_o rational_a or_o true_a you_o will_v notwithstanding_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v yourself_o that_o all_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a dream_n or_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o excellent_a be_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v create_v and_o to_o preserve_v we_o lecture_n but_o that_o all_o about_o we_o be_v dark_a senseless_a matter_n drive_v on_o by_o the_o blind_a impulse_n of_o fatality_n that_o man_n at_o first_o spring_v up_o out_o
of_o the_o slime_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o that_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o they_o call_v soul_n be_v only_o various_a action_n and_o repercussion_n of_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n keep_v a_o while_n move_v by_o some_o mechanism_n or_o clockwork_n which_o final_o cease_v and_o perish_v by_o death_n if_o contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n in_o your_o own_o understanding_n you_o can_v listen_v with_o complacency_n to_o these_o horrid_a suggestion_n if_o you_o can_v willing_o and_o with_o joy_n let_v go_v your_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n and_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o perdition_n with_o triumph_n and_o exultation_n if_o you_o can_v glory_v in_o debase_v and_o villanise_v the_o rest_n of_o mandind_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o brute_n beast_n and_o permit_v your_o folly_n to_o baffle_v all_o argument_n to_o be_v proof_n against_o the_o clear_a or_o most_o perspicuous_a demonstration_n what_o will_v you_o have_v we_o think_v better_o or_o more_o favourable_o than_o this_o that_o you_o resolve_v to_o carry_v your_o atheism_n with_o you_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o that_o the_o infernal_a horror_n and_o despair_n must_v be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o rectify_v your_o mistake_n or_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o error_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o in_o this_o but_o to_o intimate_v my_o request_n to_o you_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v with_o that_o attention_n which_o become_v the_o subject_a and_o if_o you_o can_v object_v nothing_o against_o the_o fundamental_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n let_v not_o the_o argument_n here_o borrow_v by_o any_o mean_n suffer_v from_o any_o disorderly_a management_n commit_v by_o london_n febr._n 20._o 1691_o you_o etc._n etc._n the_o appendix_n concern_v the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a grace_n etc._n etc._n to_o mr._n there_o remain_v my_o friend_n as_o a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o what_o have_v be_v so_o late_o deliver_v that_o we_o make_v a_o short_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n i_o mean_v that_o we_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o supernatural_a accession_n of_o aid_n or_o assistance_n to_o the_o security_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n or_o if_o with_o pelagius_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v ourselves_o able_a by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n or_o the_o free_a exertion_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n exclusive_a of_o this_o extraordinary_a co-operation_n to_o obtain_v the_o same_o and_o that_o grace_n according_a to_o this_o heretical_a opinion_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o free_a pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o the_o mediator_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o persuasion_n only_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v with_o god_n ordinary_a concurrence_n if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o opinion_n be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o necessary_a which_o be_v independent_a on_o the_o power_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o in_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o neglect_v their_o practice_n but_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o consonant_a to_o the_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v then_o as_o i_o imagine_v scarce_o conceivable_a that_o any_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o verity_n of_o religion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o his_o faith_n require_v or_o deflect_v out_o of_o the_o path_n which_o he_o know_v will_v conduct_v he_o to_o his_o great_a happiness_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v think_v every_o man_n who_o believe_v do_v practice_n according_o and_o that_o whatever_o verbal_a confession_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o of_o their_o creed_n yet_o if_o they_o act_v not_o steady_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o same_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a diffidence_n intermix_v with_o their_o faith_n a_o sort_n of_o disbelief_n or_o at_o the_o least_o a_o distrust_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o religious_a truth_n which_o they_o think_v may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o empty_a notion_n but_o this_o opinion_n seem_v so_o direct_o opposite_a both_o to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o to_o admit_v it_o we_o must_v exclude_v the_o whole_a creation_n from_o any_o just_a claim_n to_o future_a happiness_n and_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o religious_a man_n or_o a_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v vast_a number_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v as_o convince_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o their_o soul_n be_v incorruptibility_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n whatever_o so_o may_v we_o safe_o assert_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o of_o these_o who_o have_v not_o at_o certain_a time_n be_v a_o actual_a transgresor_fw-la or_o a_o trespasser_n against_o his_o faith_n and_o far_o that_o in_o whatever_o state_n of_o purity_n the_o first_o man_n be_v create_v yet_o since_o the_o lapse_n or_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n from_o its_o primitive_a perfection_n there_o be_v no_o man_n able_a without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divinium_n aliquid_fw-la we_o be_v treat_v of_o to_o live_v in_o a_o real_a contempt_n of_o the_o present_a world_n or_o to_o disregard_n its_o manifold_a temptation_n it_o be_v beside_o my_o intention_n to_o make_v a_o scrutinous_a enquiry_n how_o the_o first_o man_n come_v to_o fall_v from_o original_a righteousness_n or_o how_o this_o degeneracy_n come_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o to_o his_o posterity_n it_o seem_v hard_o indeed_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v immediate_o contaminate_v with_o this_o sin_n but_o be_v so_o necessary_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o become_v capable_a of_o sin_v so_o that_o according_a to_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o damage_n we_o have_v sustain_v proceed_v from_o our_o first_o parent_n unhappy_a forfeiture_n of_o immortality_n since_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o divine_a assistance_n for_o mankind_n thus_o propagate_v in_o the_o constant_a method_n of_o nature_n to_o secure_v themselves_o from_o fall_v and_o from_o render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o know_v the_o atheist_n do_v here_o wonderful_o pride_n himself_o in_o have_v find_v out_o a_o objection_n impossible_a to_o be_v resolve_v by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n for_o say_v he_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o co-operation_n of_o man_n will_n to_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o election_n why_o do_v not_o god_n so_o constitute_v mankind_n as_o that_o all_o shall_v cooperate_a to_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n and_o consequent_o be_v elect_v to_o everlasting_a bliss_n to_o this_o i_o say_v when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o no_o other_o reply_n than_o that_o sâ—ch_n be_v god_n eternal_a will_n they_o present_o attack_v the_o divine_a be_v and_o in_o their_o own_o conceit_n immediate_o displace_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n and_o government_n it_o be_v here_o likewise_o that_o the_o deist_n strut_v and_o exalt_v the_o lucky_a hit_n of_o his_o fancy_n 89._o think_v himself_o more_o know_v than_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o in_o that_o he_o have_v now_o find_v out_o the_o juggle_v as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o christianity_n it_o be_v first_o say_v he_o unnecessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o mediator_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o his_o justice_n two_o god_n must_v appoint_v this_o mediator_n and_o so_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n before_o and_o three_o a_o mediator_n derogate_v from_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n equal_o as_o a_o image_n do_v from_o his_o spirituality_n and_o thus_o the_o mighty_a monster_n lay_v his_o plot_n against_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n look_v big_a upon_o the_o contrivance_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o with_o these_o three_o stroke_n he_o do_v the_o christian_n business_n his_o next_o onset_n be_v upon_o our_o immortality_n or_o separate_a existence_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o gradual_o lessen_v by_o insinuate_v that_o brute_n be_v ejusdem_fw-la rationis_fw-la participantes_fw-la or_o endow_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o man_n though_o not_o altogether_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n indeed_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v debase_v mankind_n at_o this_o ridiculous_a rate_n shall_v be_v look_v upon_o otherwise_o than_o the_o more_o sensible_a beast_n or_o
and_o conception_n to_o which_o the_o body_n give_v no_o occasion_n so_o the_o body_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o several_a function_n over_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o dominion_n nor_o any_o direct_a influence_n they_o remain_v as_o much_o distinct_a notwithstanding_o the_o union_n which_o intercede_v between_o they_o as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v shall_v we_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v have_v a_o existence_n previous_a to_o their_o confederation_n or_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o lâ—â—gue_n between_o they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o may_v be_v scientifical_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a and_o different_a principle_n in_o man_n constitution_n but_o whether_o thereupon_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v a_o compositum_fw-la or_o they_o to_o be_v style_v part_n will_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o mere_a longomachy_n or_o chat_v about_o word_n though_o to_o speak_v my_o own_o mind_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o man_n may_v not_o proper_o enough_o obtain_v the_o appellation_n of_o compositum_fw-la and_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v allow_v for_o constituent_a part_n nor_o three_o do_v the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n though_o the_o most_o ingenious_a and_o best_a contrive_v of_o any_o hitherto_o think_v upon_o full_o satisfy_v a_o inquisitive_a mind_n in_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o their_o hypothesis_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n choose_v to_o create_v three_o distinct_a and_o different_a kind_n of_o being_n 1._o some_o pure_o material_a which_o through_o difference_n of_o the_o figure_n size_n number_n texture_n and_o modification_n of_o their_o part_n come_v to_o multiply_v into_o many_o different_a species_n 2._o some_o pure_o immaterial_a among_o who_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o specifical_a difference_n be_v pro_n and_o con_n dispute_v 3._o man_n a_o compositum_fw-la of_o both_o have_v a_o immaterial_a intellectual_a soul_n join_v to_o a_o organical_a body_n now_o say_v they_o god_n have_v in_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n think_v good_a to_o form_v man_n such_o a_o creature_n he_o have_v not_o only_o by_o a_o uncontrollable_a law_n confine_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o intimate_a presence_n with_o and_o constant_a residence_n in_o the_o body_n while_o it_o remain_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n or_o till_o he_o give_v it_o a_o discharge_n but_o withal_o have_v make_v they_o dependent_a upon_o one_o another_o in_o many_o of_o their_o operation_n and_o in_o this_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o with_o respect_n to_o many_o of_o their_o operation_n they_o state_n the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o consist_v for_o through_o the_o impression_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n there_o result_v in_o the_o soul_n certain_a perception_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n through_o the_o cogitation_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n there_o ensue_v certain_a emotion_n in_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o thus_o say_v they_o by_o the_o action_n of_o each_o upon_o the_o other_o and_o their_o passion_n from_o one_o another_o they_o be_v formal_o unite_v but_o all_o this_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n serve_v only_o to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o 1._o this_o mutual_a dependency_n as_o to_o operation_n of_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o can_v be_v apprehend_v but_o in_o posteriority_n of_o nature_n to_o union_n and_o consequent_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o union_n can_v consist_v in_o it_o 2._o there_o be_v case_n wherein_o neither_o the_o impression_n of_o outward_a object_n upon_o the_o sensory_a nerve_n beget_v or_o excite_v any_o perception_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n or_o intense_a contemplation_n alike_o answer_v my_o drift_n and_o also_o case_n wherein_o cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n make_v not_o any_o sensible_a impression_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o yet_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n remain_v undissolved_a which_o argue_v that_o it_o import_v more_o than_o either_o a_o intimous_a presence_n or_o a_o dependence_n between_o they_o in_o point_n of_o operation_n 3._o it_o be_v altogether_o unintelligible_a how_o either_o a_o body_n can_v act_v upon_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o spirit_n upon_o a_o body_n i_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o they_o do_v so_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o or_o indeed_o how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v be_v not_o intelligible_a that_o a_o tremour_n beget_v in_o the_o nerve_n by_o the_o jog_v of_o particle_n of_o matter_n upon_o the_o sensory_a organ_n shall_v excite_v cogitation_n in_o the_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o mere_a thought_n shall_v both_o beget_v a_o motion_n in_o the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o determine_v through_o what_o meatus_n they_o be_v to_o steer_v their_o course_n be_v a_o phaenomenon_n in_o the_o theory_n of_o which_o we_o be_v perfect_o nonplus_v how_o that_o which_o penetrate_v a_o body_n 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