Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n false_a religion_n true_a 4,673 5 5.0261 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30019 Discourses and essays on several subjects, relating chiefly to the controversies of these times, especially with the Socinians, deists, enthusiasts, and scepticks by Ja. Buerdsell ...; Selections. 1700 Buerdsell, James, 1669 or 70-1700. 1700 (1700) Wing B5363; ESTC R7240 90,520 247

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raise_v the_o body_n from_o the_o same_o grave_a in_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o repose_v unless_o it_o be_v the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v there_o at_o first_o repose_v though_o the_o body_n shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o spiritualise_v yet_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o body_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n can_v pass_v from_o immortality_n to_o mortality_n and_o yet_o continue_v the_o same_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n in_o this_o for_o sin_n commit_v in_o that_o why_o may_v not_o the_o reverse_n of_o this_o be_v true_a and_o man_n from_o mortal_a become_v immortal_a from_o corruptible_a become_v incorruptible_a and_o yet_o abide_v the_o same_o i_o shall_v close_v this_o essay_n with_o make_v a_o short_a reflection_n on_o a_o passage_n in_o a_o late_a treatise_n write_v on_o this_o subject_a by_o the_o learned_a dr._n hody_n to_o who_o merit_n i_o pay_v a_o extraordinary_a deference_n though_o i_o can_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o point_n pay_v a_o assent_n to_o his_o way_n of_o reason_v he_o seem_v without_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o father_n by_o which_o they_o prove_v the_o identity_n of_o the_o rise_a body_n the_o father_n reason_n in_o short_a that_o since_o there_o be_v a_o relative_a combination_n between_o soul_n and_o body_n since_o the_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o any_o action_n be_v share_v between_o they_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v both_o appear_v the_o same_o to_o receive_v reward_n or_o punishment_n for_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a action_n this_o method_n of_o discourse_n seem_v just_a and_o true_a notwithstanding_o that_o the_o learned_a doctor_n say_v that_o 210_o dr._n hody_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n p._n 210_o the_o arm_n that_o stab_v sin_n no_o more_o than_o the_o sword_n and_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n only_o that_o be_v the_o murderer_n this_o be_v a_o fine_a abstract_a cartesian_a way_n of_o talk_v but_o will_v scarce_o 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interest_n and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v change_v the_o christian_a profession_n for_o another_o which_o will_v be_v more_o serviceable_a for_o their_o design_n second_o they_o have_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o religion_n because_o many_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o its_o truth_n be_v yet_o negligent_a of_o the_o moral_n of_o it_o and_o live_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o will_v make_v a_o sober_a heathen_a blush_n three_o they_o despise_v religion_n because_o several_a professor_n of_o it_o embrace_v it_o not_o out_o of_o reason_n or_o conviction_n but_o out_o of_o a_o supine_n credulity_n and_o walk_v blind_o on_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o country_n four_o they_o entertain_v a_o low_a idea_n of_o christianity_n because_o though_o say_v to_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n yet_o god_n have_v only_o propagate_v it_o in_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o where_o it_o have_v be_v promulge_v it_o be_v find_v but_o a_o indifferent_a expedient_a to_o work_v any_o such_o extraordinary_a effect_n on_o man_n mind_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o religion_n which_o god_n himself_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n five_o that_o the_o division_n among_o single_a christian_n and_o the_o war_n and_o discord_n between_o christian_a prince_n and_o commonwealth_n often_o heighten_v by_o religious_a controversy_n and_o inflame_v by_o the_o violent_a harangue_n of_o ecclesiastic_a person_n be_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o give_v a_o moral_a deist_n great_a advantage_n over_o a_o zealot_n for_o christianity_n these_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v some_o of_o the_o lead_a force_n in_o the_o van_n of_o scepticism_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o particular_a objection_n lay_v against_o peculiar_a part_n of_o christianity_n which_o can_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o short_a essay_n but_o to_o return_v a_o cursory_a reply_n to_o each_o one_o of_o these_o objection_n first_o it_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n upon_o the_o religion_n that_o many_o who_o make_v great_a show_v of_o be_v christian_n be_v only_o such_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v change_v the_o christian_a profession_n for_o another_o which_o will_v be_v more_o serviceable_a for_o their_o design_n though_o some_o may_v be_v christian_n at_o present_a out_o of_o interest_n yet_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v its_o intrinsic_a worth_n which_o first_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a motive_n or_o interest_n to_o make_v it_o take_v for_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n turn_v christian_n upon_o any_o temporal_a prospect_n or_o what_o advantage_n can_v those_o who_o succeed_v they_o for_o the_o two_o first_o century_n propose_v what_o can_v they_o gain_v by_o this_o new_a profession_n but_o disgrace_n imprisonment_n and_o death_n and_o can_v any_o one_o be_v a_o platonic_a lover_n of_o shame_n and_o pain_n and_o court_v misery_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n alone_o now_o these_o pure_a time_n nigh_a to_o the_o origin_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v those_o which_o our_o adversary_n ought_v to_o have_v inquire_v into_o and_o level_v their_o objection_n against_o otherwise_o their_o argument_n only_o wound_v the_o present_a professor_n of_o religion_n many_o of_o which_o we_o own_v to_o live_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o but_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o do_v any_o injury_n to_o religion_n itself_o second_o the_o sceptic_a ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o religion_n because_o many_o who_o be_v zealous_a for_o its_o truth_n be_v yet_o negligent_a of_o the_o moral_n of_o it_o and_o live_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o
of_o man_n insomuch_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v stand_v still_o upon_o gibeon_n and_o the_o moon_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o ajalon_n as_o a_o miracle_n thus_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o the_o person_n in_o favour_n of_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v aught_o to_o know_v that_o this_o miracle_n shall_v be_v thus_o wrought_v he_o ought_v either_o to_o know_v in_o particular_a that_o this_o miracle_n will_v be_v wrought_v and_o no_o other_o or_o that_o a_o miracle_n of_o some_o kind_n will_v be_v wrought_v when_o natural_a help_n shall_v fail_v thus_o moses_n when_o pharaoh_n press_v behind_o and_o the_o red-sea_n rage_v before_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v no_o special_a revelation_n that_o the_o sea_n shall_v be_v make_v dry_a land_n and_o the_o water_n be_v divide_v yet_o he_o know_v in_o gross_a that_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v see_v that_o day_n and_o that_o the_o egyptian_n who_o they_o have_v see_v that_o day_n shall_v no_o more_o be_v see_v again_o for_o ever_o therefore_o the_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n be_v a_o miracle_n perform_v by_o moses_n though_o he_o do_v not_o particular_o foresee_v it_o but_o when_o the_o person_n in_o behalf_n of_o who_o a_o miraculous_a work_n be_v bring_v about_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o it_o this_o can_v be_v no_o miracle_n nor_o ought_v any_o consequence_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o as_o if_o that_o person_n be_v immediate_o commission'd_n from_o god_n the_o sudden_a advancement_n of_o man_n from_o the_o low_a fortune_n to_o the_o high_a station_n by_o unaccountable_a and_o unforeseen_a mean_n be_v sometime_o assure_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n but_o since_o this_o exaltation_n may_v be_v for_o the_o ruin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o the_o party_n exalt_v can_v not_o foresee_v his_o success_n it_o be_v no_o miracle_n though_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o this_o person_n be_v a_o near_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o human_a kind_n the_o creation_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v miraculous_a but_o because_o it_o be_v usual_a be_v not_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o miracle_n express_v in_o the_o word_n thus_o the_o inspiration_n of_o grace_n be_v miraculous_a but_o because_o it_o work_v now_o a-days_o according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n whatsoever_o the_o enthusiast_n may_v pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a assist_v we_o while_o we_o use_v such_o moral_a mean_n as_o religion_n command_v and_o reason_n prescribe_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v range_v with_o the_o miracle_n mention_v here_o since_o miracle_n therefore_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n more_o than_o natural_a it_o be_v just_a to_o inquire_v second_o what_o power_n be_v capable_a of_o work_v a_o miracle_n where_o notwithstanding_o what_o the_o acute_a le_fw-fr cler●_n and_o other_o of_o this_o age_n have_v 355._o jean_n ●e_v clere_n de_fw-fr 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idea_n of_o god_n or_o interfere_n with_o the_o great_a duty_n we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o his_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o artful_a fraud_n and_o he_o himself_o only_o a_o more_o pompous_a deceiver_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o miracle_n be_v produce_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a who_o prospect_n of_o reward_n be_v only_o lay_v in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o enjoin_v modesty_n temperance_n sobriety_n and_o patience_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v fit_v to_o advance_v human_a nature_n such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v high_o fit_v to_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o behalf_n of_o it_o be_v true_a the_o three_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v that_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v last_v and_o durable_a if_o disease_n be_v remove_v by_o a_o
miracle_n they_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v remove_v as_o not_o to_o return_v if_o sight_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o blind_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o temporary_a restitution_n but_o a_o permanent_a and_o continue_a state_n of_o see_v four_o miracle_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v extend_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o since_o they_o flow_v from_o a_o infinite_a power_n which_o have_v equal_a jurisdiction_n over_o every_o creature_n they_o can_v be_v confine_v within_o any_o particular_a circle_n of_o being_n for_o whatsoever_o creature_n the_o voice_n of_o god_n be_v address_v to_o it_o immediate_o lose_v its_o liberty_n and_o can_v only_o perform_v what_o be_v his_o pleasure_n there_o be_v a_o five_o mark_v which_o common_o attend_v on_o a_o real_a miracle_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o full_o convince_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a recommendation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v fit_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n settle_v by_o it_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v when_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n to_o cure_v their_o disease_n raise_v their_o dead_a the_o six_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v wrought_v mere_o for_o the_o advantage_n or_o honour_n of_o the_o performer_n nor_o ought_v he_o to_o propose_v any_o interest_n from_o it_o but_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n where_o these_o mark_n combine_v in_o any_o miracle_n we_o may_v secure_o vouch_v that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o person_n who_o perform_v it_o be_v commission'd_n from_o heaven_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v four_o that_o the_o miracle_n perform_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o those_o wrought_v by_o his_o apostle_n have_v all_o these_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n and_o first_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v wrought_v and_o first_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v those_o who_o flourish_v in_o the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o second_o to_o satisfy_v we_o who_o live_v in_o distant_a age_n those_o who_o be_v co-temporary_a with_o the_o miracle_n have_v not_o the_o least_o umbrage_n from_o reason_n to_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o public_a often_o in_o great_a assembly_n of_o people_n general_o upon_o notorious_a and_o inveterated_a disease_n and_o malady_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o matter_n address_v to_o sense_n where_o every_o one_o have_v due_a power_n as_o well_o as_o right_o to_o judge_v even_o the_o most_o implacable_a adversary_n who_o see_v and_o envy_v this_o grow_a religion_n in_o its_o infancy_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o but_o second_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v and_o this_o evidence_n rise_v from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o primitive_a believer_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o these_o miracle_n and_o recorder_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n and_o who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n not_o only_o to_o give_v sanction_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n but_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v the_o relation_n of_o these_o person_n must_v be_v assure_o true_a since_o they_o can_v propose_v no_o other_o interest_n to_o themselves_o but_o the_o propagation_n of_o truth_n all_o other_o sinister_a aim_n be_v disappoint_v by_o their_o death_n and_o their_o reward_n be_v only_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o that_o glorious_a future_a state_n of_o which_o they_o discourse_v so_o much_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o first_o professor_n of_o christianity_n always_o appeal_v to_o miracle_n and_o challenge_v the_o heathen_n to_o bring_v their_o fancy_v deity_n assure_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v miraculous_o strike_v dumb_a by_o the_o god_n of_o the_o christian_n otherwise_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o death_n as_o enemy_n of_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o their_o country_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o deny_v so_o manifest_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n lucian_n the_o great_a ridicule_a of_o all_o religion_n free_o own_v it_o for_o he_o who_o he_o blasphemous_o style_v in_o his_o ribitti_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 363._o edit_fw-la ribitti_n ariston_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v undoubted_o our_o saviour_n this_o jewish_a sophister_n he_o tell_v we_o cast_v out_o devil_n heal_v the_o sick_a raise_v the_o dead_a second_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v any_o doctrine_n before_o establish_v by_o god_n by_o sufficient_a miracle_n for_o though_o the_o civil_a and_o judicial_a law_n of_o moses_n fall_v short_o after_o our_o saviour_n death_n because_o they_o be_v only_o calculate_v for_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v dissolve_v with_o that_o polity_n yet_o we_o find_v that_o our_o saviour_n during_o his_o abode_n on_o earth_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o invalidate_n their_o obligation_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o obedience_n of_o they_o that_o he_o be_v always_o prepare_v to_o practice_v they_o himself_o as_o to_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v employ_v about_o circumcision_n and_o purification_n and_o sacrifice_n in_o distinction_n of_o meat_n and_o time_n and_o various_a other_o rite_n and_o observance_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o dissolve_v and_o make_v void_a by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n but_o fulfil_v and_o make_v good_a by_o he_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o law_n be_v the_o type_n and_o resemblance_n of_o those_o future_a good_a thing_n which_o be_v promise_v under_o the_o gospel_n a_o kind_n of_o rude_a draught_n and_o sciography_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a refine_a and_o perfect_a oeconomy_n which_o be_v design_v and_o at_o last_o finish_v and_o complete_v by_o christianity_n but_o while_o these_o law_n continue_v in_o force_n our_o saviour_n submit_v himself_o to_o they_o he_o be_v circumcise_a and_o present_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o perform_v all_o other_o rite_n command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o do_v not_o therefore_o work_v any_o miracle_n in_o opposition_n to_o these_o law_n but_o they_o have_v remain_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v design_v to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o they_o expire_v and_o abate_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n three_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v permanent_a he_o do_v not_o suspend_v only_o but_o expel_v disease_n the_o dead_a which_o he_o raise_v have_v their_o soul_n join_v to_o their_o body_n by_o as_o firm_a a_o union_n as_o when_o it_o be_v at_o first_o inspire_v four_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v extend_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n the_o power_n of_o they_o be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v hell_n and_o the_o grave_a exempt_v from_o their_o jurisdiction_n the_o fall_a angel_n who_o rebel_v against_o god_n be_v yet_o force_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o death_n and_o disease_n be_v soften_v into_o life_n and_o health_n the_o wind_n and_o sea_n be_v silent_a at_o his_o voice_n and_o he_o still_v the_o rage_a of_o the_o water_n so_o that_o the_o general_a obedience_n of_o all_o nature_n be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o act_v five_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n bear_v that_o endear_n character_n that_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o most_o of_o the_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v equal_o beneficial_a and_o miraculous_a even_o in_o the_o prologue_n to_o his_o own_o crucifixion_n his_o violent_a attachment_n when_o one_o of_o his_o enemy_n be_v wound_v he_o bestow_v a_o miracle_n to_o effect_v his_o cure_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n display_v itself_o in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v as_o that_o of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o latter_a be_v general_o perform_v to_o destroy_v and_o consume_v so_o those_o of_o jesus_n whole_o aim_v to_o preserve_v and_o save_v last_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v not_o design_v to_o gain_v himself_o applause_n interest_n or_o honour_n for_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v make_v a_o king_n and_o though_o he_o be_v crown_v indeed_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o thorn_n alone_o though_o he_o be_v exalt_v yet_o it_o be_v only_o upon_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v make_v a_o more_o conspicuous_a instance_n of_o
and_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o pure_a evangelic_n deist_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v he_o may_v have_v our_o saviour_n merit_n which_o he_o never_o hear_v of_o so_o far_o impute_v to_o he_o as_o to_o free_v he_o from_o a_o state_n of_o misery_n and_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v god_n may_v make_v he_o happy_a be_v a_o enquiry_n overcurious_a and_o concern_v which_o our_o present_a condition_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v a_o future_a state_n be_v in_o some_o proportion_n to_o we_o what_o america_n be_v to_o our_o forefather_n and_o i_o with_o all_o possible_a submission_n think_v that_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o 2●5_n a_o dr._n scot●'s_o christ_n life_n part_n 2._o ch._n 4._o s●ct_n 1._o p._n 2●5_n admirable_a person_n of_o our_o church_n be_v too_o bold_a where_o he_o seem_v more_o than_o to_o intimate_v that_o god_n may_v extend_v the_o trial_n and_o probation_n of_o these_o heathen_n beyond_o this_o life_n and_o discover_v in_o the_o other_o life_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o so_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o as_o have_v make_v any_o tolerable_a improvement_n under_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o make_v good_a use_n of_o it_o reward_v they_o according_o that_o god_n will_v act_v not_o only_o just_o on_o their_o own_o account_n but_o also_o in_o some_o degree_n merciful_o on_o our_o saviour_n by_o these_o nation_n seem_v a_o evident_a truth_n but_o how_o or_o by_o what_o way_n be_v more_o than_o even_o this_o thoughtful_a person_n ever_o know_v as_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o even_o where_o christianity_n have_v be_v promulge_v it_o be_v find_v but_o a_o indifferent_a expedient_a to_o work_v any_o extraordinary_a effect_n on_o man_n mind_n it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v pure_o satyr_n and_o invective_n and_o be_v plain_o void_a of_o truth_n for_o though_o it_o must_v be_v with_o confusion_n own_a that_o many_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o vice_n which_o will_v make_v a_o ingenuous_a heathen_a blush_n yet_o the_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n have_v give_v a_o total_a defeat_n to_o many_o national_a and_o public_a crime_n among_o many_o civilise_v nation_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o their_o own_o poet_n and_o historian_n parent_n may_v expose_v their_o child_n and_o master_n murder_v their_o slave_n with_o impunity_n and_o without_o any_o dread_n of_o be_v call_v in_o question_n those_o unnatural_a sin_n condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o chap._n to_o the_o roman_n be_v part_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n a_o fit_a service_n for_o such_o go_n man_n be_v condemn_v to_o massacre_v one_o another_o in_o their_o amphitheatre_n be_v engage_v against_o beast_n or_o with_o man_n as_o cruel_a altar_n be_v stain_v with_o human_a blood_n a_o great_a villainy_n than_o any_o it_o be_v design_v to_o expiate_v a_o hero_n never_o die_v but_o that_o he_o have_v pompous_a train_n of_o slave_n to_o attend_v he_o to_o their_o fancy_v elysium_n but_o now_o all_o these_o barbarous_a practice_n be_v as_o much_o banish_v by_o christianity_n as_o the_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o the_o zabii_n by_o the_o etc._n the_o v._o ma●mon●des_n mor._n nev._n p._n 3._o c._n 29._o and_o dr._n spe●cer_n de_fw-fr leg._n heb._n p._n 177._o cap._n 9_o ●_o 1._o etc._n etc._n jewish_a ceremony_n a_o sufficient_a indication_n that_o christianity_n have_v be_v high_o profitable_a to_o the_o world_n five_o the_o division_n among_o single_a christian_n and_o the_o war_n and_o discord_n between_o christian_a prince_n and_o commonwealth_n often_o heighten_v by_o religious_a controversy_n and_o inflame_v by_o the_o violent_a harangue_n of_o ecclesiastic_a person_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n be_v defend_v by_o the_o dint_n of_o calumny_n as_o a_o late_a 52._o late_a ●_o t●●_n amyntor_n ●_o 52._o author_n phrase_n it_o be_v no_o just_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n nor_o do_v they_o give_v a_o moral_a deist_n a_o advantage_n over_o a_o zealot_n for_o it_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o christianity_n ill_o understand_v have_v be_v the_o innocent_a author_n of_o public_a division_n and_o private_a discord_n the_o most_o beautiful_a parent_n of_o ill-resembling_a child_n the_o gospel_n have_v arm_v nation_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o the_o pulpit_n have_v give_v the_o signal_n for_o very_o unnatural_a war_n notwithstanding_o this_o religion_n itself_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o first_o the_o founder_n of_o this_o religion_n predict_v that_o such_o a_o dismal_a event_n shall_v attend_v his_o institution_n think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v peace_n on_o earth_n i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n second_o it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o cherish_v faction_n and_o discord_n among_o its_o follower_n nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a encourager_n of_o candour_n good-nature_n peace_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n than_o this_o religion_n just_o practise_v and_o all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o human_a life_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o product_n of_o irreligion_n and_o scepticism_n for_o if_o every_o person_n live_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o his_o religion_n all_o war_n and_o contest_v will_v quick_o cease_v all_o passion_n be_v compose_v and_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o ancient_a paradise_n will_v not_o ne●d_v to_o be_v far_o inquire_v into_o when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v one._n these_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v transient_o to_o answer_v be_v some_o of_o the_o pretend_a reason_n for_o scepticism_n and_o doubt_n about_o religion_n i_o shall_v proceed_v second_o to_o take_v a_o short_a survey_n of_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o make_v man_n sceptic_n and_o the_o first_o be_v pride_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n so_o be_v they_o in_o some_o sort_n adapt_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o all_o but_o there_o be_v several_a of_o such_o sublime_a and_o exalt_a thought_n that_o they_o can_v relish_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v place_v out_o of_o the_o vulgar_a method_n of_o think_v thus_o the_o emperor_n julian_n though_o adorn_v with_o temperance_n gravity_n chastity_n and_o sobriety_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o own_o spanhem_n own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n v._o jullani_n miso●●g_v p._n ●_o 0_o ●dit_n spanhem_n write_n nor_o do_v his_o adversary_n cyril_n or_o nazianzen_n deny_v it_o yet_o the_o nicety_n and_o sublimity_n of_o his_o admire_a philosophy_n make_v he_o too_o proud_a to_o debase_v his_o understanding_n as_o he_o fancy_v to_o the_o lowliness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n out_o of_o this_o principle_n a_o late_a mysterious_a late_a to●and_n '_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a writer_n have_v exclude_v all_o mystery_n out_o of_o religion_n and_o nothing_o now_o must_v be_v believe_v but_o what_o can_v be_v comprehend_v the_o second_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n be_v prejudice_n or_o a_o rash_a judgement_n make_v upon_o religion_n for_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n but_o some_o who_o have_v be_v initiate_v into_o christianity_n frame_v false_a idea_n of_o it_o they_o be_v too_o much_o prejudice_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v crime_n of_o finite_a duration_n with_o infinite_a pain_n they_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v release_v his_o threat_n and_o some_o way_n mitigate_v the_o penalty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o servile_a and_o mercenary_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o obedience_n by_o address_v to_o our_o fear_n by_o propose_v prospect_n of_o eternal_a misery_n but_o these_o objection_n rise_v from_o prejudice_n will_v be_v easy_o remove_v if_o the_o sceptic_a will_v consider_v that_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v man_n for_o sin_n which_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v not_o for_o single_a act_n but_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o final_a obstinacy_n that_o repentance_n if_o sincere_a take_v off_o the_o great_a gild_n that_o he_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o shun_v sin_n and_o grace_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o that_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v the_o fit_a passion_n by_o which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n may_v be_v act_v upon_o that_o every_o sin_n be_v against_o infinite_a majesty_n a_o act_n too_o of_o our_o own_o choice_n that_o god_n will_v be_v want_v in_o promote_a the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o great_a punishment_n due_a to_o the_o violation_n of_o they_o that_o he_o promise_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o obedience_n as_o well_o as_o threaten_v everlasting_a misery_n upon_o disobedience_n the_o three_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n be_v a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n contrary_n to_o religion_n for_o a_o soul_n stain_v with_o vice_n can_v never_o comply_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o will_n and_o affection_n must_v first_o be_v purify_v before_o the_o understanding_n can_v be_v enlighten_v hence_o our_o saviour_n endeavour_v to_o plant_v the_o innocence_n even_o of_o child_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o follower_n before_o he_o propose_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o religion_n happy_a be_v they_o who_o have_v preserve_v their_o innocence_n unstained_a and_o who_o soul_n have_v never_o lose_v its_o native_a candour_n the_o first_o proposal_n of_o religion_n will_v strike_v upon_o such_o mind_n as_o these_o with_o the_o most_o vigorous_a light_n and_o will_v convince_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o address_v to_o they_o but_o to_o spirit_n sink_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n religion_n appear_v upon_o a_o disadvantage_n and_o like_o a_o object_n strike_v upon_o a_o disorder_a organ_n form_n a_o irregular_a impression_n let_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n once_o be_v disengage_v from_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n as_o the_o pythagorean_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n neat_o style_v it_o and_o it_o will_v fly_v up_o to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o its_o proper_a centre_n the_o four_o cause_n of_o scepticism_n be_v the_o prevail_a humour_n of_o turn_v every_o thing_n into_o ridicule_n nor_o be_v sacred_a thing_n themselves_o exempt_v which_o take_v off_o that_o veneration_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o look_v first_o contemptible_a and_o afterward_o false_a the_o five_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n and_o the_o last_o which_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v want_n of_o consideration_n or_o attention_n for_o if_o man_n either_o think_v not_o at_o all_o or_o not_o regular_o or_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o other_o curious_a speculation_n they_o will_v of_o necessity_n continue_v sceptic_n but_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o themselves_o not_o in_o religion_n they_o can_v no_o more_o complain_v of_o obscurity_n in_o that_o than_o those_o who_o have_v wilful_o close_v their_o own_o eye_n of_o want_n of_o light_n in_o the_o heavenly_a luminary_n let_v the_o sceptic_a take_v away_o these_o true_a cause_n of_o scepticism_n and_o the_o pretend_a one_o will_v vanish_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o while_o these_o remain_n they_o be_v like_a to_o continue_v sceptic_n till_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n shall_v not_o only_o make_v they_o understand_v but_o even_o feel_v that_o religion_n be_v true_a finis_fw-la