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
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42445 The certainty and necessity of religion in general, or, The first grounds & principles of humane duty establish'd in eight sermons preach'd at S. Martins in the Fields at the lecture for the year 1697, founded by the Honorable Robert Boyle, Esquire / by Francis Gastrell ... Gastrell, Francis, 1662-1725. 1697 (1697) Wing G300; ESTC R10900 106,790 282

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

carry_v our_o observation_n to_o the_o far_a end_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o different_a point_n of_o distance_n from_o we_o which_o be_v the_o present_a case_n for_o except_o we_o be_v able_a to_o take_v a_o full_a and_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o all_o the_o relation_n which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o bear_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v ill_o contrive_v in_o it_o except_o we_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a state_n we_o can_v condenm_fw-la the_o present_a course_n of_o humane_a affair_n as_o unequal_a or_o fortuitous_a and_o except_o we_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o another_o world_n the_o just_a proportion_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o exact_a manner_n and_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o we_o hereafter_o we_o can_v never_o make_v it_o appear_v from_o reason_n that_o the_o scripture-account_a of_o god_n future_a appointment_n for_o we_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n or_o wisdom_n and_o consequent_o that_o our_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v vain_a because_o the_o most_o probable_a representation_n we_o can_v make_v of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v ill-grounded_a if_o therefore_o the_o general_n proof_n of_o religion_n hereafter_o give_v will_v stand_v good_a no_o particular_a difficulty_n either_o in_o the_o real_a phenomena_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o arbitrary_a scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v any_o weight_n with_o we_o the_o next_o and_o only_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v afterward_o be_v to_o search_v and_o examine_v into_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o truth_n sincere_o endeavour_v to_o form_v all_o our_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n upon_o that_o most_o perfect_a model_n of_o it_o there_o lay_v down_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n etc._n etc._n heb._n xi_o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o religion_n have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o possession_n so_o powerful_a have_v be_v its_o influence_n and_o so_o universal_a its_o authority_n so_o near_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o all_o it_o promive_v or_o threaten_v and_o such_o mighty_a consequence_n attend_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o its_o pretension_n that_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v how_o the_o man_n of_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o thing_n dare_v dispute_v a_o title_n so_o well_o own_v and_o attest_v the_o denial_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o which_o if_o it_o have_v at_o first_o be_v false_a they_o have_v no_o possible_a mean_n leave_v of_o disprove_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v still_o in_o be_v still_o fresh_a and_o in_o all_o their_o strength_n of_o conviction_n as_o i_o hope_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a i_o be_o engage_v in_o a_o subject_a which_o several_a great_a and_o learned_a man_n have_v already_o and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o late_o treat_v of_o with_o the_o wise_a reflection_n and_o just_a reason_v imaginable_a but_o beside_o that_o truth_n itself_o be_v fruitful_a and_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n hardly_o ever_o to_o be_v exhaust_v the_o same_o object_n may_v admit_v of_o different_a view_n there_o may_v be_v new_a and_o more_o suitable_a way_n of_o offer_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n or_o old_a argument_n may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o fence_v in_o from_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v be_v former_o raise_v against_o they_o by_o some_o additional_a support_v or_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o in_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_o justify_v to_o the_o adversary_n i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v repeat_v again_o to_o their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n who_o have_v hitherto_o find_v nothing_o to_o answer_v to_o they_o and_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o unbelief_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o conviction_n which_o nothing_o but_o unpromise_v irresistible_a grace_n can_v effect_v as_o the_o secure_n and_o confirm_v other_o in_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o since_o the_o increase_n and_o propagate_a a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n be_v my_o principal_a design_n and_o not_o a_o learned_a triumph_n over_o a_o adversary_n i_o have_v suit_v my_o method_n according_o and_o consequent_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o one_o which_o in_o the_o general_a management_n be_v different_a though_o in_o several_a part_n of_o it_o it_o must_v necessary_o fall_v in_o with_o that_o of_o other_o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n be_v what_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v religion_n all_o together_o in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o notion_n and_o shall_v not_o insist_v whole_o upon_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n as_o a_o first_o cause_n mover_n or_o eternal_a be_v but_o so_o far_o only_o as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o these_o obligation_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o relation_n the_o one_o stand_v in_o to_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v chief_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v take_v from_o what_o we_o know_v of_o ourselves_o be_v best_a perceive_v by_o we_o and_o entertain_v with_o the_o least_o resistance_n or_o suspicion_n all_o nice_a and_o philosophical_a reason_n i_o shall_v forbear_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v but_o where_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o particular_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v satisfy_v require_v a_o more_o speculative_a and_o metaphysical_a proof_n of_o thing_n i_o shall_v choose_v out_o such_o argument_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o will_v give_v the_o understanding_n the_o least_o difficulty_n to_o comprehend_v and_o shall_v avoid_v all_o such_o which_o though_o convince_a to_o some_o that_o be_v already_o well_o use_v to_o speculation_n may_v chance_v to_o be_v suspect_v by_o other_o of_o too_o much_o fineness_n and_o so_o will_v probable_o though_o very_o unjust_o create_v in_o they_o a_o disgust_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o i_o shall_v all_o along_o take_v a_o due_a care_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o such_o notion_n and_o opinion_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o religion_n and_o those_o other_o which_o though_o oftentimes_o use_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o do_v not_o destroy_v what_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v false_a nor_o so_o much_o as_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n or_o obligation_n of_o religion_n now_o in_o order_n to_o pursue_v my_o intend_a method_n with_o the_o more_o clearness_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v in_o this_o place_n to_o give_v a_o account_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o religion_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o which_o be_v first_o lay_v down_o it_o will_v afterward_o more_o easy_o and_o plain_o appear_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a or_o necessary_a for_o mankind_n to_o be_v influence_v by_o it_o by_o religion_n then_o in_o general_a i_o mean_v all_o that_o worship_n service_n or_o obedience_n we_o that_o call_v ourselves_o men_n be_v to_o pay_v to_o god_n or_o whatever_o we_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n oblige_v to_o upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o this_o or_o a_o future_a state_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o order_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n we_o must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o some_o superior_a be_v who_o can_v and_o do_v oblige_v man_n to_o live_v after_o such_o a_o particular_a manner_n and_o that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o actual_o under_o such_o a_o obligation_n the_o performance_n or_o neglect_v of_o which_o will_v be_v attend_v with_o very_o different_a consequence_n and_o those_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v he_o to_o act_v one_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v desirous_a of_o convince_a such_o person_n
own_o misery_n but_o by_o rectify_v our_o perception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v future_a do_v not_o by_o immediate_a impression_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o real_o be_v what_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v and_o if_o we_o strict_o examine_v ourselves_o about_o these_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o what_o we_o now_o actual_o feel_v or_o perceive_v we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o feel_v or_o perceive_v that_o be_v we_o must_v be_v undeceivable_o conscious_a of_o all_o our_o own_o sensation_n and_o perception_n but_o how_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v we_o can_v not_o otherwise_o know_v than_o by_o know_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o affect_v or_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n upon_o another_o in_o order_n to_o promote_v or_o hinder_v the_o one_o being_n so_o affect_v by_o the_o other_o now_o as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v these_o far_a observation_n upon_o ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v some_o idea_n or_o notion_n that_o appear_v with_o that_o light_n and_o clearness_n to_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o immediate_o perceive_v they_o in_o all_o their_o extent_n and_o a_o necessary_a agreement_n or_o disagreement_n betwixt_o they_o and_o afterward_o the_o dependence_n or_o independance_n of_o other_o upon_o they_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o appearance_n we_o can_v possible_o deny_v our_o assent_n that_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v with_o such_o evidence_n as_o to_o command_v our_o assent_n but_o have_v more_o to_o incline_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o true_a than_o false_a and_o this_o according_a to_o different_a degree_n that_o there_o be_v other_o that_o appear_v with_o equal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o hold_v we_o in_o suspense_n and_o will_v hardly_o suffer_v we_o to_o determine_v either_o way_n and_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o at_o all_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o which_o nothing_o at_o all_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o general_a difference_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n as_o certain_a probable_a doubtful_a or_o exceed_v our_o present_a reach_n we_o be_v moreover_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o other_o kind_n of_o difference_n the_o one_o between_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o appearance_n to_o we_o the_o other_o betwixt_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n and_o their_o appearance_n to_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o action_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o difference_n we_o find_v that_o what_o we_o be_v once_o real_o certain_a of_o always_o appear_v certain_a to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v appear_v to_o we_o but_o as_o certain_a we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n certain_a may_v appear_v doubtful_a to_o we_o at_o one_o time_n and_o probable_a at_o another_o and_o what_o we_o assent_v to_o as_o probable_a now_o may_v afterward_o command_v our_o assent_n as_o certain_a and_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o although_o '_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o their_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o know_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v of_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o present_a faculty_n as_o to_o the_o other_o difference_n in_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o action_n and_o its_o consequence_n it_o often_o so_o happen_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n seem_v doubtful_a to_o we_o it_o plain_o appear_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o more_o to_o our_o present_a advantage_n or_o afford_v a_o better_a prospect_n of_o future_a happiness_n to_o act_v one_o way_n than_o another_o and_o abundance_n of_o instance_n there_o be_v in_o which_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o act_v one_o way_n or_o other_o where_o neither_o side_n appear_v certain_o true_a but_o one_o only_a probable_a or_o both_o equal_o doubtful_a this_o be_v all_o the_o account_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o i_o think_v necessary_a to_o my_o present_a design_n of_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o upon_o this_o subject_a which_o any_o man_n that_o fair_o consult_v himself_o can_v possible_o call_v in_o question_n but_o if_o any_o objection_n do_v lie_v against_o any_o part_n of_o what_o i_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o they_o shall_v be_v consider_v before_o i_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o all_o question_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la and_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n and_o separate_a existence_n i_o have_v purposely_o wave_v as_o thing_n which_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o consequent_o admit_v of_o no_o certain_a proof_n from_o thence_o be_v as_o common_o handle_v involve_v in_o great_a ambiguity_n of_o term_n and_o which_o way_n soever_o explain_v i_o think_v as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v hitherto_o see_v make_v no_o manner_n of_o change_n either_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o nature_n of_o religion_n whether_o the_o soul_n be_v infuse_v or_o derive_v material_a or_o immaterial_a whether_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o body_n in_o all_o its_o action_n or_o sometime_o act_n of_o itself_o be_v dissolve_v with_o it_o or_o exist_v after_o it_o if_o what_o i_o say_v before_o concern_v our_o own_o experience_n be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o religion_n have_v a_o very_a good_a bottom_n to_o stand_v upon_o without_o be_v support_v by_o any_o of_o these_o opinion_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n come_v from_o without_o the_o body_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o it_o can_v act_n independent_o of_o it_o and_o exist_v after_o its_o dissolution_n as_o there_o be_v several_a very_o probable_a reason_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o certain_a revelation_n for_o then_o be_v there_o so_o many_o additional_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v without_o they_o from_o plain_a and_o more_o undeniable_a principle_n as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o do_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o what_o that_o notion_n or_o idea_n be_v to_o which_o i_o affix_v that_o name_n which_o in_o short_a be_v this_o a_o eternal_a be_v of_o all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o from_o who_o every_o thing_n else_o derive_v its_o be_v and_o whatever_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o to_o give_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o my_o thought_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v one_o unchangeable_a be_v of_o a_o intelligent_a nature_n who_o always_o necessary_o exi_v of_o himself_o who_o know_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v who_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v who_o do_v every_o thing_n he_o will_v and_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v himself_o who_o enjoy_v a_o unalterable_a state_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n that_o can_v be_v enjoy_v who_o never_o will_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o this_o state_n who_o make_v himself_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o he_o do_v and_o next_o to_o that_o the_o good_a or_o happiness_n of_o all_o such_o being_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o which_o together_o with_o all_o other_o being_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o they_o be_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o continuance_n and_o last_o who_o bring_v about_o whatever_o he_o will_v or_o design_n by_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a mean_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o easy_a notion_n of_o god_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o conceive_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v here_o describe_v i_o think_v it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a upon_o this_o subject_a with_o respect_n to_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v for_o whether_o we_o represent_v god_n to_o our_o thought_n as_o a_o pure_a and_o simple_a act_n a_o spiritual_a substance_n or_o subtle_a matter_n as_o the_o whole_a mass_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o world_n take_v all_o together_o or_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o active_a principle_n of_o it_o as_o confine_v to_o the_o heaven_n or_o diffuse_v through_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o be_v as_o the_o maker_n and_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o as_o the_o principle_n and_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v or_o consider_v he_o under_o any_o other_o idea_n our_o reason_n or_o imagination_n can_v frame_v
the_o soul_n shall_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v material_a and_o mortal_a we_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v require_v we_o to_o act_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v we_o in_o another_o life_n according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o no_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a nature_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o from_o what_o we_o certain_o by_o infallible_a consciousness_n know_v of_o ourselves_o and_o what_o by_o evident_a demonstration_n we_o collect_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o every_o man_n that_o own_v such_o a_o be_v must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o thus_o have_v i_o examine_v the_o pretence_n of_o those_o adversary_n of_o religion_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o establish_v new_a principle_n and_o hypothesis_n to_o explain_v the_o state_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n by_o and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o utmost_a that_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v possible_a that_o those_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o we_o infer_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n may_v be_v otherwise_o account_v for_o without_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v our_o scheme_n or_o upon_o a_o just_a comparison_n in_o all_o point_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v a_o more_o rational_a system_n but_o most_o of_o the_o professor_n and_o favourer_n of_o irreligion_n we_o have_v now_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o deal_v with_o be_v such_o as_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n they_o come_v by_o their_o opinion_n much_o easy_o and_o maintain_v they_o with_o less_o expense_n of_o argument_n some_o loose_a unconsidered_a objection_n against_o any_o notion_n or_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o turn_n they_o never_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o just_a inference_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o or_o what_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o it_o but_o immediate_o condemn_v all_o religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o little_a remote_a consequence_n their_o imagination_n represent_v to_o they_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o 3._o some_o of_o the_o principal_a of_o which_o objection_n i_o shall_v answer_v very_o brief_o and_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o business_n i_o propose_v to_o myself_o under_o the_o three_o of_o those_o head_n into_o which_o i_o divide_v my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n the_o chief_a and_o most_o common_a objection_n against_o religion_n be_v these_o mystery_n inconsistency_n and_o absurdity_n in_o scripture_n extravagant_a notion_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n maintain_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n varitey_v of_o opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o one_o another_o among_o those_o that_o profess_v to_o own_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o faith_n and_o argue_v from_o they_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a argument_n bring_v by_o some_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o true_a opinion_n the_o scandalous_a life_n of_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o among_o other_o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o education_n religion_n a_o mere_a politic_a contrivance_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o objection_n i_o shall_v consider_v it_o no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o weaken_v the_o credibility_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o expose_v the_o weakness_n of_o it_o by_o show_v the_o argument_n bare_o with_o its_o consequence_n which_o be_v this_o such_o a_o passage_n in_o scripture_n i_o can_v understand_v or_o reconcile_v to_o another_o or_o such_o a_o story_n or_o account_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o my_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n therefore_o this_o passage_n or_o account_n be_v false_a therefore_o the_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v find_v be_v false_a therefore_o all_o the_o several_a book_n in_o the_o whole_a bible_n which_o be_v write_v by_o several_a man_n in_o several_a place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o several_a time_n during_o the_o space_n of_o about_o two_o thousand_o year_n be_v all_o false_a therefore_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o no_o obligation_n of_o obey_v he_o if_o there_o be_v or_o no_o future_a state_n most_o of_o the_o particular_a cavil_n against_o scripture_n have_v be_v full_o answer_v by_o those_o who_o have_v purposely_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o revelation_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a at_o present_a to_o show_v that_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n prove_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n in_o general_n much_o less_o against_o the_o first_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o next_o thing_n object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v several_a absurd_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n propose_v to_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o warm_o contend_v for_o by_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o maintain_v they_o some_o man_n place_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o show_n and_o pageantry_n their_o worship_n be_v all_o theatrical_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o discipline_n extravagant_a and_o romantic_a therefore_o all_o religion_n be_v priest-craft_n and_o all_o scripture_n legend_n say_v the_o atheist_n but_o socrates_n and_o plato_n will_v not_o have_v argue_v thus_o those_o wise_a heathen_n though_o they_o laugh_v at_o the_o god_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o people_n of_o their_o time_n do_v not_o therefore_o turn_v atheist_n but_o employ_v their_o whole_a reason_n to_o search_v out_o high_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o more_o rational_a religion_n bigotry_n and_o superstition_n have_v oftentimes_o produce_v as_o dreadful_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o a_o country_n or_o nation_n as_o the_o wild_a liberty_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o atheism_n can_v do_v but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o religion_n which_o suffer_v equal_o both_o way_n and_o be_v no_o more_o the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o cruelty_n and_o revenge_n and_o all_o action_n tend_v to_o the_o mischief_n or_o destruction_n of_o mankind_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n when_o exercise_v by_o a_o superstitious_a zealot_n as_o when_o practise_v by_o a_o atheist_n though_o the_o former_a cover_v they_o with_o that_o name_n and_o the_o latter_a do_v not_o and_o therefore_o true_a religion_n be_v very_o unjust_o and_o unreasonable_o condemn_v upon_o this_o account_n another_o foolish_a objection_n be_v that_o variety_n of_o opinion_n which_o be_v find_v among_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o peremptory_a censure_n of_o one_o another_o for_o hold_v false_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n what_o a_o strange_a disagreement_n be_v there_o among_o man_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n say_v those_o that_o have_v none_o at_o all_o some_o believe_v one_o thing_n and_o some_o another_o some_o expound_v scripture_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o some_o in_o that_o creed_n be_v set_v up_o against_o creed_n and_o altar_n against_o altar_n what_o one_o man_n think_v his_o duty_n another_o apprehend_v damnation_n from_o suppose_v then_o we_o have_v our_o opinion_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v we_o take_v the_o strong_a side_n what_o the_o most_o or_o what_o we_o think_v the_o wise_a believe_v or_o shall_v we_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o side_n impartial_o without_o prejudice_n and_o let_v our_o judgement_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a appearance_n of_o evidence_n no_o we_o will_v do_v none_o of_o all_o this_o but_o without_o examine_v their_o several_a plea_n we_o will_v take_v up_o opinion_n different_a from_o all_o of_o they_o and_o because_o one_o man_n deny_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o another_o we_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v free_a from_o those_o error_n they_o condemn_v one_o another_o for_o and_o deny_v what_o no_o body_n else_o do_v what_o all_o the_o different_a party_n subscribe_v to_o and_o agree_v in_o these_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v this_o to_o make_v unity_n of_o consent_n the_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o yet_o allow_v no_o opinion_n to_o be_v true_a but_o those_o that_o have_v the_o least_o pretence_n to_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a to_o condemn_v all_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o weak_a defence_n and_o patronage_n of_o some_o of_o its_o professor_n what_o if_o the_o atheist_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o defeat_v some_o trifle_a argument_n of_o ignorant_a well-meaning_a honesty_n
doubt_n it_o may_v in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o say_v we_o can_v refuse_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o and_o if_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n assign_v why_o we_o shall_v judge_v wrong_a when_o there_o be_v nothing_o suppose_v to_o determine_v the_o mind_n either_o way_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o we_o judge_v of_o and_o all_o man_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n necessary_o judge_v the_o same_o way_n and_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o these_o moral_a proposition_n have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n as_o any_o other_o concern_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n but_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o these_o former_a depend_v upon_o their_o connexion_n with_o our_o happiness_n the_o evidence_n of_o they_o if_o true_a must_v be_v the_o same_o in_o proportion_n with_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o connexion_n now_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n betwixt_o such_o moral_a action_n and_o our_o happiness_n so_o as_o to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o action_n which_o without_o any_o visible_a relation_n to_o our_o happiness_n we_o prefer_v and_o approve_v will_v be_v attend_v with_o more_o pleasure_n and_o less_o pain_n than_o such_o omission_n or_o action_n which_o without_o any_o prospect_n of_o misery_n we_o condemn_v the_o reason_n i_o say_v we_o have_v thus_o to_o conclude_v be_v this_o we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o a_o absolute_o necessity_n of_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v tend_v to_o it_o and_o of_o fly_v and_o avoid_v whatever_o we_o apprehend_v may_v lessen_v or_o take_v it_o away_o and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o contrary_a state_n of_o misery_n we_o find_v also_o that_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n happiness_n and_o misery_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n and_o motive_n of_o action_n and_o the_o obtain_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o the_o only_a end_n of_o all_o endeavour_n and_o pursuit_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o being_n so_o make_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o constitution_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v also_o contrive_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o approve_v those_o action_n and_o judge_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o which_o will_v tend_v to_o their_o misery_n and_o to_o condemn_v those_o omission_n and_o performance_n and_o judge_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o which_o will_v procure_v their_o happiness_n except_o than_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o reason_n or_o it_o be_v some_o other_o way_n discoverable_a that_o act_v according_a to_o these_o moral_a rule_n will_v certain_o be_v attend_v with_o more_o misery_n or_o less_o happiness_n than_o act_v against_o they_o the_o present_a approbation_n of_o our_o judgement_n be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o the_o neglect_v or_o violation_n of_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a as_o i_o think_v it_o be_v and_o will_v plain_o appear_v hereafter_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v a_o future_a state_n then_o be_v we_o necessary_o determine_v to_o make_v such_o judgement_n concern_v our_o action_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o if_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o judge_v thus_o we_o have_v the_o same_o or_o very_a near_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o moral_a rule_n or_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v as_o our_o reason_n approve_v will_v contribute_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o that_o it_o condemn_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o act_v as_o we_o have_v to_o conclude_v that_o what_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o give_v or_o refuse_v our_o assent_n to_o shall_v be_v true_a or_o false_a according_o for_o the_o only_a standard_n and_o criterion_n of_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n be_v the_o original_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o mind_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o happiness_n as_o truth_n nay_o if_o these_o can_v be_v separate_v and_o there_o be_v any_o precedence_n of_o one_o to_o the_o other_o be_v make_v first_o and_o principal_o for_o happiness_n there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o man_n be_v not_o deceive_v when_o they_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o judge_v such_o a_o thing_n ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o when_o they_o be_v determine_v to_o judge_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v not_o and_o if_o so_o then_o consequent_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v thus_o necessary_o judge_v ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v will_v as_o certain_o tend_v to_o their_o happiness_n or_o misery_n according_o if_o they_o act_v agreeable_o to_o the_o several_a judgement_n they_o make_v for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o so_o judge_v and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v no_o other_o way_n concern_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o as_o it_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o its_o self_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o know_v any_o further_a why_o shall_v it_o not_o judge_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o of_o the_o suitableness_n and_o unsuitableness_n of_o other_o thing_n to_o its_o self_n as_o of_o their_o agreement_n and_o disagreement_n among_o one_o another_o since_o therefore_o these_o general_a principle_n or_o rule_n of_o humane_a action_n which_o be_v common_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o morality_n or_o duty_n be_v find_v so_o very_o agreeable_a to_o our_o pure_a and_o most_o impartial_a reason_n that_o upon_o a_o bare_a proposal_n of_o they_o without_o any_o perceivable_a relation_n to_o our_o happiness_n they_o command_v our_o assent_n and_o approbation_n and_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o approve_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o we_o condemn_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o may_v i_o think_v be_v very_o fair_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o it_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o our_o happiness_n to_o act_v according_a to_o they_o than_o to_o act_v otherwise_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v real_o and_o effectual_o oblige_v in_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o force_n of_o the_o word_n to_o a_o strict_a and_o careful_a observation_n of_o these_o measure_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n from_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o moral_a axiom_n or_o proposition_n which_o i_o have_v place_v in_o the_o second_o rank_n fall_v very_o little_a short_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o first_o irresistible_a judgement_n or_o rather_o impression_n concern_v our_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o our_o nature_n and_o from_o our_o thought_n for_o these_o be_v know_v in_o themselves_o by_o immediate_a intuition_n the_o same_o way_n that_o those_o be_v and_o if_o their_o connexion_n with_o our_o happiness_n or_o with_o those_o first_o proposition_n concern_v it_o before_o mention_v can_v proper_o and_o strict_o be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v either_o by_o intuition_n or_o demor-stration_a yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o connexion_n betwixt_o they_o be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o can_v be_v probable_a or_o what_o they_o call_v moral_o evident_a and_o this_o be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v upon_o this_o head_n and_o i_o be_o very_o cautious_a of_o lay_v more_o stress_n upon_o any_o argument_n than_o it_o will_v unquestionable_o bear_v 2._o the_o next_o step_v i_o be_o to_o make_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o show_v that_o what_o our_o reason_n approve_v or_o condemn_v and_o tell_v we_o we_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v we_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v who_o give_v we_o such_o a_o nature_n by_o which_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o judge_v and_o be_v affect_v after_o such_o a_o certain_a manner_n with_o that_o end_n and_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v act_v according_o of_o which_o end_n and_o design_n he_o have_v give_v we_o several_a token_n and_o indication_n which_o be_v a_o far_a confirmation_n that_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o observe_v these_o measure_n of_o act_v then_o not_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o god_n to_o observe_v they_o that_o we_o receive_v our_o being_n together_o with_o all_o the_o power_n capacity_n and_o whatever_o else_o belong_v to_o they_o from_o god_n be_v very_o evident_a from_o the_o account_n before_o give_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v a_o truth_n coincident_a with_o that_o of_o our_o existence_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o judge_v or_o be_v
or_o superstitious_a zeal_n to_o triumph_v present_o and_o cry_v out_o that_o ignorance_n or_o frenzy_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o devotion_n will_v be_v as_o foolish_a a_o boast_n as_o for_o a_o general_n to_o despise_v the_o weakness_n and_o cowardice_n of_o his_o enemy_n because_o he_o have_v plunder_v two_o or_o three_o small_a open_a village_n when_o all_o the_o great_a town_n and_o the_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v be_v unassaulted_a or_o attempt_v in_o vain_a the_o scandalous_a practice_n of_o man_n of_o great_a pretence_n to_o piety_n and_o such_o as_o by_o their_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o life_n be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v another_o very_a unwarrantable_a occasion_n of_o some_o man_n disbelieve_v every_o thing_n that_o go_v under_o that_o name_n who_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o do_v not_o believe_v religion_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o other_o do_v though_o they_o disguise_v their_o notion_n better_a in_o order_n to_o serve_v their_o present_a interest_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o such_o sense_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o put_v they_o above_o the_o suspicion_n of_o vulgar_a credulity_n but_o this_o argument_n be_v false_a and_o unconcluding_a in_o all_o its_o part_n for_o first_o of_o all_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o believe_v nothing_o themselves_o of_o what_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a inference_n be_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n vicious_a habit_n and_o a_o loose_a education_n be_v oftentimes_o too_o hard_o for_o conscience_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o plain_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n happen_v in_o several_a other_o case_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n whatsoever_o be_v his_o principle_n never_o so_o loose_a and_o wide_a his_o reason_n never_o so_o much_o deprave_v but_o shall_v many_o time_n do_v what_o he_o himself_o shall_v condemn_v himself_o for_o do_v and_o which_o contradict_v the_o principle_n he_o resolve_v to_o stand_v by_o and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o infer_v from_o some_o gross_a sin_n of_o a_o pretender_n to_o religion_n that_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o what_o he_o profess_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o atheist_n do_v certain_o believe_v a_o god_n whatever_o he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a because_o he_o often_o swear_v by_o he_o and_o invoke_v he_o in_o his_o curse_n beside_o suppose_v this_o true_a of_o some_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o religion_n themselves_o or_o undertake_v to_o promote_v it_o in_o other_o that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v sometime_o presumption_n strong_a enough_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o judge_n so_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v that_o other_o of_o a_o more_o unsuspected_a conduct_n be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n if_o we_o can_v but_o see_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o or_o what_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o false_a pretender_n to_o religion_n how_o be_v this_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n indeed_o to_o believe_v it_o upon_o their_o word_n nor_o do_v their_o contradict_v what_o they_o say_v by_o their_o practice_n give_v we_o any_o more_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v it_o nor_o if_o some_o of_o those_o who_o peculiar_a employment_n it_o be_v and_o who_o present_a interest_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o propagate_v and_o advance_v the_o belief_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v nothing_o of_o it_o themselves_o will_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o their_o unbelief_n be_v occasion_v by_o know_v more_o of_o it_o than_o other_o and_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o whole_a mystery_n and_o contrivance_n this_o be_v evident_o prove_v to_o be_v false_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v think_v more_o and_o inquire_v further_a concern_v these_o thing_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v do_v for_o the_o more_o they_o have_v consider_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o more_o just_a and_o exact_a they_o have_v be_v in_o trace_v and_o examine_v all_o their_o reason_n about_o they_o the_o strong_a have_v they_o be_v confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o if_o there_o real_o be_v such_o man_n as_o for_o argument_n sake_n we_o have_v suppose_v they_o be_v certain_o atheist_n before_o they_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v a_o atheist_n from_o take_v up_o this_o disguise_n and_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o by_o a_o close_a dissimulation_n who_o think_v all_o mean_n lawful_a for_o the_o promote_a his_o present_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o every_o atheist_n good_a fortune_n to_o be_v better_o provide_v for_o in_o another_o condition_n of_o life_n than_o he_o may_v probable_o be_v in_o act_v a_o religious_a part._n but_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n must_v be_v allow_v real_o to_o believe_v the_o religion_n they_o profess_v this_o say_v the_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o a_o strange_a prevalence_n of_o fear_n and_o strong_a impression_n of_o education_n have_v captivate_v their_o understanding_n and_o dispose_v they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o way_n of_o reason_v upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v so_o few_o true_a philosopher_n that_o be_v able_a to_o think_v right_o and_o judge_v clear_o of_o thing_n but_o now_o and_o then_o some_o bold_a genius_n have_v venture_v to_o shake_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o assert_v the_o liberty_n and_o prerogative_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o as_o one_o alexander_n or_o caesar_n so_o one_o epicurus_n or_o lucretius_n be_v enough_o for_o one_o age_n such_o spirit_n be_v not_o of_o the_o common_a make_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o seldom_o and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v admire_v to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v religion_n to_o be_v the_o necessary_a issue_n and_o product_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o first_o unquestionable_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o else_o be_v assign_v as_o a_o cause_n of_o it_o must_v be_v false_a but_o i_o have_v this_o further_a consideration_n to_o add_v viz._n that_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o education_n never_o be_v so_o uniform_a last_a and_o universal_a as_o the_o belief_n of_o religion_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v especial_o when_o they_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n that_o man_n be_v as_o much_o and_o as_o often_o dispose_v to_o deny_v as_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o fear_v when_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n for_o fear_n be_v the_o same_o and_o more_o incline_v to_o the_o former_a when_o the_o thing_n fear_v be_v represent_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n that_o sensual_a appetite_n habit_n of_o indulge_v they_o present_a enjoyment_n or_o near_a prospect_n of_o pleasure_n and_o custom_n of_o live_a contrary_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n have_v a_o much_o strong_a and_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n than_o such_o impression_n of_o fear_n or_o education_n which_o contradict_v all_o these_o especial_o if_o reason_n be_v of_o the_o same_o side_n with_o they_o as_o the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n must_v say_v and_o therefore_o neither_o fear_v nor_o education_n nor_o both_o together_o can_v be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o such_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v the_o last_o objection_n i_o shall_v mention_v which_o the_o atheist_n think_v the_o most_o formidable_a and_o a_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o the_o whole_a mystery_n be_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o politic_a contrivance_n now_o that_o which_o give_v occasion_n for_o such_o a_o suspicion_n be_v that_o all_o the_o chief_a politician_n in_o their_o wise_a precept_n of_o advice_n have_v think_v it_o necessary_a for_o every_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v religion_n in_o his_o country_n and_o to_o have_v a_o show_v of_o it_o himself_o whatever_n his_o inward_a sentiment_n be_v but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o plea_n for_o atheism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n for_o that_o be_v certain_o high_o rational_a which_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o public_a reason_n of_o mankind_n consider_v together_o in_o society_n without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v little_a use_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o and_o if_o man_n be_v bear_v sociable_a creature_n if_o they_o
as_o a_o vice_n and_o not_o a_o mere_a error_n in_o speculation_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o deny_v providence_n natural_a law_n or_o a_o future_a state_n be_v as_o much_o a_o atheist_n as_o he_o that_o deny_v god_n be_v for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o respect_n to_o practice_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o obedience_n due_a to_o he_o or_o no_o punishment_n for_o disobedience_n if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v likewise_o all_o one_o to_o deny_v divine_a punishment_n direct_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o who_o at_o present_a deny_v these_o thing_n for_o they_o who_o say_v the_o soul_n die_v with_o the_o body_n think_v hereby_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v punish_v and_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o scripture_n do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v that_o be_v in_o another_o life_n and_o as_o to_o the_o present_a they_o perceive_v that_o those_o who_o be_v style_v wicked_a fare_n as_o well_o and_o have_v as_o large_a a_o portion_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o their_o righteous_a brethren_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o all_o these_o opinion_n be_v the_o same_o namely_o to_o establish_v a_o liberty_n for_o every_o man_n to_o live_v as_o he_o please_v and_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o israel_n this_o be_v the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o a_o atheist_n and_o according_o i_o have_v apply_v the_o word_n indifferent_o as_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o any_o person_n that_o deny_v any_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o i_o have_v use_v the_o word_n deist_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o atheist_n every_o where_o but_o where_o i_o be_o particular_o concern_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o god_n be_v as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o part_n of_o religion_n but_o here_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o character_n i_o have_v now_o give_v of_o a_o atheist_n by_o a_o deist_n be_v to_o be_v mean_v such_o a_o one_o who_o acknowledge_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n here_o maintain_v who_o think_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o inform_v himself_o true_o of_o his_o whole_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o high_a and_o pure_a rule_n of_o morality_n he_o can_v form_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o unite_a light_n of_o other_o man_n who_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o moral_a or_o practical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o very_o useful_a and_o instructive_a and_o consequent_o to_o be_v read_v and_o value_v as_o tully_n and_o aristotle_n be_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a but_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o revelation_n or_o assent_v to_o any_o of_o those_o peculiar_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o ground_v upon_o that_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o conveyance_n and_o be_v not_o level_v to_o his_o reason_n or_o discoverable_a by_o it_o and_o if_o a_o deist_n be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v it_o will_v be_v as_o just_a a_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o person_n to_o who_o this_o title_n belong_v as_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o real_a atheist_n in_o the_o world_n for_o my_o part_n i_o will_v not_o positive_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o true_a deist_n in_o that_o sense_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o word_n because_o i_o believe_v there_o hardly_o be_v any_o opinion_n know_v among_o man_n that_o some_o body_n be_v not_o of_o but_o this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v venture_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o difficult_a thing_n imaginable_a to_o find_v a_o man_n in_o a_o christian_a country_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o common_a proof_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n here_o lay_v down_o and_o serious_o endeavour_v to_o conform_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o moral_a rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o deny_v revelation_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a truth_n which_o stand_v distinguish_v by_o the_o name_n of_o reveal_v religion_n such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o i_o believe_v be_v hard_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o for_o it_o be_v not_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n or_o mystery_n that_o puzzle_v the_o faith_n of_o those_o that_o now_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o deist_n but_o a_o plain_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n this_o be_v the_o shock_v repugnant_a doctrine_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n be_v easy_a notion_n and_o very_o reconcileable_a to_o their_o reason_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o i_o have_v several_a time_n mention_v deist_n as_o enemy_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o so_o proper_o come_v within_o my_o subject_n and_o not_o as_o mere_a opposer_n of_o revelation_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o argument_n and_o now_o have_v point_v out_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v particular_o concern_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v address_v myself_o to_o they_o to_o embrace_v those_o principle_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v there_o prove_v and_o to_o bestow_v some_o serious_a thought_n about_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o unbelief_n but_o i_o be_o too_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o character_n to_o trouble_v they_o with_o any_o advice_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v and_o bear_v down_o by_o argument_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v never_o yield_v to_o persuasion_n neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o proper_a to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o only_o be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o in_o this_o manner_n who_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o you_o will_v persuade_v they_o to_o but_o want_v sufficient_a motive_n and_o incitement_n to_o practice_v i_o shall_v therefore_o shut_v up_o this_o whole_a discourse_n with_o my_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o incline_v and_o dispose_v those_o who_o be_v doubtful_a and_o waver_a in_o the_o concern_v point_n of_o religion_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v well_o the_o proof_n it_o stand_v upon_o before_o they_o venture_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o government_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o such_o as_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o way_n of_o irreligion_n from_o the_o false_a suggestion_n and_o insinuation_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o he_o will_v convince_v the_o careless_a and_o indifferent_a of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o have_v some_o religion_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v further_o please_v to_o enable_v those_o that_o be_v already_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a by_o a_o steady_a and_o uniform_a practice_n of_o their_o duty_n every_o way_n answerable_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o the_o preface_n p._n v._o l._n 2._o for_o corruption_n r._n conception_n in_o the_o book_n pag._n 26._o l._n 9_o for_o probable_a read_v possible_a p._n 47._o l._n 21._o the_o r._n our_o p._n 74._o l._n 24._o extension-modification_a r._n modification-extension_n l._n 26._o motion-matter_n r._n matter-motion_n p._n 89._o l._n 2d_o than_o any_o r._n than_o in_o any_o p._n 95._o l._n ult_n del_fw-it have_v p._n 113._o absolute_o r._n absolute_a p._n 127._o l._n 22._o d._n him_z p._n 132._o latter_a end_n r._n observation_n proportion_a efficacy_n p._n 142._o l._n 19_o that_o r._n their_z l._n 27._o define_v r._n desire_v p._n 151._o l._n ult_n r._n p._n 162._o l._n 15._o to_o hap_n r._n to_o his_o happiness_n p._n 165._o l._n antepenult_n r._n p._n 169._o l._n antepenult_n when_o d._n p._n 174._o l._n 13._o d._n to_o p._n 175._o l._n 16._o and_o there_o r._n and_o then_o there_o p._n 187._o l._n 20._o d._n 4._o p._n 188._o l._n 1._o r._n advance_v or_o profess_v p._n 189._o l._n 6._o d._n the._n p._n 194._o l._n 16._o may_v make_v r._n may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v p._n 201._o l._n 8._o r._n variety_n p_o 208._o l._n antepenult_n r._n be_v any_o such_o 209._o l._n ult_n one_o r._n a_o p._n 210._o l._n 10._o these_o consideration_n p._n 238._o l._n 16._o self_n r._n self_n
universality_n of_o the_o perception_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o the_o suitableness_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n perceive_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v it_o that_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o sense_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v perceive_v god_n at_o any_o time_n this_o way_n and_o therefore_o all_o sensible_a idea_n apply_v to_o he_o must_v be_v as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a as_o the_o idea_n of_o blind_a man_n concern_v colour_n or_o at_o least_o of_o those_o of_o any_o other_o man_n concern_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o planet_n and_o ethereal_a region_n because_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o resemblance_n betwixt_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o faculty_n and_o those_o of_o another_o nor_o any_o discoverable_a betwixt_o a_o new_a idea_n and_o those_o we_o perceive_v already_o so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v a_o pure_a idea_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o reflection_n only_o by_o sensible_a image_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o representation_n be_v very_o different_a when_o all_o the_o idea_n of_o sense_n have_v a_o equal_a pretence_n to_o be_v representative_n no_o one_o be_v like_a the_o original_a it_o stand_v for_o than_o another_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o new_a unknown_a idea_n for_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o whatever_o resemblance_n there_o be_v betwixt_o that_o and_o any_o other_o we_o have_v already_o perceive_v out_o of_o our_o whole_a stock_n of_o idea_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o choose_v one_o than_o another_o to_o represent_v it_o by_o and_o consequent_o different_a man_n must_v represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o very_o different_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o intellectual_a or_o if_o there_o be_v something_o sensible_a in_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v actual_o perceive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v not_o the_o sensible_a representation_n of_o he_o must_v be_v very_o various_a and_o therefore_o very_o false_a but_o when_o all_o man_n think_v alike_o concern_v object_n not_o perceivable_a by_o sense_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o certain_a sign_n that_o their_o idea_n be_v suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o faculty_n that_o perceive_v they_o but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a also_o they_o be_v true_o sort_v and_o put_v together_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o general_a agreement_n in_o the_o perception_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o appearance_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o universal_a error_n as_o a_o universal_a truth_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v all_o man_n mistake_v about_o the_o bulk_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o whatever_o appear_v to_o the_o sense_n in_o this_o case_n appear_v the_o same_o to_o all_o man_n so_o that_o the_o error_n occasion_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v not_o in_o the_o sense_n but_o belong_v to_o another_o faculty_n nor_o be_v they_o either_o necessary_a or_o invincible_a not_o necessary_a because_o we_o need_v not_o have_v make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o concern_v these_o appearance_n offer_v to_o our_o sense_n several_a requisite_n to_o a_o just_a sensation_n be_v want_v without_o which_o we_o know_v we_o can_v judge_v with_o assurance_n not_o invincible_a because_o our_o opinion_n concern_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v afterward_o alter_v and_o correct_v by_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o faculty_n superior_a to_o sense_n may_v preserve_v we_o from_o the_o illusion_n of_o it_o but_o when_o all_o man_n agree_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reflection_n and_o reason_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o whence_o shall_v any_o error_n proceed_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o appearance_n must_v in_o this_o supposition_n be_v uniform_a and_o the_o faculty_n employ_v about_o its_o proper_a object_n beside_o if_o there_o be_v a_o clearness_n in_o the_o appearance_n the_o understanding_n necessary_o close_v with_o it_o and_o if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o shall_v be_v deceive_v there_o be_v no_o high_a faculty_n to_o correct_v the_o mistake_n how_o then_o can_v we_o imagine_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v so_o dispose_v as_o to_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v deceive_v as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o a_o constant_a universal_a appearance_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v only_o the_o veil_n of_o falsehood_n for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n help_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o always_o appear_v so_o to_o he_o and_o concern_v which_o he_o can_v receive_v no_o other_o information_n from_o himself_o or_o any_o body_n else_o but_o here_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v say_v where_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o to_o command_v our_o assent_n error_n may_v wear_v the_o face_n of_o truth_n though_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o sense_n since_o we_o be_v not_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o give_v our_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o appearance_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o allow_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o err_v in_o the_o present_a case_n all_o that_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o argument_n of_o general_n consent_n hold_v good_a still_o which_o be_v that_o because_o all_o people_n have_v agree_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o probable_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o believe_v so_o so_o that_o although_o a_o man_n be_v not_o from_o hence_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o he_o can_v help_v believe_v it_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a opinion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v very_o great_a likelihood_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o sure_a foundation_n though_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o search_v so_o far_o as_o to_o discover_v they_o for_o he_o can_v give_v a_o account_n how_o all_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o be_v how_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v undeceive_v which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o sense_n or_o imagination_n in_o which_o any_o error_n can_v be_v judge_v possible_a all_o that_o can_v be_v far_o suppose_v to_o countenance_v a_o suspicion_n be_v that_o possible_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o man_n believe_v otherwise_o but_o some_o people_n have_v start_v such_o a_o opinion_n and_o dress_v it_o up_o very_o plausible_o it_o take_v mighty_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v hand_v down_o from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o succeed_a generation_n spread_v and_o prevail_v till_o it_o become_v universal_a but_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n 1._o because_o let_v we_o look_v as_o far_o back_o as_o we_o can_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v of_o the_o rise_n and_o original_a of_o this_o opinion_n no_o gradual_a propagation_n of_o it_o discoverable_a it_o be_v in_o every_o age_n we_o have_v any_o account_n of_o as_o universal_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v now_o 2._o because_o no_o parallel_a instance_n can_v be_v assign_v which_o may_v give_v any_o colour_n for_o a_o suspicion_n in_o this_o no_o persuasion_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n have_v ever_o be_v detect_v to_o be_v a_o error_n after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o wide_a a_o establishment_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o opinion_n whatsoever_o that_o actual_o obtain_v so_o universal_a a_o belief_n as_o that_o of_o a_o god_n and_o afterward_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v how_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v however_o i_o can_v conceive_v and_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o mistake_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o a_o conjectural_a hypothesis_n of_o something_o belong_v to_o natural_a knowledge_n may_v at_o some_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v pretty_a general_o believe_v as_o certain_a and_o afterward_o by_o a_o discovery_n of_o fresh_a circumstance_n in_o the_o one_o or_o make_v new_a observation_n about_o the_o other_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n may_v come_v to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o may_v be_v much_o sure_a but_o these_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o that_o we_o be_v discourse_v upon_o and_o a_o error_n in_o either_o of_o these_o can_v prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o mistake_n in_o the_o case_n in_o question_n for_o beside_o that_o
here_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n whether_o god_n have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o our_o obedience_n upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n but_o that_o of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o act_v voluntary_o upon_o any_o other_o reason_n or_o motive_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o whether_o happiness_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o ultimate_a ground_n of_o all_o obligation_n or_o only_o a_o subordinate_a but_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a consideration_n if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v upon_o these_o matter_n do_v not_o satisfy_v i_o shall_v no_o far_o dispute_v because_o i_o be_o very_a well_o assure_v that_o whatever_o other_o ground_n or_o motive_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n may_v be_v imagine_v by_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o act_v upon_o more_o noble_a and_o disinterest_v principle_n than_o that_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o to_o become_v religious_a except_o it_o can_v be_v plain_o or_o probable_o at_o least_o make_v out_o to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v better_v his_o condition_n by_o it_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o only_a argument_n that_o can_v prevail_v upon_o a_o unbeliever_n to_o embrace_v religion_n and_o i_o sirm_o believe_v whoever_o fair_o consult_v himself_o will_v find_v that_o he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v act_v upon_o any_o other_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o often_o act_v without_o know_v or_o consider_v what_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v and_o we_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n without_o any_o express_a consideration_n of_o future_a happiness_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o our_o obedience_n but_o if_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o prove_v to_o we_o that_o misery_n will_v be_v the_o certain_a consequence_n of_o those_o action_n we_o think_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n oblige_v to_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o our_o first_o judgement_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o act_v another_o way_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v will_v be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o return_v to_o the_o main_a question_n whether_o we_o be_v actual_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o god_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o term_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o beligion_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n i_o shall_v prove_v there_o be_v first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v such_o a_o course_n of_o action_n or_o scheme_n and_o model_n of_o live_v which_o whoever_o due_o and_o fair_o reflect_v upon_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o if_o he_o do_v live_v after_o that_o manner_n he_o shall_v approve_v himself_o for_o so_o do_v and_o if_o he_o live_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o find_v himself_o necessary_o determine_v to_o approve_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n of_o live_v and_o to_o condemn_v the_o contrary_a must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v according_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v draw_v this_o inference_n that_o therefore_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o must_v be_v more_o for_o his_o happiness_n to_o act_v this_o way_n than_o any_o other_o because_o be_v it_o not_o his_o free_a unbiased_a judgement_n can_v not_o upon_o a_o fair_a balance_n of_o all_o the_o several_a reason_n and_o motive_n of_o action_n approve_v he_o when_o he_o do_v so_o act_n and_o condemn_v he_o when_o he_o do_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o different_a motive_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o can_v determine_v the_o mind_n to_o these_o different_a act_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o real_o oblige_v to_o act_v as_o he_o judge_v he_o ought_v to_o act_v second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v give_v we_o such_o a_o nature_n by_o which_o we_o be_v neceflary_o determine_v to_o judge_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o that_o end_n and_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v exercise_v and_o employ_v those_o other_o faculty_n and_o power_n he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o suitable_o hereunto_o and_o that_o consequent_o what_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v we_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o propose_v those_o prevail_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n they_o have_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o what_o god_n have_v make_v to_o appear_v reasonable_a or_o unreasonable_a to_o we_o to_o do_v will_n according_o conduce_v to_o our_o happiness_n or_o misgry_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n oblige_v we_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v and_o far_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v under_o this_o head_n that_o god_n purposely_o create_v we_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o a_o design_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o such_o and_o such_o performance_n not_o only_o from_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o make_n and_o nature_n of_o man_n but_o from_o many_o other_o token_n and_o indication_n of_o such_o a_o end_n or_o design_n plain_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o by_o god_n be_v what_o we_o call_v our_o religion_n three_o i_o shall_v positive_o and_o direct_o prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o that_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n or_o obligation_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v will_v certain_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n man_n be_v capable_a of_o consider_v only_o in_o his_o present_a condition_n as_o include_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o this_o life_n four_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o such_o a_o practice_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o do_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o to_o prefer_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v before_o another_o upon_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o great_a and_o more_o powerful_a can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o from_o all_o which_o consideration_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v plain_o and_o full_o evince_v 1._o first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o act_v which_o we_o be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o prefer_v to_o any_o other_o so_o that_o upon_o a_o clear_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o pure_a natural_a reason_n we_o can_v but_o like_v approve_v or_o be_v please_v with_o this_o way_n of_o act_v and_o dislike_n condemn_v or_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o contrary_a and_o far_o that_o we_o must_v judge_v or_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o thus_o like_a or_o approve_v we_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v and_o what_o we_o dislike_v or_o condemn_v we_o ought_v or_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o do_v and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v real_o oblige_v to_o act_v according_a to_o such_o judgement_n because_o it_o must_v be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n so_o to_o act_v that_o there_o be_v some_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a right_a and_o wrong_n or_o some_o such_o certain_a distinction_n found_v in_o or_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v alter_v or_o destroy_v by_o any_o arbitrary_a agreement_n or_o institution_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o these_o be_v perceivable_a by_o the_o bare_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o same_o way_n that_o any_o other_o part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v be_v truth_n which_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v constant_o own_v however_o they_o may_v have_v differ_v in_o assign_v which_o they_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o they_o now_o to_o put_v these_o matter_n beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o contest_v concern_v they_o i_o only_o desire_v this_o may_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n so_o clear_o and_o full_o propose_v to_o the_o mind_n that_o a_o man_n can_v deny_v or_o withhold_v his_o assent_n to_o they_o and_o that_o wherever_o this_o happen_v there_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n ought_v or_o
or_o resistible_a to_o contradict_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o world_n without_o make_v any_o new_a discovery_n or_o observation_n to_o lay_v aside_o a_o whole_a scheme_n and_o system_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o establish_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a branch_n and_o connexion_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o some_o little_a remote_a consequence_n and_o to_o venture_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o a_o seem_a possibility_n of_o a_o escape_n which_o very_o few_o perceive_v or_o allow_v these_o be_v all_o egregious_a instance_n of_o the_o absurd_a faith_n and_o foolish_a conduct_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o act_v upon_o contrary_a ground_n and_o measure_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o atheist_n common_o discover_v his_o folly_n in_o and_o that_o be_v the_o publish_n and_o propagate_a his_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v more_o the_o atheist_n interest_n that_o other_o people_n shall_v have_v religion_n than_o it_o be_v the_o religious_a man_n for_o his_o whole_a happiness_n be_v in_o this_o life_n the_o more_o other_o people_n be_v restrain_v and_o the_o better_a they_o be_v persuade_v he_o act_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o do_v the_o large_a will_v his_o liberty_n and_o advantage_n be_v and_o the_o less_o he_o will_v suffer_v from_o their_o design_n and_o pursuit_n whereas_o the_o religious_a man_n reversion_n be_v not_o endanger_v but_o confirm_v by_o what_o he_o lose_v or_o suffer_v here_o other_o proof_n likewise_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o irreligion_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n both_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v profess_v favourer_n of_o it_o such_o as_o their_o credulity_n and_o readiness_n of_o belief_n in_o common_a indifferent_a matter_n and_o sometime_o embrace_v absurd_a opinion_n explode_v by_o all_o the_o world_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v distrustful_a of_o every_o thing_n upon_o the_o subject_a of_o religion_n their_o believe_a matter_n that_o concern_v their_o present_a happiness_n upon_o less_o ground_n their_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o run_v great_a hazard_n upon_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o future_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o contrary_a fear_v and_o avoid_v thing_n upon_o a_o less_o appearance_n or_o likelihood_n of_o danger_n than_o what_o religion_n afford_v and_o last_o their_o act_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o deny_v themselves_o what_o they_o esteem_v substantial_a happiness_n out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o imaginary_a notion_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o common_a observation_n and_o too_o long_o to_o be_v full_o insist_v upon_o here_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v hint_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o vi_o six_o and_o last_o general_a branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n propose_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n or_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o such_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o people_n be_v better_o satisfy_v of_o than_o the_o power_n nnd_v influence_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a motive_n of_o judge_v every_o body_n be_v apt_a to_o resolve_v the_o cause_n of_o another_o man_n differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o into_o some_o particular_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n but_o this_o we_o do_v common_o without_o examine_v whether_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n for_o his_o dissent_n than_o we_o have_v for_o our_o persuasion_n whether_o the_o opinion_n he_o be_v of_o be_v not_o in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n true_a though_o he_o believe_v upon_o false_a ground_n or_o whether_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o judge_n as_o we_o do_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o like_a motive_n we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o by_o which_o mean_v we_o be_v often_o not_o only_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o partiality_n we_o charge_v upon_o other_o but_o either_o confirm_v in_o our_o error_n or_o else_o prevent_v from_o make_v just_a inquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v by_o chance_n and_o more_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o think_v it_o a_o very_a preposterous_a and_o deceitful_a method_n of_o prove_v a_o thing_n false_a to_o assign_v some_o peculiar_a prejudices_fw-la and_o wrong_a motive_n of_o judge_v which_o may_v possible_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n though_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o other_o side_n and_o which_o have_v often_o have_v the_o like_a influence_n upon_o man_n understanding_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o from_o thence_o immediate_o without_o any_o further_a proof_n to_o infer_v that_o such_o and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o point_n in_o question_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o argue_v but_o after_o plain_a and_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o opinion_n according_a to_o the_o stand_a rule_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_v it_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o inquire_v how_o any_o people_n come_v to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n but_o the_o strangeness_n and_o seem_a unaccountableness_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o expect_v and_o in_o some_o respect_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o evidence_n to_o themselves_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v such_o favourable_a notion_n of_o mankind_n as_o not_o to_o imagine_v that_o person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o faculty_n and_o all_o other_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n as_o they_o have_v shall_v deny_v what_o appear_v so_o plain_a to_o they_o without_o some_o rational_a ground_n for_o their_o denial_n have_v therefore_o as_o i_o persuade_v myself_o full_o and_o evident_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o be_v allow_v to_o say_v that_o all_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o sole_a effect_n of_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n if_o any_o such_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v assignable_a and_o if_o we_o search_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o look_v into_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lodge_v there_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o false_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o several_a art_n and_o method_n of_o deceit_n which_o be_v use_v by_o man_n to_o delude_v themselves_o we_o shall_v soon_o discover_v the_o secret_a spring_n and_o original_a of_o all_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n now_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v be_v these_o two_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o after-reckoning_a for_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a or_o wise_a than_o other_o men._n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o powerful_a cause_n and_o be_v only_o assist_v and_o strenghen_v afterward_o by_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v it_o can_v be_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o plain_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o forego_n proof_n of_o religion_n but_o from_o the_o confession_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o atheist_n themselves_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n immortality_n and_o a_o future_a state_n shock_n the_o understanding_n and_o contradict_v the_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o deny_v these_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o be_v of_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n by_o without_o those_o troublesome_a consequence_n of_o duty_n sin_n and_o punishment_n the_o atheist_n will_v not_o scruple_n this_o philosophy_n and_o lucretius_n himself_o will_v easy_o grant_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v immortal_a to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o reunite_v again_o will_v you_o allow_v he_o that_o conclusion_n that_o neither_o separate_v nor_o reunite_v it_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o remembrance_n of_o what_o be_v do_v before_o the_o separation_n god_n shall_v also_o enjoy_v the_o fullness_n of_o perfection_n he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o all_o the_o magnificent_a attribute_n that_o man_n can_v conceive_v so_o his_o whole_a employment_n be_v the_o comprehension_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o he_o be_v not_o unnecessary_o trouble_v to_o take_v account_n of_o our_o action_n this_o be_v the_o dreadful_a