apprehension_n that_o pervert_v man_n reason_n and_o make_v they_o deny_v what_o they_o fear_v when_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o the_o quiet_v and_o lay_v these_o fear_n lucretius_n confess_v be_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o philosophy_n which_o be_v a_o far_a confirmation_n of_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o maintain_v as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a remark_n for_o first_o this_o philosopher_n observe_v and_o seem_v to_o wonder_v at_o it_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v very_o general_a and_o make_v strong_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 2._o he_o affirm_v that_o these_o fear_n be_v occasion_v by_o a_o apprehension_n of_o some_o other_o state_n after_o this_o life_n 3._o he_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o those_o who_o we_o style_v wicked_a that_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o future_a state_n they_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o his_o pity_n and_o compassion_n who_o beside_o the_o fear_n of_o scourge_v etc._n l._n 3._o v._n 1025_o etc._n etc._n rack_n and_o prison_n in_o this_o world_n be_v torture_v with_o the_o dread_a of_o new_a and_o more_o terrible_a punishment_n in_o some_o other_o and_o all_o his_o argument_n serve_v only_o for_o the_o consolation_n and_o encouragement_n of_o such_o unhappy_a wretch_n who_o through_o fear_n of_o future_a pain_n either_o deny_v themselves_o some_o present_a gratification_n or_o be_v uneasy_a under_o the_o gild_n of_o past_a action_n none_o but_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a be_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o fabulous_a and_o poetic_a story_n of_o future_a torment_n 1222._o lib._n 5._o ver_fw-la 1222._o which_o he_o deride_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o resolution_n to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o live_v in_o they_o without_o damp_n or_o disturbance_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n deny_v and_o seek_v for_o argument_n to_o overthrow_v those_o opinion_n which_o will_v otherwise_o be_v embrace_v as_o most_o 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off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o enjoy_v they_o still_o which_o they_o can_v do_v full_o and_o to_o the_o height_n without_o some_o damp_n and_o regret_n till_o they_o have_v get_v rid_v of_o those_o fear_n of_o a_o future_a punishment_n their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o the_o world_n threaten_v they_o with_o in_o order_n therefore_o to_o this_o end_n every_o little_a objection_n or_o suspicion_n be_v improve_v into_o a_o argument_n against_o religion_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o strong_a wish_n and_o a_o gradual_a decay_n of_o contrary_a impression_n heighten_v into_o demonstration_n till_o what_o at_o first_o their_o lust_n suggest_v to_o they_o with_o a_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n or_o a_o future_a state_n be_v at_o last_o ripen_v into_o a_o bold_a denial_n and_o when_o they_o have_v once_o get_v this_o mastery_n over_o themselves_o then_o do_v they_o sit_v free_a and_o despise_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o fetter_n and_o laugh_v at_o what_o other_o adore_v then_o do_v novelty_n and_o boldness_n pass_v for_o truth_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o believe_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n for_o how_o exquisite_a and_o transport_v be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o new_a notion_n or_o invention_n and_o how_o be_v man_n wit_n set_v upon_o the_o stretch_n to_o find_v out_o fresh_a opinion_n and_o dress_v up_o old_a one_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n to_o get_v the_o character_n of_o man_n that_o think_v out_o of_o the_o road_n man_n shall_v live_v like_o beast_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o devour_v one_o another_o couch_n in_o their_o den_n at_o night_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n seek_v their_o prey_n beast_n on_o the_o contrary_a shall_v be_v so_o rational_a as_o to_o erect_v commonwealth_n and_o government_n if_o it_o serve_v for_o a_o new_a notion_n to_o establish_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o author_n beside_o the_o expose_v and_o ridicul_v common_a opinion_n especial_o the_o despise_v what_o be_v very_o much_o respect_v and_o admire_v carry_v a_o peculiar_a satisfaction_n in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o recommend_v any_o notion_n or_o reflection_n any_o stroke_n of_o wit_n or_o reason_n so_o much_o as_o the_o boldness_n of_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o treason_n and_o blasphemy_n be_v entertain_v with_o a_o great_a gust_n than_o private_a calumny_n and_o detraction_n and_o the_o same_o expression_n be_v count_v witty_a when_o it_o strike_v at_o god_n or_o the_o king_n than_o when_o it_o be_v level_v against_o a_o herd_n of_o common_a mortal_n for_o to_o ridicule_n the_o great_a action_n that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o celebrate_a scheme_n of_o knowledge_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v lay_v together_o be_v think_v to_o argue_v a_o spirit_n
natural_o desire_v society_n and_o society_n can_v possible_o subsist_v without_o religion_n as_o the_o objection_n itself_o suppose_v then_o be_v religion_n as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o as_o necessary_a to_o his_o happiness_n as_o conversation_n and_o live_v together_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o other_o man_n have_v religion_n the_o atheist_n will_v find_v it_o very_o uncomfortable_a live_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o chief_a plea_n defence_n and_o objection_n common_o urge_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o which_o have_v not_o be_v here_o particular_o consider_v they_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o answer_n as_o those_o that_o be_v here_o mention_v or_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o account_v for_o out_o of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o without_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o make_v little_a cavil_n and_o groundless_a suspicion_n look_v considerable_a by_o a_o formal_a examination_n and_o answer_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v pass_v to_o the_o 4._o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o great_a important_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o that_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o now_o upon_o a_o strict_a and_o impartial_a review_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v offer_v or_o advance_v in_o this_o cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o the_o several_a proposition_n contain_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n by_o a_o direct_a deduction_n from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o deduction_n in_o most_o of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n any_o consequential_a truth_n can_v have_v and_o in_o the_o other_o as_o much_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o present_a condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o be_v and_o such_o as_o the_o mind_n full_o assent_v to_o without_o be_v able_a to_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o a_o mistake_n though_o it_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o error_n it_o will_v likewise_o appear_v that_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a branch_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v for_o the_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n consider_v their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n and_o further_o that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a at_o least_o if_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o happiness_n every_o particular_a man_n absolute_o speak_v be_v capable_a of_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o regular_a discharge_n of_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o proportionable_o to_o a_o man_n behaviour_n in_o this_o respect_n while_o he_o live_v shall_v his_o reward_n be_v in_o another_o state_n but_o in_o every_o proportion_n great_a than_o can_v be_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v by_o we_o now_o and_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o will_v it_o be_v further_a manifest_a that_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v always_o go_v the_o same_o way_n and_o if_o testimony_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n here_o that_o far_o the_o most_o and_o great_a be_v on_o this_o side_n beside_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v only_o satisfy_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o a_o positive_a direct_a proof_n but_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o contrary_a hypothesis_n prove_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a or_o where_o any_o thing_n possible_a be_v advance_v we_o shall_v perceive_v it_o less_o probable_a in_o itself_o and_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o it_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v convince_v that_o libertinism_n and_o irreligion_n do_v evident_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n they_o now_o be_v in_o and_o will_v very_o probable_o if_o not_o certain_o render_v every_o particular_a person_n that_o own_v or_o act_n by_o these_o principle_n inconceivable_o more_o miserable_a in_o another_o state_n of_o life_n and_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o neglect_n or_o violation_n of_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v by_o religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n have_v none_o of_o these_o ground_n of_o credibility_n nor_o be_v or_o can_v be_v defend_v by_o any_o of_o these_o way_n or_o method_n by_o which_o religion_n be_v establish_v that_o they_o consist_v whole_o in_o the_o denial_n and_o contradiction_n of_o other_o proposition_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o positive_a direct_a proof_n but_o must_v be_v prove_v by_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o assertion_n deny_v that_o the_o assertion_n deny_v can_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a either_o from_o their_o repugnancy_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o antecedent_n principle_n of_o knowledge_n or_o their_o inconsistence_n with_o our_o happiness_n nor_o from_o the_o common_a suffrage_n and_o testimony_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o negative_a principle_n of_o irreligion_n and_o the_o practical_a consequence_n of_o they_o can_v upon_o a_o just_a comparison_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n or_o happiness_n than_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n we_o shall_v likewise_o upon_o a_o slight_a review_n of_o the_o common_a argument_n and_o plea_n for_o irreligion_n be_v easy_o satisfy_v that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o but_o that_o the_o strong_a effort_n of_o human_a invention_n that_o way_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o a_o offer_n at_o explain_v the_o common_a appearance_n the_o original_a order_n course_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n without_o a_o god_n independent_o of_o he_o or_o with_o exclusion_n to_o those_o particular_a consequence_n respect_v man_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o duty_n and_o sin_n reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o most_o any_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v amount_v to_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a thing_n may_v be_v after_o that_o particular_a manner_n they_o be_v explain_v to_o be_v these_o be_v the_o different_a ground_n and_o proof_n of_o religion_n and_o irreligion_n which_o if_o we_o careful_o compare_v together_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o differ_v as_o more_o or_o less_o rational_a but_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n the_o conception_n or_o proof_n of_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o the_o world_n be_v subsist_v without_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v no_o manner_n of_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o absurd_a to_o deny_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o but_o allow_v there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o say_v for_o irreligion_n so_o as_o to_o render_v it_o something_o probable_a to_o be_v believe_v yet_o if_o the_o positive_a direct_a proof_n for_o religion_n stand_v good_a without_o consider_v those_o which_o pretend_v to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n of_o a_o contrary_a scheme_n the_o former_a can_v stand_v upon_o so_o sure_a and_o firm_a a_o bottom_n as_o the_o latter_a nor_o be_v advance_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o credibility_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o give_v our_o assent_n on_o that_o side_n where_o there_o be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o probability_n but_o suppose_v the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n equal_a such_o different_a consequence_n do_v attend_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o madness_n and_o folly_n to_o prefer_v the_o party_n of_o irreligion_n which_o beside_o the_o present_a particular_a pain_n trouble_n and_o disadvantage_n it_o be_v say_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o person_n that_o make_v this_o choice_n and_o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n mankind_n will_v certain_o suffer_v from_o one_o another_o upon_o this_o account_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v threaten_v with_o eternal_a inexpressible_a misery_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n so_o concern_v and_o dreadful_a that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o vast_a preponderancy_n of_o proof_n that_o can_v justify_v our_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o which_o i_o be_o
nature_n of_o god_n in_o short_a and_o have_v now_o examine_v over_o again_o more_o particular_o from_o all_o which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v form_v of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o chimaera_n or_o extravagant_a work_n of_o the_o imagination_n but_o a_o very_a possible_a consistent_a notion_n and_o that_o those_o who_o affirm_v there_o be_v some_o such_o be_v to_o which_o this_o idea_n belong_v can_v be_v censure_v for_o vain_a incoherent_a thinker_n who_o have_v put_v thing_n together_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o warrant_v from_o reason_n how_o far_o the_o bare_a conception_n of_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o that_o we_o have_v frame_v of_o god_n or_o the_o mere_a possibility_n of_o such_o a_o be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o principle_n prove_v the_o reality_n of_o his_o existence_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o examine_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o though_o in_o themselves_o perhaps_o certain_a to_o several_a person_n 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dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n the_o union_n and_o confederacy_n of_o multitude_n of_o different_a kind_n towards_o some_o common_a production_n and_o the_o various_a particular_a end_n and_o use_v of_o thing_n all_o assistant_n to_o one_o another_o and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o some_o general_a design_n all_o these_o i_o say_v well_o consider_v and_o weigh_v together_o will_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v his_o former_a judgement_n and_o far_o dispose_v he_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o instance_n of_o power_n be_v able_a to_o do_v whatever_o else_o can_v be_v conceive_v possible_a nothing_o else_o conceivable_a seem_n more_o difficult_a to_o this_o inquirer_n than_o what_o he_o see_v already_o do_v that_o a_o be_v of_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o his_o work_n declare_v he_o so_o vast_o exceed_v man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v thing_n which_o be_v far_o above_o man_n
our_o idea_n and_o what_o we_o be_v the_o best_a acquaint_v with_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o perceive_v they_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o separate_o exist_v or_o necessary_o connect_v our_o reason_n about_o they_o be_v the_o sure_a of_o any_o we_o have_v so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o these_o i_o can_v see_v how_o we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o solidity_n extension_n and_o figure_n i_o do_v not_o only_o perceive_v to_o be_v constant_o unite_v but_o necessary_o and_o inseparable_o to_o co-exist_a together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o i_o call_v matter_n or_o body_n so_o that_o wherever_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v find_v i_o certain_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v the_o other_o two_o also_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o where_o ever_o these_o three_o co-exist_a together_o there_o be_v motion_n perception_n or_o will_v there_o be_v no_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o any_o of_o these_o 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be_v eternal_o and_o necessary_o till_o at_o some_o certain_a time_n the_o scatter_a move_a atom_n meet_v together_o or_o be_v dispose_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o produce_v the_o present_a structure_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n many_o be_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistency_n this_o opinion_n be_v chargeable_a with_o but_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a instance_n but_o in_o two_o the_o first_o be_v the_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a motion_n of_o different_a particle_n of_o matter_n before_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o imply_v a_o infinite_a succession_n of_o effect_n without_o any_o cause_n to_o produce_v they_o for_o motion_n be_v something_o distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o separable_a from_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o exist_v because_o matter_n exist_v for_o than_o it_o will_v always_o exist_v in_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n nor_o do_v it_o exist_v of_o itself_o by_o a_o necessity_n independent_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n be_v existence_n because_o it_o can_v exist_v without_o it_o and_o matter_n can_v not_o produce_v it_o in_o its_o self_n from_o all_o eternity_n because_o it_o can_v produce_v it_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o eternal_a motion_n or_o succession_n of_o motion_n in_o different_a part_n of_o matter_n because_o every_o motion_n be_v a_o mere_a effect_n and_o passion_n and_o there_o be_v no_o active_a power_n any_o where_o assignable_a or_o conceivable_a that_o can_v produce_v or_o cause_v such_o a_o effect_n so_o that_o to_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a motion_n without_o a_o eternal_a power_n of_o move_v be_v one_o very_o great_a absurdity_n those_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o set_v up_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o atom_n the_o other_o be_v the_o ascribe_v such_o new_a effect_n to_o matter_n and_o motion_n together_o in_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o a_o whole_a eternity_n before_o never_o proceed_v from_o they_o and_o can_v not_o possible_o 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imagine_v to_o have_v can_v never_o make_v we_o conceive_v any_o possibility_n of_o motion_n in_o it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o something_o else_o beside_o extension_n and_o figure_n neither_o can_v matter_n and_o motion_n together_o whatever_o variety_n of_o bulk_n texture_n or_o motion_n we_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o give_v we_o any_o idea_n of_o perception_n and_o will_n or_o a_o power_n of_o produce_v they_o but_o matter_n in_o motion_n must_v eternal_o move_v on_o or_o rest_n and_o move_v by_o turn_n if_o you_o please_v without_o advance_v to_o any_o new_a perfection_n which_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o need_v any_o proof_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v very_o learned_o and_o full_o make_v out_o already_o by_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v in_o the_o disparagement_n of_o matter_n nor_o expose_v this_o ridiculous_a scheme_n of_o thing_n by_o show_v all_o the_o peculiar_a inconsistency_n in_o it_o but_o leave_v the_o far_a disproof_n of_o it_o to_o those_o general_a argument_n which_o equal_o conclude_v against_o all_o the_o false_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o reserve_v till_o i_o have_v do_v with_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o the_o next_o of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o in_o which_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o world_n have_v eternal_o exi_v under_o the_o same_o form_n that_o we_o now_o behold_v it_o as_o to_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o structure_n with_o a_o constant_a succession_n of_o several_a of_o the_o chief_a species_n or_o sort_n of_o thing_n in_o it_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v the_o most_o explode_a of_o any_o though_o most_o of_o the_o favourer_n of_o it_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assert_v the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n too_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n think_v they_o perceive_v such_o visible_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o rise_n propagation_n and_o increase_v of_o society_n and_o government_n language_n and_o law_n art_n and_o science_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o original_a and_o begin_v of_o thing_n be_v in_o their_o time_n so_o fresh_a and_o so_o general_o receive_v in_o all_o country_n that_o few_o of_o they_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v all_o this_o with_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o tradition_n have_v all_o along_o continue_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o ancient_a observation_n have_v be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v by_o many_o new_a invention_n of_o thing_n since_o and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o such_o general_a use_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v invent_v before_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v of_o a_o very_a long_a
he_o that_o be_v know_v to_o act_v for_o himself_o only_o will_v be_v trust_v and_o assist_v no_o further_o than_o his_o own_o present_a interest_n be_v perceive_v unavoidable_o to_o concur_v with_o another_o man_n and_o last_o the_o happiness_n a_o religious_a man_n propose_v to_o himself_o in_o another_o life_n be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v exceed_v all_o experience_n imagination_n or_o possibility_n of_o comprehension_n and_o consequent_o the_o hope_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o belief_n must_v afford_v he_o great_a pleasure_n here_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o the_o great_a and_o happy_a condition_n a_o man_n can_v frame_v to_o himself_o here_o gradual_o increase_v by_o a_o successful_a advance_n of_o the_o fine_a best-formed_a design_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o be_v i_o believe_v compare_v with_o any_o actual_a enjoyment_n whatsoever_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o pleasure_n we_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o without_o a_o future_a prospect_n which_o must_v be_v all_o this_o and_o as_o much_o high_a as_o this_o religious_a hope_n be_v great_a and_o more_o durable_a in_o the_o possession_n and_o the_o present_a assurance_n of_o it_o less_o liable_a to_o disappointment_n and_o defeat_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v there_o be_v no_o external_a accident_n or_o endeavour_n that_o can_v deprive_v we_o of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o religious_a man_n he_o must_v be_v general_o happy_a than_o the_o wicked_a in_o truth_n and_o reality_n though_o perhaps_o not_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o he_o as_o enjoy_v more_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o himself_o by_o a_o constant_a unalterable_a success_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o main_a end_n as_o be_v less_o expose_v to_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o by_o assist_v some_o and_o a_o due_a care_n not_o to_o entrench_v upon_o the_o happiness_n of_o any_o and_o be_v better_a able_a to_o bear_v those_o real_a calamity_n and_o misery_n that_o may_v happen_v by_o a_o certain_a comfortable_a expectation_n of_o such_o happiness_n as_o will_v infinite_o outweigh_v all_o he_o can_v suffer_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o life_n this_o i_o think_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o the_o proof_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o i_o may_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o mankind_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o strength_n as_o if_o they_o have_v as_o much_o to_o say_v for_o their_o opinion_n if_o they_o may_v be_v hear_v v._o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n what_o can_v be_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v the_o usual_a plea_n for_o it_o and_o from_o thence_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o their_o principle_n and_o action_n who_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o do_v than_o those_o upon_o examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o which_o subject_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o step_n or_o measure_n 1._o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v what_o kind_a or_o degree_n of_o proof_n it_o admit_v of_o 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o common_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o 3._o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a objection_n make_v use_v of_o against_o religion_n 4._o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o who_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o 1._o first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o irreligion_n be_v capable_a of_o proof_n that_o be_v how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o god_n no_o obligation_n of_o act_v such_o a_o way_n if_o there_o be_v or_o no_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n be_v a_o man_n dispose_v to_o believe_v all_o or_o any_o of_o this_o or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o convince_v other_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n what_o way_n or_o method_n can_v he_o take_v to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o or_o their_o understanding_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o none_o of_o the_o thing_n inquire_v into_o be_v object_n of_o sense_n or_o internal_a consciousness_n we_o can_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n nor_o feel_v with_o any_o intimate_a perception_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n religion_n or_o future_a state_n and_o therefore_o no_o new_a experiment_n or_o observation_n of_o this_o nature_n nor_o any_o old_a testimony_n or_o authority_n ground_v upon_o such_o have_v any_o place_n upon_o this_o subject_a any_o further_a than_o they_o furnish_v matter_n for_o reason_v and_o reflection_n from_o whence_o we_o must_v immediate_o derive_v all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o of_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n all_o which_o be_v negative_a there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o by_o show_v either_o their_o repugnancy_n or_o disagreeableness_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o those_o other_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o doubt_v of_o the_o first_o way_n we_o demonstrate_v they_o to_o be_v certain_a the_o latter_a we_o make_v they_o appear_v probable_a as_o to_o demonstration_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v but_o by_o prove_a it_o be_v impossible_a and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v and_o who_o will_v undertake_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n or_o suppose_v there_o be_v that_o religion_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v downright_a contradiction_n what_o be_v there_o in_o any_o of_o these_o notion_n that_o shock_n our_o reason_n and_o restrain_v our_o assent_n what_o other_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n have_v we_o that_o make_v our_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o there_o be_v never_o any_o proof_n of_o this_o kind_n offer_v or_o pretend_v to_o yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v easy_o discoverable_a upon_o the_o first_o trial_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o way_n all_o that_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o produce_v such_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n to_o show_v such_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o they_o as_o shall_v render_v they_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o upon_o a_o fair_a proposal_n we_o shall_v be_v easy_o incline_v to_o embrace_v and_o assent_v to_o they_o though_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o irresistible_o to_o determine_v we_o this_o we_o call_v argue_v from_o probability_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o what_o the_o generality_n of_o wise_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v upon_o due_a examination_n assent_v to_o as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n that_o opinion_n be_v most_o probable_a and_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reflection_n deduce_v from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n alike_o that_o have_v the_o same_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o probability_n but_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n will_v never_o stand_v this_o test_n the_o wise_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v constant_o reject_v and_o condemn_v they_o but_o suppose_v the_o disquisition_n be_v to_o begin_v now_o and_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o opinion_n again_o how_o will_v a_o person_n go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n no_o religion_n nor_o future_a state_n than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o of_o these_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o upon_o this_o occasion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o our_o own_o existence_n and_o constitution_n and_o from_o the_o existence_n frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n without_o we_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o be_v and_o we_o know_v not_o our_o original_a or_o by_o what_o power_n we_o come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v we_o perceive_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o we_o the_o beginning_n of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o come_v to_o exist_v be_v it_o therefore_o more_o likely_a and_o probable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n than_o that_o there_o real_o be_v some_o such_o
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
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