it_o be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o science_n be_v only_o a_o chimaera_n no_o body_n dare_v maintain_v it_o but_o it_o be_v just_a thus_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o false_a zeal_n the_o incredulous_a object_n further_o that_o since_o those_o who_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n observe_v not_o the_o most_o important_a precept_n of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o themselves_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n for_o otherwise_o say_v they_o they_o will_v not_o quit_v the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o seeing_z if_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n be_v true_a what_o concern_v practice_n be_v not_o less_o so_o but_o if_o the_o most_o zealous_a be_v not_o persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n what_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o its_o proof_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o prejudice_n that_o be_v very_o difficult_o conquer_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o what_o be_v say_v than_o to_o what_o be_v do_v and_o who_o look_v upon_o man_n moral_n as_o the_o character_n of_o their_o belief_n every_o person_n have_v not_o strength_n of_o thought_n enough_o to_o consider_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o themselves_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v obey_v or_o to_o the_o judgement_n that_o christian_n seem_v to_o make_v of_o they_o by_o their_o conduct_n but_o at_o bottom_n this_o be_v a_o ill-grounded_a prejudice_n from_o which_o no_o consequence_n can_v be_v infer_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a remark_n first_o of_o all_o we_o may_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o those_o zealot_n in_o show_n for_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n who_o be_v not_o in_o effect_n persuade_v of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o cloak_n of_o religion_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o multitude_n the_o better_a to_o carry_v on_o their_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a by_o no_o mean_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v as_o well_o as_o other_o they_o be_v not_o always_o such_o as_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n about_o a_o art_n that_o best_o understand_v it_o and_o if_o all_o the_o discourse_n of_o these_o people_n be_v well_o examine_v it_o may_v be_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v beauty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v utter_a stranger_n there_o may_v be_v also_o remark_v in_o their_o disposition_n some_o invincible_a obstacle_n to_o the_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v entire_o contrary_a to_o those_o disposition_n the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o people_n believe_v for_o example_n that_o force_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v truth_n and_o that_o the_o magistrate_n who_o favour_v they_o aught_o to_o use_v those_o hardly_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o sentiment_n nay_o they_o maintain_v that_o without_o this_o christianity_n be_v lose_v and_o that_o all_o other_o religion_n shall_v triumph_v over_o it_o all_o have_v be_v still_o pagan_a according_a to_o they_o if_o constantine_n and_o the_o other_o succeed_a christian_a emperor_n have_v not_o employ_v their_o authority_n to_o destroy_v heathenism_n now_o what_o other_o thing_n can_v such_o discourse_n mean_v but_o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o true_a proof_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o moderation_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o who_o have_v well_o studyâ—d_v these_o proof_n and_o careful_o examine_v all_o the_o part_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v make_v up_o find_v it_o so_o well_o ground_v its_o promise_n so_o become_v god_n and_o man_n and_o its_o precept_n so_o useful_a to_o humane_a society_n that_o to_o make_v it_o whole_o triumph_v over_o error_n it_o be_v enough_o in_o their_o judgement_n to_o obtain_v a_o liberty_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o may_v incur_v no_o danger_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o may_v oppose_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n with_o equal_a arms._n these_o person_n animate_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o moderation_n whereof_o i_o speak_v and_o equal_o press_v all_o the_o part_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o contradict_v by_o their_o action_n the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n if_o religion_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o from_o the_o conduct_n and_o discourse_n of_o its_o professor_n regard_v aught_o to_o be_v have_v rather_o to_o these_o man_n than_o to_o other_o second_o i_o have_v show_v elsewhere_o that_o since_o man_n do_v not_o always_o act_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n but_o most_o frequent_o follow_v the_o movement_n of_o their_o passion_n their_o sentiment_n must_v not_o be_v always_o conclude_v from_o their_o carriage_n this_o be_v so_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o certain_a zealot_n may_v act_v very_o disagreeable_o to_o their_o profession_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o their_o persuasion_n from_o their_o manner_n we_o must_v confess_v however_o that_o if_o in_o those_o zealot_n there_o appear_v a_o continual_a series_n of_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o walk_a contrary_n to_o what_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n than_o we_o have_v great_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o design_n of_o cover_v their_o infidelity_n with_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o a_o strong_a and_o sincere_a belief_n shall_v at_o length_n eradicate_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n all_o habit_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o the_o most_o ingenuous_a man_n may_v act_v sometime_o against_o their_o persuasion_n by_o surprise_n or_o the_o sudden_a motion_n of_o a_o violent_a passion_n three_o as_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o government_n from_o the_o way_n how_o they_o be_v observe_v so_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ill_o reason_v to_o condemn_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o obey_v it_o not_o there_o may_v be_v most_o excellent_a law_n and_o acknowledge_v too_o for_o such_o yet_o not_o always_o strict_o observe_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o passion_n of_o those_o who_o break_v they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v remark_v in_o all_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n what_o cause_v this_o contradiction_n between_o the_o sentiment_n and_o carriage_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v be_v perhaps_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o apply_v the_o general_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o happen_v every_o day_n and_o that_o they_o mistake_v the_o most_o prohibit_v action_n for_o exception_n to_o the_o rule_n 26._o arrian_n upon_o epictetus_n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o a_o famous_a philosopher_n say_v that_o most_o of_o man_n error_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v general_a to_o particular_a idea_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o near_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n occasion_n at_o least_o in_o part_n the_o violation_n of_o many_o law_n which_o be_v all_o the_o while_n think_v just_a and_o wellgrounded_n zeal_n accompany_v with_o very_o great_a ignorance_n and_o the_o great_a as_o the_o ignorance_n be_v grosser_n furnish_v the_o incredulous_a likewise_o with_o another_o pretence_n of_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o blind_a persuasion_n mere_o build_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o have_v least_o examine_v thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o less_o discern_a appear_v frequent_o the_o hot_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o party_n with_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o furious_a zeal_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o mahometans_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o pagan_a populace_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v bring_v no_o example_n of_o it_o in_o those_o sect_n also_o into_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o present_a divide_v the_o heat_n wherewith_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n defend_v their_o sentiment_n and_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v they_o be_v but_o too_o common_a this_o blind_a zeal_n have_v so_o often_o break_v out_o and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o such_o ill_a method_n to_o advance_v each_o party_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o if_o this_o false_a zeal_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o heathen_n
they_o appear_v not_o over-mortifyed_a who_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n nor_o will_v i_o set_v about_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o scepticism_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o no_o body_n stop_v at_o a_o mere_a doubt_n in_o religion_n those_o who_o say_v they_o have_v doubt_n be_v not_o content_a to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o possible_o deceive_v but_o as_o effectual_o so_o they_o consider_v not_o themselves_o as_o person_n who_o may_v well_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o as_o have_v find_v the_o true_a secret_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a pride_n as_o much_o as_o the_o bold_a determination_n let_v they_o have_v a_o great_a care_n therefore_o and_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o to_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v out_o of_o vanity_n be_v expose_v of_o one_o self_n to_o error_n let_v they_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o fallacious_a passion_n or_o at_o least_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o judge_v of_o religion_n we_o require_v not_o this_o of_o they_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o religion_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v or_o which_o they_o reject_v but_o from_o this_o maxim_n of_o common_a sense_n viz._n that_o a_o passion_n such_o as_o pride_n be_v can_v be_v of_o any_o service_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o that_o what_o keep_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a be_v i_o write_v against_o the_o pagan_n jew_n or_o mahometan_n and_o shall_v say_v that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la keep_v they_o wed_v to_o the_o religion_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n then_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o those_o that_o disbelieve_v christianity_n will_v conclude_v i_o in_o the_o right_n but_o as_o i_o write_v against_o man_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o it_o be_v i_o understand_v here_o by_o prejudices_fw-la when_o i_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n perhaps_o why_o unbeliever_n yield_v not_o their_o assent_n to_o it_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o i_o say_v in_o christianity_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v prejudice_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o instruction_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometans_n against_o christianity_n the_o second_o proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o and_o whereof_o it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n these_o people_n do_v easy_o conquer_v sometime_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n but_o after_o slight_o form_v to_o themselves_o other_o notion_n without_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o afterward_o become_v prejudices_fw-la to_o they_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n and_o it_o be_v of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o design_n to_o treat_v upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v form_v because_o they_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o such_o a_o complication_n of_o several_a motive_n and_o to_o circumstance_n so_o different_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v to_o distinguish_v they_o right_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v true_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v hasty_a conclusion_n which_o serve_v they_o afterward_o instead_o of_o a_o principle_n let_v we_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n bear_v in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o very_o gross_a error_n as_o it_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v we_o suppose_v i_o say_v that_o this_o man_n come_v to_o discern_v these_o error_n by_o read_v the_o book_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a party_n he_o be_v present_o cure_v of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o be_v always_o tell_v that_o the_o sentiment_n maintain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n be_v true_a it_o may_v notwithstanding_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n capable_a of_o discover_v these_o error_n can_v go_v back_o to_o the_o very_a spring_n and_o examine_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o itself_o such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o he_o stop_v then_o and_o imagine_v not_o only_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n be_v false_a but_o he_o make_v the_o same_o conclusion_n concern_v all_o religion_n without_o except_v that_o of_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v entertain_v such_o thought_n a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v find_v any_o body_n to_o who_o he_o dare_v open_v his_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v able_a to_o undeceive_v he_o if_o he_o do_v and_o these_o thought_n may_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n at_o length_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n afterward_o to_o eradicate_v they_o if_o the_o man_n too_o be_v any_o thing_n speculative_a he_o may_v in_o this_o condition_n form_v other_o principle_n upon_o on_o which_o he_o shall_v reason_v all_o his_o life_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o false_a these_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la from_o which_o i_o say_v we_o must_v preserve_v ourselves_o and_o that_o may_v contribute_v much_o to_o get_v the_o christian_a religion_n reject_v all_o those_o who_o be_v taint_v with_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o express_v they_o clear_o and_o beside_o they_o dare_v not_o always_o declare_v they_o free_o to_o those_o with_o who_o they_o discourse_v upon_o the_o subject_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a business_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v turn_v to_o their_o advantage_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o all_o judgement_n make_v of_o a_o thing_n from_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o if_o man_n shall_v thus_o hit_v upon_o the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v by_o pure_a chance_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d this_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o search_n oâ—_n all_o sort_n of_o truth_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o a_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v this_o rule_n than_o be_v ground_v upon_o common_a sense_n and_o no_o body_n can_v disagree_v to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o prejudice_n very_o common_a among_o those_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o that_o plain_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v they_o say_v believe_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v because_o they_o never_o see_v any_o miracle_n nor_o ever_o speak_v to_o any_o person_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o like_a they_o can_v any_o better_o imagine_v that_o this_o earth_n whereupon_o we_o live_v have_v a_o beginning_n or_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o animal_n nor_o plant_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o they_o have_v always_o remark_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v never_o speak_v to_o any_o that_o have_v see_v this_o beginning_n i_o maintain_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o general_a maxim_n a_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o whereof_o he_o have_v never_o see_v any_o example_n nor_o speak_v to_o any_o eye-witness_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o can_v give_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o geometrical_a axiom_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o what_o have_v persuade_v some_o people_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v that_o many_o time_n they_o discover_v falsehood_n by_o its_o mean_n some_o ancient_a philosopher_n for_o example_n have_v confute_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n concern_v the_o centaur_n the_o giant_n the_o monster_n chimaera_n and_o the_o like_a fictitious_a thing_n by_o this_o very_a maxim_n what_o have_v be_v now_o be_v incredibil_n palephat_n de_fw-mi reb_fw-mi incredibil_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o future_a i_o agree_v that_o this_o axiom_n may_v be_v of_o use_n when_o such_o as_o affirm_v unheard-of_a thing_n deserve_v no_o credit_n as_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o own_a they_o have_v invent_v a_o great_a part_n of_o what_o they_o say_v but_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o extend_v general_o to_o all_o thing_n or_o that_o it_o can_v pass_v for_o a_o self-evident_a maxim_n when_o a_o possible_a thing_n be_v attest_v by_o
to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o dialectic_a or_o logick_n there_o be_v not_o one_o philosopher_n who_o have_v any_o reasonable_a no_o nor_o a_o probable_a hypothesis_n concern_v god_n except_o the_o platonist_n who_o accommodate_v their_o opinion_n so_o much_o to_o vulgar_a notion_n that_o by_o this_o medley_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a they_o render_v all_o the_o good_a they_o speak_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a notwithstanding_o such_o as_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n to_o hear_v this_o sort_n of_o people_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v out_o of_o a_o unpardonable_a negligence_n to_o understand_v what_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o they_o one_o will_v think_v no_o body_n can_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n among_o christian_n since_o they_o general_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v better_o spend_v his_o time_n than_o in_o discover_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v but_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n not_o be_v always_o conformable_a to_o their_o belief_n it_o happen_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o their_o course_n of_o life_n produce_v a_o effect_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o christian_a profession_n shall_v beget_v in_o they_o although_o it_o be_v not_o say_v by_o any_o that_o it_o be_v better_a employ_v himself_o about_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o carriage_n of_o most_o man_n be_v common_o such_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v this_o a_o man_n who_o entire_o neglect_v this_o study_n but_o due_o make_v his_o court_n to_o those_o that_o can_v advance_v he_o or_o keep_v he_o in_o his_o present_a post_n a_o man_n that_o pass_v all_o his_o life_n in_o heap_v up_o riches_n though_o he_o be_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n this_o man_n i_o say_v be_v he_o for_o all_o this_o the_o less_o esteem_v the_o most_o understand_a person_n in_o the_o world_n but_o who_o be_v not_o respect_v for_o his_o preferment_n nor_o consider_v for_o his_o riches_n be_v he_o comparable_a to_o this_o other_o ignorant_a but_o rich_a or_o honourable_a man_n not_o at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o most_o christian_n this_o practice_n cry_v much_o loud_o if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o than_o the_o evangelical_n maxim_n it_o contradict_v and_o seem_v to_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o it_o concern_v they_o little_a to_o learn_v the_o reason_n of_o assent_v to_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o obtain_v some_o employment_n or_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o to_o which_o this_o same_o christianity_n contribute_v nothing_o it_o fall_v out_o likewise_o but_o too_o often_o that_o this_o dangerous_a lesson_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o considerable_a person_n who_o after_o neglect_v the_o study_n of_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o cultivate_v the_o art_n of_o advance_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o make_v their_o fortune_n be_v nevertheless_o in_o great_a esteem_n and_o in_o such_o advantageous_a post_n that_o their_o lot_n appear_v worthy_a of_o envy_n whilst_o such_o as_o may_v inform_v other_o by_o their_o knowledge_n live_v in_o contempt_n and_o obscurity_n this_o general_a custom_n which_o obtain_v almost_o every_o where_o do_v throw_v people_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v not_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o thus_o slight_v that_o science_n which_o signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o their_o worldly_a affair_n and_o who_o consequence_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o resist_v those_o passion_n to_o which_o they_o willing_o abandon_v themselves_o they_o think_v as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v upon_o those_o proof_n which_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o occasion_n of_o doubt_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n which_o beget_v difficulty_n out_o of_o which_o they_o can_v extricate_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o at_o last_o produce_v a_o formal_a infidelity_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v cure_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o continuance_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a to_o fall_v into_o this_o negligence_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o the_o cause_n whence_o it_o spring_v be_v always_o in_o be_v and_o act_v incessant_o upon_o the_o understanding_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n whilst_o that_o which_o may_v incline_v people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n act_v but_o weak_o and_o be_v stifle_v as_o it_o be_v every_o moment_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o more_o numerous_a party_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o thing_n that_o may_v great_o contribute_v in_o seduce_v such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n they_o frame_v without_o perceive_v it_o and_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v solid_a enough_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a obey_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o just_a as_o much_o as_o their_o worldly_a interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v they_o imagine_v that_o most_o man_n act_v a_o part_n only_o and_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o real_o do_v not_o or_o else_o they_o conclude_v that_o person_n so_o injudicious_a as_o to_o contradict_v their_o belief_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v but_o a_o ill_a example_n to_o follow_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_o do_v of_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o persuasion_n by_o their_o conduct_n see_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v change_v the_o latter_a thus_o they_o imitate_v pretty_a well_o the_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o believe_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o multitude_n in_o as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o they_o have_v principle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n if_o they_o neglect_v inform_v themselves_o in_o religion_n this_o proceed_v from_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o regulate_v not_o their_o manner_n according_a to_o its_o precept_n it_o be_v because_o they_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o recompense_n promise_v those_o who_o shall_v observe_v they_o nor_o to_o the_o pain_n wherewith_o they_o be_v menace_v that_o violate_v they_o in_o a_o word_n they_o act_n coherent_o whereas_o the_o life_n of_o other_o be_v a_o perpetual_a contradiction_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v huge_o out_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o multitude_n feign_v only_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o injudiciousness_n make_v they_o contradict_v their_o belief_n by_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o preserve_v our_o persuasion_n entire_a even_o when_o we_o contradict_v it_o by_o our_o action_n than_o to_o suit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o conduct_v we_o follow_v and_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o man_n may_v sincere_o believe_v a_o principle_n to_o be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o not_o order_v his_o life_n according_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v that_o what_o set_v most_o man_n action_n a_o go_v be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v not_o seldom_o entire_o repugnant_a to_o this_o knowledge_n no_o body_n for_o example_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o bribery_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o well-governed_a state_n and_o that_o all_o employment_n shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o those_o only_o who_o deserve_v they_o nay_o the_o law_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v bribery_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v few_o person_n that_o do_v not_o solicit_v for_o themselves_o or_o for_o their_o friend_n when_o any_o opportunity_n of_o advancement_n offer_v itself_o we_o find_v also_o that_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n which_o they_o break_v nevertheless_o every_o day_n when_o they_o reap_v any_o present_a advantage_n from_o it_o we_o may_v allege_v a_o more_o evident_a example_n of_o this_o contradiction_n between_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n a_o gouty_a man_n who_o contract_v this_o troublesome_a distemper_n by_o drink_v too_o much_o wine_n doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o the_o immoderate_a use_n of_o this_o liquor_n must_v needs_o prove_v very_o hurtful_a to_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a pleasure_n he_o find_v in_o drink_v carry_v it_o and_o he_o can_v forbear_v drink_v more_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o several_a other_o passion_n in_o
system_n of_o divinity_n which_o raise_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v talk_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n propose_v some_o doubt_n to_o divine_n nay_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n viz._n that_o all_o other_o err_v in_o something_o it_o can_v be_v wonder_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o unbeliever_n offer_v some_o objection_n to_o divine_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n or_o which_o they_o resolve_v by_o contradict_v themselves_o divine_n upbraid_v one_o another_o with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n not_o altogether_o ignorant_a observe_v in_o the_o society_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v explain_v be_v subject_a to_o great_a difficulty_n or_o be_v altogether_o false_a let_v we_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o his_o country_n be_v very_o learn_v man_n and_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n better_o than_o other_o a_o opinion_n common_a enough_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o never_o go_v out_o of_o their_o country_n or_o never_o read_v the_o book_n of_o other_o sect_n when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o consult_v satisfy_v they_o not_o or_o maintain_v palpable_a falsity_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n be_v not_o true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o false_a if_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n have_v such_o thought_n never_o read_v the_o work_n of_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o error_n he_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o more_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n because_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o error_n have_v be_v find_v out_o the_o long_a it_o be_v think_v of_o the_o better_a it_o be_v know_v when_o man_n know_v nothing_o better_o about_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n and_o have_v not_o penetration_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n of_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n because_o they_o present_o suspect_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n which_o they_o have_v not_o examine_v be_v not_o better_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n be_v account_v as_o essential_a as_o other_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o a_o man_n take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o read_v book_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o ingenious_a man_n of_o both_o side_n he_o will_v often_o perceive_v that_o both_o party_n attack_v very_o well_o and_o defend_v themselves_o ill_a that_o man_n will_v conclude_v from_o thence_o and_o often_o with_o reason_n that_o both_o party_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n the_o more_o he_o hear_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o more_o he_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a because_o he_o have_v not_o part_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n if_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o external_a and_o internal_a motive_n which_o make_v he_o incline_v to_o unbelief_n as_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o that_o man_n will_v get_v into_o a_o scepticism_n almost_o incurable_a or_o into_o a_o formal_a unbelief_n out_o of_o which_o he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o extricate_v himself_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v as_o supposition_n be_v real_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o people_n in_o italy_n france_n spain_n and_o germany_n for_o i_o must_v tell_v it_o and_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o conceal_v that_o i_o do_v follow_v the_o particular_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o place_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v they_o see_v some_o opinion_n manifest_o false_a establish_v in_o those_o vast_a country_n by_o a_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o offer_v any_o objection_n they_o be_v pitiful_o resolve_v and_o than_o if_o they_o dare_v reply_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o censure_n and_o threaten_n not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o inquisition_n and_o burn_v if_o they_o grow_v obstinate_a nevertheless_o divine_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n though_o evident_o false_a with_o great_a heat_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o prove_v they_o many_o layman_n who_o want_v not_o penetration_n but_o know_v no_o better_o think_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o distinct_o apprehend_v the_o falsity_n of_o what_o be_v say_v they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a other_o add_v to_o their_o meditation_n the_o read_n of_o some_o controversial_a book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n author_n and_o they_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a altogether_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o right_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o their_o teacher_n can_v free_v they_o from_o that_o opinion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o often_o find_v some_o book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n author_n who_o attack_z well_o enough_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o certain_a protestant_n and_o those_o protestant_n be_v as_o unlucky_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v successful_a in_o assault_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n they_o also_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o because_o their_o examination_n reach_v not_o to_o all_o the_o sect_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o confound_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o condemn_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o beside_o other_o motive_n which_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o those_o thought_n and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o see_v two_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o so_o much_o that_o they_o retain_v their_o opinion_n for_o ever_o if_o no_o better_a book_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o if_o no_o body_n free_v they_o from_o the_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o divine_n to_o maintain_v those_o doctrine_n those_o who_o assert_v they_o with_o heat_n and_o declaim_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n against_o other_o christian_a society_n be_v prefer_v and_o get_v the_o most_o considerable_a dignity_n of_o the_o party_n they_o be_v in_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v moderate_a towards_o those_o who_o be_v call_v heretic_n or_o heterodox_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o favour_v if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o employment_n and_o ruin_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v altogether_o undo_v and_o almost_o every_o where_n if_o any_o intimate_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v in_o though_o he_o do_v it_o never_o so_o modest_o they_o show_v he_o no_o pity_n he_o must_v suffer_v whatever_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n can_v do_v when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o disposition_n be_v that_o divine_n will_v be_v judge_n and_o party_n in_o controvert_v doctrine_n against_o the_o clear_a principle_n of_o equity_n though_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o favour_v one_o of_o the_o party_n though_o their_o decision_n be_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o unsatisfactory_a they_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a and_o solid_a nay_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o book_n of_o their_o adversary_n ought-not_a to_o be_v read_v or_o those_o who_o read_v they_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n of_o not_o approve_v their_o argument_n otherwise_o they_o must_v undergo_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o party_n unbeliever_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o several_a particular_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v maintain_v out_o of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o by_o unjust_a and_o violent_a mean_n conclude_v that_o divine_n and_o consequent_o all_o christian_n be_v factious_a people_n and_o enemy_n to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o other_o
to_o wish_v for_o miracle_n as_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o yet_o establish_v three_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o require_v new_a miracle_n from_o god_n with_o and_o show_v of_o reason_n man_n shall_v have_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o have_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o after_o a_o careful_a and_o impartial_a examination_n they_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o thing_n they_o inquire_v after_o but_o must_v doubt_v still_o of_o it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o help_v man_n incredulity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o mission_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n but_o because_o the_o proof_n thereof_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o see_v many_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v some_o man_n of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a disposition_n who_o perform_v not_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n teach_v we_o who_o have_v no_o love_n for_o the_o truth_n who_o be_v full_a of_o a_o thousand_o ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la and_o blind_v with_o unruly_a passion_n who_o have_v examine_v nothing_o but_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o voluntary_a perverseness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o inclination_n can_v such_o man_n complain_v because_o god_n work_v no_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n will_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o new_a favour_n for_o have_v despise_v those_o which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o he_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n will_v but_o examine_v themselves_o by_o this_o picture_n they_o may_v easy_o find_v out_o the_o answer_n we_o can_v return_v to_o they_o four_o i_o affirm_v that_o miracle_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o such_o men._n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o what_o i_o say_v see_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deny_v his_o miraculous_a work_n they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n will_v never_o want_v shift_n to_o bring_v into_o question_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o presence_n see_v they_o have_v find_v out_o several_a to_o hinder_v we_o from_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o those_o of_o christ_n suppose_v they_o be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o second_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o work_v no_o miracle_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n than_o to_o work_v any_o and_o such_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o see_v some_o obstinate_a man_n who_o require_v from_o he_o some_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v none_o because_o he_o see_v they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o of_o other_o divine_a grace_n and_o will_v but_o thereby_o increase_v their_o gild_n the_o evangelist_n observe_v 6.5_o observe_v mat._n 13.58_o mark_v 6.5_o that_o be_v come_v to_o nazareth_n he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n some_o unbelieve_a teacher_n have_v require_v of_o he_o a_o miracle_n more_o than_o once_o 16.1_o once_o mat._n 12.38_o &_o 16.1_o he_o deny_v they_o and_o refer_v they_o to_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o never_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v eye-witness_n wherefore_o he_o sometime_o ask_v those_o who_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v cure_v their_o disease_n whether_o they_o believe_v etc._n believe_v mat._n 9.29_o etc._n etc._n he_o can_v do_v it_o to_o teach_v they_o that_o none_o deserve_v a_o new_a grace_n but_o he_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o other_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o expect_v or_o demand_v a_o cure_n from_o he_o have_v they_o not_o certain_o know_v by_o other_o example_n or_o some_o good_a reason_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v incline_v he_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o unbeliever_n suppose_v at_o once_o two_o thing_n most_o absurd_a and_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o use_v man_n have_v make_v of_o his_o favour_n but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v their_o unbelief_n whatever_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o grant_v they_o new_a grace_n so_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v please_v doubt_v of_o revelation_n whereby_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o men._n the_o second_o absurdity_n that_o follow_v from_o thence_o be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v oblige_v out_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o satisfy_v as_o many_o party_n as_o there_o be_v unbeliever_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o method_n for_o every_o one_o of_o they_o will_v see_v some_o miracle_n and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o a_o trial_n without_o mind_v what_o it_o may_v have_v do_v at_o other_o time_n or_o in_o other_o place_n if_o any_o can_v brook_v those_o consequence_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o unbeliever_n objection_n there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v long_o dispute_v with_o he_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n now_o because_o he_o wrought_v some_o former_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o modern_a miracle_n be_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o ill_a custom_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o where_o they_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o incredulous_a and_o it_o be_v this_o several_a people_n who_o maintain_v some_o doctrine_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o certainty_n with_o too_o great_a a_o heat_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v to_o magnify_v their_o zeal_n that_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o adversary_n be_v true_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v lose_v that_o one_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o and_o such_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o sometime_o prove_v it_o so_o clear_o that_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o obstinacy_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o three_o party_n and_o perform_v only_o the_o part_n of_o spectator_n of_o those_o quarrel_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a than_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o see_v so_o well_o confute_v and_o those_o who_o have_v exaggerated_a too_o much_o the_o importance_n of_o their_o opinion_n can_v hinder_v the_o unbeliever_n from_o draw_v such_o a_o consequence_n against_o they_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o example_n of_o that_o ill_a manner_n of_o dispute_v but_o i_o shall_v allege_v only_o one_o which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o what_o i_o say_v there_o have_v be_v many_o dispute_n in_o this_o age_n about_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o jewish_a vowel_n some_o have_v maintain_v that_o they_o be_v invent_v by_o the_o masorethe_n some_o century_n after_o christ_n other_o have_v pretend_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v at_o least_o as_o ancient_a as_o esdras_n and_o consequent_o ground_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o latter_a to_o stir_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o christendom_n against_o their_o adversary_n exclaim_v after_o a_o tragical_a manner_n that_o this_o dispute_n be_v about_o no_o less_o a_o thing_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a bible_n which_o be_v destroy_v by_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n but_o ludovicus_n cappellus_n have_v show_v in_o his_o arcanum_n punctationis_fw-la and_o its_o defence_n with_o as_o much_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o masorethe_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vowel_n the_o most_o learned_a critic_n have_v embrace_v his_o opinion_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o obstinate_a person_n the_o same_o happen_v with_o respect_n to_o another_o dispute_n which_o that_o learned_a man_n have_v concern_v the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o prove_v that_o
there_o be_v many_o readins_n which_o may_v be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o our_o modern_a copy_n do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o as_o his_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v destroy_v unbeliever_n will_v undoubted_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o tolerable_a reply_n to_o they_o but_o cappellus_n show_v very_o clear_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o consequence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n and_o so_o he_o free_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o those_o insult_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o which_o his_o adversary_n have_v expose_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n than_o the_o draw_n of_o such_o consequence_n for_o they_o hear_v on_o the_o one_o side_n some_o grave_n and_o much_o esteem_v teacher_n say_v after_o a_o doleful_a manner_n that_o if_o certain_a opinion_n be_v not_o true_a than_o religion_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o see_v man_n of_o great_a learning_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v those_o opinion_n but_o also_o maintain_v they_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v less_o certain_a than_o religion_n by_o the_o confession_n even_o of_o a_o part_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o they_o by_o reject_v some_o opinion_n ground_v upon_o very_o solid_a argument_n whatever_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n can_v tell_v they_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o make_v they_o pass_v for_o conceit_a man_n and_o of_o no_o great_a sincerity_n this_o help_v they_o also_o to_o perceive_v in_o many_o divine_v a_o strange_a disposition_n which_o will_v dishonour_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o viz._n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o what_o be_v true_a but_o what_o they_o think_v proper_a to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v embrace_v when_o they_o fancy_v that_o if_o a_o certain_a thing_n be_v believe_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v be_v doubt_v of_o they_o do_v trouble_v themselves_o with_o inquire_v whether_o their_o fancy_n be_v ill_o ground_v or_o whether_o that_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v on_o not_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v but_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o woeful_a manner_n that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v dangerous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o can_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v with_o religion_n as_o they_o fancy_v this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o pleader_n who_o be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o be_v in_o the_o right_a he_o suppress_v whatever_o seem_v to_o he_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o what_o he_o defend_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o he_o be_v afraid_a it_o may_v appear_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n such_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o place_n who_o want_v skill_n or_o courage_n shall_v say_v that_o if_o some_o ill-fortified_a and_o inconsiderable_a out-work_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n he_o must_v unavoidable_o surrender_v the_o fortress_n those_o who_o observe_v the_o conduct_n of_o both_o will_v present_o suspect_v the_o pleader_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o governor_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o place_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o hope_n to_o make_v a_o good_a resistance_n unbeliever_n have_v the_o same_o thought_n concern_v divine_v when_o they_o observe_v that_o they_o greedy_o collect_v and_o catch_v at_o whatever_o can_v in_o any_o manner_n make_v their_o cause_n better_o or_o at_o least_o make_v it_o appear_v so_o but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v be_v that_o those_o divine_v dont_fw-fr know_v very_o well_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o only_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faction_n or_o interest_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o weak_a reason_n to_o support_v it_o it_o need_v but_o appear_v naked_a and_o such_o as_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n if_o any_o one_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o love_v not_o truth_n but_o only_o the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v afraid_a for_o religion_n it_o will_v never_o want_v more_o able_a defender_n who_o will_v be_v devote_v to_o it_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n worthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n they_o will_v never_o be_v afraid_a as_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v only_o assault_v with_o reason_n and_o argument_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o 1._o the_o abovementioned_a difficulty_n rather_o concern_v some_o modern_a divine_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o explain_v or_o defend_v not_o so_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o some_o difficulty_n however_o it_o be_v understand_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n first_o i_o will_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a theology_n and_o then_o i_o will_v allege_v some_o particular_a example_n thereof_o whereby_o i_o will_v show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o body_n doubt_v of_o its_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n in_o a_o science_n some_o of_o which_o do_v it_o shake_v its_o principle_n but_o other_o show_v it_o be_v no_o science_n at_o all_o though_o so_o call_v but_o a_o collection_n and_o a_o heap_n of_o ill-grounded_a opinion_n and_o conjecture_n for_o example_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o difficulty_n in_o geometry_n but_o no_o body_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o principle_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o they_o be_v all_o ground_a upon_o clear_a proof_n and_o which_o can_v neither_o become_v obscure_a nor_o doubtful_a whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o a_o proposition_n follow_v from_o those_o principle_n they_o do_v change_v their_o nature_n and_o a_o man_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o accuse_v himself_o of_o not_o understand_v geometry_n well_o than_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o he_o can_v resolve_v a_o difficulty_n or_o else_o they_o show_v that_o the_o proposition_n in_o question_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v full_o resolve_v on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n raise_v against_o judiciary_n astrology_n which_o not_o only_o 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wherein_o christianity_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v know_v we_o shall_v learn_v from_o thence_o or_o from_o the_o read_n of_o some_o history_n that_o above_o thirteen_o hundred_o year_n past_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o flourish_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_a author_n that_o from_o that_o time_n they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gospel-moral_n if_o we_o go_v high_a still_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o the_o read_n of_o heathen_a and_o christian_a author_n that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o christian_n under_o those_o emperor_n who_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n all_o those_o who_o speak_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o christianity_n grant_v it_o begin_v under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v of_o before_o tacitus_n who_o be_v bear_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o 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of_o people_n who_o they_o discover_v but_o be_v not_o convict_v of_o be_v incendiary_n so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v run_v down_o by_o the_o hatred_n that_o all_o man_n bear_v against_o they_o it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o tacitus_n though_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o know_v what_o christianity_n be_v of_o which_o he_o speak_v after_o a_o most_o absurd_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a effect_n of_o his_o negligence_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v elsewhere_o and_o perhaps_o of_o the_o roman_a vanity_n which_o despise_v every_o thing_n except_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o those_o word_n one_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o the_o evangelist_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o jesus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n who_o pontius_n pilate_n put_v to_o death_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o find_v 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to_o they_o and_o they_o neither_o endanger_v their_o reputation_n nor_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n for_o so_o do_v they_o never_o fail_v to_o break_v they_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o fraud_n and_o cheat_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o sue_v for_o it_o and_o their_o reputation_n be_v not_o so_o blemish_v as_o to_o do_v they_o some_o prejudice_n in_o the_o world_n they_o common_o call_v a_o honest_a man_n a_o man_n who_o can_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o law_n and_o live_v not_o worse_a than_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a man_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v a_o man_n who_o keep_v a_o better_o outside_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o we_o call_v piety_n that_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a exercise_n the_o frequent_v whereof_o be_v a_o very_a equivocal_a sign_n of_o a_o good_a inward_a disposition_n we_o see_v every_o minute_n some_o man_n careful_a of_o that_o 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character_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n those_o who_o shall_v teach_v other_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o their_o judgement_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o doctrine_n they_o understand_v not_o which_o be_v duty_n humanity_n shall_v teach_v we_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o exasperate_a ignorant_a people_n by_o their_o public_a and_o private_a discourse_n against_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v as_o good_a pattern_n of_o judge_v rash_o and_o persecute_v without_o any_o pity_n as_o they_o be_v ill_a example_n of_o live_v like_o christian_n as_o for_o the_o other_o temporal_a interest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n how_o few_o be_v they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o own_o as_o they_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o who_o endeavour_n to_o procure_v they_o as_o they_o may_v without_o prejudice_v themselves_o it_o seem_v that_o provide_v we_o live_v well_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v for_o ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o 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gospel_n command_v it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o these_o man_n to_o part_n with_o their_o indolence_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o when_o it_o be_v not_o their_o interest_n but_o the_o least_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o neighbour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o do_v nothing_o for_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o other_o part_n of_o charity_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a who_o want_v our_o alm_n how_o many_o be_v they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v who_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o or_o give_v away_o their_o overplus_n but_o who_o keep_v any_o proportion_n between_o their_o vain_a or_o foolish_a expense_n and_o their_o alms._n if_o among_o christian_n we_o look_v for_o the_o virtue_n we_o owe_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o to_o ourselves_o such_o as_o modesty_n or_o humility_n abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n patience_n in_o adversity_n i_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v find_v more_o of_o they_o than_o among_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a or_o modern_a heathen_n provide_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v justice_n to_o both_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v very_o scarce_o especial_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n nay_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n more_o than_o other_o be_v mere_a hypocrite_n as_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v if_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n be_v careful_o examine_v humility_n or_o modesty_n hinder_v they_o not_o from_o hunt_v after_o preferment_n which_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o from_o make_v extraordinary_a expense_n when_o they_o have_v get_v they_o nor_o from_o treat_v man_n contemptuous_o who_o virtue_n and_o talent_n shine_v infinite_o above_o they_o abstinence_n from_o pleasure_n hinder_v they_o not_o from_o enjoy_v at_o least_o all_o the_o convenience_n and_o when_o they_o can_v all_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o life_n 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the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a they_o say_v they_o can_v apprehend_v that_o a_o religion_n reveal_v as_o we_o affirm_v for_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o excellent_a above_o all_o other_o make_v not_o a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o world_n in_o what_o concern_v good_a manner_n but_o if_o they_o have_v reflect_v enough_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o state_n of_o europe_n and_o asia_n before_o it_o be_v establish_v they_o will_v spare_v that_o objection_n they_o shall_v remember_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v some_o law_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o though_o admirable_a in_o themselves_o force_v no_o body_n to_o observe_v they_o that_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o wonder_v if_o they_o be_v
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see_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o paradise_n and_o hell_n open_v good_a man_n in_o the_o one_o and_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o other_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o those_o who_o obey_v god_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o out_o of_o thankfulness_n and_o because_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o his_o law_n be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a can_v not_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o who_o obey_v only_o out_o of_o fear_n and_o wish_v that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o let_v they_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v make_v sensible_a every_o body_n will_v pay_v to_o god_n the_o same_o outward_a obedience_n beside_o though_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o observe_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o heathen_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o 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and_o charity_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o however_o those_o notion_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o a_o horrible_a custom_n practise_v among_o the_o roman_n have_v be_v condemn_v they_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o see_v man_n kill_v one_o another_o or_o fight_v with_o wild_a beast_n so_o cruel_a a_o diversion_n last_v during_o many_o age_n at_o rome_n nor_o be_v the_o humanity_n of_o the_o roman_a people_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n offend_v at_o it_o in_o the_o least_o the_o same_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grecian_n be_v so_o horrible_o addict_v to_o fornication_n and_o sodomy_n that_o they_o never_o imagine_v there_o be_v any_o harm_n it_o it_o provide_v it_o may_v not_o prejudice_v their_o temporal_a interest_n those_o who_o will_v read_v their_o comical_a and_o satirical_a poet_n will_v not_o only_o see_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o also_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o those_o debauchery_n among_o christian_n one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v always_o detest_v and_o not_o so_o common_a and_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o among_o the_o heathen_n because_o they_o be_v both_o condemn_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o heathen_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o infamous_a debauchery_n not_o only_o without_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o but_o also_o without_o feel_v any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n because_o they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o never_o give_v over_o their_o lewdness_n but_o when_o the_o body_n be_v wear_v out_o can_v no_o long_o answer_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o never_o show_v any_o sorrow_n for_o it_o whereby_o youth_n may_v be_v deter_v from_o it_o all_o that_o old_a man_n can_v say_v to_o young_a man_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n only_o as_o 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many_o crime_n be_v not_o daily_o commit_v which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v commit_v open_o to_o live_v somewhat_o modest_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o roman_n one_o need_v to_o have_v be_v well_o breed_v up_o or_o to_o have_v learned_a philosophy_n nor_o do_v this_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v several_a unjust_a thing_n which_o excess_n only_o can_v make_v infamous_a but_o among_o christian_n man_n learn_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o the_o law_n that_o condemn_v they_o and_o no_o body_n will_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o least_o unjustice_n be_v allow_v they_o prince_n abuse_v not_o their_o authority_n as_o they_o do_v in_o paganism_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o subject_n enjoy_v more_o quiet_o and_o safe_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n especial_o in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v great_a than_o in_o other_o chap._n vi_o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o know_v answer_v not_o their_o objection_n well_o or_o maintain_v some_o false_a doctrine_n as_o true_a one_o and_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o lead_v man_n into_o incredulity_n who_o have_v wit_n and_o judgement_n enough_o be_v the_o weak_a answer_n which_o be_v often_o return_v to_o their_o objection_n and_o the_o absurd_a doctrine_n which_o be_v maintain_v against_o they_o as_o true_a one_o no_o christian_a society_n will_v contradict_v i_o because_o they_o accuse_v one_o another_o of_o very_a great_a error_n thus_o without_o name_v any_o in_o particular_a i_o leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o make_v such_o application_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n difficult_a to_o apprehend_v in_o