epicurean_a opinion_n concern_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o the_o supreme_a good_a and_o what_o may_v redound_v from_o it_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n i._n of_o the_o universal_a consentment_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o this_o point_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v one_o certain_a religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n himself_o prescribe_v the_o model_n of_o the_o same_o p._n 137_o chap._n ii_o how_o great_o it_o import_v true_a piety_n that_o every_o man_n be_v thorough_o assure_v that_o his_o religion_n be_v good_a and_o that_o this_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 158_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n how_o great_o it_o import_v true_a piety_n to_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o both_o and_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v so_o without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n p._n 183._o chap._n iu._n how_o much_o true_a godliness_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o special_a providence_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v no_o otherwise_o attainable_a but_o by_o revelation_n p._n 207_o chap._n v._o of_o what_o great_a moment_n it_o be_v to_o know_v whether_o death_n be_v a_o natural_a accident_n or_o not_o and_o that_o such_o knowledge_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o special_a revelation_n p._n 220_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o it_o import_v true_a piety_n to_o know_v the_o original_a of_o it_o which_o we_o can_v do_v without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n p._n 223_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n what_o knowledge_n man_n natural_o have_v thereof_o and_o how_o much_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o true_a piety_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o same_o also_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n p._n 246_o chap._n viii_o what_o understanding_n can_v be_v have_v of_o true_a virtue_n without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n p._n 264_o chap._n ix_o what_o the_o principal_a token_n and_o evidence_n be_v by_o which_o this_o particular_a revelation_n may_v be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v p._n 278_o the_o three_o part._n chap._n i._n that_o such_o as_o acknowledge_v a_o particular_a revelation_n can_v allow_v indifference_n improfession_n of_o religion_n p._n 295_o chap._n ii_o which_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a religion_n that_o profession_n of_o any_o sort_n be_v indifferent_a even_o by_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o pagan_a in_o which_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o find_v p._n 313_o chap._n iii_o whether_o the_o profession_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v indifferent_a according_a to_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n p._n 340_o chap._n iu_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n whether_o it_o allow_v indifference_n and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v of_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 367_o chap._n v._o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v expire_v and_o consequent_o that_o some_o other_o must_v be_v come_v in_o its_o place_n p._n 389_o chap._n vi_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v more_o excellent_a have_v succeed_v the_o jewish_a p._n 404_o chap._n vii_o that_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o mean_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n hold_v forth_o p._n 437_o chap._n viii_o that_o the_o promise_a messiah_n ought_v to_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v several_a person_n in_o one_o simple_a divine_a essence_n also_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 459_o chap._n ix_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n promise_v by_o the_o old_a testament_n also_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a p._n 492_o chap._n x._o that_o those_o who_o affirm_v christ_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o appellation_n of_o god_n though_o he_o be_v not_o so_o only_o that_o he_o may_v thereby_o render_v his_o doctrine_n more_o authentic_a be_v apparent_o destitute_a of_o all_o reason_n p._n 511_o chap._n xi_o that_o indifference_n in_o the_o profess_v of_o all_o religion_n be_v not_o justifiable_a according_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o darty_n soever_o be_v embrace_v and_o for_o conclusion_n the_o refutation_n of_o the_o pretext_n propound_v in_o the_o preface_n p._n 525_o a_o treatise_n concern_v religion_n against_o those_o who_o esteem_v all_o indifferent_a the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._o that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n although_o the_o name_n of_o epicurus_n be_v detestable_a to_o antiquity_n in_o regard_n that_o place_v the_o supreme_a attainment_n of_o human_a felicity_n in_o delight_n he_o seem_v to_o deprave_v and_o adulterate_v whatsoever_o be_v sublime_a and_o generous_a in_o philosophy_n and_o moreover_o though_o succeed_a age_n have_v have_v it_o in_o as_o much_o or_o gâ—â—â—ter_a abhorrence_n 〈◊〉_d reason_n time_n confirm_v they_o in_o this_o opinion_n that_o 〈◊〉_d end_v he_o aim_v at_o be_v to_o extinguish_v by_o his_o maxim_n all_o the_o seed_n of_o honour_n pâ—â—â—y_n and_o virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o term_v those_o epicurean_o against_o who_o this_o dissertation_n be_v enterprise_v to_o fasten_v that_o appellation_n upon_o they_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o infamy_n but_o only_o â—o_o â—â—note_v and_o specificate_n they_o by_o the_o conformity_n â—â—y_v have_v with_o that_o person_n in_o his_o most_o capital_a opinion_n my_o purpose_n be_v not_o to_o represent_v they_o in_o any_o other_o odious_a dress_n than_o that_o of_o the_o enormous_a and_o ill-beseeming_a appearance_n of_o their_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n shall_v manifest_o enough_o discover_v whether_o or_o no_o it_o have_v be_v with_o reason_n and_o justice_n that_o this_o sect_n have_v in_o all_o time_n be_v regard_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o execration_n not_o by_o popular_a judgement_n only_o but_o also_o among_o the_o other_o philosopher_n now_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n so_o project_o savage_a as_o to_o be_v alien_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o existence_n of_o some_o deity_n which_o mankind_n ought_v to_o adore_v no_o people_n who_o do_v not_o essay_n by_o some_o kind_n of_o performance_n to_o express_v the_o sentiment_n of_o devotion_n and_o honour_n they_o bear_v towards_o he_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o person_n find_v of_o mind_n so_o immense_o distant_a from_o the_o common_a conception_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o be_v able_a resolve_o to_o deny_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n be_v this_o that_o notice_n which_o be_v so_o universal_a have_v a_o necessary_a foundation_n and_o firm_a root_n in_o nature_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o such_o as_o stifle_v the_o same_o in_o themselves_o have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n violate_v and_o deface_v that_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o will_v not_o formal_o accuse_v they_o who_o maintain_v that_o the_o deity_n do_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o conceive_v we_o ought_v to_o venerate_v the_o same_o only_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o excellence_n although_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attend_v from_o it_o either_o punishment_n for_o wickedness_n or_o compensation_n for_o virtue_n to_o have_v absolute_o banish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o from_o among_o they_o and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n only_o to_o escape_v the_o infamous_a title_n of_o atheist_n cicero_n indeed_o reproach_n epicurus_n with_o this_o artifice_n and_o raise_v the_o suspicion_n upon_o his_o follower_n which_o nevertheless_o shall_v not_o engage_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o age_n can_v possible_o afford_v birth_n to_o such_o monster_n but_o howsoever_o that_o particular_a be_v certain_z it_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o philosopher_n lead_v direct_o to_o impiety_n and_o that_o if_o they_o who_o have_v embrace_v they_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v nature_n which_o prevail_v in_o they_o and_o which_o be_v never_o conquerable_a by_o all_o the_o attempt_n and_o outrage_n they_o employ_v to_o conquer_v and_o suppress_v she_o three_o thing_n alone_o inform_v we_o there_o be_v a_o god_n his_o word_n the_o world_n and_o man_n and_o they_o teach_v we_o in_o truth_n so_o evident_o and_o represent_v he_o so_o livety_n that_o such_o eye_n must_v be_v lostly_a obtenebrate_v which_o do_v not_o perceive_v he_o therein_o in_o his_o word_n we_o meet_v with_o wonderful_a revelation_n and_o prediction_n ratify_v by_o event_n after_o divers_a age_n and_o with_o such_o history_n as_o no_o man_n know_v or_o can_v know_v which_o
between_o these_o two_o figure_n and_o yet_o after_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n to_o the_o present_a time_n it_o be_v not_o find_v out_o nor_o determine_v what_o it_o may_v be_v where_o be_v the_o person_n among_o we_o that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v our_o handsome_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o agent_n and_o patient_a intellect_n as_o they_o speak_v and_o wherein_o their_o difference_n consist_v and_o 1._o evertheless_o they_o bicker_v in_o the_o school_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v real_o distinct_a certain_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o we_o as_o ourselves_o nothing_o so_o evident_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o their_o own_o motion_n now_o we_o understand_v and_o will_v different_a thing_n a_o thousand_o time_n in_o one_o day_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o will_v necessary_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n or_o have_v some_o liberty_n of_o resistance_n for_o all_o dominion_n it_o have_v over_o it_o it_o be_v scarce_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v two_o distinct_a faculty_n and_o there_o be_v some_o which_o confound_v they_o book_n be_v compile_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o nature_n so_o term_v because_o the_o effect_n indeed_o be_v visible_a but_o the_o cause_n undiscerned_a the_o occult_a sympathy_n and_o antipathy_n of_o thing_n fill_v complete_a volume_n and_o after_o the_o most_o exact_a and_o curious_a inquiry_n obscurity_n and_o incomprehension_n be_v plead_v in_o favour_n of_o ignorance_n physician_n examine_v our_o pulse_n every_o day_n and_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o if_o ingenuous_a confess_v they_o understand_v not_o what_o that_o wonderful_a faculty_n be_v which_o set_v the_o heart_n in_o motion_n whether_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v first_o by_o contract_v or_o dilate_v itself_o and_o whether_o the_o artery_n be_v contract_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o the_o heart_n extension_n what_o ground_n of_o scandal_n therefore_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v but_o which_o be_v more_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a person_n in_o the_o divine_a essence_n yet_o none_o can_v boast_v of_o be_v able_a to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v arrive_v from_o thence_o for_o what_o humane_a mind_n be_v capable_a of_o distinct_o understand_v how_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v his_o very_a essence_n and_o not_o accident_n or_o quality_n like_o those_o faculty_n of_o we_o real_o distinct_a from_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o they_o reside_v since_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o not_o only_o extreme_o different_a as_o wisdom_n and_o power_n but_o direct_o opposite_a as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o yet_o reason_n induce_v yea_o compel_v to_o believe_v it_o otherwise_o accident_n must_v be_v imagine_v in_o god_n and_o consequent_o a_o composition_n unworthy_a the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o be_v who_o be_v he_o of_o we_o that_o be_v able_a to_o imagine_v a_o infinite_a essence_n as_o the_o divine_a be_v diffuse_v infinite_o in_o the_o mane_n space_n beyond_o the_o world_n expanded_a throughout_o the_o whole_a universe_n so_o as_o to_o be_v total_o present_a in_o all_o thing_n not_o divide_v or_o separate_v by_o the_o occurse_v and_o interposition_n of_o body_n not_o mingle_v and_o confound_v with_o the_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n of_o our_o soul_n where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v after_o what_o manner_n our_o soul_n be_v extend_v through_o all_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n for_o if_o it_o be_v all_o in_o every_o part_n of_o the_o body_n as_o be_v common_o teach_v what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o its_o manner_n of_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o in_o each_o of_o its_o member_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o total_o present_a in_o each_o part_n why_o be_v it_o not_o compose_v of_o part_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o body_n and_o by_o consequence_n divisible_a and_o corruptible_a i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o many_o subtle_a distinction_n be_v use_v in_o this_o matter_n more_o proper_a to_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n then_o to_o afford_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o i_o be_o confident_a they_o be_v most_o time_n not_o understand_v even_o by_o those_o which_o allege_v they_o now_o let_v we_o bestow_v our_o inquiry_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o yield_v solid_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o in_o such_o in_o which_o those_o that_o propose_v they_o have_v only_o design_v to_o show_v the_o vivacity_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o their_o ability_n otherwise_o if_o we_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o subtlety_n forsake_v manifest_a deduction_n and_o conclude_v that_o for_o true_a which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v out_o the_o speculation_n of_o our_o scholastics_n in_o this_o kind_n will_v over-cloud_n our_o religion_n and_o supply_v matter_n enough_o for_o contradiction_n but_o there_o be_v certain_a verity_n resemble_v too_o radiant_a light_n which_o dazzle_v if_o behold_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o fountain_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o eye_n but_o content_a and_o delight_n if_o look_v upon_o in_o the_o correspondence_n they_o have_v with_o other_o more_o preceptible_a by_o our_o mind_n and_o this_o in_o question_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n now_o there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o verity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n the_o first_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v touch_v upon_o former_o that_o every_o man_n have_v so_o high_a a_o estimation_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o to_o believe_v it_o absolute_o implacable_a towards_o we_o without_o a_o precede_a satisfaction_n for_o our_o offence_n and_o know_v so_o well_o to_o weigh_v the_o horror_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o never_o dare_v think_v of_o approach_a god_n without_o confess_v ingenuous_o that_o he_o have_v deserve_v both_o the_o temporal_a death_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o eternal_a of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o ever_o to_o obtain_v pardon_n unless_o some_o other_o satisfy_v for_o he_o and_o that_o with_o a_o price_n equivalent_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o crime_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o divine_a justice_n for_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v in_o his_o soul_n and_o we_o have_v show_v above_o that_o the_o right_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n require_v man_n to_o be_v so_o assoon_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o so_o idoneous_a a_o satisfaction_n be_v propound_v to_o he_o he_o will_v eager_o embrace_v it_o unless_o he_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o reason_n and_o presume_v too_o much_o on_o his_o own_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v thing_n which_o be_v above_o his_o reach_n but_o the_o good_a opinion_n we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o in_o be_v able_a to_o dive_v into_o abstruse_a matter_n cause_v we_o oftentimes_o to_o commit_v most_o pernicious_a error_n the_o second_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o consider_v attentive_o what_o the_o book_n be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n in_o general_n and_o in_o the_o body_n of_o which_o this_o make_v but_o a_o part_n for_o there_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o first_o so_o many_o evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o in_o the_o second_o such_o a_o indissoluble_a connection_n of_o this_o point_n with_o many_o other_o verity_n of_o a_o indubitable_a certitude_n and_o evidence_n that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o total_o obstinate_a and_o harden_a not_o to_o acquiesce_v therein_o and_o in_o truth_n let_v he_o begin_v with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n their_o antiquity_n in_o the_o first_o place_n render_v they_o venerable_a above_o all_o other_o writing_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v lest_o no_o monument_n in_o all_o antiquiquity_n that_o come_v near_o they_o by_o many_o age_n the_o war_n of_o thebes_n and_o the_o sack_n of_o troy_n to_o which_o lucretius_n limit_n the_o knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o ancient_a matter_n in_o these_o verse_n praeterea_fw-la si_fw-la nulla_fw-la fuit_fw-la genitalis_fw-la origo_fw-la terrai_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la semperque_fw-la aeterna_fw-la fuere_fw-la cur_n supra_fw-la bellum_fw-la thebanum_fw-la &_o funera_fw-la trojae_fw-la non_fw-la alius_fw-la alii_fw-la quoque_fw-la res_fw-la cecinere_fw-la poetae_fw-la and_o the_o time_n of_o theseus_n and_o hercules_n beyond_o which_o plutarch_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v no_o certainty_n in_o history_n follow_v a_o long_a while_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o this_o great_a prophet_n the_o language_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o other_o of_o which_o the_o several_a word_n which_o they_o have_v retain_v from_o it_o and_o which_o be_v as_o slip_v of_o that_o ancient_a stock_n and_o the_o name_n of_o their_o very_a letter_n bear_v sufficient_a testimony_n the_o style_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a indeed_o
magnanimity_n and_o denounce_v eternal_a perdition_n in_o â—ase_n they_o be_v deficient_a of_o courage_n herein_o i_o will_v not_o at_o present_a determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o right_n be_v may_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n please_v to_o reconcile_v their_o mind_n and_o close_o up_o this_o great_a wound_n of_o his_o church_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o according_a to_o their_o contrary_a doctrine_n they_o ought_v to_o condemn_v one_o the_o other_o and_o hold_v that_o whoso_o embrace_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o one_o can_v secure_v his_o salvation_n in_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o other_o for_o example_n for_o i_o will_v will_v not_o engage_v far_o in_o this_o matter_n the_o reform_a charge_n the_o roman_a church_n with_o three_o accusation_n of_o heresy_n in_o its_o doctrine_n in_o many_o particular_n of_o idolatry_n in_o its_o religious_a service_n and_o of_o tyranny_n in_o relation_n to_o government_n in_o sundry_a instance_n so_o as_o to_o call_v the_o head_n of_o it_o antichrist_n and_o apply_v to_o he_o as_o the_o person_n intend_v by_o prophecy_n whatsoever_o be_v find_v concern_v anti-christ_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n and_o the_o revelation_n if_o these_o accusation_n be_v ground_v on_o truth_n how_o can_v they_o comply_v with_o that_o church_n unless_o they_o will_v violate_v this_o commandment_n a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n reject_v know_v that_o he_o that_o be_v such_o be_v subvert_v and_o sin_v be_v condemn_v of_o himself_o etc._n etc._n and_o how_o can_v they_o but_o hold_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o for_o accurse_a according_a to_o this_o other_o commandment_n little_a child_n keep_v yourselves_o from_o idolatry_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o saint_n paul_n will_v permit_v external_a communion_n in_o the_o same_o religion_n which_o those_o who_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o exclude_v from_o hope_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o deceive_v say_v he_o idolater_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o forbid_v to_o eat_v with_o they_o that_o be_v to_o converse_v familiar_o with_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o civil_a and_o ordinary_a life_n much_o more_o will_v he_o prohibit_v to_o entertain_v society_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o religion_n but_o those_o word_n be_v most_o high_o remarkable_a if_o any_o man_n worship_v the_o beast_n and_o his_o image_n and_o receive_v his_o mark_n in_o his_o forehead_n or_o in_o his_o hand_n the_o same_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v pour_v out_o without_o mixture_n into_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o indignation_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v torment_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o if_o the_o beast_n mention_v there_o be_v antichrist_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v this_o anti-christ_n as_o the_o reform_a pretend_v and_o that_o to_o receive_v the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n in_o one_o forehead_n or_o hand_n be_v as_o be_v evident_a to_o adhere_v to_o it_o in_o external_a profession_n what_o do_v he_o but_o pronounce_v sentence_n of_o condemnation_n against_o himself_o who_o believe_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v anti-christ_n and_o nevertheless_o esteem_v the_o outward_a profession_n of_o adhere_v to_o he_o indifferent_a for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o good_a and_o loyal_a subject_n to_o follow_v the_o standard_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o king_n some_o unjust_a and_o violent_a usurper_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o his_o cardinal_n if_o they_o believe_v themselves_o such_o as_o the_o adversary_n party_n publish_v they_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o and_o all_o those_o which_o follow_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o catholic_n accuse_v their_o adversary_n of_o a_o temerarious_a separation_n from_o the_o true_a church_n and_o of_o have_v add_v heresy_n to_o schism_n amass_v their_o religion_n up_o of_o all_o those_o heresy_n which_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o moreover_o of_o have_v to_o heresy_n add_v rebellion_n against_o the_o pastor_n who_o vocation_n be_v only_o true_a and_o legitimate_a also_o of_o have_v abolish_v the_o most_o sacred_a mystery_n which_o our_o saviour_n institute_v subvert_v all_o order_n of_o discipline_n from_o top_n to_o bottom_n in_o a_o word_n of_o have_v revolt_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o supreme_a monarch_n of_o the_o church_n the_o vicarius_fw-la of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n the_o sole_a and_o infallible_a dispenser_n of_o his_o mystery_n now_o if_o this_o accusation_n contain_v as_o much_o truth_n as_o upon_o see_v it_o explicate_v and_o maintain_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o great_a and_o even_o incomparable_a personage_n which_o have_v undertake_v the_o quarrel_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o our_o time_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v verisimilitude_n what_o man_n so_o persuade_v can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n associate_v himself_o to_o people_n culpable_a of_o so_o many_o heinous_a crime_n as_o of_o schism_n heresy_n rebellion_n temerity_n and_o sacrilege_n against_o god_n impudence_n towards_o man_n and_o above_o all_o of_o disobedience_n to_o he_o that_o represent_v jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n his_o father_n upon_o earth_n sure_o he_o that_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o connive_v at_o or_o bear_v with_o the_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o he_o may_v be_v think_v even_o capable_a of_o attempt_v on_o the_o person_n of_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n from_o all_o this_o it_o be_v easy_o colligible_a that_o this_o opinion_n of_o indifference_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o outward_a profession_n be_v false_a and_o pernicious_a render_v all_o the_o exhortation_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o gospel_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n insignificant_a disparage_v the_o sober_a judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o first_o that_o propose_v themselves_o example_n of_o inflexible_a resolution_n and_o consequent_o lead_v to_o the_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o like_a as_o one_o that_o shall_v profess_v it_o indifferent_a to_o he_o what_o man_n he_o own_v for_o his_o father_n or_o what_o prince_n badge_n he_o wear_v instead_o of_o his_o king_n be_v will_v tacit_o intimate_v himself_o to_o be_v of_o some_o spurious_a or_o degenerate_a offspring_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o venal_a and_o unnatural_a soul_n so_o he_o that_o care_v not_o of_o what_o god_n he_o bear_v the_o cognisance_n here_o below_o declare_v sufficient_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v none_o for_o his_o own_o part_n and_o that_o his_o follow_v of_o any_o religion_n be_v only_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o complacency_n and_o those_o pretext_n we_o mention_v in_o the_o beginning_n how_o specious_a soever_o be_v only_o a_o coverture_n to_o this_o profane_a humour_n truth_n say_v they_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v disentangle_v from_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o many_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o vogue_n in_o the_o world_n and_o god_n be_v of_o his_o own_o nature_n so_o merciful_a that_o he_o be_v not_o strict_o inquisitive_a concern_v it_o but_o be_v better_o please_v with_o the_o love_n of_o peace_n and_o society_n then_o with_o the_o adherence_n to_o certain_a particular_a opinion_n which_o occasion_n such_o disturbance_n and_o misery_n strange_a people_n who_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o thing_n they_o never_o inquire_v after_o who_o limit_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o his_o affection_n without_o understand_v they_o and_o who_o under_o colour_n of_o tenderness_n for_o peace_n with_o man_n make_v no_o conscience_n to_o wage_v war_n against_o god_n who_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o civil_a society_n which_o only_o regulate_v and_o contain_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n among_o themselves_o subvert_a and_o confound_v the_o law_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v our_o duty_n towards_o he_o who_o create_v the_o world_n and_o men._n certain_o have_v these_o opinionist_n employ_v in_o the_o search_n of_o god_n truth_n half_o the_o time_n they_o bestow_v on_o unprofitable_a occupation_n of_o this_o life_n they_o will_v not_o judge_v religion_n a_o thing_n full_a of_o spinous_a question_n and_o irresolvable_a difficulty_n the_o sole_a read_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o will_v not_o take_v up_o so_o much_o of_o their_o time_n as_o a_o quarter_n of_o amadis_n or_o the_o romance_n of_o astrea_n will_v clear_v up_o all_o those_o perplexity_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o pronounce_v resolute_o provide_v they_o come_v to_o it_o with_o attentive_a mind_n and_o free_a from_o evil_a prejudices_fw-la for_o the_o preeminence_n of_o the_o
judge_n of_o his_o own_o action_n but_o where_o we_o be_v condemn_v in_o our_o own_o censure_n of_o any_o fault_n it_o will_v be_v great_a folly_n to_o expect_v our_o absolution_n from_o that_o of_o other_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o absolute_o conformable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n than_o saint_n paul_n justify_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o judgement_n which_o god_n will_v pronounce_v upon_o the_o gentile_n at_o the_o last_o day_n by_o the_o condemnation_n which_o their_o own_o thought_n pronounce_v against_o they_o in_o their_o breast_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o passion_n be_v sometime_o so_o vehement_a and_o obscure_v the_o understanding_n so_o far_o that_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o evil_a action_n attempt_n be_v make_v to_o defend_v it_o and_o reason_n seek_v out_o to_o colour_v it_o with_o the_o dress_n &_o appearance_n of_o good_a and_o fit_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o affection_n which_o we_o bear_v towards_o ourselves_o and_o from_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o our_o passion_n which_o yet_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n to_o justify_v the_o deed_n otherwise_o the_o more_o wicked_a any_o one_o be_v the_o more_o excusable_a will_v his_o wickedness_n be_v for_o they_o be_v the_o most_o wicked_a who_o have_v most_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o precipitous_a swing_n of_o their_o unreasonable_a appetite_n beside_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o action_n be_v notwithstanding_o condemn_v in_o the_o heart_n though_o it_o be_v in_o show_v defend_v and_o excuse_v but_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o appear_v to_o other_o what_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v if_o passion_n trouble_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n in_o any_o one_o so_o as_o to_o take_v from_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o viciousness_n of_o his_o action_n there_o needs_o only_o to_o give_v he_o leisure_n till_o the_o same_o be_v somewhat_o appease_v and_o to_o bring_v he_o if_o possible_a to_o consult_v his_o thought_n with_o composedness_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n for_o when_o once_o the_o passion_n have_v remit_v its_o violence_n and_o give_v room_n for_o reason_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n in_o who_o conscience_n do_v not_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o judge_n which_o can_v be_v corrupt_v if_o this_o be_v not_o effectual_a but_o particular_a interest_n keep_v reason_n absolute_o in_o subjection_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o separate_v the_o man_n and_o his_o fact_n and_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o same_o action_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v under_o the_o name_n of_o strange_a person_n disguise_v the_o story_n a_o little_a with_o some_o slight_a circumstance_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o groundwork_n thus_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n make_v use_v of_o a_o apologue_n to_o david_n after_o his_o adultery_n with_o barsheba_n and_o the_o murder_n of_o her_o husband_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v draw_v the_o king_n whole_o from_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o he_o may_v have_v in_o favour_n of_o himself_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v that_o he_o bring_v he_o to_o pronounce_v without_o hesitation_n a_o most_o equitable_a judgement_n which_o immediate_o after_o he_o observe_v be_v applicable_a to_o his_o own_o crime_n in_o effect_n if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o in_o such_o case_n pronounce_v his_o own_o condemnation_n it_o must_v be_v confident_o affirm_v that_o vice_n be_v so_o much_o root_v and_o incorporate_v into_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o have_v extinguish_v all_o the_o seed_n of_o honesty_n which_o nature_n have_v sow_o in_o it_o and_o triumph_n complete_o over_o his_o conscience_n and_o his_o reason_n the_o second_o sort_n be_v of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o fail_v by_o some_o error_n of_o judgement_n without_o be_v transport_v by_o our_o passion_n and_o consequent_o without_o any_o repugnance_n of_o conscience_n in_o fault_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v sometime_o excusable_a and_o sometime_o not_o as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n think_v to_o rid_v himself_o of_o his_o enemy_n kill_v his_o father_n in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n the_o fact_n consider_v strict_o be_v parricide_n but_o the_o ignorance_n of_o he_o that_o commit_v the_o same_o render_v it_o a_o degree_n less_o and_o excusable_a yea_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o his_o intention_n may_v make_v it_o commendable_a as_o in_o case_n he_o understand_v himself_o to_o be_v with_o a_o enemy_n of_o his_o prince_n or_o country_n in_o a_o alarm_n and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o distinguish_v by_o any_o token_n or_o suspect_v by_o any_o occasion_n or_o conjecture_v that_o it_o be_v his_o father_n the_o true_a character_n which_o can_v manifest_v his_o purpose_n in_o the_o action_n be_v as_o aristotle_n say_v if_o upon_o behold_v his_o father_n dead_a he_o be_v displease_v with_o his_o misfortune_n and_o affect_v with_o a_o sensible_a regret_n and_o sorrow_n and_o plead_v nothing_o in_o his_o own_o favour_n beside_o his_o total_a ignorance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o false_a appearance_n which_o tempt_v he_o to_o the_o mistake_n so_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v that_o oedipus_n be_v extreme_o unfortunate_a but_o neither_o a_o parricide_n nor_o incestuous_a and_o that_o thyestes_n eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o his_o child_n and_o yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v conclude_v that_o he_o be_v therefore_o any_o thing_n the_o more_o unnatural_a or_o barbarous_a the_o piteous_a lamentation_n wherewith_o they_o both_o deplore_v their_o unhappiness_n sufficient_o bespeak_v their_o innocence_n of_o those_o crime_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v befall_v they_o by_o a_o pardonable_a ignorance_n one_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o to_o jupiter_n in_o seneca_n i_fw-mi pete_fw-it trisulco_fw-la flammeam_fw-la telo_fw-la facom_fw-la per_fw-la pectus_fw-la hoc_fw-la transmitte_n and_o the_o other_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o come_v to_o know_v whence_o he_o be_v break_v forth_o into_o these_o word_n in_o sophocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thereupon_o in_o a_o furious_a despair_n tear_v his_o eye_n out_o of_o his_o head_n but_o all_o ignorances_n be_v not_o alike_o for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o because_o though_o we_o do_v know_v they_o yet_o we_o take_v pleasure_n to_o delude_v ourselves_o by_o vain_a reason_n on_o purpose_n to_o obliterate_v their_o knowledge_n out_o of_o our_o mind_n like_o bad_a servant_n who_o construe_v their_o master_n order_n to_o a_o contrary_a sense_n because_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o indevor_n to_o persuade_v their_o misinterpretation_n to_o other_o till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v draw_v to_o believe_v for_o true_a what_o they_o so_o strong_o desire_v shall_v be_v so_o thus_o some_o man_n that_o in_o the_o commencement_n of_o a_o lawsuit_n understand_v at_o first_o that_o he_o have_v the_o wrong_a side_n be_v by_o the_o eagerness_n slight_n and_o subtleness_n of_o barratry_n so_o pervert_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o justice_n that_o at_o last_o he_o take_v up_o a_o assurance_n that_o his_o cause_n be_v good_n now_o be_v the_o injustice_n which_o he_o commit_v afterward_o in_o pursuit_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n any_o wise_a excusable_a by_o his_o ignorance_n if_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o command_n but_o may_v be_v secure_o infringe_v when_o it_o be_v free_a for_o servant_n to_o gloss_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o their_o master_n no_o sort_n of_o in_o justice_n which_o do_v not_o become_v right_a and_o equitable_a nor_o fraud_n but_o may_v be_v convert_v into_o sincere_a and_o commendable_a proceed_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o blind_v himself_o with_o his_o passion_n and_o to_o perplex_v the_o knowledge_n he_o have_v of_o truth_n in_o affect_a difficulty_n where_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a commandment_n and_o which_o proceed_v from_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n such_o as_o god_n be_v we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o humble_a and_o obedient_a as_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o comprehend_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o command_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n that_o give_v it_o supply_v what_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o same_o and_o verity_n and_o justice_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o such_o esteem_n as_o where_o they_o appear_v clear_o to_o we_o though_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o untie_v all_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v arise_v we_o ought_v to_o hold_v they_o always_o notwithstanding_o for_o sacred_a and_o venerable_a as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o perversion_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o cavillation_n and_o sophistry_n invent_v to_o abuse_v man_n aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o intoxication_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o do_v we_o hold_v he_o excusable_a who_o be_v disturb_v with_o excess_n
of_o wine_n commit_v a_o wrong_n or_o a_o indignity_n no_o certain_o for_o since_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o error_n his_o ignorance_n ought_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o mischief_n consequent_a to_o it_o what_o intention_n soever_o he_o have_v during_o the_o perturbation_n of_o his_o debauchery_n last_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o because_o we_o have_v be_v too_o supine_n in_o search_v to_o know_v they_o but_o if_o through_o such_o ignorance_n a_o man_n commit_v something_o against_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v there_o any_o just_a cause_n to_o acquit_v he_o of_o the_o fact_n no_o more_o sure_o then_o in_o the_o other_o for_o the_o document_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a if_o diligence_n be_v employ_v to_o comprehend_v they_o and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o negligence_n itself_o be_v a_o crime_n every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v attentive_a and_o circumspect_a in_o that_o which_o be_v duty_n now_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o reasonable_a to_o excuse_v one_o fault_n with_o another_o or_o to_o judge_v the_o duty_n not_o incumbent_n on_o a_o man_n because_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o at_o such_o time_n as_o he_o may_v have_v know_v it_o so_o the_o pagan_n be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o statue_n which_o they_o erect_v to_o the_o deity_n be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o think_v they_o well_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n when_o they_o burn_v incense_n to_o he_o before_o those_o image_n it_o be_v not_o doubt_v but_o they_o have_v a_o good_a zeal_n therein_o that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o desire_n of_o perform_v somewhat_o well-pleasing_a to_o the_o deity_n but_o yet_o their_o worship_n be_v no_o other_o than_o detestable_a idolatry_n see_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v learn_v by_o contemplation_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o providence_n which_o govern_v it_o that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o which_o have_v no_o resemblance_n with_o we_o for_o to_o speak_v plain_o they_o do_v he_o as_o little_a honour_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v to_o augustus_n if_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v wonder_n relate_v of_o his_o wisdom_n valour_n and_o other_o rare_a quality_n they_o shall_v have_v represent_v that_o great_a emperor_n under_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o beast_n for_o if_o their_o good_a intent_n justify_v they_o the_o egyptian_n may_v have_v as_o much_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o adore_v god_n under_o the_o likeness_n of_o irrational_a yea_o even_o of_o dead_a and_o insensible_a creature_n because_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o conscience_n towards_o the_o deity_n be_v like_a that_o of_o a_o wife_n towards_o her_o husband_n namely_o as_o precise_a and_o incommunicable_a to_o any_o other_o and_o to_o defend_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o pagan_n with_o the_o pretext_n of_o a_o good_a meaning_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o excuse_v a_o wife_n who_o have_v amorous_o entertain_v some_o other_o person_n in_o her_o husband_n absence_n under_o colour_n that_o she_o fancy_v some_o resemblance_n between_o they_o and_o shall_v not_o dissallow_v that_o be_v she_o can_v not_o enjoy_v her_o husband_n she_o be_v for_o his_o sake_n much_o affect_v towards_o his_o image_n in_o a_o word_n in_o the_o ignorances_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o ourselves_o the_o cause_n the_o action_n take_v its_o tincture_n from_o the_o good_a intention_n and_o be_v judge_v according_o but_o in_o ignorances_n proceed_v either_o from_o a_o manifest_a affectation_n or_o apparent_a negligence_n to_o obtain_v the_o truth_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o intention_n how_o good_a soever_o it_o he_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n so_o that_o if_o the_o action_n be_v bad_a the_o intention_n can_v possible_o be_v good_a but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o purpose_n certain_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o principal_n but_o the_o only_a object_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o piety_n which_o if_o it_o be_v solid_a the_o structure_n build_v upon_o it_o will_v be_v firm_a if_o bad_a and_o faulty_a all_o that_o be_v raise_v upon_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o ruin_v he_o that_o please_v may_v read_v in_o cicero_n the_o relation_n which_o velleius_n there_o make_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v this_o matter_n i_o have_v recite_v some_o of_o they_o already_o but_o there_o be_v more_o remain_v for_o we_o may_v find_v there_o about_o four_o or_o five_o and_o twenty_o ready_o count_v beside_o several_a which_o he_o forget_v diogenes_n laertius_n also_o afford_v better_a store_n but_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o particular_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n equal_o false_a extravagant_a and_o unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n who_o be_v general_o commendable_a person_n and_o of_o great_a reputation_n otherwise_o they_o be_v strange_o discordant_a in_o all_o circumstance_n yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o conceive_v he_o have_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n and_o that_o his_o fancy_n be_v dress_v up_o with_o rational_a and_o handsome_a probability_n and_o appearance_n in_o which_o horrible_a jar_v what_o mean_n be_v there_o to_o distinguish_v the_o voice_n of_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v among_o they_o who_o be_v he_o of_o mankind_n who_o intellectual_n be_v subtle_a and_o verse_v enough_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v she_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o confusion_n and_o to_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v observe_v she_o by_o her_o peculiar_a character_n but_o sure_o there_o be_v none_o that_o bethink_v himself_o to_o find_v truth_n in_o that_o medley_n of_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n although_o his_o understanding_n be_v quicker-sighted_n in_o these_o matter_n then_o natural_o it_o be_v for_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v there_o and_o i_o dare_v ready_o give_v those_o against_o who_o i_o dispute_v their_o choice_n to_o maintain_v without_o blush_v the_o most_o tolerable_a of_o they_o all_o except_o perhaps_o that_o of_o anaxagoras_n who_o according_a to_o the_o relation_n of_o cicero_n affirm_v that_o the_o order_n and_o excellent_a disposition_n of_o all_o thing_n owe_v its_o original_n to_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n but_o diogenes_n laertius_n do_v not_o express_v that_o he_o determine_v whether_o that_o understanding_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a or_o infinite_a essence_n and_o anaximenes_n who_o disciple_n he_o have_v be_v content_v himself_o with_o say_v that_o the_o principle_n and_o element_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v infinite_a leave_v it_o to_o be_v conjecture_v whether_o he_o mean_v the_o matter_n thereby_o as_o the_o air_n or_o water_n which_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o thales_n or_o some_o other_o like_o thing_n or_o rather_o that_o which_o endue_v the_o same_o with_o form_n and_o order_n which_o anaxagoras_n term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o two_o be_v put_v together_o it_o may_v be_v anaximenes_n attribute_v infinity_n to_o the_o matter_n and_o anaxagoras_n add_v to_o the_o saâ—e_v a_o infinite_a understanding_n not_o only_o to_o frame_v and_o dispose_v it_o but_o also_o to_o serve_v for_o its_o form_n from_o whence_o it_o result_v that_o the_o world_n be_v a_o infinite_a god_n and_o yet_o compose_v too_o such_o as_o pliny_n fancy_n it_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o natural_a history_n and_o virgil_n describe_v in_o the_o verse_n which_o i_o here_o subjoin_v principio_fw-la coelum_fw-la ac_fw-la terram_fw-la camposque_fw-la liquentes_fw-la lucentemque_fw-la globum_fw-la lunae_fw-la titaniaque_fw-la astra_fw-la spiritus_fw-la intus_fw-la agit_fw-fr totamque_fw-la infusa_fw-la per_fw-la artus_fw-la mens_fw-la agitat_fw-la molem_fw-la &_o magno_fw-la se_fw-la corpore_fw-la miscet_fw-la now_o this_o conceit_n be_v implicate_v with_o a_o thousaud_n absurdity_n &_o impertinence_n and_o yet_o philosopher_n of_o the_o present_a age_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o boast_v that_o they_o be_v natural_o more_o know_v in_o this_o particular_a then_o their_o predecessor_n be_v all_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o reach_v to_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v attempt_v in_o that_o interval_n of_o time_n which_o intercede_v between_o that_o wherein_o philosophy_n begin_v to_o flourish_v in_o greece_n and_o the_o declination_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n it_o be_v in_o that_o period_n that_o we_o experience_v all_o our_o power_n and_o find_v at_o the_o upshot_n of_o our_o knowledge_n that_o we_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o how_o then_o will_n some_o say_v be_v there_o not_o instance_n enough_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n &_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n from_o whence_o to_o extract_v at_o least_o some_o good_a and_o solid_a knowledge_n
we_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o of_o which_o we_o be_v in_o despair_n ever_o to_o have_v any_o intelligence_n shall_v we_o then_o have_v recourse_n to_o find_v it_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o poet_n true_o it_o will_v be_v a_o excellent_a design_n to_o go_v about_o to_o build_v a_o religion_n upon_o the_o model_n afford_v we_o in_o the_o theology_n of_o hesiod_n the_o hymn_n of_o orpheus_n the_o poem_n of_o homer_n the_o ode_n of_o pindar_n the_o metamorphosis_n of_o ovid_n and_o the_o divine_a theology_n of_o the_o great_a virgil_n who_o be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o save_v the_o god_n of_o the_o poor_a aeneas_n from_o the_o sack_n of_o troy_n and_o who_o truss_v they_o up_o in_o the_o same_o fardel_n with_o the_o little_a ascanius_n as_o companion_n of_o the_o same_o fortune_n it_o be_v more_o rational_o credible_a that_o the_o beast_n and_o tree_n hold_v that_o rare_a converse_n together_o which_o aesop_n report_v of_o they_o in_o his_o fable_n then_o to_o give_v belief_n to_o the_o adventure_n and_o exploit_n which_o those_o poet_n ascribe_v to_o their_o deity_n for_o in_o the_o first_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o childishness_n or_o at_o most_o but_o brutishness_n in_o the_o latter_a impiety_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o if_o as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o believe_v of_o they_o though_o perhaps_o themselves_o never_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n their_o intent_n be_v to_o cover_v under_o the_o veil_n of_o those_o fable_n several_a true_a mystery_n pertain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n so_o far_o be_v the_o teach_v the_o same_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n from_o be_v a_o divine_a intention_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o honour_n of_o the_o deity_n have_v thereby_o be_v unworthy_o impair_v and_o the_o truth_n smother_v under_o most_o horrible_a lie_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o we_o go_v to_o the_o writing_n of_o philosopher_n to_o which_o we_o can_v without_o great_a injury_n to_o truth_n ascribe_v the_o commendation_n of_o be_v proceed_v from_o celestial_a inspiration_n since_o the_o author_n themselves_o though_o sufficient_o presumptuous_a do_v not_o pretend_v they_o be_v so_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v show_v above_o that_o they_o be_v either_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o requisite_n to_o a_o true_a piety_n towards_o god_n or_o if_o they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o some_o few_o it_o be_v wonderful_o obscure_a and_o dubious_a but_o how_o can_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n have_v suffer_v they_o to_o groap_n and_o wander_v in_o that_o ignorance_n to_o conclude_v be_v it_o then_o to_o those_o oracle_n of_o delphos_n dodona_n jupiter_n ammon_n and_o other_o the_o like_a that_o we_o owe_v the_o glory_n of_o this_o divine_a knowledge_n true_o it_o move_v both_o shame_n and_o pity_n to_o hear_v themselves_o speak_v both_o of_o the_o original_n and_o faculty_n of_o divination_n and_o cessation_n of_o oracle_n it_o be_v a_o hear_v of_o goat_n that_o first_o bring_v that_o of_o delphos_n which_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a and_o venerable_a of_o all_o into_o reputation_n but_o the_o virgin_n that_o be_v place_v there_o to_o give_v answer_n to_o inquirer_n which_o they_o receive_v by_o their_o obscene_a part_n be_v not_o long_o there_o but_o there_o arise_v most_o notorious_a scandal_n of_o they_o all_o their_o prediction_n be_v ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a like_o our_o almanac-maker_n who_o prophesy_v by_o haphazard_n and_o themselves_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o that_o the_o daemon_n which_o speak_v there_o not_o know_v thing_n to_o come_v but_o by_o inspection_n of_o the_o star_n and_o so_o be_v able_a to_o gather_v from_o thence_o but_o incertain_a conjecture_n they_o shroud_v their_o ignorance_n under_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n capable_a of_o different_a interpretation_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v make_v good_a their_o credit_n whatsoever_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o a_o word_n afâ—er_o plutark_o have_v bestir_v himself_o on_o all_o side_n to_o find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o oracle_n and_o their_o cease_n and_o sometime_o conceive_v they_o perishable_a and_o mortal_a daemon_n sometime_o immortal_a but_o that_o they_o change_v place_n he_o seem_v to_o resolve_v upon_o this_o worthy_a philosophy_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v in_o some_o place_n endue_v with_o certain_a prophetic_a virtue_n which_o come_v by_o exhalation_n to_o be_v mingle_v and_o insinuate_v into_o soul_n fit_v to_o receive_v those_o inspiration_n and_o so_o cause_n in_o they_o those_o enthusiasm_n and_o prediction_n of_o future_a thing_n afterward_o when_o all_o the_o virtue_n be_v spend_v and_o the_o whole_a mass_n that_o be_v make_v thereof_o in_o the_o subterranean_a cavern_n evaporate_v than_o the_o prediction_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o oracle_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v ceases_z and_o be_v extinguish_v without_o question_v those_o divination_n can_v not_o but_o be_v very_o clear_a which_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o fume_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o religious_a devotion_n very_o good_a that_o be_v pay_v to_o these_o divine_a exhalation_n and_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o they_o in_o their_o soul_n but_o perhaps_o though_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n be_v lose_v i_o mean_v the_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v record_v yet_o it_o have_v remain_v in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n and_o be_v preserve_v by_o practice_n as_o by_o a_o live_a transcript_n be_v it_o so_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o examine_v the_o pagan_a religion_n in_o itself_o which_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v divine_a aught_o to_o have_v afford_v a_o great_a knowledge_n of_o those_o supreme_a truth_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v pitiful_o defective_a herein_o for_o set_v a_o part_n at_o present_a those_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o seem_v most_o incredible_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o profane_a man_n reject_v or_o suspect_v it_o there_o be_v no_o person_n that_o have_v a_o dram_n of_o common_a sense_n but_o will_v free_o confess_v that_o we_o have_v beyond_o comparison_n more_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o true_a virtue_n than_o the_o ancient_a greek_n or_o roman_n ever_o have_v which_o notwithstanding_o we_o have_v draw_v from_o book_n more_o ancient_a than_o they_o by_o many_o age_n and_o which_o condemn_v the_o god_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n whence_o therefore_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o if_o they_o have_v that_o particular_a revelation_n we_o inquire_v after_o they_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o those_o indubitable_a truth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v so_o know_v who_o have_v learn_v the_o same_o from_o those_o that_o be_v profess_v enemy_n to_o the_o pagan_a deity_n if_o what_o they_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v truth_n whence_o do_v those_o truth_n which_o we_o perceive_v now_o so_o clear_o and_o comprehend_v so_o certain_o convince_v they_o of_o falsehood_n and_o if_o the_o god_n which_o the_o pagan_n adore_v be_v true_a god_n why_o do_v the_o book_n which_o have_v teach_v we_o so_o many_o excellent_a thing_n whereunto_o humane_a reason_n can_v repugn_v call_v they_o god_n of_o clay_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v marveillous_a god_n for_o even_o those_o that_o adore_v they_o know_v their_o parent_n and_o can_v show_v their_o tomb_n and_o tell_v a_o thousand_o debauchery_n of_o they_o which_o confirm_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v worthy_a to_o reign_v in_o the_o heaven_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o deserve_v public_a punishment_n upon_o earth_n their_o theft_n their_o rape_n and_o adultery_n their_o attempt_n against_o parent_n their_o whoredom_n whereby_o if_o we_o believe_v their_o author_n they_o fill_v the_o heaven_n with_o bastard_n their_o sodomy_n and_o incest_n will_v not_o have_v be_v suffer_v unpunished_a by_o those_o that_o build_v temple_n and_o altar_n to_o they_o if_o they_o have_v apprehend_v they_o in_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o their_o respective_a republic_n and_o the_o supreme_a jupiter_n himself_o must_v not_o be_v except_v of_o who_o menelaus_n exclaim_v with_o more_o reason_n than_o he_o imagine_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jupiter_n pater_fw-la nemo_fw-la deorum_fw-la est_fw-la te_fw-la perniciosior_fw-la what_o a_o kind_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o who_o god_n have_v have_v a_o beginning_n and_o that_o a_o long_a time_n after_o man_n of_o who_o history_n we_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n for_o jupiter_n and_o saturn_n and_o uranus_n be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o ancient_a as_o abraham_n on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o god_n have_v the_o nation_n before_o these_o come_v into_o the_o world_n whosoever_o say_v plutark_a will_v search_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o time_n that_o precede_v theseus_n and_o hercules_n shall_v find_v therein_o nothing_o
but_o vast_a and_o unknown_a solitude_n desert_n labyrinth_n and_o abyss_n where_o nothing_o occur_v to_o fix_v and_o arrest_v his_o wander_a thought_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o most_o ancient_a people_n have_v for_o a_o good_a time_n retain_v some_o memory_n of_o their_o original_n and_o of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o diminish_v and_o vanish_v by_o little_a and_o little_a till_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o bare_a name_n and_o so_o those_o that_o come_v after_o not_o know_v to_o who_o they_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v it_o they_o impute_v it_o to_o they_o who_o have_v most_o endear_v themselves_o to_o their_o love_n by_o their_o benefit_n or_o render_v themselves_o most_o redoubtable_a by_o arm_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o scipio_n africanus_n in_o ennius_n utter_v this_o brave_a language_n si_fw-mi fas_fw-la caedendo_fw-la coelestia_fw-la scandere_fw-la cviquam_fw-la est_fw-la mi_fw-mi soli_fw-la coeli_fw-la maxima_fw-la porta_fw-la patet_fw-la if_o kill_v can_v give_v title_n to_o the_o sky_n no_o man_n bid_v fair_a for_o that_o place_n then_o i._n but_o have_v not_o the_o lateness_n of_o their_o original_n and_o the_o debauchedness_n of_o their_o manner_n be_v so_o well_o know_v yet_o their_o multitude_n render_v they_o contemptible_a for_o they_o have_v some_o high_a some_o low_a and_o some_o of_o middle_a rank_n some_o keep_v their_o quarter_n in_o the_o heaven_n other_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n and_o river_n and_o some_o under_o the_o bark_n of_o tree_n and_o in_o chimney-corner_n they_o have_v of_o one_o sort_n for_o their_o corn_n and_o another_o for_o their_o cattle_n other_o for_o tuition_n of_o their_o house_n for_o art_n sword_n and_o disease_n honour_n virtue_n the_o fever_n fear_v and_o victory_n be_v consecrate_v and_o deify_v by_o they_o promiscuous_o and_o even_o the_o infernal_a region_n have_v their_o deity_n to_o the_o end_n there_o may_v be_v no_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n either_o above_o or_o below_o destitute_a of_o they_o peradventure_o some_o will_v here_o take_v occasion_n to_o interpose_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v this_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o second_o that_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v it_o acknowledge_v one_o supreme_a over_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v as_o subalternate_a deity_n but_o this_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o objection_n we_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o form_n of_o religion_n establish_v among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n and_o not_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o or_o such_o philosopher_n if_o some_o have_v have_v peculiar_a conception_n different_a from_o those_o of_o the_o people_n this_o be_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o special_a revelation_n but_o through_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o can_v not_o approve_v all_o that_o rabble_n of_o divinitye_n which_o be_v in_o reverence_n with_o the_o vulgar_a beside_o we_o have_v show_v that_o all_o those_o particular_a conceit_n be_v of_o extreme_a little_a worth_n and_o that_o what_o they_o contain_v of_o truth_n be_v intricate_v and_o confuse_v in_o a_o chaos_n of_o lie_n in_o the_o next_o place_n no_o religion_n authorise_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o nation_n be_v found_v upon_o those_o truth_n if_o one_o person_n produce_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n into_o the_o public_a the_o people_n become_v immediate_o his_o enemy_n as_o if_o he_o purpose_v the_o overthrow_n and_o destruction_n of_o religion_n their_o opinion_n be_v probable_a who_o think_v the_o sole_a cause_n of_o luhemerus_n be_v brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n be_v his_o writing_n the_o history_n of_o those_o false_a god_n and_o discover_v their_o shame_n to_o all_o the_o world_n not_o that_o he_o peremptory_o and_o flat_o deny_v the_o deity_n even_o the_o person_n to_o who_o those_o better_a sentiment_n be_v peculiar_a never_o have_v to_o speak_v strict_o any_o design_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n or_o reclaim_v it_o from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n themselves_o conform_v thereunto_o and_o commend_v the_o same_o as_o other_o do_v because_o the_o little_a they_o perceive_v of_o truth_n be_v so_o dubicus_n that_o it_o can_v not_o give_v they_o courage_n to_o oppose_v bold_o the_o common_a receive_v apprehension_n which_o appear_v by_o plato_n book_n de_fw-fr republica_n and_o the_o apology_n for_o socrates_n contain_v therein_o for_o do_v not_o he_o well_o prove_v that_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v more_o god_n since_o he_o believe_v the_o god_n have_v child_n the_o name_n of_o son_n presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o father_n be_v not_o this_o a_o rare_a ratiocination_n for_o so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n and_o how_o do_v he_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o accusation_n of_o attempt_v to_o alter_v the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o a_o flat_a denial_n though_o he_o be_v a_o person_n who_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n can_v not_o have_v induce_v to_o dissemble_v a_o truth_n which_o he_o certain_o know_v as_o appear_v sufficient_o by_o the_o issue_n of_o his_o case_n for_o the_o second_o in_o truth_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o those_o among_o the_o pagan_n which_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o understanding_n assert_v some_o supreme_a deity_n above_o all_o those_o diminutive_a one_o of_o which_o some_o reckon_v five_o and_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o thousand_o thus_o homer_n make_v his_o jupiter_n utter_v this_o rodomontado_n that_o shall_v all_o the_o god_n together_o draw_v at_o one_o end_n of_o a_o chain_n and_o he_o himself_o at_o the_o other_o he_o can_v hoist_v they_o all_o up_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o reluctancy_n whereby_o it_o appear_v he_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o he_o then_o of_o the_o rest_n though_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o briareus_n who_o come_v to_o his_o succour_n upon_o the_o request_n of_o thetis_n jupiter_n have_v be_v bind_v by_o the_o other_o god_n who_o have_v complot_v to_o that_o purpose_n together_o against_o he_o but_o what_o be_v the_o guess_n or_o hariolation_n of_o two_o or_o three_o to_o the_o constant_a opinion_n of_o a_o whole_a multitude_n or_o what_o be_v it_o considerable_a if_o several_a person_n have_v have_v these_o particular_a opinion_n see_v they_o general_o follow_v a_o contrary_a practice_n in_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v attest_v by_o experience_n what_o defect_n do_v they_o charge_v upon_o the_o other_o god_n which_o they_o do_v not_o likewise_o attribute_v to_o jupiter_n what_o honour_n do_v they_o afford_v he_o which_o they_o do_v not_o also_o allow_v to_o the_o rest_n do_v they_o erect_v more_o statue_n or_o burn_v often_o and_o large_a portion_n of_o incense_n to_o he_o do_v they_o consecrate_v more_o altar_n to_o he_o or_o build_v he_o a_o great_a number_n of_o temple_n do_v they_o give_v less_o credit_n to_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n then_o to_o his_o or_o make_v less_o account_n of_o his_o ceremony_n be_v the_o rest_n address_v to_o by_o they_o with_o less_o reverence_n or_o be_v they_o more_o spare_v in_o give_v they_o the_o title_n of_o god_n have_v they_o rather_o recourse_n to_o he_o in_o their_o affliction_n do_v they_o render_v less_o praise_n to_o the_o other_o for_o victory_n which_o they_o obtain_v in_o battle_n whoso_o read_v their_o history_n will_v find_v the_o other_o god_n as_o much_o praise_v magnify_v sacrifice_v to_o adore_v thank_v and_o venerate_v as_o jupiter_n and_o if_o they_o allow_v he_o some_o priority_n in_o speak_v as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o precedent_n of_o a_o council_n yet_o in_o effect_n they_o equal_v all_o the_o other_o to_o he_o but_o let_v they_o if_o they_o please_v place_v he_o in_o the_o high_a throne_n in_o the_o heaven_n what_o celestial_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o multiply_v deity_n to_o million_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n it_o be_v infinite_a both_o in_o effence_n and_o power_n if_o it_o be_v infinite_a it_o be_v one_o and_o suffer_v no_o companion_n or_o equal_v if_o god_n be_v sufficient_a alone_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n for_o what_o end_n be_v all_o these_o little_a pygmy-god_n but_o only_o to_o distract_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o true_a and_o supreme_a deity_n to_o they_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o sufficient_a how_o be_v he_o himself_o god_n who_o be_v so_o defective_a in_o his_o power_n if_o the_o other_o be_v not_o god_n but_o only_a daemon_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n creature_n of_o the_o sovereign_a god_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o command_n then_o be_v those_o mortal_n idolater_n that_o ascribe_v to_o they_o that_o title_n and_o glory_n and_o by_o consequence_n their_o religion_n be_v either_o humane_a or_o rather_o diabolical_a certain_o far_o from_o be_v divine_a as_o they_o pretend_v
and_o nevertheless_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o empire_n of_o alexander_n that_o may_v give_v we_o assurance_n of_o its_o quondam_a existence_n be_v there_o any_o trace_n of_o it_o either_o in_o asia_n or_o europe_n certain_o no_o statue_n which_o be_v erect_v to_o he_o no_o medal_n no_o pillar_n erect_v for_o his_o monument_n no_o memorial_n engrave_v in_o a_o rock_n or_o mountain_n no_o person_n of_o his_o lineage_n nor_o shadow_n of_o his_o empire_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certainty_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_n for_o it_o of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n demand_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o supposititious_a and_o whether_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o world_n only_o it_o have_v continue_v constant_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v sometime_o a_o alexander_n surname_v the_o great_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o grandeur_n and_o what_o have_v we_o of_o caesar_n his_o commentary_n which_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v call_v in_o doubt_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n for_o what_o more_o lively_a character_n do_v those_o bear_v of_o that_o great_a emperor_n then_o these_o do_v of_o this_o great_a apostle_n more_o than_o this_o what_o evidence_n can_v be_v produce_v but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vain_a pretend_a inscription_n some_o mutilous_a monument_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o some_o old_a castle_n without_o any_o other_o title_n of_o its_o author_n then_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n that_o the_o roman_n wage_v great_a war_n with_o our_o gaul_n under_o his_o conduct_n the_o most_o eminent_a token_n remain_v of_o he_o be_v a_o vain_a shadow_n of_o his_o empire_n transfer_v from_o rome_n to_o germany_n and_o his_o name_n which_o be_v perpetuate_v from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o those_o prince_n now_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o this_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o immarcessible_a evidence_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v of_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o if_o the_o name_n of_o caesar_n retain_v by_o the_o german_a emperor_n and_o that_o carcase_n of_o his_o empire_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a prince_n of_o that_o name_n be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n peter_n preserve_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n and_o their_o authority_n to_o which_o those_o caesar_n have_v subject_v themselves_o a_o authentic_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v a_o saint_n peter_n the_o roman_a name_n be_v indeed_o perish_v and_o the_o nation_n have_v shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o its_o obedience_n and_o out_o of_o the_o shiver_n of_o that_o great_a body_n be_v rise_v up_o divers_a kingdom_n who_o own_o it_o no_o long_o how_o ever_o renown_v emperor_n and_o formidable_a army_n it_o have_v heretofore_o but_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v live_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o who_o found_v it_o though_o we_o be_v now_o far_o remove_v from_o their_o generation_n so_o fresh_a and_o deep_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o a_o self-oblivion_n will_v soon_o arrive_v to_o all_o mankind_n than_o they_o will_v forget_v they_o they_o be_v continual_o speak_v of_o in_o life_n they_o be_v seek_v to_o for_o consolation_n in_o death_n the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v instil_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o little_a child_n with_o their_o milk_n who_o do_v not_o so_o soon_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v man_n as_o they_o do_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o therefore_o a_o much_o less_o certain_a tradition_n be_v not_o question_v why_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v so_o constant_a be_v call_v into_o doubt_n if_o belief_n be_v give_v to_o some_o fragment_n of_o statue_n and_o some_o old_a triumphant_a arch_n deface_v by_o time_n shall_v we_o not_o give_v credit_n to_o so_o many_o temple_n and_o infinite_a other_o authentic_a monument_n wherefore_o it_o remain_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a thing_n which_o though_o not_o otherwise_o know_v then_o by_o tradition_n and_o common_a report_n nevertheless_o can_v be_v contradict_v but_o by_o contentious_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v insupportable_a in_o their_o impudence_n for_o when_o a_o thing_n contain_v nothing_o incredible_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v moreover_o universal_o receive_v when_o all_o memorial_n that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o it_o be_v find_v both_o in_o book_n &_o monument_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o which_o affirm_v it_o be_v innumerable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o deny_v it_o when_o it_o be_v embrace_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o all_o condition_n high_a and_o low_a learned_a and_o ignorant_a rich_a and_o poor_a when_o it_o have_v get_v foot_v in_o several_a nation_n pass_v over_o sea_n and_o mountain_n and_o penetrate_v into_o the_o most_o remote_a region_n when_o it_o have_v take_v such_o root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o million_o may_v be_v find_v all_o absolute_o dispose_v to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o it_o behove_v to_o have_v lose_v common_a sense_n or_o to_o be_v immense_o brainsick_a to_o be_v capable_a still_o to_o distrust_v it_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o book_n attribute_v to_o they_o be_v they_o or_o not_o perhaps_o may_v seem_v of_o somewhat_o more_o difficulty_n to_o be_v resolve_v and_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v mind_v to_o use_v the_o same_o argument_n the_o christian_n have_v have_v so_o constant_a a_o opinion_n from_o all_o time_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o unanimous_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o render_v they_o so_o uniform_a a_o testimony_n that_o if_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o book_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o aristotle_n and_o cicero_n be_v true_o they_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o these_o to_o which_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o in_o all_o time_n have_v give_v most_o peremptory_a and_o convince_a evidence_n but_o let_v we_o close_o with_o they_o a_o little_a near_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o writing_n be_v the_o matter_n whether_o it_o be_v both_o excellent_a of_o itself_o and_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n who_o propound_v it_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o marshal_n de_fw-fr strossy_a who_o be_v a_o assiduous_a reader_n of_o caesar_n commentary_n be_v not_o so_o much_o assure_v by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n that_o they_o have_v that_o incomparable_a captain_n for_o author_n as_o by_o the_o trace_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a military_a sufficiency_n he_o discern_v in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v or_o write_v but_o only_o by_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a master_n in_o the_o art_n of_o war_n now_o who_o do_v the_o apostle_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n send_v to_o proclaim_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o dispenser_n of_o his_o heavenly_a mystery_n let_v it_o examine_v what_o consonance_n there_o be_v between_o their_o writing_n and_o this_o profession_n and_o a_o most_o perfect_a correspondence_n will_v be_v find_v between_o they_o for_o in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v write_v of_o his_o history_n they_o paint_v he_o out_o to_o we_o so_o much_o to_o the_o life_n and_o with_o so_o natural_a a_o pencil_n that_o he_o that_o read_v they_o attentive_o can_v but_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o see_v understand_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o among_o his_o disciple_n in_o judea_n moreover_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o narration_n have_v that_o aim_n without_o ever_o intermix_v any_o thing_n of_o humane_a science_n or_o affair_n and_o extraneous_a matter_n little_o conduce_v to_o their_o purpose_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o which_o they_o teach_v they_o discover_v such_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n so_o unknown_a to_o all_o those_o that_o ever_o profess_a learning_n and_o nevertheless_o so_o conformable_a to_o the_o humane_a understanding_n when_o once_o it_o have_v comprehend_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o they_o in_o truth_n derive_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o those_o mystery_n what_o they_o dispense_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o portray_v jesus_n so_o lively_a by_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o he_o deep_o imprint_v in_o their_o soul_n since_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o writing_n be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v but_o by_o those_o who_o be_v either_o apostle_n or_o alike_o qualify_v what_o be_v more_o rational_a then_o to_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o they_o see_v they_o bear_v their_o name_n inscribe_v in_o the_o front_n and_o the_o air_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v and_o genius_n of_o they_o in_o their_o aspect_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o style_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v agreeable_a both_o
notwithstanding_o after_o they_o come_v to_o be_v discover_v the_o world_n itself_o have_v consent_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n acquiesce_n in_o they_o and_o the_o shadow_n which_o have_v remain_v of_o they_o in_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o pagan_n do_v serve_v for_o even_o indubitable_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n unto_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o contain_v a_o doctrine_n of_o that_o excellency_n that_o no_o man_n of_o howsoever_o transcendent_a accomplishment_n can_v ever_o have_v invent_v the_o same_o which_o be_v so_o conformable_a to_o our_o reason_n that_o although_o it_o be_v admirable_o sublime_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o subvert_v or_o encounter_v the_o soberness_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v such_o excellent_a proportion_n among_o themselves_o that_o so_o many_o different_a spirit_n which_o have_v leave_v it_o we_o in_o write_v in_o several_a age_n can_v not_o have_v carry_v on_o so_o united_o and_o with_o such_o uniformity_n a_o design_n of_o like_a grandeur_n without_o a_o guidance_n other_o then_o humane_a above_o all_o there_o be_v remarkable_a in_o it_o a_o marvellous_a efficacy_n to_o comfort_v a_o man_n in_o his_o misery_n after_o it_o have_v first_o give_v he_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o unvail_v his_o mind_n from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o calamity_n which_o without_o doubt_n be_v effect_n whereof_o our_o conscience_n instruct_v we_o we_o cannot_v be_v the_o cause_n last_o this_o divinity_n whâ—â—_n man_n have_v seek_v after_o as_o it_o be_v gropingly_v in_o all_o age_n be_v manifest_v to_o we_o therein_o with_o such_o clearness_n that_o after_o so_o long_a experience_n which_o we_o have_v make_v of_o our_o natural_a blindness_n it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o enormous_a stupidity_n not_o to_o see_v that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o therein_o and_o that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v speak_v so_o suitable_o of_o his_o nature_n and_o of_o his_o perfection_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o the_o epicurean_o do_v not_o receive_v this_o revelation_n as_o proceed_v from_o god_n nor_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o it_o by_o far_o as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o plato_n cicero_n and_o aristotle_n if_o they_o may_v be_v believe_v all_o the_o prophet_n be_v man_n of_o alienate_v understanding_n and_o the_o apostle_n vagabond_n circulator_n who_o go_v about_o abuse_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o these_o man_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o if_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o they_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o avouch_v to_o hold_v it_o from_o they_o why_o shall_v they_o disbelieve_v they_o in_o the_o rest_n or_o how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o so_o great_a &_o frontless_a impostor_n as_o they_o imagine_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v shall_v be_v the_o first_o discoverer_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o first_o discover_v it_o so_o as_o to_o merit_v the_o title_n of_o its_o inventor_n and_o that_o notwithstanding_o we_o hold_v it_o from_o they_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v conjecture_v they_o shall_v have_v draw_v it_o it_o remain_v of_o necessity_n that_o if_o they_o have_v it_o not_o from_o divine_a revelation_n they_o attain_v it_o by_o study_n and_o contemplation_n either_o of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v easy_a that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v make_v by_o itself_o and_o consequent_o must_v have_v a_o author_n the_o construction_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o fabric_n speak_v the_o power_n of_o its_o architect_n and_o its_o admirable_a motion_n which_o have_v remain_v so_o reâ—â—lar_a and_o constant_a after_o so_o many_o age_n offer_v to_o our_o wonder_n his_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n in_o the_o harmony_n of_o such_o variety_n of_o thing_n and_o contrary_a quality_n link_v one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o the_o convenient_a disposure_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n to_o a_o subserviency_n in_o mutual_a office_n without_o which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o subsist_v his_o goodness_n be_v present_v visible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o our_o eye_n and_o palpable_a by_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o shape_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o the_o apt_a symmetry_n of_o its_o part_n appear_v a_o art_n not_o only_o inimitable_a by_o we_o but_o even_o such_o as_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a perfect_o to_o comprehend_v the_o conservation_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o it_o contain_v clear_o evidence_n a_o providence_n conduct_v natural_a cause_n to_o their_o effect_n and_o animate_v they_o with_o power_n to_o produce_v they_o which_o dispose_v of_o all_o evenement_n of_o thing_n agreeable_o to_o his_o will_n wise_o order_v the_o most_o casual_a and_o contingent_a and_o although_o there_o be_v not_o want_v some_o to_o complain_v of_o his_o regiment_n and_o to_o reproach_n to_o he_o oftentimes_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o calamitous_a estate_n of_o the_o good_a yet_o it_o do_v visible_o enough_o defend_v and_o recompense_v virtue_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a avenge_n wickedness_n frequent_o sometime_o even_o to_o the_o display_v of_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o eminent_a impiety_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o star_n in_o the_o heaven_n nor_o a_o flower_n upon_o the_o earth_n whether_o consider_v in_o the_o gross_a or_o in_o parcel_n but_o declare_v aloud_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creaâ—â—â—_n consâ—rvator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n nevertheless_o the_o epicurean_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v a_o beginning_n or_o if_o it_o have_v according_a to_o their_o opinion_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v frame_v otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o infinite_a peteet_a atom_n and_o for_o what_o concern_v the_o regiment_n and_o conservation_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o deity_n employ_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n and_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o do_v not_o behold_v as_o they_o profess_v in_o all_o the_o universe_n any_o footstep_n of_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v their_o general_a apophthegm_n that_o god_n have_v no_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o and_o take_v no_o part_n in_o those_o of_o another_o lest_o he_o shall_v interrupt_v his_o repose_n and_o the_o serene_a tranquillity_n of_o his_o eternal_a beatitude_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n by_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n or_o as_o it_o please_v fortune_n who_o be_v blind_a and_o wonderful_o temerarious_a have_v neither_o counsel_n nor_o aim_n in_o her_o action_n there_o remain_v the_o consideration_n of_o man._n in_o ourselves_o we_o may_v in_o the_o first_o place_n observe_v the_o structure_n of_o our_o body_n which_o be_v compose_v after_o so_o fair_a a_o symmetry_n that_o the_o most_o excellent_a entendment_n be_v ravish_v and_o confound_v in_o the_o speculation_n and_o even_o the_o illterate_a and_o they_o which_o regard_v it_o more_o superficial_o can_v but_o express_v their_o astonishment_n at_o the_o same_o in_o effect_n be_v there_o in_o they_o only_o the_o masterpiece_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o that_o activity_n of_o our_o hand_n which_o render_v we_o so_o expedite_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o service_n there_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o raise_v amazement_n in_o we_o and_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o infinite_a wisdom_n whereunto_o we_o owe_v our_o original_n moreover_o beside_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o energy_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o imperceptible_a dispensation_n of_o spirit_n which_o she_o manage_n with_o so_o much_o diligence_n for_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o member_n and_o the_o function_n of_o our_o sense_n the_o light_n of_o our_o intellect_n its_o agitation_n so_o vivid_v regular_a conduct_n and_o great_a capacity_n to_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n the_o faculty_n which_o inable_v we_o to_o reason_n concern_v the_o deity_n and_o dispute_n of_o it_o one_o against_o another_o sufficient_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v some_o principle_n of_o understanding_n without_o we_o from_o which_o this_o ray_n we_o possess_v be_v derive_v into_o our_o nature_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o we_o have_v draw_v it_o from_o without_o we_o since_o by_o it_o we_o so_o far_o surpass_v ourselves_o that_o our_o father_n confess_v themselves_o unable_a to_o have_v communicate_v it_o to_o their_o chrâ—â—ten_n as_o also_o for_o their_o own_o particular_a that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o from_o their_o father_n or_o ancestor_n more_o signal_o the_o fear_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v when_o they_o apprehend_v the_o deity_n will_v revenge_v their_o misdoing_n and_o the_o hope_n to_o find_v support_n from_o it_o with_o which_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o as_o often_o as_o strait_n and_o necessity_n afflict_v they_o two_o passion_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o sole_a motive_n that_o