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advise_v he_o rather_o to_o consult_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o to_o impose_v upon_o they_o particular_a custom_n contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o ancestor_n neither_o be_v this_o do_v by_o they_o alone_o but_o by_o almost_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n though_o they_o be_v of_o his_o own_o way_n unanimous_o condemn_v his_o heat_n and_o rashness_n in_o so_o trivial_a a_o thing_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n irenaeus_n have_v convene_v a_o synod_n in_o france_n write_v he_o a_o synodical_a epistle_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o his_o observation_n of_o easter_n but_o not_o in_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unadvised_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o excommunicate_v whole_a church_n for_o observe_v the_o ancient_a custom_n derive_v down_o to_o they_o from_o their_o ancestor_n that_o there_o be_v as_o
his_o natural_a ability_n and_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o pretend_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n their_o equity_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o their_o convenience_n so_o obvious_a in_o every_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o any_o thing_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o but_o it_o must_v make_v he_o sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o unconceivable_a stupidity_n as_o the_o man_n that_o shall_v pass_v through_o the_o world_n without_o ever_o know_v that_o twice_o two_o make_v four_o §_o iii_o for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o rule_n of_o humane_a action_n either_o the_o great_a or_o the_o small_a moral_n as_o the_o platonist_n divide_v they_o the_o first_o take_v in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o morality_n who_o evidence_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o upright_a man_n not_o to_o discern_v their_o goodness_n and_o obligation_n and_o who_o usefulness_n be_v so_o common_a and_o diffusive_a and_o so_o necessary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a for_o any_o society_n to_o subsist_v without_o some_o regard_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o in_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o man_n and_o all_o nation_n agree_v the_o most_o civil_a and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a people_n consent_n in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o first_o provision_n of_o natural_a justice_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n void_a of_o all_o notice_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o humanity_n and_o though_o some_o man_n that_o may_v tell_v we_o any_o thing_n what_o they_o please_v be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o give_v we_o very_o little_a ground_n to_o credit_v their_o report_n because_o their_o converse_n in_o those_o place_n be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o their_o intercourse_n with_o those_o people_n so_o very_o imperfect_a and_o withal_o their_o language_n so_o utter_o unintelligible_a to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o suppose_v the_o inhabitant_n may_v have_v divers_a notion_n of_o which_o stranger_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o observation_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o enquiry_n at_o least_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v their_o manner_n and_o custom_n when_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o incompetent_a but_o however_o suppose_v there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o mankind_n so_o desperate_o debauch_v as_o to_o live_v without_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o good_a manner_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v of_o so_o great_a a_o degeneracy_n but_o such_o as_o give_v we_o too_o manifest_a token_n of_o extreme_a sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o other_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o that_o live_v altogether_o like_o the_o brute-beast_n heedless_a and_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o emprove_n any_o observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n now_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n so_o utter_o supine_n and_o negligent_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o most_o obvious_a notion_n of_o thing_n for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o attention_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o attend_v they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o their_o faculty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v force_v or_o obtrude_v a_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o though_o perchance_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n may_v overcome_v their_o dulness_n yet_o this_o be_v violent_a and_o preternatural_a and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n only_o to_o repair_v our_o wilful_a sottishness_n for_o that_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o all_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o force_v i._n e._n destroy_v our_o wi_n and_o therefore_o humane_a kind_a must_v be_v govern_v in_o a_o humane_a way_n and_o not_o be_v overpowr_v by_o any_o such_o forcible_a and_o vehement_a mean_n as_o may_v offer_v violence_n to_o its_o liberty_n so_o that_o when_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o must_v after_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o power_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o this_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o the_o natural_a law_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o wheresoever_o it_o may_v be_v record_v or_o howsoever_o collect_v it_o can_v be_v draw_v forth_o into_o use_n and_o practice_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reflection_n and_o though_o it_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a number_n of_o proposition_n imprint_v upon_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o may_v as_o easy_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v legible_a within_o he_o as_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v plain_o deducible_a from_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n without_o he_o in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o depend_v entire_o upon_o his_o own_o animadversion_n so_o that_o if_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v any_o sufficient_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n either_o by_o instinct_n or_o by_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o few_o in_o it_o so_o monstrous_o dull_a and_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o the_o most_o obvious_a truth_n yet_o that_o be_v mere_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o not_o any_o default_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o common_a good_a that_o their_o usefulness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o notorious_a that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o that_o make_v any_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n a_o great_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o their_o difference_n be_v numberless_a as_o to_o casual_a and_o arbitrary_a custom_n and_o as_o to_o their_o municipal_a law_n and_o their_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o useful_a rule_n of_o morality_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o catholic_n consent_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a nation_n both_o civil_a and_o savage_a the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o obligation_n of_o oath_n love_v to_o parent_n and_o gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n and_o to_o do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o ourselves_o be_v catholic_a and_o obligatory_a all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n or_o as_o aristotle_n express_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n in_o all_o place_n as_o fire_n burn_v every_o where_o alike_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n in_o greece_n and_o in_o persia._n and_o these_o if_o attend_v to_o will_v provide_v competent_o for_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v derive_v all_o other_o emergent_a and_o subordinate_a rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v be_v ratify_v with_o the_o same_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o require_v a_o equal_a obligation_n in_o all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n because_o their_o usefulness_n be_v neither_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o certain_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o so_o likely_a to_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o same_o agreement_n of_o voice_n for_o where_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o
and_o solitary_a and_o infinite_o more_o unsafe_a than_o hare_n and_o fox_n and_o vermin_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o without_o a_o metaphor_n be_v worse_o than_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o always_o insecure_a and_o uneasy_a eat_v up_o with_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n troublesome_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o in_o continual_a fear_n and_o danger_n from_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n every_o man_n life_n will_v be_v short_a and_o his_o death_n violent_a all_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a at_o first_o view_n that_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o a_o late_a author_n can_v be_v so_o wild_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a in_o his_o conceit_n as_o not_o only_o to_o define_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n but_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o supposition_n as_o the_o only_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o government_n and_o morality_n for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o nature_n itself_o will_v guide_v and_o direct_v reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o law_n or_o covenant_n no_o nor_o deity_n then_o certain_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n in_o that_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o familiar_a observation_n of_o thing_n that_o mankind_n be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n if_o every_o man_n will_v be_v content_a with_o his_o own_o moderate_a and_o reasonable_a proportion_n but_o if_o not_o that_o then_o their_o life_n must_v of_o necessity_n become_v for_o ever_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a and_o that_o they_o will_v all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ever_o secure_a in_o their_o own_o enjoyment_n that_o it_o will_v be_v plain_o impossible_a for_o every_o or_o any_o single_a person_n to_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o fraud_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o visible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o observation_n of_o thing_n mankind_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o all_o perfect_o mad_a and_o void_a of_o all_o sense_n of_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n as_o natural_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o enmity_n when_o that_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o the_o most_o obvious_a direction_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o come_v into_o this_o inhuman_a condition_n of_o life_n till_o they_o become_v so_o unwise_a and_o so_o unnatural_a as_o to_o act_v against_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o providence_n nothing_o can_v ever_o betray_v man_n into_o it_o but_o the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o humane_a race_n spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n without_o dependence_n upon_o or_o obligation_n to_o any_o creator_n yet_o if_o we_o will_v be_v please_v only_o to_o suppose_v they_o endue_v with_o the_o faculty_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n they_o will_v natural_o fall_v into_o a_o condition_n of_o peace_n and_o society_n it_o be_v so_o evident_o every_o man_n interest_n to_o seek_v and_o procure_v it_o so_o that_o this_o imaginary_a state_n of_o war_n be_v just_a so_o much_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v for_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v fool_n and_o madman_n but_o if_o it_o be_v more_o natural_a for_o this_o sort_n of_o being_n that_o we_o call_v man_n to_o be_v guide_v in_o their_o action_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o love_n of_o their_o own_o self_n that_o will_v immediate_o reverse_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o design_n to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n and_o instead_o of_o every_o man_n be_v fall_v upon_o every_o man_n he_o meet_v as_o that_o hypothesis_n imagine_v he_o will_v court_v his_o friendship_n though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o it_o than_o that_o by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n he_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o every_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o seek_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v ever_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o enlarge_v his_o friendship_n and_o dependence_n in_o that_o as_o many_o as_o he_o endear_v or_o oblige_v so_o many_o he_o engage_v to_o his_o service_n and_o defence_n so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o man_n live_v according_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o discretion_n so_o far_o do_v they_o endeavour_v after_o the_o love_n and_o goodwill_n of_o mankind_n because_o their_o safety_n and_o happiness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o friend_n or_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o secure_v his_o own_o quiet_a be_v concern_v to_o secure_v the_o goodwill_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o procure_v it_o by_o be_v as_o unfeigned_o concern_v for_o their_o welfare_n as_o for_o his_o own_o for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a method_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n to_o seek_v or_o consult_v my_o interest_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o the_o strong_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v to_o court_v his_o benevolence_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v he_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o probable_a way_n to_o endear_v i_o to_o his_o cause_n and_o service_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o every_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o seek_v his_o own_o private_a good_a unless_o he_o will_v direct_o cross_v with_o his_o own_o design_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o public_a too_o i._n e._n the_o good_a of_o all_o other_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n but_o now_o if_o he_o be_v so_o plain_o direct_v to_o this_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o contrive_v on_o purpose_n by_o a_o wise_a and_o supreme_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v govern_v themselves_o and_o their_o action_n by_o its_o direction_n because_o as_o i_o premise_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o whole_a train_n of_o natural_a effect_n be_v ultimate_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o his_o providence_n that_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o the_o property_n that_o result_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n that_o have_v make_v it_o so_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v the_o conclusion_n without_o downright_a and_o wilful_a perverseness_n but_o that_o he_o intend_v that_o those_o of_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v observation_n upon_o his_o work_n shall_v take_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o author_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o man_n can_v desire_v a_o great_a evidence_n than_o he_o have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o supposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o if_o he_o have_v so_o clear_o discover_v his_o will_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o establish_v it_o into_o a_o law_n and_o declare_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o method_n that_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supreme_a cause_n be_v we_o force_v into_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o from_o all_o the_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a contrivance_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o dispose_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a be_v the_o very_a same_o appearance_n that_o discover_v he_o discover_v his_o intention_n too_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o go_v about_o to_o avoid_v the_o obligation_n
interest_n and_o by_o which_o man_n be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o mutual_a justice_n and_o honesty_n so_o easy_o and_o almost_o irresistible_o be_v they_o draw_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o morality_n if_o they_o will_v but_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o that_o one_o will_v think_v be_v enough_o to_o acquit_v the_o divine_a providence_n from_o any_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o be_v defective_a in_o give_v any_o part_n of_o mankind_n sufficient_a rule_n and_o instruction_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o moral_a action_n and_o yet_o be_v he_o not_o content_a to_o provide_v such_o mean_n as_o can_v but_o be_v effectual_a without_o extreme_a sottishness_n but_o withal_o make_v some_o accessional_a security_n to_o prevent_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o and_o to_o force_v we_o to_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o ourselves_o to_o stifle_v all_o the_o work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n as_o busy_a and_o thoughtful_a as_o they_o be_v unless_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o ourselves_o to_o take_v no_o care_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n unless_o we_o can_v overcome_v the_o most_o vehement_a instinct_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n all_o these_o must_v unavoidable_o carry_v we_o into_o a_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o by_o their_o own_o force_n determine_v we_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o so_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v first_o serious_o weigh_v apart_o and_o then_o lay_v together_o they_o will_v prove_v such_o a_o mighty_a demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o if_o we_o can_v with_o any_o confidence_n conclude_v any_o discourse_n with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o may_v much_o more_o do_v it_o in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o one_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v that_o can_v equal_v it_o in_o the_o pregnancy_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o its_o proof_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v its_o sanction_n §_o xi_o and_o this_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o conveyance_n or_o publication_n with_o the_o law_n itself_o for_o as_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n declare_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o serious_o intend_v the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a community_n so_o do_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n require_v of_o all_o and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n under_o the_o enforcement_n of_o natural_a reward_n and_o penalty_n and_o those_o motive_n of_o obedience_n be_v the_o proper_a sanction_n to_o make_v the_o law_n obligatory_a for_o obligation_n proper_o signify_v nothing_o but_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o we_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o law_n not_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v be_v determine_v by_o outward_a force_n or_o violence_n or_o that_o any_o lawgiver_n whatsoever_o can_v compel_v it_o to_o a_o compliance_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n against_o its_o own_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o reason_n and_o persuasion_n by_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o though_o it_o do_v not_o by_o its_o own_o direct_a influence_n overpower_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o do_v it_o effectual_o enough_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o natural_a instinct_n that_o be_v implant_v in_o they_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o happiness_n for_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n to_o pursue_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v productive_a of_o it_o and_o to_o shun_v such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o all_o such_o consideration_n as_o inform_v or_o assure_v we_o what_o action_n be_v so_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n upon_o our_o understanding_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o seek_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v it_o and_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o obligation_n not_o to_o bind_v any_o fetter_n and_o restraint_n upon_o our_o will_n but_o to_o propound_v such_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o they_o as_o can_v but_o determine_v their_o choice_n if_o they_o will_v either_o attend_v to_o their_o reasonableness_n or_o follow_v the_o first_o appetite_n and_o strong_a inclination_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v so_o order_v the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o such_o a_o proportion_n of_o happiness_n shall_v follow_v in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o a_o duty_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o much_o misery_n upon_o its_o neglect_n he_o have_v plain_o establish_v it_o into_o a_o bind_a law_n by_o all_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o legislation_n and_o if_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o express_a voice_n and_o declaration_n or_o any_o other_o visible_a way_n of_o intercourse_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a sanction_n and_o more_o powerful_a enforcement_n of_o his_o will._n see_v all_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o revelation_n must_v have_v be_v to_o move_v they_o to_o obedience_n by_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v set_v before_o we_o by_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n so_o many_o effectual_a motive_n of_o this_o kind_n they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v first_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n by_o write_v or_o proclamation_n or_o any_o other_o solemnity_n of_o enact_v law_n so_o that_o only_o suppose_v a_o author_n of_o nature_n which_o as_o i_o have_v often_o already_o suggest_v must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_o to_o all_o inquiry_n after_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n this_o matter_n will_v demonstrate_v it_o self_n from_o the_o most_o obvious_a effect_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o most_o undoubted_a design_n of_o his_o government_n for_o it_o be_v demonstrative_o certain_a by_o induction_n of_o particular_n that_o every_o virtue_n have_v some_o natural_a efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o advance_v both_o the_o public_a good_a and_o the_o private_a interest_n so_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o inseparable_o join_v together_o and_o that_o by_o a_o order_n and_o necessity_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n by_o the_o contrivance_n and_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a providence_n that_o make_v it_o what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o he_o command_v and_o require_v all_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o act_v suitable_o to_o that_o order_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o that_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v make_v by_o that_o establishment_n and_o thus_o be_v it_o notorious_a from_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o the_o most_o obvious_a appearance_n of_o daily_a experience_n that_o temperance_n love_n of_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n faithfulness_n in_o oath_n and_o promise_n a_o aptness_n to_o kind_n and_o oblige_a office_n gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n love_n and_o affection_n to_o natural_a relation_n and_o a_o gentle_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n towards_o all_o good_a man_n be_v high_o useful_a or_o rather_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o peace_n and_o quietness_n to_o safety_n and_o contentment_n to_o health_n of_o body_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o happiness_n of_o society_n the_o preservation_n of_o government_n and_o the_o secure_n of_o all_o man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o injury_n and_o oppression_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o all_o contrary_a vice_n have_v the_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n and_o tend_v both_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o of_o every_o man_n be_v private_a tranquillity_n unpeaceableness_n injustice_n persidiousness_n and_o all_o other_o act_n of_o excessive_a and_o unreasonable_a self-love_n that_o look_v mere_o to_o its_o own_o interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o or_o concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o natural_o produce_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o same_o proportion_n that_o these_o prevail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o do_v they_o abate_v the_o peace_n
deity_n have_v enact_v those_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o follow_v with_o undeniable_a demonstration_n that_o for_o that_o reason_n alone_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o he_o have_v withal_o provide_v some_o other_o state_n of_o thing_n beyond_o that_o of_o this_o present_a life_n because_o otherwise_o when_o he_o have_v build_v this_o world_n with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n with_o so_o much_o wisdom_n he_o have_v do_v it_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o then_o there_o be_v neither_o art_n nor_o wisdom_n so_o that_o these_o be_v antecedent_o prove_v this_o that_o be_v so_o unavoidable_o connect_v with_o they_o though_o it_o have_v no_o other_o proof_n stand_v upon_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o reason_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a not_o only_o to_o moral_v but_o to_o natural_a philosophy_n that_o without_o it_o not_o only_o all_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n vanish_v into_o nothing_o but_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n sink_v into_o utter_a chaos_n and_o confusion_n for_o that_o the_o world_n be_v build_v by_o a_o principle_n endue_v with_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v from_o those_o evident_a end_n uses_n and_o design_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o propound_v to_o himself_o in_o their_o order_n and_o contrivance_n and_o yet_o unless_o we_o suppose_v some_o other_o state_n of_o thing_n than_o what_o be_v at_o present_a visible_a after_o those_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a design_n that_o appear_v in_o every_o part_n and_o parcel_n of_o nature_n it_o will_v as_o demonstrative_o follow_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v make_v to_o no_o end_n at_o all_o which_o because_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o contradiction_n to_o what_o be_v before_o so_o evident_o demonstrate_v that_o alone_o be_v as_o evident_a a_o demonstration_n of_o this_o that_o be_v so_o certain_o connect_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n part_n ii_o §_o i._o have_v demonstrate_v the_o general_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o those_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o have_v enact_v and_o proclaim_v to_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n and_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n will_v guide_v i_o to_o discover_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n i_o now_o advance_v to_o a_o much_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a discovery_n of_o both_o by_o that_o particular_a revelation_n that_o he_o have_v make_v both_o of_o they_o and_o himself_o in_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o here_o the_o advantage_n both_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n be_v so_o exceed_o great_a as_o almost_o utter_o to_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o first_o we_o be_v there_o force_v to_o make_v out_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o ourselves_o by_o various_a observation_n of_o nature_n and_o train_n of_o reason_v but_o here_o we_o find_v they_o all_o distinct_o and_o exact_o draw_v forth_o for_o our_o present_a use_n into_o particular_a rule_n and_o precept_n and_o make_v easy_a to_o our_o practice_n by_o familiar_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o life_n so_o that_o now_o without_o any_o laborious_a work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n without_o any_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o without_o any_o skill_n in_o philosophy_n our_o whole_a duty_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o system_fw-la of_o plain_a and_o easy_a proposition_n and_o then_o second_o when_o we_o have_v wrought_v out_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o ourselves_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n after_o that_o we_o be_v force_v to_o work_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n out_o of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o connexion_n when_o it_o be_v discover_v be_v very_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a yet_o it_o require_v some_o careful_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o competent_a skill_n in_o the_o art_n of_o reason_v to_o discover_v it_o whereas_o now_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o we_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n and_o exception_n both_o by_o certain_a revelation_n and_o experimental_a proof_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o such_o undoubted_a record_n that_o we_o can_v scarce_o receive_v great_a satisfaction_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o testimony_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v give_v we_o so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o we_o have_v not_o much_o more_o of_o the_o present_a at_o least_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o convince_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o not_o only_o to_o persuade_v but_o even_o to_o enforce_v our_o belief_n so_o that_o no_o ingenuous_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n can_v withstand_v their_o evidence_n though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o malice_n and_o peevishness_n may_v defeat_v their_o efficacy_n and_o so_o it_o may_v too_o if_o it_o please_v over_o rule_v the_o power_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v honest_a and_o impartial_a in_o the_o enquiry_n and_o not_o do_v manifest_a violence_n to_o their_o own_o conviction_n it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o doubt_v of_o or_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o problem_n about_o line_n or_o number_n as_o to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n not_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o because_o its_o proof_n be_v so_o forcible_a in_o their_o own_o kind_n that_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v distrust_v or_o demur_v upon_o their_o credibility_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o a_o universal_a unsettledness_n and_o irresolution_n of_o mind_n for_o when_o we_o have_v weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o whole_a account_n of_o thing_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o rank_a scepticism_n to_o be_v very_o little_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o infidelity_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o faith_n be_v only_o historical_a yet_o some_o historical_a evidence_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o convictive_a as_o in_o the_o last_o result_n of_o thing_n to_o equal_v mathematical_a demonstration_n i_o know_v indeed_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n that_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v demonstrative_a argument_n when_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o than_o moral_a certainty_n but_o here_o i_o will_v first_o inquire_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o moral_a certainty_n and_o to_o this_o their_o answer_n be_v ready_a that_o it_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o if_o that_o be_v the_o definition_n of_o moral_a certainty_n then_o be_v all_o certainty_n moral_a for_o every_o truth_n be_v capable_a of_o its_o own_o kind_n of_o certainty_n but_o then_o second_o there_o be_v very_o many_o thing_n from_o which_o i_o be_o in_o reason_n oblige_v to_o suspend_v my_o assent_n because_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o warrant_v its_o wisdom_n and_o though_o i_o can_v rational_o expect_v more_o certain_a ground_n concern_v they_o yet_o i_o can_v rational_o give_v up_o my_o assent_n to_o they_o because_o their_o evidence_n though_o the_o clear_a that_o in_o that_o case_n i_o can_v expect_v be_v too_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o found_v any_o confident_a assent_n upon_o thus_o have_v i_o a_o moral_a certainty_n that_o romulus_n be_v the_o founder_n of_o rome_n i._n e._n i_o have_v all_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o yet_o have_v i_o not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o venture_v any_o thing_n that_o near_o concern_v i_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o roman_a story_n be_v in_o many_o thing_n very_o fabulous_a and_o in_o all_o very_o far_o from_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a and_o therefore_o three_o if_o by_o moral_a certainty_n they_o mean_v any_o less_o degree_n of_o evidence_n as_o they_o plain_o do_v when_o they_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o proof_n than_o the_o scruple_n that_o remain_v after_o this_o their_o determination_n be_v this_o that_o the_o very_a thing_n the_o belief_n whereof_o be_v make_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n than_o only_o moral_a certainty_n in_o that_o it_o seem_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a
to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o upstart_n sect_n but_o to_o renounce_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n confirm_v as_o well_o by_o their_o own_o law_n as_o ancient_a custom_n and_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o power_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o few_o galilaean_a fisherman_n and_o this_o the_o author_n of_o that_o age_n say_v be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v at_o all_o adventure_n reject_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n because_o it_o will_v allow_v none_o other_o beside_o itself_o and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n beside_o its_o very_a great_a antiquity_n it_o be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o with_o plausible_a appearance_n of_o reason_n believe_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v of_o eternal_a obligation_n at_o least_o not_o otherways_o reversible_a but_o with_o the_o same_o dreadful_a sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v at_o first_o enact_v and_o therefore_o when_o a_o young_a man_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o cancel_v the_o only_a true_a way_n of_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n that_o design_n seem_v so_o like_a to_o blasphemy_n and_o idolatry_n that_o his_o very_a pretend_v to_o it_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n be_v whatever_o he_o can_v say_v or_o do_v a_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o a_o unpardonable_a crime_n this_o be_v evident_a through_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o his_o life_n that_o the_o jew_n every_o where_o conclude_v he_o a_o impostor_n because_o he_o set_v up_o against_o moses_n and_o then_o let_v he_o work_v what_o miracle_n he_o will_v they_o will_v regard_v neither_o he_o nor_o they_o and_o particular_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o controversy_n when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o parent_n and_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o neighbour_n who_o know_v he_o to_o have_v sit_v and_o beg_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n for_o many_o year_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o pharisee_n conclude_v against_o his_o do_v any_o miracle_n because_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n that_o be_v as_o they_o think_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o when_o the_o blind_a man_n argue_v with_o they_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o miracle_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n before_o it_o be_v all_o one_o for_o that_o they_o answer_v all_o with_o this_o peremptory_a assertion_n we_o know_v that_o god_n 29._o speak_v unto_o moses_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v so_o that_o whatever_o miracle_n he_o work_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o he_o derogate_a from_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o origen_n very_o well_o observe_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o saviour_n work_n 92._o be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n from_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o people_n against_o his_o undertake_n for_o moses_n have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o off_o spring_v of_o abraham_n who_o have_v all_o along_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o circumcision_n and_o those_o other_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o he_o have_v deliver_v down_o to_o his_o posterity_n and_o only_o undertake_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o a_o grievous_a bondage_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o that_o happy_a land_n that_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o their_o forefather_n but_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v to_o a_o people_n to_o command_v they_o to_o forsake_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o to_o prescribe_v a_o new_a model_n of_o religion_n against_o a_o old_a one_o that_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o be_v comply_v with_o as_o moses_n be_v he_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o all_o the_o fierce_a contradiction_n both_o of_o zeal_n and_o malice_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n say_v he_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v so_o requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v do_v great_a miracle_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v record_v to_o have_v do_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o great_a authority_n and_o so_o thereby_o oblige_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o discipline_n as_o they_o have_v hitherto_o do_v to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o insuperable_a prejudice_n against_o christianity_n so_o be_v it_o to_o this_o very_a day_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o always_o lie_v this_o supposition_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o dispute_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n but_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o far_a account_n when_o i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o infidelity_n notwithstanding_o the_o gospel_n bring_v all_o that_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o that_o we_o pretend_v it_o do_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n beside_o its_o proud_a pretence_n to_o the_o great_a antiquity_n it_o now_o value_v itself_o upon_o a_o much_o proud_a title_n of_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a extent_n of_o that_o it_o be_v root_v in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o with_o more_o strength_n and_o unity_n than_o it_o can_v have_v be_v under_o several_a government_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v people_n more_o fond_a of_o their_o religion_n than_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o belief_n of_o its_o universality_n now_o when_o a_o religion_n so_o catholic_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o law_n be_v own_a by_o the_o emperor_n and_o be_v make_v the_o only_a religion_n of_o power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n its_o votary_n can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v it_o treat_v with_o scorn_n and_o dishonour_n by_o a_o upstart_n sect_n of_o man_n destitute_a of_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o pliny_n tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n inveigh_v against_o christianity_n with_o so_o much_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n not_o that_o they_o have_v any_o concern_v for_o religion_n themselves_o be_v profess_v epicurean_o and_o so_o inward_o as_o great_a despiser_n of_o paganism_n as_o the_o christian_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v but_o they_o be_v angry_a that_o a_o religion_n abet_v by_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o great_a statesman_n such_o as_o themselves_o be_v or_o pretend_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o dishonourable_o bear_v down_o by_o a_o company_n of_o superstitious_a and_o despicable_a jew_n and_o that_o prove_v another_o very_a great_a disadvantage_n to_o christianity_n the_o force_n of_o law_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o government_n against_o its_o reception_n in_o that_o statesman_n be_v ever_o jealous_a of_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n as_o dangerous_a to_o the_o present_a government_n so_o that_o though_o themselves_o look_v upon_o all_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a design_n of_o state-craft_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o zealous_a for_o that_o which_o they_o find_v already_o establish_v as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o present_a security_n and_o therefore_o vigilant_a against_o all_o alteration_n as_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n so_o that_o it_o be_v none_o of_o their_o business_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o plea_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o its_o be_v new_a be_v with_o they_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o proceed_v against_o it_o as_o be_v sedition_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la against_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n of_o most_o of_o those_o many_o severe_a edict_n and_o rescript_n of_o several_a emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o look_v upon_o their_o numerous_a assembly_n upon_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o dangerous_a association_n against_o the_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o particular_o trajan_n a_o wise_a and_o politic_a prince_n who_o either_o because_o he_o will_v not_o give_v the_o christian_n the_o advantage_n of_o plead_v religion_n or_o suffering_n for_o it_o or_o rather_o out_o of_o his_o particular_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o tumult_n put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o the_o law_n against_o the_o heteriae_n which_o forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o numerous_a meeting_n upon_o what_o account_n soever_o though_o only_o of_o friendship_n or_o good-fellowship_n for_o which_o those_o heteriae_n be_v first_o institute_v so_o that_o upon_o pretence_n of_o this_o law_n he_o seem_v not_o to_o proceed_v against_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o unlawful_a riot_n and_o tumult_n against_o the_o state_n §_o xxii_o now_o from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o mighty_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n it_o meet_v
this_o way_n of_o conveyance_n be_v insist_v upon_o by_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o in_o justification_n of_o the_o catholic_n truth_n both_o against_o heretic_n and_o insidel_n thus_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n say_v irenaeus_n be_v spread_v 3._o all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o this_o every_o man_n that_o please_v may_v find_v in_o every_o church_n and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v their_o successor_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n but_o because_o it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a in_o such_o a_o discourse_n as_o this_o to_o enumerate_v the_o succession_n of_o all_o church_n i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o those_o great_a ancient_a and_o famous_a church_n that_o be_v found_v at_o rome_n by_o those_o two_o glorious_a apostle_n saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n hereby_o to_o show_v the_o tradition_n of_o that_o faith_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v safe_o convey_v by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n and_o i_o choose_v to_o exemplify_v this_o thing_n in_o this_o church_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o because_o of_o its_o great_a pre-eminence_n and_o resort_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o which_o account_n its_o tradition_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o public_a and_o better_o know_v the_o bless_a apostle_n therefore_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v the_o oversight_n of_o it_o to_o linus_n of_o who_o saint_n paul_n make_v mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n to_o he_o succeed_v anacletus_fw-la then_o clemens_n who_o familiar_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v their_o preach_v still_o sound_v in_o his_o ear_n and_o their_o tradition_n before_o his_o eye_n in_o who_o time_n there_o happen_v a_o great_a schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o allay_v which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n direct_v a_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o they_o in_o which_o she_o exhort_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o unity_n rub_v up_o their_o memory_n of_o the_o primitive_a faith_n and_o set_v before_o they_o the_o fresh_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o he_o succeed_v evaristus_n to_o evaristus_n alexander_n and_o then_o sixtus_n telesphorus_n higinus_n pius_n anicetus_n soter_n and_o now_o eleutherius_fw-la in_o the_o twelve_o place_n from_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o a_o accurate_a account_n of_o the_o apostolical_a succession_n of_o that_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v a_o bishop_n in_o it_o unless_o we_o begin_v the_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o tradition_n as_o in_o all_o other_o place_n so_o particular_o in_o that_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o this_o very_a argument_n epiphanius_n insist_o upon_o against_o 27._o the_o carpocratian_o and_o let_v no_o man_n wonder_v say_v he_o that_o i_o so_o accurate_o and_o careful_o set_v down_o every_o single_a person_n in_o the_o succession_n because_o hereby_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n will_v evident_o appear_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v grant_v the_o succession_n it_o will_v be_v a_o pretty_a hard_a task_n to_o avoid_v the_o tradition_n and_o yet_o against_o that_o there_o lie_v only_o one_o poor_a exception_n viz._n that_o some_o ancient_a writer_n place_n clement_n in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o here_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o but_o that_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o other_o conjecture_n and_o especial_o a_o very_a probable_a one_o of_o epiphanius_n be_v clear_v by_o one_o that_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a and_o found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o two_o church_n at_o rome_n one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n over_o which_o saint_n peter_n preside_v another_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n found_v and_o govern_v by_o saint_n paul_n who_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o obstinate_a jew_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n neither_o be_v this_o conjecture_n a_o little_a confirm_v by_o this_o very_a passage_n of_o irenaeus_n who_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o single_a church_n but_o as_o two_o distinct_a and_o those_o eminent_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o though_o clement_n be_v immediate_a successor_n in_o one_o of_o they_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v the_o three_o in_o the_o other_o in_o that_o survive_v linus_n and_o cletus_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v away_o both_o church_n may_v natural_o unite_v into_o one_o body_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n other_o object_n to_o mud_n the_o succession_n that_o some_o writer_n place_v both_o cletus_n and_o anacletus_fw-la before_o clemens_n as_o if_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o late_a writer_n who_o sometime_o find_v these_o different_a name_n in_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o ancient_a book_n conclude_v they_o different_a person_n but_o herein_o they_o go_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n themselves_o and_o particular_o of_o eusebius_n who_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v value_v beyond_o all_o other_o because_o he_o collect_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n out_o of_o the_o archive_v and_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o to_o which_o he_o particular_o refer_v in_o the_o 12._o succession_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o real_a difficulty_n or_o labyrinth_n as_o to_o the_o succession_n and_o all_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v be_v only_o occasion_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o obvious_a mistake_n of_o some_o late_a writer_n against_o the_o more_o ancient_a and_o unquestionable_a authority_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n do_v tertullian_n triumph_v over_o the_o heretic_n by_o challenge_v 32._o they_o to_o prescribe_v for_o their_o opinion_n from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o catholic_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o they_o the_o truth_n say_v he_o will_v appear_v from_o its_o antiquity_n that_o be_v true_a and_o deliver_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o that_o we_o find_v most_o ancient_a but_o that_o be_v foreign_a and_o false_a that_o be_v bring_v in_o afterward_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o the_o apostolical_a age_n let_v they_o produce_v the_o original_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o describe_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o so_o derive_v it_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o that_o the_o first_o bishop_n shall_v have_v succeed_v to_o some_o apostle_n or_o some_o apostolical_a man_n that_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n for_o in_o this_o way_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostolical_a church_n prove_v their_o original_a as_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n will_v produce_v policarp_n place_v there_o by_o saint_n john_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o saint_n peter_n and_o so_o for_o all_o other_o church_n they_o show_v you_o the_o man_n that_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o episcopal_a office_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o convey_v down_o their_o doctrine_n to_o posterity_n and_o again_o this_o be_v the_o only_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n 36._o its_o possession_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o for_o this_o you_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v more_o diligent_o after_o your_o salvation_n may_v travel_v over_o the_o apostolical_a church_n where_o the_o very_a seat_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n preside_v be_v still_o remain_v where_o their_o own_o authentic_a letter_n be_v still_o extant_a do_v you_o live_v in_o or_o near_a to_o achaia_n go_v to_o corinth_n in_o macedonia_n to_o philippi_n or_o thessalonica_n in_o asia_n to_o ephesus_z in_o italy_n to_o rome_n and_o this_o certain_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prescribe_v to_o all_o the_o innovation_n of_o the_o heretic_n so_o be_v it_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o and_o so_o uninterrupted_o deliver_v down_o from_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o principal_a church_n be_v so_o accurate_o record_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o it_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o call_v in_o question_n have_v not_o some_o man_n be_v force_v to_o it_o only_o to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o depart_n from_o it_o it_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o but_o especial_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n to_o keep_v a_o exact_a register_n of_o the_o name_n and_o the_o death_n of_o their_o bishop_n which_o they_o call_v diptych_n and_o though_o it_o be_v object_v that_o these_o record_n be_v now_o lose_v and_o so_o be_v
affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o quite_o vanish_v away_o at_o last_o he_o only_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o go_v away_o and_o this_o though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o no_o body_n know_v how_o be_v a_o pitiful_a abatement_n to_o the_o bigness_n of_o his_o former_a expression_n vanish_v away_o though_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o he_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v prove_v itself_o a_o lie_n for_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a that_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n as_o that_o and_o yet_o never_o any_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o historian_n will_v fain_o bid_v at_o something_o of_o his_o hero_n appear_v after_o death_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o so_o faint_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o it_o come_v to_o nothing_o especial_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n be_v altogether_o unknown_a and_o that_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o take_v in_o no_o less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o thirty_o year_n and_o then_o they_o that_o be_v so_o utter_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o decease_n and_o that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o space_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v a_o very_a wise_a account_n of_o the_o certain_a time_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v after_o it_o but_o how_o or_o to_o who_o do_v he_o appear_v 13._o why_o to_o a_o young_a man_n one_o of_o his_o follower_n that_o doubt_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o ten_o month_n together_o after_o his_o death_n but_o how_o or_o where_o why_o the_o young_a man_n be_v tire_v with_o watch_v and_o pray_v to_o apollonius_n that_o he_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o only_o to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o this_o point_n one_o day_n fall_v into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n in_o the_o school_n where_o the_o young_a man_n be_v perform_v their_o several_a exercise_n and_o on_o the_o sudden_a start_n up_o in_o a_o great_a fright_n and_o a_o great_a sweat_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o believe_v thou_o o_o tyanaeus_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o his_o companion_n the_o meaning_n of_o his_o transport_n why_o say_v he_o do_v you_o not_o see_v apollonius_n they_o answer_v he_o no_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o give_v all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o for_o he_o only_o appear_v to_o i_o and_o for_o my_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v invisible_a to_o all_o other_o and_o so_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sleep_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n this_o poor_a account_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o a_o over-watched_n boy_n be_v all_o that_o this_o great_a story_n afford_v to_o vie_v with_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o now_o upon_o review_n of_o this_o whole_a history_n it_o seem_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v endue_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o divine_a power_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o ordinary_a conjurer_n for_o though_o huetius_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o prove_v he_o so_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o if_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o conjurer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o a_o odd_a and_o a_o singular_a humour_n as_o apollonius_n affect_v to_o be_v who_o be_v not_o so_o think_v of_o by_o the_o common_a people_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v for_o it_o before_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o cause_n slight_v both_o he_o and_o his_o accuser_n and_o dismiss_v he_o the_o court_n for_o a_o idle_a and_o fantastic_a fellow_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o history_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a man_n and_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o so_o wander_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o a_o odd_a garb_n to_o be_v gaze_v at_o and_o admire_v and_o make_v himself_o considerable_a in_o that_o age_n by_o wit_n impudence_n and_o flattery_n of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v a_o very_a competent_a share_n but_o for_o his_o wonder-working_a faculty_n which_o he_o will_v needs_o pretend_v to_o he_o fetch_v that_o as_o far_o off_o as_o the_o east_n indies_n that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o as_o he_o think_v from_o confutation_n and_o yet_o the_o account_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o those_o part_n be_v so_o gross_o fabulous_a that_o that_o alone_o convict_v his_o whole_a life_n of_o imposture_n and_o impudence_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o make_v good_a this_o part_n of_o the_o demonstration_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a authority_n from_o the_o certain_a evidence_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o manner_n either_o of_o objection_n or_o competition_n §_o xxviii_o but_o though_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n have_v this_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o in_o that_o the_o tradition_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o own_o testimony_n by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o this_o peculiar_a divine_a attestation_n and_o consider_v the_o tradition_n by_o itself_o as_o mere_o humane_a and_o deliver_v down_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v so_o constant_a so_o catholic_a and_o so_o uninterrupted_a as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o demonstration_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o that_o age_n there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o tradition_n or_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v so_o early_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a it_o must_v immediate_o have_v perish_v as_o a_o manifest_a lie_n in_o that_o when_o it_o come_v so_o near_o the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v nothing_o but_o undoubted_a truth_n can_v ever_o have_v maintain_v its_o authority_n for_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a at_o a_o distance_n to_o tell_v strange_a story_n of_o the_o time_n of_o old_a as_o we_o find_v by_o those_o many_o idle_a and_o incredible_a legend_n add_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o after-age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o to_o raise_v a_o story_n so_o strange_a and_o remarkable_a as_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o his_o apostle_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o it_o nay_o against_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o broach_v and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o such_o a_o notorious_a fiction_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o other_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v that_o this_o tradition_n must_v labour_v under_o if_o it_o rise_v not_o up_o to_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o pretend_v to_o especial_o that_o of_o its_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v destroy_v it_o if_o false_a that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o prosecute_v seem_v as_o insuperable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n viz._n that_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o it_o shall_v after_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n concern_v its_o truth_n not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o so_o late_a and_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n but_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o credible_a unless_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o their_o assurance_n alone_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o though_o that_o be_v enough_o yet_o i_o will_v undertake_v more_o viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o assurance_n by_o trace_v up_o the_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o after-age_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v it_o will_v make_v a_o new_a and_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o this_o tradition_n be_v convey_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n or_o of_o single_a person_n first_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n and_o