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their_o own_o accord_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v than_o for_o so_o stately_a and_o beautiful_a a_o structure_n as_o this_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v raise_v without_o a_o artificer_n or_o the_o great_a volume_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o be_v compile_v without_o a_o author_n but_o what_o foundation_n have_v this_o vain_a and_o incredible_a hypothesis_n why_o none_o but_o the_o bold_a confidence_n of_o epecurus_n and_o his_o follower_n ground_v upon_o a_o desire_n of_o let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o his_o appetite_n and_o enjoy_v sensual_a pleasure_n without_o control_n indeed_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a evidence_n of_o the_o world_n be_v be_v thus_o make_v by_o chance_n for_o these_o atom_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v be_v altogether_o invisible_a and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v move_v only_o in_o the_o empty_a space_n of_o a_o fpicurean_a brain_n yea_o there_o be_v all_o imaginable_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o there_o be_v those_o apparent_a mark_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n that_o render_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o chance_n for_o since_o none_o can_v ever_o speak_v of_o a_o structure_n where_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o come_v together_o of_o themselves_o and_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o thing_n great_a and_o noble_a that_o be_v ever_o effect_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o way_n how_o senseless_a be_v it_o to_o conceive_v that_o this_o glorious_a and_o regular_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n which_o afford_v as_o many_o wonder_n as_o part_n shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o any_o other_o than_o a_o divine_a hand_n so_o that_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o device_n of_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o be_v and_o continuance_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o deity_n be_v very_o apparent_a for_o it_o contradict_v the_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n and_o oppose_v a_o truth_n that_o have_v swim_v down_o the_o current_n of_o time_n without_o interruption_n neither_o be_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n less_o visible_a than_o the_o folly_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a affront_n and_o indignity_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o our_o maker_n to_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o work_n and_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v accrue_v from_o they_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o tribute_n of_o honour_n and_o acknowledgement_n due_a to_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n of_o the_o universe_n which_o be_v to_o be_v pay_v by_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o especial_o by_o man_n who_o be_v make_v the_o visible_a lord_n and_o viceroy_n of_o this_o low_a world_n now_o to_o call_v in_o question_n his_o make_n or_o right_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v to_o deny_v he_o this_o homage_n and_o consequent_o to_o prove_v rebellious_a to_o our_o supreme_a lord_n and_o master_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o extreme_a and_o inconceivable_a danger_n again_o two_o it_o be_v a_o high_a piece_n of_o ingratitude_n to_o disow_v our_o maker_n and_o chief_a benefactor_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o we_o owe_v therefore_o our_o loud_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o when_o all_o other_o creature_n in_o their_o way_n show_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n what_o unworthiness_n be_v it_o in_o man_n who_o be_v chief_o design_v for_o that_o end_n to_o withhold_v it_o from_o he_o this_o be_v not_o only_o negligent_o to_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o utter_o to_o disclaim_v and_o forget_v the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n which_o must_v needs_o sink_v he_o who_o be_v make_v somewhat_o high_a than_o the_o angel_n into_o a_o condition_n low_a and_o worse_o than_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v 3_o yea_o three_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o high_a piece_n of_o injustice_n and_o ingratitude_n to_o our_o maker_n but_o a_o great_a injury_n to_o mankind_n who_o be_v hereby_o deprive_v of_o that_o assistance_n and_o affiance_n they_o may_v have_v in_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o consequent_o of_o that_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n they_o may_v receive_v from_o he_o we_o daily_o see_v what_o impotent_a and_o feeble_a creature_n even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o misery_n and_o misfortune_n which_o they_o can_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o remove_v now_o the_o only_a comfort_n or_o relief_n we_o can_v have_v against_o these_o be_v in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o consequent_o both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v we_o there_o we_o may_v safe_o repose_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n with_o wellgrounded_n hope_n of_o a_o supply_n of_o all_o our_o want_n and_o a_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o all_o our_o affliction_n now_o by_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o be_v who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o disposer_n of_o such_o event_n man_n bereave_v themselves_o of_o all_o these_o comfortable_a expectation_n and_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a by_o their_o own_o infidelity_n so_o that_o this_o device_n of_o the_o atheist_n be_v as_o imprudent_a as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o it_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o that_o comfort_n which_o he_o may_v have_v in_o this_o life_n and_o exclude_v he_o from_o all_o that_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o be_v design_v in_o the_o next_o these_o be_v obvious_a truth_n on_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o enlarge_v and_o shall_v therefore_o leave_v they_o to_o your_o far_a meditation_n i_o be_o sir_n your_o true_a friend_n a._n b_o letter_n iii_o sir_n in_o your_o last_o i_o find_v you_o ready_o own_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n to_o be_v palpable_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o wonder_v at_o the_o atheist_n blindness_n or_o boldness_n in_o so_o easy_o overlook_v or_o gainsay_v they_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o another_o device_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v the_o silence_v the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n and_o stifle_v the_o frequent_a notice_n and_o alarm_n it_o give_v of_o a_o supreme_a be_v among_o the_o other_o witness_n that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o of_o himself_o that_o of_o conscience_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o which_o for_o the_o clear_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o its_o testimony_n have_v be_v reckon_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o witness_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v without_o sufficient_a light_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n god_n almighty_n have_v not_o only_o engrave_v his_o own_o image_n and_o superscription_n upon_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n that_o by_o the_o frequent_a view_v thereof_o we_o may_v be_v still_o mind_v of_o he_o but_o have_v likewise_o set_v up_o a_o constant_a monitor_n in_o every_o man_n breast_n that_o by_o harken_v to_o it_o we_o may_v never_o forget_v he_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v style_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o some_o the_o light_n within_o they_o which_o if_o right_o understand_v must_v be_v mean_v of_o this_o directive_n light_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o conscience_n soloâ—â—â—_n style_v it_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o light_v we_o in_o the_o way_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v the_o prophet_n isaias_n call_v it_o a_o voice_n behind_o or_o within_o we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v turn_v either_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a st._n paul_n tell_v the_o gentile_n that_o though_o they_o have_v no_o write_a law_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o law_n to_o themselves_o their_o conscience_n bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o and_o withal_o add_v that_o as_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n have_v give_v sufficient_a notice_n of_o his_o be_v so_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n if_o they_o do_v not_o worship_n and_o glorify_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v but_o how_o do_v conscience_n give_v this_o notice_n and_o conviction_n of_o a_o deity_n why_o sundry_a way_n as_o first_o by_o its_o secret_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n which_o ofttimes_o awaken_v our_o mind_n and_o powerful_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v and_o feel_v something_o within_o we_o move_v and_o loud_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o secret_o whisper_v and_o dissuade_v we_o against_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a now_o these_o be_v the_o private_a notice_n of_o conscience_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o as_o a_o remembrancer_n and_o witness_n of_o he_o within_o our_o breast_n again_o two_o we_o feel_v a_o inward_a delight_n and_o complacence_n in_o well-doing_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n and_o peace_n
manifest_a breach_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a manner_n to_o scoff_n at_o and_o deride_v they_o the_o law_n of_o conversation_n require_v to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o due_a respect_n there_o be_v none_o can_v hear_v with_o patience_n his_o father_n or_o his_o friend_n expose_v to_o scorn_n and_o derision_n and_o what_o a_o unparalleled_a affront_n must_v it_o be_v to_o mankind_n to_o make_v god_n and_o religion_n the_o dear_a thing_n to_o they_o in_o the_o world_n the_o subject_n of_o contempt_n and_o raillery_n again_o two_o the_o mighty_a influence_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o public_a welfare_n may_v convince_v any_o consider_a man_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o deride_v it_o he_o that_o despise_v religion_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o government_n and_o dissolve_v the_o firm_a bond_n of_o human_a society_n for_o when_o man_n have_v laugh_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o religion_n all_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n be_v go_v with_o it_o and_o nothing_o remain_v to_o keep_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o loose_a principle_n that_o will_v vary_v or_o cease_v as_o opportunity_n interest_n or_o humour_n lead_v it_o moreover_o three_o to_o jest_v at_o and_o expose_v religion_n be_v the_o gross_a abuse_n of_o wit_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o it_o turn_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a ornament_n of_o virtue_n into_o a_o encouragement_n of_o vice_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o recreate_v the_o mind_n and_o sweeten_v conversation_n to_o become_v the_o bane_n and_o pest_n of_o both_o wit_n as_o a_o great_a man_n have_v observe_v be_v a_o keen_a weapon_n as_o apt_a for_o bad_a as_o good_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v have_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n and_o danger_n of_o its_o ill_a management_n there_o be_v a_o good_a use_n of_o wit_n in_o many_o case_n as_o to_o adorn_v virtue_n and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n to_o expose_v vice_n and_o render_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v ridiculous_a to_o season_v conversation_n and_o to_o ease_v and_o relieve_v the_o mind_n under_o the_o burden_n of_o its_o care_n and_o whilst_o it_o keep_v within_o these_o bound_n it_o be_v a_o useful_a and_o commendable_a quality_n but_o when_o it_o transgress_v these_o rule_n and_o break_v in_o upon_o god_n and_o religion_n it_o lose_v its_o name_n and_o degenerate_v into_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n yea_o such_o as_o will_v be_v think_v wit_n by_o jest_v upon_o sacred_a and_o serious_a thing_n do_v but_o betray_v the_o great_a folly_n it_o be_v the_o fool_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o none_o but_o fool_n make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n or_o think_v of_o mock_v god_n who_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v be_v mock_v in_o a_o word_n all_o profane_a wit_n be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o though_o it_o have_v never_o so_o much_o salt_n can_v be_v savoury_a but_o nauseous_a and_o offensive_a to_o all_o wise_a men._n last_o the_o unspeakable_a hazard_n the_o atheist_n run_v in_o deride_v religion_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o folly_n of_o this_o impious_a practice_n for_o if_o the_o atheist_n shall_v find_v at_o last_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o undoubted_o he_o will_v what_o will_v he_o say_v for_o those_o rude_a scoff_v and_o affront_v he_o have_v put_v upon_o he_o what_o account_n can_v he_o give_v for_o all_o this_o impudent_a buffonery_n what_o horror_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n must_v needs_o seize_v they_o when_o the_o maker_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v avenge_v this_o insolence_n upon_o they_o and_o vindicate_v his_o honour_n in_o their_o eternal_a destruction_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n well_o worth_a their_o serious_a and_o timely_a consideration_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o return_v no_o more_o to_o this_o folly_n otherwise_o if_o they_o will_v continue_v to_o laugh_v on_o and_o scoff_n at_o religion_n god_n almighty_n will_v short_o take_v his_o turn_n too_o and_o will_v laugh_v at_o their_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v in_o short_a then_o this_o droll_a upon_o sacred_a thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o just_a encouragement_n to_o atheism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o high_a aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n and_o all_o such_o mirth_n will_v end_v at_o last_o in_o the_o deep_a sadness_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o a._n b._n letter_n fourteen_o sir_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o last_o though_o none_o of_o the_o least_o artifices_fw-la to_o support_v and_o countenance_n atheism_n for_o when_o the_o atheist_n be_v beat_v out_o of_o all_o the_o former_a subterfuge_n he_o have_v recourse_n to_o another_o device_n suggest_v to_o he_o by_o his_o sensual_a lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o that_o be_v to_o charge_v religion_n with_o a_o foolish_a bargain_n and_o that_o such_o as_o embrace_v it_o act_n upon_o slender_a and_o insufficient_a motive_n to_o prove_v which_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o part_v with_o present_a certainty_n for_o uncertain_a futurity_n can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o wisdom_n for_o in_o doubtful_a case_n the_o great_a evidence_n shall_v sway_v now_o we_o be_v sure_a say_v they_o of_o what_o be_v present_a but_o can_v never_o be_v so_o of_o what_o be_v future_a and_o therefore_o he_o charge_v it_o with_o folly_n to_o deny_v themselves_o the_o present_a pleasure_n profit_n and_o honour_n of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o few_o vain_a hope_n of_o better_a thing_n in_o another_o which_o perhaps_o may_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o of_o which_o none_o can_v ever_o yet_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a evidence_n this_o though_o own_a indeed_o by_o few_o be_v yet_o the_o sense_n and_o language_n of_o most_o man_n life_n and_o action_n which_o show_v they_o to_o be_v fond_a to_o excess_n of_o these_o earthly_a enjoyment_n but_o to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o the_o weighty_a concern_v of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n and_o with_o martha_n to_o be_v cumber_v about_o many_o thing_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a the_o epicure_n song_n be_v let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v the_o present_a time_n be_v we_o and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v call_v so_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o know_v not_o who_o it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o enjoy_v what_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o and_o not_o to_o defer_v or_o suspend_v our_o happiness_n upon_o any_o such_o future_a uncertainty_n but_o be_v not_o deceive_v say_v the_o apostle_n evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n yea_o such_o vain_a communication_n corrupt_a man_n mind_n debauch_v their_o reason_n and_o make_v they_o act_v like_o fool_n when_o they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o talk_v most_o wise_o for_o first_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n how_o confident_o soever_o we_o may_v 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93_o letter_n 13._o of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n p._n 99_o letter_n 14._o his_o charge_v religion_n with_o a_o foolish_a bargain_n p._n 106_o letter_n 15._o the_o close_a contain_v some_o direction_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o atheism_n p._n 113_o letter_n i._n sir_n i_o receive_v you_o wherein_o i_o find_v you_o passionate_o bewail_v the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n and_o very_o desirous_a to_o know_v something_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o cure_n of_o it_o i_o be_o sufficient_o sensible_a of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o complaint_n and_o because_o this_o evil_n have_v so_o malign_v a_o influence_n not_o only_o on_o the_o private_a but_o public_a welfare_n can_v but_o commend_v the_o charity_n of_o your_o request_n and_o therefore_o shall_v endeavour_v something_o towards_o your_o satisfaction_n one_a and_o here_o the_o first_o and_o grand_a device_n of_o the_o atheist_n that_o occur_v to_o our_o view_n be_v the_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o more_o secure_o to_o enjoy_v and_o indulge_v his_o lust_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o little_a search_v into_o and_o unravel_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o see_v the_o malignity_n of_o it_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o man_n life_n be_v the_o prime_n fundamental_a cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n make_v a_o party_n against_o religion_n who_o chief_a design_n it_o be_v to_o check_v and_o control_v they_o and_o where_o religion_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o subdue_v man_n lust_n their_o man_n lust_n will_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o subdue_v their_o religion_n these_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o as_o the_o one_o get_v ground_n the_o other_o lose_v it_o when_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o prevail_v over_o the_o affection_n they_o soon_o draw_v the_o mind_n over_o 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manner_n turn_v beast_n before_o they_o can_v turn_v atheist_n but_o what_o influence_n have_v the_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o man_n life_n upon_o the_o produce_v of_o atheism_n why_o great_a every_o way_n as_o first_o man_n wicked_a life_n make_v it_o their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o this_o give_v a_o bias_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o strong_o draw_v it_o into_o atheism_n all_o siin_n and_o wickedness_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n must_v necessary_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n and_o though_o infinite_a goodness_n may_v warn_v sinner_n of_o the_o danger_n yet_o infinite_a justice_n can_v suffer_v the_o wilful_a violation_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o law_n to_o go_v unpunished_a now_o resolute_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n be_v conscious_a how_o they_o have_v affront_v such_o a_o be_v and_o thereby_o render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o just_a indignation_n and_o vengeance_n have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dread_v he_o and_o if_o they_o can_v to_o fly_v from_o he_o from_o who_o they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o than_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o have_v thus_o make_v he_o their_o enemy_n it_o be_v plain_o become_v their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o be_v now_o interest_n you_o know_v have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n on_o man_n inclination_n and_o as_o they_o easy_o believe_v what_o make_v for_o they_o so_o they_o be_v hardly_o persuade_v to_o that_o which_o make_v against_o they_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o good_a man_n easy_o believe_v a_o god_n from_o who_o they_o have_v wellgrounded_n hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o a_o future_a reward_n whereas_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o it_o because_o they_o have_v reason_n only_o to_o fear_v he_o and_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o eternal_a misery_n and_o destruction_n from_o he_o and_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v any_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v but_o like_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v again_o two_o man_n wicked_a life_n have_v make_v it_o their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n their_o next_o step_n be_v to_o make_v it_o their_o wish_n that_o there_o be_v none_o this_o be_v another_o piece_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n and_o a_o far_o advance_v to_o atheism_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o incense_v deity_n must_v needs_o sit_v very_o uneasy_a upon_o the_o mind_n it_o can_v but_o fret_v and_o gall_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o continual_a horror_n and_o perplexity_n the_o sense_n of_o this_o serve_v to_o embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n to_o put_v a_o check_n upon_o man_n vice_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n in_o quiet_a which_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v they_o grow_v impatient_a under_o this_o 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easy_o believe_v what_o we_o long_a and_o desire_n shall_v be_v true_a three_o and_o this_o lead_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o step_n to_o atheism_n which_o be_v from_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v none_o there_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o natural_a transition_n from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o for_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n have_v a_o great_a sway_n on_o the_o understanding_n and_o when_o interest_n have_v engage_v the_o former_a they_o soon_o draw_v the_o latter_a to_o their_o side_n so_o that_o what_o man_n make_v their_o wish_n quick_o become_v their_o choice_n and_o from_o a_o desire_n to_o discard_v the_o deity_n easy_o come_v to_o deny_v and_o disbelieve_v he_o but_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v they_o endeavour_v and_o effect_v this_o why_o 1._o first_o they_o muster_v up_o all_o their_o
reason_n and_o wit_n to_o argue_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o seek_v to_o dispute_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o end_n they_o labour_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o make_v the_o best_a shift_n they_o can_v either_o to_o answer_v or_o evade_v they_o again_o they_o magnify_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o such_o a_o be_v and_o though_o to_o prove_v a_o negative_a in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o case_n be_v both_o irrational_a and_o impossible_a yet_o to_o show_v their_o goodwill_n to_o their_o maker_n the_o slend're_v cavil_n or_o probability_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v have_v a_o mighty_a force_n with_o they_o and_o the_o slight_a sophistry_n be_v advance_v into_o demonstration_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v they_o endeavour_v 2._o to_o banish_v all_o thought_n of_o god_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o remembrance_n of_o he_o because_o they_o can_v sin_v quiet_o for_o he_o they_o resolve_v not_o to_o think_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o put_v those_o thought_n far_o from_o they_o that_o give_v they_o this_o disturbance_n this_o be_v the_o atheist_n course_n in_o david_n time_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n yea_o that_o his_o thought_n be_v always_o grievous_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o remove_v they_o far_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o fear_n of_o he_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n that_o observe_v and_o record_v our_o action_n and_o will_v one_o day_n reckon_v for_o they_o be_v still_o irksome_a and_o grievous_a to_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o make_v they_o use_v their_o art_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o indeed_o can_v they_o but_o reconcile_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o their_o lust_n the_o thought_n of_o he_o will_v be_v easy_a enough_o to_o they_o and_o this_o temptation_n to_o atheism_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n cease_v can_v they_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v the_o false_a one_o with_o riot_n and_o uncleaness_n none_o will_v be_v great_a votary_n than_o they_o but_o since_o the_o sense_n of_o he_o strike_v such_o a_o damp_n upon_o their_o pleasure_n and_o put_v such_o a_o curb_n and_o restraint_n upon_o their_o vice_n they_o can_v away_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o rid_v their_o mind_n of_o the_o belief_n that_o they_o may_v be_v rid_v of_o the_o fear_n of_o such_o a_o be_v but_o be_v this_o a_o wise_a or_o safe_a course_n no_o extreme_o foolish_a and_o dangerous_a for_o though_o '_o it_o be_v weakness_n to_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v yet_o not_o to_o fear_v where_o there_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n and_o a_o proper_a object_n for_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o a_o certain_a danger_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v frighten_v by_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o madness_n indeed_o can_v we_o put_v out_o the_o sun_n by_o wink_v or_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n by_o shake_v off_o the_o dread_n of_o it_o there_o may_v be_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o our_o unbelief_n but_o since_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n depend_v not_o upon_o our_o belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o they_o and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o existence_n it_o must_v be_v monstrous_o senseless_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o he_o again_o to_o regulate_v our_o faith_n by_o interest_n and_o affection_n be_v to_o walk_v by_o a_o false_a and_o crooked_a rule_n for_o these_o be_v frequent_o corrupt_v clap_v a_o wrong_a bias_n upon_o the_o mind_n which_o too_o often_o turn_v it_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o turn_v it_o unto_o fable_n and_o consequent_o to_o steer_v our_o course_n by_o these_o measure_n be_v to_o follow_v a_o false_a guide_n which_o must_v lead_v we_o out_o of_o our_o way_n indeed_o will_v man_n right_o understand_v and_o follow_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o will_v then_o lead_v they_o aright_o into_o the_o path_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o comfort_n or_o security_n at_o all_o to_o be_v have_v without_o it_o but_o when_o they_o weak_o mistake_v their_o interest_n and_o vain_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o superior_a be_v to_o obstruct_v it_o they_o do_v but_o court_v misery_n and_o fond_o choose_v their_o own_o destruction_n in_o short_a the_o vast_a risk_a that_o these_o man_n run_v plain_o show_v it_o to_o be_v extreme_o unsafe_a and_o dangerous_a for_o if_o the_o atheist_n find_v at_o last_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o he_o have_v all_o his_o life-time_n deny_v and_o despise_v what_o unspeakable_a horror_n must_v seize_v his_o guilty_a soul_n which_o must_v groan_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o such_o a_o almighty_a be_v and_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a without_o ease_n or_o remedy_n the_o goodman_n run_v no_o risk_a at_o all_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o be_v have_v make_v he_o more_o healthful_a and_o easy_a to_o himself_o more_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o more_o honour_a and_o respect_v of_o all_o man_n for_o both_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o last_o he_o can_v find_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o this_o belief_n but_o if_o there_o be_v one_o he_o have_v infinite_o the_o better_a on_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o his_o favour_n and_o presence_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v but_o a_o doubtful_a case_n common_a prudence_n teach_v man_n to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n to_o which_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o incline_v i_o be_o sir_n your_o hearty_a friend_n a._n b._n october_n 16._o 1698._o letter_n ii_o sir_n i_o find_v you_o sensible_a in_o your_o last_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n of_o that_o artifice_n which_o have_v draw_v so_o many_o into_o atheism_n viz._n the_o cast_v off_o the_o awe_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o the_o more_o secure_o in_o their_o sin_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o another_o device_n make_v use_v of_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v some_o man_n endeavour_v to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n without_o a_o supreme_a be_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v take_v from_o the_o work_v both_o of_o creation_n and_o providence_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a as_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v the_o man_n of_o lystra_n that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n indeed_o the_o admirable_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n together_o with_o the_o wonderful_a provision_n make_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o plain_o bespeak_v a_o almighty_a agent_n to_o be_v both_o the_o contriver_n and_o preserver_n of_o it_o yea_o there_o be_v those_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n stamp_v upon_o every_o creature_n that_o manifest_o show_v the_o finger_n of_o a_o god_n and_o direct_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o contemplation_n of_o he_o now_o to_o evade_v this_o clear_a and_o palpable_a proof_n of_o his_o be_v the_o atheist_n rack_v his_o brain_n to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n of_o account_v for_o these_o thing_n without_o a_o first_o cause_n or_o orderer_n of_o they_o and_o of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n viz._n the_o first_o of_o those_o that_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o other_o of_o such_o as_o make_v it_o the_o product_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n the_o former_a be_v the_o follower_n of_o aristotle_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o epicurus_n both_o which_o show_v their_o great_a unwillingness_n to_o believe_v a_o deity_n and_o how_o desirous_a they_o be_v to_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o these_o matter_n to_o which_o end_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n one_a who_o to_o set_v aside_o a_o first_o cause_n affirm_v the_o world_n to_o have_v have_v no_o beginning_n but_o to_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n as_o it_o now_o be_v there_o have_v be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o man_n and_o all_o