divers_a passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o say_v he_o 5.31_o joh._n 5.31_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o beside_o my_o say_n so_o then_o after_o tell_v that_o john_n baptist_n have_v bear_v he_o witness_v he_o add_v 36._o ver._n 36._o i_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o he_o further_o say_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v he_o to_o declare_v if_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n bear_v witness_n of_o i_o 10.25_o ch._n 10.25_o and_o a_o little_a low_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o 37._o ver._n 37._o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n than_o what_o you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o same_o gospel_n viz._n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 15.24_o ch._n 15.24_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v clear_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o require_v assent_n to_o his_o bare_a word_n his_o apostle_n have_v act_v just_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n or_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n after_o his_o ascension_n but_o they_o have_v also_o join_v to_o their_o testimony_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o defire_v their_o doctrine_n consider_v in_o itself_o do_v not_o afford_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v imposture_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n by_o publish_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o meet_v every_o where_n with_o a_o obstinate_a resistance_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n they_o be_v ill_o use_v every_o moment_n and_o walk_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n in_o a_o word_n many_o of_o they_o suffer_v death_n for_o constant_o persevere_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o accumulate_v proof_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n like_v to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o promise_v they_o they_o shall_v before_o he_o leave_v they_o the_o incredulous_a will_v object_v perhaps_o that_o i_o beg_v the_o question_n by_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o my_o design_n be_v not_o now_o to_o infer_v any_o consequence_n from_o these_o fact_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o only_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o preach_v a_o blind_a faith_n or_o obedience_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v at_o this_o time_n one_o of_o they_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n 4.1_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o may_v false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n another_o advise_v they_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n 5.21_o 1_o thess_n 5.21_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v best_a it_o can_v be_v say_v therefore_o that_o such_o as_o cry_v up_o implicit_a faith_n do_v act_n according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o christianity_n nor_o can_v the_o ridiculous_a pretence_n of_o those_o who_o require_v assent_v to_o their_o say-so_a be_v just_o attribute_v to_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v of_o i_o here_o perhaps_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o be_v so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o christ_n disciple_n this_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a place_n of_o discuss_v this_o subject_a throughtly_a nor_o will_v i_o meddle_v with_o any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o 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capable_a of_o make_v this_o examen_fw-la as_o they_o ought_v be_v worthy_a of_o great_a praise_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o must_v quit_v all_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o not_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o themselves_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n second_o they_o must_v have_v a_o great_a love_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o go_v through_o with_o a_o examination_n who_o consequence_n may_v prove_v very_o opposite_a to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v time_n and_o place_n when_o a_o man_n can_v declare_v himself_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o expose_v himself_o to_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n can_v be_v exact_o observe_v by_o we_o any_o where_o almost_o without_o draw_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o such_o as_o disobey_v they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o men._n so_o that_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a there_o be_v more_o courage_n and_o resolution_n necessary_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v nor_o can_v it_o therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o faith_n such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o we_o be_v a_o very_a great_a virtue_n it_o be_v also_o deserve_v of_o much_o commendation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v never_o find_v but_o in_o mind_n well-disposed_a it_o engage_v we_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o add_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o have_v be_v real_o so_o send_v but_o also_o to_o expect_v great_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o future_a ground_v ourselves_o upon_o the_o proof_n he_o exhibit_v of_o his_o power_n those_o who_o see_v the_o person_n bring_v to_o life_n again_o by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o see_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o who_o can_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v oblige_v from_o hence_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v they_o concern_v the_o general_a resurrection_n of_o all_o men._n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n will_v look_v upon_o the_o last_o as_o impossible_a if_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o to_o be_v true_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o raise_v a_o hundred_o than_o one_o again_o and_o it_o can_v not_o without_o folly_n be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o god_n power_n be_v all_o spend_v upon_o those_o first_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o have_v see_v nevertheless_o man_n be_v accustom_a to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o learn_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n can_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v of_o any_o thing_n without_o see_v some_o example_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v a_o person_n of_o discernment_n and_o good_a sense_n who_o draw_v such_o a_o consequence_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o he_o must_v also_o 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the_o gospel_n will_v have_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o our_o pleasure_n to_o what_o it_o ordain_v we_o and_o that_o we_o resolve_v upon_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n rather_o than_o neglect_v one_o of_o its_o command_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n very_o near_o that_o regard_n ourselves_o for_o i_o design_v not_o to_o make_v here_o a_o complete_a abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n for_o my_o subject_n do_v not_o require_v it_o and_o it_o suffice_v that_o i_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o they_o the_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v to_o we_o do_v contain_v two_o thing_n one_o be_v to_o render_v every_o one_o his_o due_a and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v justice_n the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v for_o our_o neighbour_n all_o that_o we_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o do_v for_o we_o be_v we_o in_o his_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v pardon_v he_o for_o example_n when_o he_o do_v we_o wrong_n rather_o than_o to_o revenge_v it_o and_o help_v he_o in_o all_o that_o we_o can_v and_o that_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o civil_a law_n may_v compel_v we_o in_o part_n at_o least_o to_o render_v every_o man_n his_o due_a and_o they_o be_v establish_v for_o this_o purpose_n but_o nothing_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o do_v more_o except_o the_o desire_n of_o live_v conformable_a to_o the_o christian_a moral_n the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v acknowledge_v that_o to_o be_v good_a man_n there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o the_o civil_a law_n require_v what_o a_o poor_a virtue_n be_v it_o say_v a_o philosopher_n to_o be_v only_o good_a according_a to_o the_o law_n how_o much_o large_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v by_o piety_n humanity_n justice_n liberality_n and_o fidelity_n that_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o public_a record_n quam_fw-la augusta_fw-la innocentia_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la legem_fw-la bonum_fw-la esse_fw-la quanto_fw-la latius_fw-la patet_fw-la officiorum_fw-la quam_fw-la juris_fw-la regula_fw-la quam_fw-la multa_fw-la pietas_fw-la humanitas_fw-la liberalitas_fw-la justitia_fw-la fides_fw-la exigunt_fw-la quae_fw-la omne_fw-la extra_fw-la publicas_fw-la tabulas_fw-la sunt_fw-la as_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o fulfil_v these_o duty_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o occasion_n especial_o when_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o shall_v endanger_v reputation_n good_n or_o life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o life_n nor_o after_o death_n by_o such_o as_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n so_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o protect_v good_a man_n here_o as_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o to_o render_v they_o eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o to_o believe_v these_o promise_n and_o to_o have_v that_o gratitude_n for_o the_o divinity_n which_o his_o goodness_n require_v of_o we_o be_v what_o the_o gospel_n call_v piety_n this_o be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o which_o no_o body_n can_v reject_v but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o live_v according_o as_o i_o be_o go_v to_o show_v by_o some_o example_n when_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n few_o person_n of_o quality_n or_o that_o pretend_a to_o considerable_a employment_n embrace_v it_o as_o we_o learn_v it_o from_o themselves_o at_o this_o day_n such_o as_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v it_o false_a be_v frequent_o man_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n all_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o world_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o common_a people_n and_o those_o that_o have_v no_o aspire_a thought_n be_v more_o rare_o trouble_v with_o incredulity_n or_o doubt_n than_o person_n of_o quality_n and_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o great_a preferment_n or_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o such_o if_o we_o look_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o in_o the_o person_n themselves_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o the_o ambitious_a do_v reason_n better_o than_o other_o or_o discover_v defect_n in_o christianity_n unknown_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n on_o the_o contrary_a such_o as_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o advance_v themselves_o do_v not_o common_o study_v much_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v more_o capable_a than_o other_o to_o find_v out_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v any_o all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o possess_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n be_v only_o the_o art_n of_o so_o govern_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v at_o their_o ends._n the_o true_a reason_n why_o they_o doubt_v or_o that_o throw_v they_o into_o incredulity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o their_o predominant_a passion_n ambition_n which_o be_v too_o opposite_a to_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o lodge_v in_o any_o heart_n thorough_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o touch_v by_o its_o maxim_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n very_o desirous_a to_o possess_v a_o considerable_a charge_n without_o have_v fit_a talent_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v that_o he_o design_v not_o to_o serve_v his_o country_n by_o his_o place_n but_o only_o to_o live_v splendid_o and_o luxurious_o we_o may_v suppose_v far_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o trick_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o miss_v of_o it_o this_o passion_n which_o entire_o take_v he_o up_o and_o fill_v his_o whole_a imagination_n with_o the_o pleasure_n that_o accompany_v all_o his_o desire_n make_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o own_o conduct_n as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o the_o most_o innocent_a in_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n in_o this_o disposition_n hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o time_n we_o may_v suppose_v and_o be_v tell_v what_o christ_n say_v of_o ambition_n can_v any_o wonder_n if_o he_o reject_v it_o or_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o hard_o to_o be_v guess_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o what_o the_o gospel_n teach_v concern_v ambition_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o good_a sense_n and_o that_o many_o pagan_a philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o likewise_o if_o the_o disposition_n therefore_o of_o a_o ambitious_a man_n determine_v he_o to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n he_o must_v own_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n the_o same_o reason_v may_v be_v proper_o make_v concern_v the_o avaritious_a the_o voluptuous_a the_o unjust_a the_o vindicative_a man_n and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v engage_v in_o habit_n opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n a_o certain_a portugueze_n call_v vriel_n acosta_n who_o turn_v jew_n and_o fall_v into_o sadducism_n can_v not_o digest_v that_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n because_o be_v natural_o revengeful_a and_o have_v be_v ill_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o amsterdam_n he_o can_v never_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o forgive_v they_o he_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o command_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o give_v it_o to_o man_n and_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n extreme_o vindicative_a and_o for_o many_o year_n indulge_v himself_o in_o this_o passion_n can_v without_o a_o miracle_n be_v bring_v of_o a_o sudden_a to_o pardon_v or_o patient_o to_o suffer_v injury_n in_o this_o disposition_n he_o be_v always_o sure_a to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o one_o precept_n or_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o this_o article_n suppose_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o too_o repugnant_a to_o his_o inclination_n but_o if_o in_o those_o interval_n wherein_o his_o revenge_n be_v as_o it_o be_v suspend_v a_o while_n he_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o passion_n which_o will_v engage_v man_n if_o they_o always_o obey_v it_o in_o perpetual_a war_n and_o quarrel_n that_o can_v never_o terminate_v but_o in_o the_o death_n of_o one_o or_o both_o the_o person_n he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o revenge_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a passion_n and_o that_o one_o or_o the_o other_o have_v better_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n or_o rather_o to_o pardon_v one_o another_o so_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o mutual_a injury_n he_o will_v wish_v it_o may_v be_v that_o his_o enemy_n will_v entertain_v the_o same_o consideration_n and_o cast_v off_o this_o spirit_n of_o vengeance_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v as_o much_o on_o his_o side_n the_o more_o this_o thought_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n the_o more_o reasonable_a
the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v distinct_o report_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o as_o defend_v it_o nor_o tell_v what_o they_o except_v against_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o this_o be_v what_o they_o shall_v examine_v themselves_o about_o and_o without_o which_o they_o must_v confess_v they_o do_v pronounce_v a_o hasty_a sentence_n nor_o can_v they_o without_o injustice_n refuse_v to_o examine_v once_o again_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n all_o the_o book_n that_o have_v be_v see_v and_o all_o the_o discourse_n we_o can_v hear_v upon_o this_o subject_a contain_v only_o some_o loose_a difficulty_n which_o seem_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o exact_a and_o methodical_a examination_n these_o difficulty_n can_v be_v more_o sufficient_a to_o inform_v those_o who_o will_v judge_n solid_o of_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n than_o the_o objection_n of_o one_o of_o the_o party_n be_v to_o inform_v equitable_a judge_n we_o have_v therefore_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o declare_v themselves_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n after_o resolve_v out_o of_o vanity_n against_o the_o common_a sentiment_n continue_v to_o reject_v they_o by_o the_o same_o principle_n i_o confess_v they_o may_v have_v and_o that_o they_o actual_o have_v other_o motive_n for_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a that_o in_o a_o judgement_n which_o be_v make_v of_o a_o subject_a so_o full_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o all_o its_o consequence_n there_o shall_v not_o enter_v motive_n of_o divers_a sort_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o the_o particular_a one_o of_o pride_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v find_v among_o the_o rest_n i_o will_v say_v here_o that_o the_o other_o motive_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v not_o better_a than_o this_o i_o shall_v prove_v it_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o work_n for_o it_o be_v enough_o now_o to_o show_v that_o vanity_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o another_o thing_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o great_a influence_n pride_n have_v upon_o a_o judgement_n make_v of_o any_o subject_a be_v that_o after_o have_v embrace_v a_o opinion_n that_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v it_o be_v presume_v that_o this_o opinion_n unexamined_a must_v serve_v as_o a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o judge_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n mathematician_n have_v their_o axiom_n their_o definition_n and_o their_o supposition_n which_o they_o do_v not_o demonstrate_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o great_a clearness_n and_o plainness_n which_o put_v they_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o doubt_n they_o have_v reason_n to_o suppose_v they_o therefore_o without_o prove_v they_o but_o to_o suppose_v most_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a not_o to_o say_v false_a thing_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o supposition_n as_o principle_n be_v absurd_a to_o expect_v this_o method_n shall_v be_v approve_v of_o and_o to_o treat_v scornful_o those_o who_o reject_v it_o be_v so_o sensible_a a_o mark_n of_o their_o be_v govern_v by_o vanity_n that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v a_o great_a proof_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o the_o jew_n for_o example_n when_o the_o gospel_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n think_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o suppose_v as_o indisputable_a the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o observe_v it_o in_o order_n to_o become_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o to_o demand_v a_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o gain_v their_o hatred_n the_o greek_a philosopher_n likewise_o of_o that_o time_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o so_o know_v and_o upon_o their_o opinion_n as_o so_o well_o establish_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v false_a in_o their_o judgement_n which_o contradict_v they_o the_o least_o in_o the_o world_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o particular_a principle_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_a philosopher_n compare_v to_o christianity_n be_v not_o even_o probable_a as_o i_o can_v show_v if_o those_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o doubt_v of_o it_o so_o the_o jew_n those_o blind_a guide_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o greek_n conceit_v of_o a_o thousand_o chimera_n conclude_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v false_a out_o of_o mere_a vanity_n those_o who_o be_v educate_v among_o christian_n be_v get_v into_o the_o same_o fancy_n shall_v take_v heed_n they_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o like_a fault_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v voluntary_o deceive_v let_v they_o examine_v then_o whither_o in_o the_o judgement_n they_o form_n of_o christianity_n they_o suppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o incontestable_a they_o reproach_n christian_n with_o make_v supposition_n without_o proof_n let_v they_o not_o be_v guilty_a therefore_o themselves_o of_o what_o they_o object_n to_o other_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o they_o go_v back_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o then_o reduce_v they_o to_o certain_a proposition_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o have_v build_v upon_o the_o most_o obscure_a and_o incomprehensible_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n compound_v of_o extension_n and_o thought_n and_o which_o modify_v itself_o as_o we_o see_v the_o universe_n be_v without_o have_v any_o supreme_a intelligence_n distinct_a from_o the_o universe_n itself_o concern_v about_o it_o to_o suppose_v i_o say_v so_o strange_a a_o proposition_n without_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v certain_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o peremptory_a manner_n of_o say_v such_o obscure_a thing_n serve_v they_o for_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n when_o i_o say_v to_o demonstrate_v i_o understand_v as_o mathematician_n do_v what_o leave_v no_o doubt_n nor_o difficulty_n behind_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o the_o demonstration_n otherwise_o they_o must_v not_o talk_v of_o demonstrate_v unless_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o the_o weak_a by_o this_o word_n let_v the_o write_n of_o those_o be_v read_v over_o and_o over_o who_o maintain_v the_o proposition_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o ground_n themselves_o upon_o it_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o religion_n which_o equal_v the_o obscure_n of_o this_o principle_n there_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o people_n who_o utter_v it_o as_o a_o incontestable_a truth_n and_o judge_v thereby_o of_o whatever_o the_o christian_n say_v concern_v god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o providence_n if_o these_o people_n will_v diligent_o examine_v themselves_o i_o be_o much_o deceive_v if_o they_o do_v not_o discover_v that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a reason_n which_o bring_v they_o to_o think_v this_o a_o clear_a principle_n be_v their_o value_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v a_o opinion_n remote_a from_o vulgar_a notion_n and_o of_o admit_v rather_o the_o most_o obscure_a thing_n imaginable_a than_o they_o shall_v mix_v again_o with_o the_o crowd_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v hereby_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o as_o credulity_n and_o superstition_n add_v to_o their_o object_n as_o it_o be_v a_o false_a light_n which_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o evidence_n so_o pride_n make_v a_o geometrical_a principle_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a there_o be_v other_o person_n to_o who_o this_o dogmatical_a and_o peremptory_a air_n be_v so_o displease_v that_o they_o equal_o condemn_v such_o as_o stick_v to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n and_o those_o who_o forsake_v what_o be_v common_o receive_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a principle_n they_o think_v that_o see_v there_o be_v difficulty_n every_o where_o and_o those_o sometime_o insurmountable_a the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o affirm_v nothing_o and_o to_o reject_v all_o without_o establish_v any_o thing_n i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o confute_v this_o principle_n here_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o although_o this_o way_n seem_v very_o different_a from_o that_o whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v probable_a nevertheless_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o like_a disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o much_o less_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a pride_n to_o consider_v itself_o secure_v from_o popular_a error_n by_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n than_o by_o establish_v principle_n contrary_a to_o those_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v some_o look_n upon_o other_o man_n as_o the_o sport_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o prey_n to_o speak_v so_o of_o a_o thousand_o chimaera_n whilst_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o doubt_n they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n it_o may_v be_v say_v nevertheless_o by_o some_o man_n that_o not_o pride_n but_o the_o mere_a impossibility_n of_o discover_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o very_a mortify_a thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o doubt_n i_o will_v say_v that_o
they_o appear_v not_o over-mortifyed_a who_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n nor_o will_v i_o set_v about_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o scepticism_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o no_o body_n stop_v at_o a_o mere_a doubt_n in_o religion_n those_o who_o say_v they_o have_v doubt_n be_v not_o content_a to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o possible_o deceive_v but_o as_o effectual_o so_o they_o consider_v not_o themselves_o as_o person_n who_o may_v well_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o as_o have_v find_v the_o true_a secret_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a pride_n as_o much_o as_o the_o bold_a determination_n let_v they_o have_v a_o great_a care_n therefore_o and_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o to_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v out_o of_o vanity_n be_v expose_v of_o one_o self_n to_o error_n let_v they_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o fallacious_a passion_n or_o at_o least_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o judge_v of_o religion_n we_o require_v not_o this_o of_o they_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o religion_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v or_o which_o they_o reject_v but_o from_o this_o maxim_n of_o common_a sense_n viz._n that_o a_o passion_n such_o as_o pride_n be_v can_v be_v of_o any_o service_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o that_o what_o keep_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a be_v i_o write_v against_o the_o pagan_n jew_n or_o mahometan_n and_o shall_v say_v that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la keep_v they_o wed_v to_o the_o religion_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n then_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o those_o that_o disbelieve_v christianity_n will_v conclude_v i_o in_o the_o right_n but_o as_o i_o write_v against_o man_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o it_o be_v i_o understand_v here_o by_o prejudices_fw-la when_o i_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n perhaps_o why_o unbeliever_n yield_v not_o their_o assent_n to_o it_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o i_o say_v in_o christianity_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v prejudice_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o instruction_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometans_n against_o christianity_n the_o second_o proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o and_o whereof_o it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n these_o people_n do_v easy_o conquer_v sometime_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n but_o after_o slight_o form_v to_o themselves_o other_o notion_n without_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o afterward_o become_v prejudices_fw-la to_o they_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n and_o it_o be_v of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o design_n to_o treat_v upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v form_v because_o they_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o such_o a_o complication_n of_o several_a motive_n and_o to_o circumstance_n so_o different_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v to_o distinguish_v they_o right_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v true_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v hasty_a conclusion_n which_o serve_v they_o afterward_o instead_o of_o a_o principle_n let_v we_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n bear_v in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o very_o gross_a error_n as_o it_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v we_o suppose_v i_o say_v that_o this_o man_n come_v to_o discern_v these_o error_n by_o read_v the_o book_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a party_n he_o be_v present_o cure_v of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o be_v always_o tell_v that_o the_o sentiment_n maintain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n be_v true_a it_o may_v notwithstanding_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n capable_a of_o discover_v these_o error_n can_v go_v back_o to_o the_o very_a spring_n and_o examine_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o itself_o such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o he_o stop_v then_o and_o imagine_v not_o only_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n be_v false_a but_o he_o make_v the_o same_o conclusion_n concern_v all_o religion_n without_o except_v that_o of_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v entertain_v such_o thought_n a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v find_v any_o body_n to_o who_o he_o dare_v open_v his_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v able_a to_o undeceive_v he_o if_o he_o do_v and_o these_o thought_n may_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n at_o length_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n afterward_o to_o eradicate_v they_o if_o the_o man_n too_o be_v any_o thing_n speculative_a he_o may_v in_o this_o condition_n form_v other_o principle_n upon_o on_o which_o he_o shall_v reason_v all_o his_o life_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o false_a these_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la from_o which_o i_o say_v we_o must_v preserve_v ourselves_o and_o that_o may_v contribute_v much_o to_o get_v the_o christian_a religion_n reject_v all_o those_o who_o be_v taint_v with_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o express_v they_o clear_o and_o beside_o they_o dare_v not_o always_o declare_v they_o free_o to_o those_o with_o who_o they_o discourse_v upon_o the_o subject_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a business_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v turn_v to_o their_o advantage_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o all_o judgement_n make_v of_o a_o thing_n from_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o if_o man_n shall_v thus_o hit_v upon_o the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v by_o pure_a chance_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d this_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o search_n oâ—_n all_o sort_n of_o truth_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o a_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v this_o rule_n than_o be_v ground_v upon_o common_a sense_n and_o no_o body_n can_v disagree_v to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o prejudice_n very_o common_a among_o those_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o that_o plain_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v they_o say_v believe_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v because_o they_o never_o see_v any_o miracle_n nor_o ever_o speak_v to_o any_o person_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o like_a they_o can_v any_o better_o imagine_v that_o this_o earth_n whereupon_o we_o live_v have_v a_o beginning_n or_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o animal_n nor_o plant_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o they_o have_v always_o remark_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v never_o speak_v to_o any_o that_o have_v see_v this_o beginning_n i_o maintain_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o general_a maxim_n a_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o whereof_o he_o have_v never_o see_v any_o example_n nor_o speak_v to_o any_o eye-witness_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o can_v give_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o geometrical_a axiom_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o what_o have_v persuade_v some_o people_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v that_o many_o time_n they_o discover_v falsehood_n by_o its_o mean_n some_o ancient_a philosopher_n for_o example_n have_v confute_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n concern_v the_o centaur_n the_o giant_n the_o monster_n chimaera_n and_o the_o like_a fictitious_a thing_n by_o this_o very_a maxim_n what_o have_v be_v now_o be_v incredibil_n palephat_n de_fw-mi reb_fw-mi incredibil_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o future_a i_o agree_v that_o this_o axiom_n may_v be_v of_o use_n when_o such_o as_o affirm_v unheard-of_a thing_n deserve_v no_o credit_n as_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o own_a they_o have_v invent_v a_o great_a part_n of_o what_o they_o say_v but_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o extend_v general_o to_o all_o thing_n or_o that_o it_o can_v pass_v for_o a_o self-evident_a maxim_n when_o a_o possible_a thing_n be_v attest_v by_o
say_v to_o they_o that_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n 29.29_o deut._n 29.29_o but_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v false_a the_o second_o which_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o can_v hold_v and_o no_o person_n without_o a_o extravagant_a presumption_n can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n ought_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v act_v conformable_a to_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o for_o indeed_o although_o we_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o these_o attribute_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o conceive_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n or_o that_o we_o can_v exact_o know_v what_o carriage_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o they_o we_o know_v for_o example_n that_o god_n be_v most_o wise_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o this_o sovereign_a intelligence_n never_o act_n without_o propose_v certain_a end_n worthy_a of_o himself_o and_o 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i_o have_v set_v down_o in_o this_o chapter_n however_o to_o show_v full_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o prejudices_fw-la of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o though_o i_o have_v already_o destroy_v their_o foundation_n i_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n say_v concern_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o all_o man_n by_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o first_o patriarch_n from_o who_o they_o be_v descend_v to_o noah_n for_o example_n and_o to_o his_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o have_v its_o origin_n hence_o rather_o than_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o people_n i_o may_v add_v likewise_o that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n free_a and_o content_v himself_o with_o give_v they_o law_n they_o have_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n by_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o so_o become_v unworthy_a that_o god_n shall_v continue_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o as_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o the_o favour_n he_o be_v please_v to_o heap_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o he_o may_v very_o well_o without_o any_o way_n blemish_v his_o goodness_n bestow_v more_o favour_n upon_o some_o people_n than_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o free_a as_o the_o effect_n of_o beneficence_n which_o be_v not_o due_a and_o no_o body_n can_v reasonable_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o such_o a_o benefactor_n what_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a that_o he_o give_v he_o what_o he_o have_v and_o which_o be_v no_o more_o due_a to_o he_o than_o what_o he_o have_v not_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n among_o creature_n of_o several_a kind_n some_o have_v more_o and_o some_o less_o property_n than_o other_o and_o that_o all_o the_o while_n no_o person_n maintain_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v make_v all_o equal_o perfect_a without_o put_v any_o difference_n between_o his_o work_n why_o may_v not_o god_n also_o be_v please_v to_o place_v some_o variety_n in_o the_o same_o species_n of_o being_n since_o we_o see_v that_o the_o disposition_n of_o humane_a body_n do_v vary_v in_o a_o world_n of_o thing_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v not_o more_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o think_v strange_a that_o god_n have_v thus_o different_o distribute_v his_o gift_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v impart_v more_o or_o less_o light_a to_o the_o several_a nation_n which_o compose_v mankind_n the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v proceed_v from_o this_o that_o people_n without_o perceive_v it_o confound_v god_n justice_n with_o his_o beneficence_n and_o withal_o they_o unreasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v a_o equal_a return_n of_o virtue_n from_o all_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v they_o all_o by_o the_o same_o law_n upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n to_o expect_v as_o much_o from_o the_o cafer_n of_o africa_n or_o the_o savage_n of_o america_n as_o from_o more_o know_v people_n and_o it_o be_v think_v unjust_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o gift_n so_o diverse_o since_o he_o will_v judge_v all_o man_n upon_o the_o same_o foot_n but_o though_o the_o beneficence_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o revelation_n perfect_o free_a insomuch_o that_o no_o nation_n can_v complain_v that_o another_o be_v prefer_v to_o it_o etc._n rom._n 9.10_o etc._n etc._n his_o justice_n follow_v the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o haâ—_n prescribe_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o men._n he_o give_v to_o who_o he_o will_v 11.23_o rom._n 11.23_o and_o in_o what_o quantity_n he_o please_v but_o he_o judge_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v bestow_v he_o require_v noâ—_n what_o he_o have_v not_o give_v 12.21_o mat._n 12.21_o and_o he_o reap_v noâ—_n where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_v 2.12_o rom._n 2.12_o those_o that_o sin_n without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o those_o that_o sin_n under_o the_o law_n shall_v bâ—_n judge_v by_o the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v the_o continuance_n of_o revelation_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v take_v away_o by_o what_o be_v now_o say_v god_n will_v have_v all_o reasonable_a regard_n to_o every_o circumstance_n of_o those_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v so_o different_o distribute_v his_o favour_n revelation_n do_v teach_v we_o the_o contrary_n not_o where_o and_o if_o any_o christian_a doctor_n have_v add_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o defend_v
upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n i._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v accuse_v but_o which_o nevertheless_o confirm_v they_o in_o these_o disposition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v ill_o do_v of_o they_o to_o forsake_v the_o truth_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o but_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v so_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o this_o second_o part_n where_o grant_v to_o unbeliever_n that_o many_o of_o they_o who_o profess_v christianity_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o several_a thing_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o those_o fault_n which_o we_o remark_n at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o their_o disciple_n the_o occasion_n which_o the_o latter_a give_v unbeliever_n to_o conceive_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o religion_n proceed_v either_o from_o the_o person_n or_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o i_o shall_v forthwith_o examine_v those_o which_o the_o person_n give_v and_o afterward_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o common_a scandal_n which_o occasion_n the_o obstinacy_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v that_o they_o see_v a_o world_n of_o people_n who_o be_v christian_n not_o from_o reason_n and_o understanding_n but_o from_o their_o education_n and_o out_o of_o mere_a credulity_n if_o these_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o asia_n they_o will_v without_o change_v their_o disposition_n be_v idolater_n or_o mahometan_n and_o as_o zealous_o embrace_v the_o idle_a dream_n of_o the_o brahmin_n or_o the_o error_n of_o mahomet_n as_o they_o believe_v in_o europe_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a they_o receive_v fable_n that_o be_v manifest_o ridiculous_a with_o no_o less_o respect_n than_o the_o most_o certain_a history_n and_o they_o believe_v not_o less_o the_o most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n than_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o useful_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n lay_v open_a by_o the_o teacher_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o understanding_n which_o determine_v these_o to_o believe_v they_o true_a or_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o respect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v to_o they_o well_o or_o ill-grounded_a and_o a_o certain_a credulity_n careful_o cherish_v in_o their_o mind_n because_o of_o the_o advantage_n draw_v by_o some_o from_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n deceive_v by_o a_o faint_a resemblance_n they_o call_v their_o credulity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o maintain_v that_o those_o want_v it_o who_o believe_v not_o as_o they_o do_v all_o that_o be_v tell_v they_o by_o their_o preacher_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o man_n see_v it_o promise_v salvation_n only_o to_o those_o who_o have_v faith_n if_o any_o person_n reason_n about_o religion_n and_o say_v that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v know_v nor_o prove_v without_o reason_v present_o these_o people_n who_o neither_o know_v the_o proof_n nor_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o very_o confuse_o be_v sure_a to_o suspect_v he_o of_o irreligion_n especial_o if_o he_o forsake_v any_o of_o the_o common_a sentiment_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o he_o may_v have_v discover_v by_o his_o application_n and_o study_n these_o people_n so_o much_o persuade_v if_o you_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n can_v believe_v many_o time_n that_o a_o man_n who_o know_v how_o to_o reason_v well_o shall_v embrace_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o they_o be_v alarm_v at_o the_o least_o examination_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o hear_v these_o discourse_n and_o behold_v this_o conduct_n so_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n laugh_v at_o this_o pretend_a faith_n and_o draw_v from_o it_o this_o unhappy_a consequence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v receive_v so_o credulous_o be_v either_o false_a or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v extreme_o suspect_v thus_o the_o heathen_n former_o hear_v the_o christian_n say_v that_o they_o need_v only_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_v 6._o mean_v origen_n count_v cell_n l._n 1_o &_o 6._o laugh_v in_o like_a manner_n at_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o none_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o credulous_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o reason_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o have_v for_o a_o main_a principle_n this_o doctrine_n that_o people_n must_v embrace_v it_o without_o know_v why_o and_o that_o such_o as_o shall_v thus_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o have_v maintain_v this_o i_o 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