other_o way_n by_o which_o they_o may_v and_o do_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o such_o philosophical_a disquisition_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o a_o thing_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v at_o least_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n beforehand_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o man_n will_v scarce_o go_v about_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o they_o have_v not_o some_o consciousness_n to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o we_o can_v for_o the_o reason_n beforementioned_a say_v that_o they_o then_o only_o first_o come_v to_o be_v know_v when_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o search_v into_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n due_o consider_v do_v general_o conspire_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o do_v our_o duty_n 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prejudice_n to_o our_o health_n or_o fortune_n not_o but_o that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v natural_o interweave_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n without_o we_o and_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n within_o we_o that_o so_o though_o sometime_o there_o may_v be_v a_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o outward_a reward_n and_o punishment_n yet_o that_o virtue_n may_v always_o be_v sure_a at_o least_o of_o a_o secret_a recompense_n and_o vice_n not_o altogether_o go_v unpunished_a even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n but_o though_o our_o duty_n be_v always_o our_o real_a interest_n and_o honesty_n the_o best_a policy_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o sin_n have_v introduce_v into_o humane_a nature_n such_o the_o general_a depravation_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n be_v not_o ready_o many_o time_n acknowledge_v by_o we_o but_o man_n common_o without_o any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o present_a nature_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o future_a consequence_n do_v make_v lust_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o mistake_a self-interest_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o action_n 2._o i_o will_v here_o propound_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o our_o now_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v these_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o their_o further_a cause_n as_o it_o be_v call_v and_o to_o demonstrate_v their_o obligation_n from_o reason_n fetch_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o universe_n whether_o i_o say_v this_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o that_o clear_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o those_o thing_n in_o scripture_n for_o hereby_o we_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n how_o that_o the_o whole_a universe_n act_n in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a those_o noble_a end_n of_o providence_n of_o promote_a virtue_n and_o discourage_a vice_n in_o the_o world_n hereby_o we_o be_v also_o more_o full_o assure_v of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o these_o also_o must_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o without_o these_o the_o other_o of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v find_v many_o time_n deficient_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o what_o they_o be_v there_o design_v now_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v and_o sully_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o belief_n hereof_o make_v habitual_a to_o we_o by_o the_o long_a succession_n of_o many_o age_n hence_o probable_o that_o method_n become_v now_o more_o evident_a to_o we_o than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v yet_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o at_o least_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o proposition_n studium_fw-la communis_fw-la boni_fw-la totius_fw-la systematis_fw-la agentium_fw-la naturalium_fw-la conducit_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la singularum_fw-la 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of_o our_o mind_n right_o qualify_v at_o first_o than_o it_o be_v to_o conceive_v how_o those_o joy_n and_o torment_n which_o ariso_n from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o innocence_n and_o gild_n shall_v be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o our_o conscience_n afterward_o which_o yet_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o make_v the_o objection_n that_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o of_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a be_v ready_o grant_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o this_o proposition_n do_v suppose_v first_o that_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a second_o that_o this_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o we_o and_o both_o these_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o understand_v that_o these_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n otherwise_o the_o virtuoso_n of_o our_o age_n those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v philosophical_o religious_a may_v perhaps_o plead_v this_o in_o excuse_n of_o their_o present_a wickedness_n that_o they_o be_v only_o at_o present_a make_v a_o experiment_n whether_o vice_n may_v not_o as_o well_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a as_o virtue_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v the_o contrary_a by_o experience_n than_o they_o will_v become_v devout_a proselyte_n to_o virtue_n but_o mr._n tyrrell_n p._n 199._o tell_v we_o that_o though_o all_o man_n do_v not_o ordinary_o reduce_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o that_o single_a proposition_n of_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o rational_a being_n or_o may_v not_o have_v a_o explicit_a notion_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o a_o man_n be_v but_o thorough_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o himself_o alone_o that_o he_o do_v true_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n towards_o himself_o by_o a_o temperate_a and_o rational_a life_n
as_o in_o reason_n it_o can_v desire_v and_o so_o satisfy_v its_o own_o just_a demand_n 1._o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o divine_a law_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o its_o command_n so_o that_o whatever_o be_v direct_o contrary_a hereunto_o can_v be_v make_v part_n of_o any_o suture_a revelation_n because_o one_o divine_a light_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o another_o 2._o the_o rational_a exercise_n of_o their_o faculty_n may_v be_v and_o probable_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n in_o their_o reveal_n the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n yet_o still_o under_o the_o influence_n and_o superintendence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n guide_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o end_n 3._o this_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n together_o with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o those_o other_o mean_n design_v by_o god_n in_o order_n thereunto_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o god_n reveal_v will_n in_o scripture_n now_o after_o such_o fair_a concession_n make_v to_o it_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o exalt_v itself_o above_o or_o make_v itself_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o divine_a revelation_n theism_n in_o a_o christian_a state_n where_o man_n have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v and_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o also_o live_v in_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o it_o this_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a for_o even_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a asserter_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o human_a reason_n do_v grant_v that_o in_o those_o place_n where_o christianity_n be_v know_v reason_n itself_o will_v find_v more_o and_o much_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o christian_a than_o for_o any_o other_o belief_n what_o soever_o these_o theist_n must_v also_o prove_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o one_a that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o person_n as_o the_o prophet_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o confession_n of_o all_o both_o friend_n and_o enemy_n or_o else_o 2_o that_o they_o never_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n which_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o for_o the_o practical_a duty_n of_o religion_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o then_o withal_o we_o say_v that_o revelation_n have_v both_o add_v to_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o those_o duty_n but_o here_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o natural_a reason_n have_v discover_v enough_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o far_a revelation_n to_o be_v make_v to_o man_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a weak_a and_o illogical_a way_n of_o argue_v against_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n from_o a_o suppose_a needlesness_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o ought_v rather_o in_o this_o case_n to_o argue_v thus_o it_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v make_v such_o and_o such_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o needless_a because_o god_n do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a far_o it_o be_v disingenuous_a and_o ungratesul_n for_o natural_a reason_n thus_o to_o boast_v itself_o upon_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n and_o not_o acknowledge_v its_o benefactor_n see_v it_o now_o owe_v its_o present_a improvement_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n it_o have_v receive_v from_o divine_a revelation_n the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n of_o human_a reason_n with_o relation_n to_o matter_n of_o religion_n print_v 1690._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o christianity_n itself_o according_a to_o st._n john_n account_n of_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o found_v upon_o that_o universal_a light_n which_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n pa._n 4._o of_o his_o presatory_a letter_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o st._n john_n there_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o christ_n and_o though_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o light_n yet_o his_o thus_o enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n do_v not_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n or_o lessen_v the_o excellency_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o christianity_n can_v be_v found_v therein_o because_o christianity_n contain_v in_o it_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o as_o well_o as_o matter_n of_o practice_n 3._o though_o the_o practical_a part_n be_v found_v in_o this_o universal_a light_n of_o nature_n yet_o christianity_n may_v carry_v on_o the_o superstructure_n high_o than_o mere_a nature_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o do_v 4._o it_o be_v not_o most_o certain_a that_o that_o be_v the_o right_a translation_n of_o that_o place_n of_o st._n john_n it_o may_v be_v also_o render_v thus_o he_o be_v that_o true_a light_n which_o come_v into_o the_o world_n enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o hear_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o say_a author_n pag._n 92._o have_v before_o make_v a_o exact_a and_o full_a enumeration_n as_o he_o think_v it_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o or_o rather_o of_o mere_a natural_a religion_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o sense_n say_v he_o of_o these_o general_a trath_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o result_v from_o they_o according_a to_o their_o full_a extent_n and_o tendency_n consist_v all_o true_a religion_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v introduce_v into_o any_o religion_n either_o notional_a or_o practical_a i_o say_v what_o either_o do_v not_o necessary_o flow_v from_o some_o of_o these_o branch_n or_o tend_v to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o they_o be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o the_o mere_a product_n of_o superstition_n folly_n or_o design_n but_o according_a to_o his_o scheme_n of_o principle_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n for_o these_o be_v neither_o include_v in_o that_o enumeration_n nor_o do_v they_o necessary_o flow_v from_o any_o branch_n thereof_o if_o he_o say_v that_o these_o may_v tend_v to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o those_o duty_n beforementioned_a this_o i_o grant_v but_o it_o seem_v a_o preposterous_a way_n of_o prove_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o only_a by_o the_o by_o because_o the_o belief_n thereof_o may_v enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n though_o this_o also_o be_v true_a that_o they_o do_v so_o yet_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n what_o monsieur_n le_z clerk_n design_n or_o whoever_o else_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o five_o letter_n concern_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o holy_a scripture_n late_o translate_v into_o english_a be_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v truth_n indeed_o forbid_v i_o to_o think_v he_o a_o deist_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n before_o mention_v but_o charity_n itself_o do_v not_o forbid_v to_o think_v he_o one_o in_o the_o second_o that_o be_v one_o who_o will_v bring_v divine_a inspiration_n into_o as_o narrow_a a_o room_n as_o he_o can_v and_o believe_v as_o little_a of_o it_o in_o scripture_n as_o possible_a yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o severe_a in_o charge_v the_o consequence_n of_o a_o opinion_n upon_o its_o author_n especial_o when_o he_o disow_v they_o to_o be_v his_o opinion_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o watchful_a over_o ourselves_o that_o we_o do_v not_o broach_v or_o defend_v any_o opinion_n that_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o unhinge_v the_o principle_n and_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o we_o ought_v the_o more_o to_o suspect_v and_o careful_o examine_v such_o from_o whence_o man_n general_o draw_v dangerous_a consequence_n that_o a_o papist_n shall_v industrious_o set_v himself_o to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n seek_v advantage_n against_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o because_o hereby_o he_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n endeavour_n to_o advance_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o own_o church_n that_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v want_v in_o scripture_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o roman_a tradition_n but_o then_o why_o they_o who_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n shall_v join_v in_o such_o a_o design_n and_o pick_v up_o all_o the_o little_a argument_n of_o ill-designing_a man_n against_o scripture_n this_o be_v not_o
not_o of_o any_o thing_n real_o extant_a in_o nature_n these_o be_v their_o undoubted_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n herein_o but_o whether_o their_o own_o natural_a pride_n of_o temper_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o these_o their_o extravagant_a opinion_n or_o whether_o some_o other_o false_a scheme_n of_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v entertain_v have_v in_o some_o sort_n betray_v they_o into_o this_o excess_n of_o self-conceit_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o determine_v though_o perhaps_o the_o ignorance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n join_v with_o their_o attempt_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o great_a question_n which_o so_o much_o puzzle_v the_o heathen_a world_n curio_n bonis_fw-la malè_fw-la &_o malis_fw-la bené_fw-fr this_o perhaps_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n oblige_v they_o be_v not_o full_o assure_v of_o a_o future_a state_n to_o entertain_v such_o false_a opinion_n of_o man_n selfsufficiency_n so_o place_v all_o thing_n within_o his_o own_o power_n that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o be_v behold_v to_o any_o other_o assistance_n but_o from_o himself_o or_o to_o any_o future_a expectation_n to_o make_v he_o happy_a as_o for_o the_o calamity_n that_o befall_v man_n here_o in_o this_o life_n they_o no_o way_n alter_v the_o case_n in_o reference_n to_o happiness_n or_o unhappiness_n for_o those_o they_o say_v only_o reach_v the_o body_n which_o according_a to_o they_o have_v no_o near_a relation_n to_o the_o soul_n than_o their_o clothes_n have_v to_o it_o thus_o the_o stoic_n place_v their_o happiness_n where_o some_o sort_n of_o fanatic_n among_o we_o place_v their_o holiness_n mere_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o outward_a as_o if_o we_o can_v be_v either_o happy_a or_o holy_a without_o any_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o one_o of_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o our_o constitution_n as_o if_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o one_o can_v be_v holy_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o outward_a debauchery_n and_o the_o inward_a man_n of_o the_o other_o happy_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o bodily_a torment_n thus_o though_o we_o grant_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v the_o sovereign_n yet_o the_o body_n may_v just_o challenge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o have_v err_v in_o the_o other_o extreme_a be_v that_o of_o epicurus_n who_o attribute_n too_o much_o to_o the_o body_n but_o this_o may_v some_o say_v be_v too_o favourable_a a_o expression_n when_o as_o indeed_o he_o do_v destroy_v both_o all_o soul_n in_o man_n and_o exclude_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o my_o charge_n here_o do_v not_o rise_v so_o high_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n what_o be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o that_o in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o man_n the_o body_n be_v too_o predominant_a and_o the_o indolency_n of_o the_o body_n seem_v far_o to_o surpass_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o epicurus_n by_o his_o tranquillity_n mean_v that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o serenity_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n but_o only_o that_o quiet_a of_o mind_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o business_n or_o those_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v arise_v either_o from_o bodily_a distemper_n or_o some_o secret_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n now_o if_o that_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o sense_n before_o describe_v be_v not_o mean_v by_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n then_o though_o perhaps_o the_o word_n may_v sound_v well_o yet_o indeed_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o true_a and_o real_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o rise_v little_o high_o than_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o body_n we_o do_v natural_o either_o make_v ourselves_o in_o some_o measure_n like_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v or_o we_o fancy_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v like_v ourselves_o thus_o epicurus_n place_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o a_o idle_a unconcern_v freedom_n from_o business_n do_v hence_o probable_o assert_v we_o to_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o or_o else_o be_v first_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o be_v mighty_o please_v with_o the_o agreeableness_n thereof_o himself_o do_v thence_o ascribe_v it_o also_o to_o the_o deity_n as_o that_o wherein_o all_o happiness_n both_o humane_a and_o divine_a do_v consist_v it_o be_v indeed_o unreasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o urge_v the_o consequence_n of_o a_o opinion_n upon_o the_o author_n when_o he_o do_v express_o deny_v those_o consequence_n to_o be_v his_o opinion_n yet_o i_o think_v that_o he_o that_o in_o word_n acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o his_o principle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o embrace_v by_o real_a atheist_n such_o a_o one_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o just_a apology_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o all_o consequence_n some_o be_v next_o and_o immediate_a other_o be_v distant_a and_o remote_a these_o of_o the_o last_o sort_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v upon_o the_o author_n of_o the_o opinion_n but_o those_o of_o the_o former_a may_v that_o epicurus_n do_v assert_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o entertain_v great_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v very_o certain_a as_o appear_v out_o of_o diog._n laertius_n so_o that_o none_o so_o charge_v he_o with_o atheism_n as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o in_o word_n acknowledge_v a_o god_n that_o which_o be_v here_o assert_v be_v this_o that_o that_o opinion_n of_o god_n which_o flatter_v he_o with_o high_a and_o honourable_a thought_n concern_v himself_o his_o own_o intrinsic_a excellency_n his_o own_o happiness_n and_o immortality_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o irrespective_a attribute_n such_o as_o bear_v no_o relation_n to_o we_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o assert_v that_o he_o no_o way_n concern_v himself_o at_o present_a nor_o will_v hereafter_o take_v any_o notice_n to_o punish_v or_o reward_v humane_a action_n this_o notion_n of_o god_n lay_v no_o obligation_n on_o a_o man_n to_o holiness_n of_o life_n or_o obedience_n to_o that_o god_n who_o in_o word_n he_o thus_o admire_v and_o be_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o even_o a_o atheist_n provide_v he_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a mad_a man_n aught_o to_o assert_v both_o because_o perhaps_o it_o may_v some_o way_n tend_v to_o still_o and_o quiet_a the_o clamour_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o also_o as_o it_o be_v safe_a and_o customary_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o live_v for_o we_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o atheist_n such_o as_o make_v it_o their_o business_n positive_o and_o open_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v the_o opinion_n of_o atheism_n but_o here_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o whatever_o his_o principle_n be_v in_o themselves_o or_o what_o ever_o bid_v use_v other_o may_v make_v of_o they_o yet_o that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n be_v a_o severe_a practiser_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o the_o joint_a belief_n of_o a_o corporeal_a god_n and_o a_o mortal_a soul_n have_v ever_o any_o good_a influence_n upon_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o suppose_v epicurus_n in_o general_a to_o be_v a_o very_a virtuous_a and_o pious_a person_n and_o that_o those_o contrary_a imputation_n of_o vice_n and_o luxury_n be_v mere_a scandal_n cast_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o stoic_n yet_o we_o must_v consider_v how_o far_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n and_o for_o what_o end_v he_o thus_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n now_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v any_o further_a than_o only_o in_o order_n to_o a_o pleasant_a life_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o he_o so_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v so_o understand_v for_o suppose_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o any_o duty_n any_o further_a than_o as_o it_o promote_v a_o pleasant_a life_n in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o he_o take_v it_o it_o be_v easy_o conceivable_a how_o some_o degree_n of_o vice_n may_v consist_v with_o these_o principle_n provide_v that_o they_o so_o partake_v of_o this_o day_n pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v not_o incapacitate_v themselves_o for_o those_o of_o to_o morrow_n and_o though_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n be_v delight_v with_o the_o virtue_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o be_v but_o cold_a encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o more_o difficult_a duty_n of_o religion_n see_v though_o they_o do_v so_o far_o take_v notice_n of_o man_n virtuous_a action_n as_o therewith_o to_o delight_v themselves_o yet_o not_o so_o
far_o as_o for_o the_o sake_n thereof_o to_o reward_v the_o men._n so_o that_o if_o epicurus_n be_v virtuous_a beyond_o these_o degree_n that_o we_o must_v impute_v to_o the_o man_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o philosopher_n rather_o to_o his_o virtuous_a temper_n than_o to_o his_o principle_n so_o that_o whatever_o he_o be_v as_o to_o his_o own_o person_n yet_o i_o believe_v his_o follower_n make_v but_o right_a consequence_n from_o his_o false_a principle_n when_o they_o inser_v let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v nor_o can_v the_o particular_a excellency_n of_o some_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v any_o just_a vindication_n of_o any_o false_a principle_n or_o wicked_a practice_n in_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o any_o more_o than_o alexander_n great_a courage_n and_o conduct_n in_o war_n can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o master_n aristotle_n opinion_n concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n marcus_n antoninus_n be_v as_o great_a a_o example_n of_o all_o natural_a and_o moral_a excellency_n in_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o stoic_n as_o any_o other_o can_v possible_o be_v in_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a endowment_n be_v able_a to_o vindicate_v a_o error_n in_o his_o founder_n we_o may_v say_v here_o as_o it_o be_v proverbial_o say_v of_o a_o desperate_a and_o ruine_a state_n ne_o marcus_n quidem_fw-la and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o epicurus_n take_v great_a satisfaction_n at_o his_o death_n by_o reflect_v upon_o his_o life_n and_o his_o i_o suppose_v physiological_n invention_n the_o great_a invention_n that_o he_o seem_v remarkable_a for_o be_v his_o solve_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_v mere_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o senseless_a atom_n decline_v uncertain_o from_o the_o perpendicular_a now_o this_o seem_v no_o such_o pious_a invention_n as_o to_o take_v such_o solid_a comfort_n in_o at_o his_o death_n i_o shall_v here_o only_o add_v these_o two_o general_a observation_n first_o that_o virtue_n according_a to_o his_o principle_n must_v be_v found_v on_o very_o weak_a and_o uncertain_a ground_n and_o reason_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o more_o difficult_a duty_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o be_v at_o present_a both_o unpleasant_a and_o afterward_o unrewardable_a so_o that_o if_o the_o epicurean_o do_v give_v themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o virtue_n out_o of_o a_o absolute_a sense_n of_o duty_n or_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o then_o be_v they_o the_o most_o heroic_o virtuous_a not_o only_o of_o any_o sort_n of_o philosopher_n but_o also_o of_o any_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o than_o be_v they_o virtuous_a without_o either_o hope_n of_o reward_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n beside_o i_o know_v not_o what_o motion_n such_o man_n can_v have_v according_a to_o those_o principle_n to_o return_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o habitual_a course_n in_o á_o well_o regulate_v extravagance_n have_v make_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o vice_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o '_o they_o second_o happiness_n according_a to_o epicurus_n be_v impossible_a for_o he_o find_v it_o in_o a_o impossible_a condition_n in_o root_a out_o all_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o all_o doubtful_a suspicion_n that_o may_v succeed_v it_o now_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o future_a good_a and_o evil_n be_v anticipation_n so_o implant_v in_o we_o that_o the_o root_a they_o out_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a now_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v sincere_a pleasure_n without_o physiology_n that_o be_v i_o suppose_v such_o a_o hypothesis_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n as_o his_o own_o which_o exclude_v all_o divine_a providence_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v away_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n neque_fw-la prodesset_fw-la aliquid_fw-la humanam_fw-la sibi_fw-la parare_fw-la securitatem_fw-la cum_fw-la superna_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la sub_fw-la terrâ_fw-la sunt_fw-la suspecta_fw-la essent_fw-la diog._n laert._n now_o what_o the_o stoic_n be_v among_o the_o heathen_n that_o in_o some_o resemblance_n be_v the_o enthusiast_n among_o christian_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o epicurean_o we_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o can_v be_v say_v so_o proper_o to_o resemble_v they_o as_o real_o to_o be_v the_o same_o now_o whereas_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o root_v out_o sin_n and_o plant_v the_o most_o exemplary_a virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o world_n the_o enthusiast_n instead_o of_o this_o make_v the_o design_n thereof_o to_o consist_v in_o something_o pretend_o above_o it_o as_o first_o in_o a_o pompous_a set_v of_o high_a fly_v notion_n and_o speculative_a truth_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n come_v only_o to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n but_o not_o either_o to_o regulate_v the_o will_n or_o warm_v the_o affection_n as_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v seraphical_a in_o our_o understanding_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o will_n be_v vicious_a and_o irregular_a though_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o be_v indifferent_a for_o we_o what_o we_o believe_v provide_v that_o we_o be_v careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o way_n we_o be_v in_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o lead_v a_o true_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n without_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a article_n but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o rest_v in_o a_o bare_a belief_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n without_o practice_n become_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o of_o bad_a consequence_n to_o we_o second_o the_o enthusiast_n place_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o confidence_n in_o vain_a pretence_n to_o divine_a revelation_n as_o if_o their_o soul_n be_v the_o only_a seat_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o only_a minister_n of_o state_n here_o below_o and_o heaven_n great_a privy_a councillor_n as_o if_o god_n write_a word_n be_v only_o a_o dead_a letter_n unless_o enliven_v by_o their_o interpretation_n all_o which_o though_o different_a comment_n must_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o text_n itself_o not_o only_a when_o they_o contradict_v that_o but_o also_o one_o another_o three_o the_o enthusiast_n entertain_v such_o a_o imaginary_a opinion_n of_o perfection_n as_o state_n they_o not_o only_o above_o all_o humane_a but_o divine_a law_n as_o if_o their_o will_n and_o action_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n and_o that_o what_o ever_o they_o do_v be_v therefore_o good_a because_o do_v by_o they_o thus_o be_v they_o grow_v such_o giant_n in_o religion_n as_o that_o they_o have_v baffle_v all_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o obedience_n to_o law_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o mean_v and_o low_a dispensation_n quite_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o when_o once_o man_n arrive_v at_o this_o state_n of_o perfection_n four_o enthusiasm_n consist_v in_o a_o ill-guided_n zeal_n prodigious_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a to_o those_o of_o its_o own_o persuasion_n but_o furious_a and_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o '_o they_o now_o as_o the_o stoic_n pretend_v by_o their_o false_a opinion_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o be_v more_o than_o man_n so_o the_o enthusiast_n by_o the_o like_a mistake_n concern_v true_a religion_n pretend_v to_o be_v more_o than_o christian_n though_o indeed_o they_o both_o come_v short_a of_o what_o they_o several_o pretend_v to_o have_v thus_o brief_o state_v the_o question_n betwixt_o the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o i_o shall_v here_o further_o inquire_v how_o far_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o low_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o himself_o to_o mankind_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v the_o manner_n how_o god_n now_o under_o the_o gospel_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o gracious_a influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o these_o may_v be_v more_o happy_o experience_v than_o successful_o explain_v however_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a method_n to_o do_v it_o by_o beginning_n at_o the_o low_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o these_o be_v not_o immediate_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n wrought_v upon_o but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o enlighten_v understanding_n and_o a_o rectify_v will_n and_o from_o those_o fountain_n be_v grace_n and_o goodness_n derive_v into_o the_o soul_n thus_o our_o remedy_n be_v apply_v in_o a_o way_n answerable_a to_o our_o disease_n the_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n now_o this_o consist_v more_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o impotence_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o will_n answerable_o hereunto_o in_o the_o restitution_n of_o man_n god_n first_o
can_v commit_v any_o sin_n provide_v they_o do_v but_o follow_v their_o own_o natural_a inclination_n according_a to_o he_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n as_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o natural_a appetite_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o as_o in_o this_o case_n that_o forbid_v he_o so_o to_o do_v thus_o p._n 260._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o action_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v count_v sin_n praeter_fw-la illas_fw-la à _fw-la quibus_fw-la vel_fw-la omnium_fw-la hominum_fw-la natura_fw-la abhorret_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o certis_fw-la hominibus_fw-la illas_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la naturae_fw-la sunt_fw-la contrariae_fw-la where_o by_o nature_n he_o mean_v nothing_o but_o natural_a affection_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n but_o certain_o a_o man_n must_v have_v a_o new_a nature_n and_o a_o new_a bible_n give_v he_o before_o this_o will_v pass_v either_o for_o reason_n or_o religion_n but_o then_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o place_n before_o cite_v some_o say_v that_o st._n paul_n there_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n bring_v up_o under_o such_o master_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v covet_v as_o it_o include_v the_o inward_a act_n only_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n other_o say_v that_o sin_n be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o give_v of_o moses_n his_o law_n thus_o theophylact_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n how_o be_v the_o deluge_n bring_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o why_o be_v the_o sodomite_n destroy_v by_o fire_n if_o lust_n be_v not_o know_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n before_o the_o law_n so_o that_o the_o law_n do_v not_o first_o make_v lust_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n but_o do_v more_o express_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v so_o he_o quote_v indeed_o several_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n p._n 254._o si_fw-mi pietatis_fw-la officia_fw-la specialia_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o the_o special_a office_n of_o piety_n be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n than_o there_o must_v be_v some_o certain_a foundation_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v draw_v here_o he_o mention_n three_o 1._o natural_a instinct_n 2._o the_o sanctity_n of_o god_n 3._o divine_a power_n or_o dominion_n as_o for_o the_o first_o natural_a instinct_n this_o indeed_o he_o say_v be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a action_n to_o they_o who_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n it_o must_v be_v to_o they_o who_o only_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o second_o say_v he_o can_v the_o sanctity_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o reason_n he_o there_o give_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a one_o and_o very_o odd_o express_v viz._n because_o god_n act_v nothing_o but_o by_o instinct_n of_o his_o nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n holy_a in_o god_n but_o what_o his_o nature_n desire_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o god_n sometime_o act_n as_o a_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o these_o case_n his_o action_n be_v not_o in_o all_o particular_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o we_o second_o it_o seem_v a_o irreverend_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o say_v that_o god_n act_v out_o of_o instinct_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v common_o and_o proper_o attribute_v to_o mere_a animal_n yet_o grant_v the_o expression_n in_o sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n do_v daily_o alter_v the_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n concern_v the_o same_o object_n three_o yet_o this_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n so_o far_o as_o either_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o to_o be_v so_o but_o in_o the_o three_o placo_fw-la he_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o be_v just_a and_o good_a but_o that_o only_a which_o he_o command_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o very_a next_o sentence_n p._n 255._o as_o if_o something_o from_o within_o have_v whisper_v better_a thing_n to_o he_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n indeed_o may_v command_v any_o thing_n madò_fw-la dei_fw-la naturae_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la contrarium_fw-la ut_fw-la talia_fw-la siant_fw-la etc._n etc._n provide_v it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a pious_a and_o prudent_a a_o true_a and_o rational_a assertion_n but_o than_o it_o contradict_v the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n some_o thing_n indeed_o may_v be_v more_o evident_o and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o love_v or_o not_o to_o obey_v he_o but_o then_o to_o forbid_v all_o due_a resemblance_n of_o himself_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o to_o command_v all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n in_o rational_a creature_n this_o certain_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n he_o than_o proceed_v as_o he_o say_v to_o examine_v the_o principal_a part_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o order_n to_o see_v whether_o there_o lie_v any_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o they_o but_o mere_o by_o the_o divine_a command_n and_o here_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o truth_n and_o those_o duty_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o depend_v mere_o upon_o divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o then_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o those_o other_o moral_a duty_n which_o christianity_n do_v not_o first_o reveal_v but_o only_o further_a illustrate_a and_o confirm_v to_o we_o nor_o shall_v i_o here_o follow_v he_o through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o he_o there_o instance_n in_o i_o shall_v only_o pitch_v upon_o one_o which_o yet_o seem_v of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n that_o of_o justice._n this_o he_o say_v can_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n because_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o nature_n deum_fw-la neminem_fw-la injuriâ_fw-la afficere_fw-la that_o god_n do_v no_o body_n any_o wrong_n for_o he_o say_v that_o if_o that_o be_v injury_n when_o we_o hurt_v those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v any_o such_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n quid_fw-la infant_n in_fw-la deum_fw-la peccaverunt_fw-la wherein_o have_v infant_n sin_v against_o god_n who_o yet_o many_o time_n be_v grievous_o afflict_v by_o he_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o i_o before_o premise_v this_o that_o god_n sometime_o act_n as_o a_o sovereign_n or_o lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o this_o case_n some_o action_n may_v be_v injurious_a or_o unjust_a in_o man_n which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o god_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o original_a sin_n may_v give_v easy_a solution_n to_o what_o he_o there_o urge_v but_o because_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o thing_n i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o here_o insist_v upon_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o divine_a justice_n to_o inflict_v very_o high_a degree_n of_o affliction_n on_o rational_a creature_n provide_v that_o the_o mercy_n they_o enjoy_v be_v more_o than_o the_o misery_n they_o undergo_v and_o he_o will_v never_o prove_v that_o god_n ever_o inflict_v such_o misery_n upon_o infant_n but_o that_o if_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o election_n they_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o undergo_v they_o than_o their_o own_o annihilation_n but_o he_o lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o that_o action_n of_o the_o israelite_n rob_v of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o be_v do_v by_o god_n command_n or_o allowance_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o sin_n therefore_o nothing_o be_v just_a or_o unjust_a in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o god_n command_v or_o forbid_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o some_o say_v that_o god_n herein_o act_v as_o the_o universal_a creator_n and_o original_a proprietor_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o here_o transfer_v the_o property_n as_o he_o just_o may_v from_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o israelite_n other_o say_v that_o as_o sovereign_a legislator_n he_o dispense_v with_o the_o law_n in_o this_o particular_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n positive_a command_n for_o i_o humble_o conceive_v there_o be_v some_o other_o rationes_fw-la boni_fw-la &_o mali_fw-la more_o sacred_a and_o indispensable_a than_o those_o of_o property_n if_o the_o reader_n here_o object_n that_o my_o style_n
much_o strength_n retort_v upon_o themselves_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o that_o be_v just_o suspect_v as_o false_a in_o religion_n the_o belief_n or_o practice_n whereof_o be_v join_v with_o either_o public_a or_o private_a advantage_n to_o those_o concern_v now_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o for_o this_o be_v one_o main_a foundation_n of_o our_o natural_a religion_n and_o part_v even_o of_o the_o gentile_n creed_n viz._n a_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o that_o he_o have_v join_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n together_o not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o future_a but_o also_o as_o to_o the_o present_a life_n and_o god_n in_o so_o order_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v but_o second_v and_o confirm_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o such_o be_v the_o constitution_n thereof_o that_o good_a and_o convenience_n be_v the_o necessary_a object_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o present_a or_o future_a advantage_n be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v then_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n question_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n because_o man_n necessary_o propound_v some_o kind_n of_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o in_o they_o all_o but_o this_o will_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o scepticism_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o reject_v or_o doubt_v of_o thing_n for_o those_o very_a reason_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v '_o they_o 2._o this_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o advantage_n that_o attend_v religion_n be_v a_o very_a contingent_a and_o accidental_a one_o such_o as_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o christianity_n expose_v its_o professor_n to_o nothing_o but_o persecution_n their_o name_n to_o sandal_n and_o reproach_n their_o estate_n to_o ruin_n and_o their_o body_n to_o martyrdom_n 3._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o objection_n as_o make_v by_o they_o that_o urge_v it_o indeed_o if_o those_o man_n be_v so_o heroical_a in_o their_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o embrace_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o intrinsic_a excellence_n then_o may_v there_o something_o more_o be_v plead_v for_o they_o but_o since_o they_o be_v man_n of_o debauch_a life_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o justify_v their_o own_o wickedness_n will_v insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o a_o secret_a belief_n that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a cheat_n this_o be_v the_o great_a instance_n not_o only_o of_o profaneness_n but_o of_o folly_n too_o because_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n upon_o themselves_o thus_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v therefore_o suspect_v to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v both_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n be_v reject_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n as_o it_o be_v of_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n it_o prove_v as_o much_o against_o themselves_o as_o it_o do_v against_o we_o as_o for_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n include_v in_o it_o a_o contradiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o these_o man_n indeed_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o defend_v their_o cause_n in_o case_n they_o can_v prove_v their_o assertion_n for_o whoever_o grant_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v either_o grant_v that_o he_o real_o be_v or_o else_o will_v be_v force_v to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v reduce_v into_o act._n but_o if_o god_n be_v not_o now_o and_o actual_o be_v not_o existent_a from_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v include_v in_o his_o notion_n ever_o to_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v bradwardine_n argument_n cap._n 1._o p._n 3._o so_o that_o a_o atheist_n must_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v from_o eternity_n impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o neither_o of_o which_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o less_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n as_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v all_o thing_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v nor_o be_v they_o on_o this_o account_n less_o true_a and_o certain_a than_o those_o that_o do_v for_o sometime_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o demonstration_n argue_v some_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n or_o obscurity_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v thus_o indemonstrable_n be_v always_o the_o most_o certain_a therefore_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o less_o certain_a because_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v some_o indeed_o be_v so_o gross_a in_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o make_v the_o invisibility_n of_o spirit_n a_o argument_n against_o their_o existence_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o very_a reason_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v their_o existence_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o visibility_n that_o some_o heathen_n do_v worship_v that_o one_o supreme_a and_o true_a god_n be_v certain_o evident_a both_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o profane_a and_o sacred_a history_n act._n 17._o 23._o who_o therefore_o you_o ignorant_o worship_n he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o so_o that_o the_o athenian_n either_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n or_o st._n paul_n declare_v to_o they_o a_o false_a one_o yet_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o such_o heathen_n may_v be_v and_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n nothing_o therefore_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o papist_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n though_o they_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n but_o the_o christian_a trinity_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o their_o idolatry_n as_o such_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o mitigation_n because_o no_o one_o charge_v they_o with_o any_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v true_o guilty_a of_o some_o protestant_n indeed_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o defence_n that_o the_o papist_n make_v for_o themselves_o that_o be_v that_o they_o only_o give_v a_o inferior_a worship_n to_o saint_n and_o other_o inferior_a daemon_n but_o pay_v the_o supreme_a worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n only_o now_o this_o plea_n seem_v to_o hold_v as_o much_o for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o must_v either_o acquit_v both_o or_o neither_o nor_o can_v the_o papist_n their_o being_n more_o particular_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v any_o mitigation_n of_o their_o offence_n but_o rather_o a_o aggravation_n of_o it_o falsehood_n be_v neither_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n fit_a nor_o be_v it_o ever_o intend_a by_o god_n as_o a_o proper_a mean_n whereby_o to_o defend_v truth_n for_o this_o neither_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o lie_n nor_o can_v it_o real_o be_v defend_v by_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o interest_n or_o prudence_n to_o attempt_v the_o defence_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o weak_a argument_n for_o this_o will_v only_o give_v occasion_n to_o our_o adversary_n when_o they_o see_v that_o they_o can_v easy_o answer_v these_o to_o think_v worse_o of_o our_o cause_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o grant_v that_o some_o argument_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o absolute_o cogent_a and_o conclusive_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o present_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o useless_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o they_o that_o urge_v they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o single_a argument_n as_o if_o the_o cause_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o it_o second_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a concernment_n there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o accumulative_a demonstration_n as_o bishop_n taylor_n tell_v we_o in_o another_o case_n pag._n 124._o lib._n 1._o case_n of_o consc._n therefore_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o his_o attempt_n to_o prove_v
in_o his_o estate_n he_o must_v comply_v with_o the_o humour_n of_o such_o as_o may_v hurt_v he_o and_o even_o imitate_v their_o vice_n and_o corruption_n in_o answer_n hereto_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o mention_v some_o small_a passage_n of_o those_o two_o emperor_n which_o some_o historian_n take_v notice_n of_o as_o possible_a occasion_n of_o those_o disgust_n that_o grow_v among_o their_o man_n of_o war_n but_o shall_v suppose_v that_o these_o soldier_n do_v real_o hate_v the_o virtue_n of_o these_o emperor_n for_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o virtue_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o the_o hatred_n of_o men._n thus_o thief_n hate_v the_o magistrate_n because_o they_o execute_v justice_n upon_o they_o yet_o hereby_o do_v they_o get_v more_o love_n from_o the_o public_a than_o they_o contract_v hatred_n from_o the_o offender_n thus_o though_o those_o two_o emperor_n be_v hate_v by_o some_o few_o dissolute_a and_o disorderly_a band_n of_o soldier_n yet_o never_o do_v any_o emperor_n fall_n more_o lament_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o empire_n than_o they_o and_o though_o sometime_o a_o private_a person_n as_o i_o before_o intimate_v may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o some_o inconvenience_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o natural_a ability_n or_o moral_a virtue_n yet_o this_o can_v take_v place_n in_o a_o prince_n because_o he_o be_v already_o in_o that_o supreme_a authority_n which_o other_o perhaps_o only_o aim_v at_o nay_o thus_o by_o be_v eminent_o virtuous_a he_o will_v present_v all_o grow_a popularity_n in_o the_o most_o ambitious_a of_o his_o subject_n and_o eclipse_v their_o histre_fw-mi even_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o why_o will_v otherwise_o be_v their_o great_a admirer_n i_o shall_v here_o only_o add_v the_o apology_n that_o the_o florentine_n themselves_o make_v the_o their_o countryman_n machiavil_n viz._n that_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v his_o own_o assertion_n in_o his_o wicked_a maxim_n of_o policy_n and_o religion_n only_o design_v hereby_o if_o possible_a to_o ruin_v the_o house_n of_o the_o medici_n who_o have_v oppress_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o florence_n he_o broach_v these_o pestilent_a doctrine_n in_o hope_n they_o will_v embrace_v they_o and_o so_o ruin_v themselves_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o as_o for_o that_o opinion_n of_o machiavil_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v so_o effeminate_a the_o spirit_n of_o its_o professor_n that_o christendom_n be_v now_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o all_o invader_n this_o be_v so_o false_a and_o soolish_a so_o contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v a_o confutation_n christianity_n forbid_v indeed_o all_o private_a revenge_n and_o teach_v we_o meekness_n and_o humility_n towards_o all_o man_n but_o this_o be_v no_o way_n destructive_a of_o true_a valour_n and_o '_o generosity_n for_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o due_a care_n of_o engage_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n be_v certain_o the_o best_a foundation_n of_o true_a courage_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o a_o christian_a fear_n more_o than_o to_o commit_v sin_n now_o if_o the_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n and_o violate_v his_o law_n be_v count_v cowardice_n than_o who_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o honorary_a accusation_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o purchase_v one_o virtue_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o another_o or_o to_o forfeit_v our_o magnanimity_n to_o maintain_v true_a christian_a meekness_n for_o the_o most_o stout_a be_v always_o the_o most_o generous_a meek_n and_o merciful_a and_o cruelty_n be_v common_o a_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o pusillanimous_a spirit_n and_o as_o for_o experience_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a history_n testify_v that_o neither_o turk_n nor_o any_o other_o infidel_n have_v any_o advantage_n over_o christian_a kingdom_n upon_o this_o account_n chap._n vii_o of_o moral_a virtue_n moral_a virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o natural_a and_o only_o proper_a to_o mankind_n that_o a_o discourse_n of_o humane_a nature_n without_o this_o will_v seem_v defective_a in_o one_o of_o its_o most_o principal_a part_n the_o retain_v of_o this_o virtuous_a innocence_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o adam_n in_o paradise_n and_o the_o regain_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o this_o present_a state_n of_o imperfection_n will_v admit_v be_v still_o we_o now_o so_o that_o this_o universal_a rectitude_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o absolute_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o man_n for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n those_o two_o great_a evangelical_n duty_n though_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o this_o lapse_v state_n of_o mankind_n yet_o their_o necessity_n do_v only_o commence_v with_o man_n fall_n for_o in_o innocence_n there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o either_o but_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n piety_n towards_o god_n and_o honesty_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n these_o be_v duty_n at_o first_o and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n hereafter_o when_o faith_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o vision_n and_o when_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o so_o no_o need_n of_o repentance_n thus_o virtue_n be_v part_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n wherein_o we_o be_v first_o create_v and_o whoever_o in_o this_o sense_n speak_v against_o it_o blaspheme_v god_n moral_a virtue_n therefore_o as_o distinguish_v from_o original_a righteousness_n and_o evangelical_n holiness_n may_v be_v thus_o describe_v it_o be_v a_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n found_v indeed_o in_o nature_n but_o perfect_v by_o frequent_a use_n and_o exercise_n whereby_o the_o man_n be_v enable_v by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o natural_a principle_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o duty_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o those_o three_o relation_n he_o bear_v to_o him-self_n to_o other_o and_o to_o god_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o short_a paraphrase_n upon_o the_o desinition_n first_o it_o be_v a_o habit_n and_o so_o distinguish_v from_o original_a righteousness_n which_o be_v not_o a_o adventitious_a quality_n or_o super-induced_a upon_o man_n in_o esse_fw-la completo_fw-la but_o it_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o man_n in_o innocence_n as_o roundness_n be_v to_o a_o globe_n here_o i_o call_v it_o a_o habit_n rather_o than_o a_o power_n or_o energy_n because_o though_o external_n cause_n and_o such_o be_v frequent_a exercise_n by_o which_o virtue_n be_v get_v be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o so_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o desining_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o definition_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o they_o be_v usual_o define_v by_o their_o cause_n and_o effect_n by_o their_o end_n and_o object_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n second_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v with_o this_o quality_n of_o virtue_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o will_v be_v true_o virtuous_a yet_o here_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v and_o imagine_v they_o because_o none_o natural_o be_v bear_v so_o three_o habit_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a dull_a in-active_a thing_n but_o action_n be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o habit_n of_o virtue_n wherein_o beside_o the_o general_a relation_n they_o bear_v to_o action_n they_o also_o include_v a_o necessary_a obligation_n thereunto_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o '_o they_o indeed_o some_o tell_v we_o that_o original_a righteousness_n or_o that_o first_o grace_n by_o which_o adam_n be_v enable_v to_o rule_v his_o low_a faculty_n be_v only_o give_v as_o a_o bridle_n into_o his_o hand_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o govern_v his_o unruly_a appetite_n which_o like_o a_o wild_a horse_n will_v otherwise_o easy_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o rider_n and_o that_o this_o be_v only_o superadd_v to_o man_n already_o perfect_a but_o this_o opinion_n seem_v not_o so_o well_o to_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n herein_o for_o though_o man_n have_v a_o superadd_v power_n of_o govern_v his_o passion_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v natural_o headstrong_a and_o exorbitant_a he_o be_v in_o much_o great_a probability_n of_o fall_v than_o stand_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o so_o neither_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n nor_o by_o the_o influence_n or_o influx_n of_o the_o star_n 1._o not_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n which_o either_o be_v or_o at_o least_o be_v more_o general_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n that_o virtue_n can_v not_o be_v teach_v but_o be_v more_o immediate_o inspire_v by_o god_n but_o the_o late_a platonist_n do_v either_o not_o make_v this_o his_o opinion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o do_v not_o then_o seem_v much_o to_o favour_v it_o alcinous_n
cum_fw-la igitur_fw-la virtus_fw-la res_fw-la divina_fw-la sit_fw-la etc._n etc._n upon_o which_o the_o commentator_n word_n be_v omnis_fw-la rei_fw-la cujuscunque_fw-la sit_fw-la summa_fw-la excellentia_fw-la quae_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la esse_fw-la putatur_fw-la divina_fw-la appellatur_fw-la quo_fw-la modo_fw-la rudiore_fw-la quâdam_fw-la mineruâ_fw-la intelligi_fw-la potest_fw-la quod_fw-la hoc_fw-la loco_fw-la dicitur_fw-la virtutem_fw-la quae_fw-la hominis_fw-la est_fw-la perfectio_fw-la rem_fw-la quandam_fw-la esse_fw-la divinam_fw-la not_o but_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o god_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o but_o perhaps_o this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o expression_n common_a to_o plato_n with_o the_o jew_n of_o call_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v great_a and_o excellent_a in_o its_o kind_n by_o the_o name_n of_o divine_a so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v probable_o mean_v by_o this_o phrase_n be_v only_o to_o express_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o great_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o or_o else_o that_o divine_a providence_n have_v some_o more_o particular_a concern_v in_o the_o dispose_n and_o incline_v man_n to_o it_o either_o by_o give_v they_o a_o more_o happy_a constitution_n of_o body_n or_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a temper_n of_o mind_n or_o by_o afford_v more_o advantageous_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o most_o happy_a occurrence_n do_v not_o necessitate_v man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a without_o their_o own_o industry_n and_o inclination_n nor_o the_o most_o unhappy_a force_v they_o to_o be_v wicked_a without_o their_o own_o fault_n however_o if_o this_o be_v plato_n opinion_n that_o virtue_n be_v so_o from_o god_n that_o it_o can_v be_v get_v by_o humane_a industry_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o ordinary_a influence_n of_o divine_a providence_n this_o opinion_n be_v neither_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_o prove_v by_o that_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o socrates_n for_o that_o purpose_n if_o say_v he_o virtue_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v teach_v then_o will_v good_a man_n more_o especial_o teach_v their_o son_n that_o so_o they_o may_v inherit_v their_o father_n virtue_n as_o well_o as_o fortune_n but_o the_o contrary_a frequent_o appear_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o particular_a instance_n see_v as_o many_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a where_o virtue_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v propagate_v with_o the_o family_n and_o we_o may_v furnish_v ourselves_o even_o from_o our_o own_o observation_n with_o example_n of_o the_o happy_a success_n of_o a_o virtuous_a education_n second_o virtuous_a parent_n though_o they_o may_v desire_v their_o child_n may_v be_v such_o too_o yet_o many_o time_n such_o be_v their_o tenderness_n and_o indulgence_n to_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o those_o method_n which_o be_v most_o proper_a thereunto_o which_o be_v common_o join_v with_o some_o degree_n of_o severity_n three_o virtue_n though_o it_o may_v be_v teach_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v learn_v yet_o be_v it_o a_o very_a conditional_a thing_n and_o depend_v upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o circumstance_n together_o for_o the_o produce_v the_o effect_n and_o that_o which_o often_o defeat_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n which_o many_o man_n use_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o those_o moral_a mean_n which_o be_v otherwise_o sufficient_a in_o themselves_o and_o design_v by_o other_o to_o moderate_v their_o passion_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o virtue_n nor_o 2._o do_v virtue_n proceed_v from_o any_o natural_a influx_n of_o the_o star_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o natural_a cause_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o native_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o any_o sidereal_a influence_n can_v any_o way_n certain_o or_o necessary_o determine_v the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o the_o same_o argument_n that_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n in_o other_o respect_n do_v much_o more_o evince_v the_o folly_n of_o their_o pretence_n who_o go_v into_o heaven_n to_o fetch_v down_o virtue_n from_o thence_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v near_o we_o even_o in_o our_o mouth_n imprint_v upon_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o nature_n i_o shall_v here_o give_v you_o savanorola_n argument_n in_o a_o case_n much_o what_o to_o this_o purpose_n if_o say_v he_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n proceed_v from_o the_o star_n than_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o it_o be_v true_a than_o it_o can_v proceed_v from_o thence_o because_o it_o condemn_v that_o opinion_n and_o assert_n the_o vanity_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n if_o it_o be_v false_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o star_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o star_n incline_v man_n to_o falsehood_n and_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o effect_n will_v be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o cause_n whereby_o man_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o virtue_n be_v distinguish_v from_o grace_n thus_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n have_v discourse_v very_o well_o of_o virtue_n in_o their_o write_n and_o give_v great_a instance_n thereof_o in_o their_o practice_n who_o yet_o be_v very_a stranger_n to_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o seem_v fit_o to_o assign_v the_o just_a limit_n betwixt_o the_o gentile_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o deprive_v not_o the_o one_o of_o what_o it_o may_v just_o challenge_v as_o its_o right_a it_o allow_v to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n some_o inclination_n and_o ability_n too_o to_o virtue_n but_o yet_o that_o without_o supernatural_a assistance_n he_o can_v never_o arrive_v at_o evangelical_n perfection_n it_o do_v not_o so_o far_o depress_v humane_a nature_n modices_n to_o make_v it_o perfect_o stupid_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n do_v it_o raise_v it_o to_o a_o pitch_n of_o pelagianisin_n it_o grant_v heathen_n to_o be_v man_n and_o remind_n christian_n of_o their_o original_a sin_n and_o the_o present_a depravation_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o though_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n do_v sometime_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la yet_o it_o can_v be_v in_o reason_n extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o signify_v that_o which_o christian_a writer_n common_o understand_v by_o that_o expression_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o duty_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n thus_o though_o virtue_n in_o the_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o flow_v the_o one_o proceed_v from_o nature_n the_o other_o from_o a_o more_o divine_a original_n yet_o do_v they_o agree_v in_o their_o end_n and_o friendly_o conspire_v together_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o men._n now_o the_o dignity_n or_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o natural_a and_o original_a 2._o such_o as_o be_v the_o result_v of_o the_o divine_a benignity_n afterward_o 1._o natural_a and_o original_a and_o under_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v only_o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o particular_a 1._o as_o to_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o essence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a be_v and_o ray_n of_o divinity_n now_o consider_v this_o natural_a pre-eminence_n of_o the_o soul_n above_o the_o body_n we_o act_n unworthy_a of_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o soul_n when_o we_o make_v it_o only_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o body_n and_o only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n purveyor_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o 2._o as_o to_o its_o intellectual_a endowment_n man_n only_o of_o all_o this_o low_a creation_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n of_o reason_v now_o certain_o god_n never_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a faculty_n only_o to_o employ_v they_o upon_o mean_a object_n and_o debase_v they_o by_o unworthy_a employment_n phil._n 4._o 8._o what_o soever_o thing_n be_v true_a what_o soever_o thing_n be_v just_a etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d think_v on_o these_o thing_n 3._o as_o to_o its_o moral_a endowment_n that_o be_v all_o those_o natural_a inclination_n and_o capacity_n the_o soul_n have_v to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n that_o inward_a sense_n of_o honesty_n that_o tactus_fw-la quidam_fw-la divinitat_fw-la be_v as_o jamblicus_n call_v it_o now_o this_o also_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_a to_o that_o inward_a sense_n of_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o 2._o such_o dignity_n as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o divine_a benignity_n afterward_o and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v