and_o be_v more_o than_o any_o other_o institution_n perfective_a of_o human_a nature_n next_o the_o rule_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v and_o tend_v to_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o virtue_n the_o divine_a legislator_n be_v able_a to_o look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n make_v his_o law_n reach_v those_o and_o those_o principal_o too_o the_o love_a god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o mind_n etc._n etc._n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o as_o comprehensive_a as_o those_o two_o grand_a principle_n of_o virtue_n be_v be_v by_o our_o saviour_n make_v the_o summary_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o adopt_v into_o the_o gospel_n the_o 22._o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o the_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v the_o negative_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n duty_n and_o for_o the_o positive_a part_n we_o be_v plain_o tell_v that_o unless_o our_o righteousness_n exceed_v that_o boast_a one_o 20._o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v urge_v to_o 5._o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o that_o a_o whole_a train_n of_o excellent_a quality_n and_o for_o fear_v any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o be_v purposely_o omit_v because_o leave_v unmentioned_a this_o general_a exhortation_n be_v give_v we_o 8._o final_o my_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o aspire_a path_n of_o virtue_n trace_v we_o out_o in_o the_o gospel_n where_o it_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n as_o one_o who_o step_n we_o be_v to_o tread_v in_o for_o not_o only_o that_o divine_a person_n never_o commit_v any_o sin_n 22._o neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n but_o the_o supreme_a and_o omniscient_a judge_n god_n himself_o declare_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n his_o full_a approbation_n both_o of_o his_o person_n and_o his_o doctrine_n when_o he_o say_v 5._o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v he_o he_o and_o his_o sinless_a life_n which_o be_v a_o live_a law_n do_v not_o only_o surpass_v the_o example_n but_o even_o the_o precept_n and_o the_o idea_n too_o of_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n and_o philosopher_n as_o may_v be_v elsewhere_o show_v and_o the_o become_a a_o serious_a disciple_n of_o so_o perfect_a and_o divine_a a_o teacher_n do_v itself_o so_o engage_v a_o man_n to_o renounce_v his_o former_a vice_n that_o when_o 14._o st._n paul_n have_v dissuade_v his_o roman_n from_o divers_a other_o vice_n instead_o of_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n in_o particular_a he_o only_o desire_v they_o in_o general_a to_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o comprehensive_a dirty_a which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o virtue_n he_o decline_v to_o enumerate_v three_o but_o tho'_o he_o call_v we_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o to_o unattainable_a one_o for_o tho'_o philosophy_n wise_o forbear_v tho'_o not_o always_o to_o commend_v yet_o to_o enjoin_v thing_n disproportionate_a to_o human_a infirmity_n yet_o he_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o more_o than_o human_a virtue_n that_o by_o his_o divine_a assistance_n if_o they_o be_v due_o seek_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o acquire_v and_o practice_v them_o of_o his_o 16._o fullness_n say_v st._n john_n we_o have_v all_o receive_v and_o grace_n for_o grace_n i._n e._n either_o grace_n answerable_a to_o his_o as_o the_o faculty_n of_o a_o child_n mind_n be_v to_o those_o of_o a_o perfect_a man_n or_o grace_n upon_o grace_n i._n e._n a_o accumulation_n of_o grace_n heap_v upon_o one_o another_o which_o may_v keep_v you_o from_o wonder_v that_o st._n paul_n shall_v dare_v to_o say_v 13._o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v he_o and_o where_o his_o invitation_n meet_v with_o a_o honest_a and_o a_o willing_a mind_n his_o command_n do_v not_o only_a chaulk_n out_o the_o way_n but_o give_v strength_n to_o walk_v in_o it_o and_o he_o usual_o do_v by_o his_o spirit_n such_o a_o kind_n of_o work_n as_o he_o sometime_o do_v miraculous_o by_o his_o power_n 6._o when_o he_o at_o once_o bid_v and_o enable_v a_o paralytic_a person_n that_o want_v strength_n to_o stir_v from_o his_o bed_n to_o rise_v and_o walk_v and_o when_o have_v command_v st._n peter_n to_o 29._o walk_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o sea_n he_o enable_v he_o secure_o to_o tread_v upon_o the_o wave_n thereby_o approve_v and_o reward_v the_o excellent_a notion_n that_o disciple_n have_v that_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o put_v he_o upon_o action_n tho'_o a_o miracle_n be_v requisite_a to_o carry_v he_o through_o with_o it_o four_o the_o reward_n propose_v to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v exceed_o tend_v to_o animate_v and_o heighten_v they_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o recompense_n the_o gospel_n propound_v in_o this_o life_n or_o those_o that_o it_o promise_n in_o the_o next_o the_o great_a present_a reward_n of_o virtue_n be_v you_o know_v the_o approbation_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o applause_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v as_o well_o attainable_a by_o christian_a hero_n as_o by_o any_o other_o for_o virtue_n lose_v neither_o its_o worth_n nor_o amiableness_n by_o be_v baptise_a and_o tho'_o in_o some_o time_n and_o place_n lesser_a degree_n of_o it_o may_v be_v disregard_v or_o traduce_v yet_o general_o speak_v the_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o will_v either_o invite_v or_o extort_v man_n esteem_n among_o the_o roman_a persecutor_n the_o exemplary_a life_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n bring_v it_o to_o be_v proverbial_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v a_o good_a man_n save_v that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a and_o soli_fw-la christiani_n mortis_fw-la contemptores_fw-la be_v usual_o in_o heathen_n mouth_n there_o be_v divers_a quality_n and_o those_o more_o press_v by_o the_o christian_a than_o any_o other_o institution_n that_o have_v in_o they_o so_o much_o of_o native_a loveliness_n that_o st._n paul_n may_v just_o say_v of_o they_o that_o he_o that_o exercise_v himself_o in_o they_o be_v general_o speak_v 18._o both_o ceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v by_o men._n nor_o do_v those_o virtue_n that_o recommend_v the_o great_a constantine_n whilst_o he_o be_v a_o gentile_a lose_v their_o lustre_n or_o the_o veneration_n they_o procure_v he_o when_o he_o turn_v christian_a and_o practise_v they_o with_o high_a aim_n than_o that_o of_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o please_v his_o people_n and_o as_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v hercules_n undergo_v all_o his_o labour_n and_o make_v all_o the_o other_o hero_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o inward_a recompense_n be_v receive_v not_o only_o without_o any_o defalcation_n but_o with_o great_a improvement_n by_o he_o who_o virtue_n flow_v from_o religion_n for_o to_o he_o the_o applause_n of_o conscience_n may_v well_o be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o all_o the_o various_a sort_n of_o music_n 7._o that_o solemnize_v the_o dedication_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n golden_a image_n since_o in_o he_o conscience_n do_v not_o as_o in_o mere_a natural_a man_n act_n only_o the_o part_n of_o a_o domestic_a judge_n but_o that_o of_o a_o delegate_n from_o god_n himself_o and_o its_o absolution_n be_v less_o welcome_a as_o they_o be_v approbation_n of_o reason_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o pledge_n of_o god_n acceptance_n and_o of_o that_o high_a reward_n that_o will_v be_v consequent_a to_o it_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v for_o these_o joy_n that_o be_v place_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o grave_a be_v much_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o virtue_n and_o proportionable_a incitement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o on_o the_o account_n of_o future_a reward_n the_o christian_n have_v much_o great_a motive_n to_o heroic_a virtue_n than_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n or_o philosopher_n for_o the_o posthume_n state_n of_o man_n be_v so_o dim_a and_o uncertain_a that_o we_o find_v even_o the_o great_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n speak_v very_o doubtful_o and_o not_o without_o if_n and_o and_o be_v of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o much_o more_o of_o a_o future_a happiness_n as_o may_v be_v instanced_a in_o socrates_n cyrus_n seneca_n and_o many_o other_o so_o that_o they_o rather_o seem_v to_o have_v wish_v or_o hope_a than_o believe_v their_o future_a
the_o christian_a virtuoso_fw-la in_o two_o part_n tome_n i._n the_o christian_a virtuoso_fw-la show_v that_o by_o be_v addict_v to_o experimental_a philosophy_n a_o man_n be_v rather_o assist_v than_o indisposed_a to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n the_o first_o part._n by_o t._n h._n r._n b._n fellow_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n to_o which_o be_v subjoin_v i._o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o distinction_n that_o represent_v some_o thing_n as_o above_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n ii_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v greatness_n of_o mind_n promote_v by_o christianity_n by_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o edw._n jones_n for_o john_n tailor_n at_o the_o ship_n and_o john_n wyatt_n at_o the_o golden-lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1690._o the_o preface_n when_o many_o year_n ago_o i_o be_v induce_v to_o write_v something_o about_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a treatise_n i_o do_v it_o partly_o to_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o friend_n and_o partly_o to_o impose_v upon_o myself_o a_o obligation_n to_o consider_v the_o more_o attentive_o upon_o what_o ground_n it_o may_v be_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistence_n between_o a_o man_n be_v a_o industrious_a virtuoso_fw-la and_o a_o good_a christian_n how_o little_a fond_a i_o be_v of_o trouble_v the_o public_a with_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v guess_v by_o my_o have_v throw_v it_o aside_o among_o other_o neglect_a paper_n for_o several_a year_n and_o it_o have_v still_o continue_v in_o that_o obscurity_n if_o the_o former_o unprevalent_a desire_v of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v it_o appear_v in_o public_a have_v not_o be_v enforce_v by_o a_o observation_n or_o two_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o make_v for_o i_o can_v scarce_o avoid_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o deplorable_a growth_n of_o irreligion_n especial_o among_o those_o that_o aspire_v to_o pass_v for_o wit_n and_o several_a of_o they_o too_o for_o philosopher_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v obvious_a that_o divers_a learned_a man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o partly_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o abhorrence_n of_o these_o infidel_n and_o libertine_n and_o partly_o upon_o that_o of_o a_o well-meaning_a but_o ill-informed_n zeal_n have_v bring_v many_o good_a man_n to_o think_v that_o religion_n and_o philosophy_n be_v incompatible_a both_o party_n contribute_v to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o libertine_n think_v a_o virtuoso_fw-la aught_o not_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o the_o other_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v a_o true_a one._n it_o be_v like_a it_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v too_o much_o enlarge_v the_o notion_n of_o experience_n and_o too_o much_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n deducible_a from_o that_o topick_n but_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o other_o may_v approve_v the_o reason_n with_o which_o that_o ample_a notion_n of_o experience_n be_v where_o it_o be_v propose_v accompany_v and_o the_o ingenious_a person_n i_o be_v chief_o to_o please_v be_v a_o great_a lover_n and_o valuer_n of_o experience_n and_o of_o argument_n ground_v on_o it_o the_o desire_n of_o gratify_v he_o entice_v i_o to_o say_v so_o much_o that_o when_o i_o take_v up_o the_o thought_n of_o make_v this_o treatise_n public_a i_o find_v the_o effect_n of_o my_o complaisance_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n that_o i_o can_v not_o make_v any_o great_a alteration_n for_o some_o i_o do_v make_v without_o almost_o spoil_v the_o contexture_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v the_o equitable_a reader_n will_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v every_o subject_a of_o which_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o discourse_n full_o treat_v of_o for_o i_o neither_o design_v nor_o pretend_v to_o write_v a_o body_n of_o natural_a theology_n nor_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o point_n i_o write_v of_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v necessary_a or_o very_o conducive_a to_o my_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o not_o only_o warrant_v but_o oblige_v in_o point_n of_o discretion_n to_o decline_v the_o mention_n of_o several_a argument_n and_o reflection_n that_o will_v indeed_o have_v be_v very_o proper_a if_o my_o design_n have_v be_v to_o show_v why_o one_o shall_v be_v a_o christian_n but_o impertinent_a to_o show_v that_o a_o virtuoso_fw-la while_o such_o may_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a but_o as_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o omit_v many_o thing_n that_o will_v have_v enrich_v or_o adorn_v my_o discourse_n so_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v some_o amends_o both_o by_o suggest_v some_o new_a subject_n and_o by_o add_v on_o those_o that_o have_v be_v already_o treat_v of_o by_o other_o divers_a thought_n into_o which_o i_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o the_o subject_n itself_o on_o which_o score_n they_o may_v probable_o not_o have_v yet_o occur_v to_o the_o reader_n and_o may_v appear_v to_o he_o either_o to_o be_v new_a as_o to_o the_o substance_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o more_o know_v one_o to_o have_v something_o of_o peculiar_a as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o propound_v or_o of_o apply_v they_o and_o i_o confess_v i_o be_v somewhat_o encourage_v to_o communicate_v my_o thought_n on_o these_o subject_n by_o consider_v that_o tho'_o be_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o there_o be_v too_o many_o person_n that_o be_v like_a to_o be_v find_v more_o indispose_v to_o be_v impress_v on_o by_o argument_n in_o favour_n of_o religion_n from_o profess_a divine_n how_o worthy_a soever_o than_o from_o such_o as_o i_o who_o be_o a_o layman_n and_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o no_o undiligent_a cultivator_n of_o experimental_a philosophy_n and_o that_o the_o style_n may_v not_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o writer_n and_o the_o design_n i_o think_v fit_a in_o my_o argument_n and_o illustration_n both_o to_o employ_v comparison_n draw_v from_o telescope_n microscope_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o make_v frequent_a use_n of_o notion_n hypothesis_n and_o observation_n in_o request_n among_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o new_a philosopher_n which_o i_o the_o rather_o do_v because_o some_o experience_n have_v teach_v i_o that_o such_o a_o way_n of_o propose_v and_o elucidate_v thing_n be_v either_o as_o most_o clear_a or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o novelty_n wont_a to_o be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o any_o other_o to_o our_o modern_a virtuoso_n who_o thus_o to_o gratify_v be_v a_o good_a step_n towards_o the_o persuade_v of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v that_o some_o man_n be_v more_o accessible_a to_o truth_n and_o will_v be_v more_o prevail_v upon_o by_o it_o when_o it_o be_v present_v to_o they_o in_o one_o dress_n than_o when_o it_o appear_v in_o another_o as_o we_o daily_o see_v that_o some_o person_n will_v be_v more_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o take_v a_o medicine_n and_o that_o it_o will_v have_v a_o more_o kindly_a operation_n upon_o they_o if_o it_o be_v exhibit_v in_o that_o form_n and_o consistence_n that_o be_v best_a like_v by_o the_o patient_n whereof_o some_o love_n to_o have_v the_o ingredient_n the_o medicine_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o offer_v they_o in_o a_o liquid_a other_o in_o a_o soft_a and_o other_o in_o a_o dry_a form_n though_o i_o be_o wont_a as_o well_o as_o inclinable_a to_o spare_v the_o present_a age_n and_o though_o my_o censure_n of_o some_o repute_a virtuoso_n that_o live_v in_o it_o be_v write_v with_o as_o harmless_a and_o friendly_a design_n as_o be_v the_o seem_a rudeness_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o st._n peter_n when_o he_o strike_v he_o on_o the_o side_n and_o hasty_o rouse_v he_o but_o to_o awake_v he_o to_o take_v off_o his_o chain_n and_o to_o free_v he_o from_o the_o danger_n that_o threaten_v he_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o trouble_v than_o surprise_v if_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o follow_a treatise_n dislike_v by_o divers_a person_n that_o will_v pass_v for_o virtuoso_n and_o by_o some_o that_o real_o be_v so_o for_o some_o man_n that_o have_v but_o superficial_a tho'_o conspicuous_a wit_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o penetrate_v such_o truth_n as_o require_v a_o last_a and_o attentive_a speculation_n and_o divers_a that_o want_v not_o ability_n be_v so_o take_v up_o by_o their_o secular_a affair_n and_o their_o sensual_a pleasure_n that_o they_o neither_o have_v disposition_n nor_o will_v have_v leisure_n to_o discover_v those_o truth_n that_o require_v both_o a_o attentive_a and_o penetrate_a mind_n and_o more_o than_o of_o either_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n there_o be_v who_o their_o prejudices_fw-la do_v so_o
comparison_n do_v not_o only_o give_v light_n but_o strength_n to_o the_o passage_n they_o belong_v to_o since_o they_o be_v not_o always_o bare_a picture_n and_o resemblance_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v oftentimes_o if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o analogous_a instance_n which_o do_v declare_v the_o nature_n or_o way_n of_o operate_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o relate_v to_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n do_v in_o a_o sort_n prove_v that_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a so_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v and_o therefore_o not_o only_o the_o illustrious_a verulam_n though_o not_o more_o a_o florid_n than_o a_o judicious_a writer_n have_v much_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o reader_n frequent_o make_v use_n of_o comparison_n in_o who_o choice_n and_o application_n he_o be_v very_o happy_a but_o that_o severe_a philosopher_n mounseur_fw-fr des_fw-mi cartes_n himself_o somewhere_o say_v that_o he_o scarce_o think_v that_o he_o understand_v any_o thing_n in_o physic_n but_o what_o he_o can_v declare_v by_o some_o apt_a similitude_n of_o which_o in_o effect_n he_o have_v many_o in_o his_o write_n as_o where_o he_o compare_v the_o particle_n of_o fresh_a water_n to_o little_a eel_n and_o the_o corpuscle_n of_o salt_n in_o the_o sea-water_n to_o little_a rigid_a staff_n and_o where_o after_o the_o stoic_n he_o compare_v the_o sense_n of_o object_n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o light_n to_o the_o sense_n that_o a_o blind_a man_n have_v of_o stone_n mud_n etc._n etc._n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o his_o staff_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o proper_a comparison_n do_v the_o imagination_n almost_o as_o much_o service_n as_o microscope_n do_v the_o eye_n for_o as_o this_o instrument_n give_v we_o a_o distinct_a view_n of_o divers_a minute_n thing_n which_o our_o naked_a eye_n can_v well_o discern_v because_o these_o glass_n represent_v they_o far_o more_o large_a than_o by_o the_o bare_a eye_n 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or_o little_o contest_v than_o proceed_v upon_o the_o peculiar_a principle_n of_o a_o distinct_a party_n of_o philosophizer_n if_o now_o and_o then_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o some_o particular_a subject_n more_o than_o appear_v absolute_o necessary_a i_o do_v it_o because_o that_o though_o i_o write_v this_o treatise_n chief_o for_o my_o friend_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o write_v it_o for_o they_o only_o but_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v hold_n on_o some_o of_o the_o occasion_n that_o the_o series_n of_o my_o discourse_n offer_v i_o to_o excite_v in_o myself_o those_o disposition_n that_o i_o endeavour_v to_o produce_v in_o other_o and_o by_o insist_v upon_o some_o reflection_n impress_v they_o more_o deep_o upon_o my_o own_o mind_n especial_o when_o i_o be_v treat_v of_o some_o point_n either_o so_o important_a or_o so_o oppose_v or_o both_o that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v too_o much_o inculcate_v the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o follow_a paper_n be_v address_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v make_v public_a some_o reason_n make_v it_o think_v convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v remain_v unmentioned_a postscript_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o prolixity_n that_o some_o may_v otherwise_o censure_v of_o the_o forego_n preface_n i_o must_v advertise_v the_o reader_n that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o ancient_a date_n and_o that_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o treatise_n that_o it_o belong_v to_o be_v already_o write_v and_o it_o be_v then_o design_v that_o the_o second_o part_n shall_v accompany_v it_o to_o the_o press_n on_o which_o score_n it_o be_v presume_v that_o as_o the_o particular_n that_o make_v up_o the_o preamble_n will_v not_o appear_v superfluous_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o subject_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o so_o its_o length_n will_v scarce_o be_v find_v disproportionate_a to_o the_o bulk_n of_o the_o whole_a design_a book_n the_o christian_a virtuoso_fw-la show_v that_o by_o be_v addict_v to_o experimental_a philosophy_n a_o man_n be_v rather_o assist_v than_o in_o dispose_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n the_o first_o part._n sir_n i_o perceive_v by_o what_o you_o intimate_v that_o your_o friend_n dr._n w._n and_o mr._n n._n think_v it_o very_o strange_a that_o i_o who_o they_o be_v please_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o diligent_a cultivate_o of_o experimental_a philosophy_n shall_v be_v a_o concern_v embracer_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o divers_a of_o its_o article_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v object_n of_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o reason_n but_o though_o i_o presume_v they_o may_v find_v many_o object_n of_o the_o like_a wonder_n among_o those_o with_o who_o i_o be_o comprise_v by_o they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a virtuoso_n and_o among_o these_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o divers_a person_n more_o able_a than_o i_o to_o ease_v they_o of_o their_o wonder_n yet_o since_o they_o be_v please_v by_o single_v i_o out_o as_o it_o be_v to_o challenge_v i_o to_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o think_v it_o at_o least_o less_o strange_a that_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o experience_n and_o a_o high_a veneration_n for_o religion_n shall_v be_v compatible_a in_o the_o same_o person_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v not_o deny_v that_o i_o be_o now_o and_o then_o busy_v in_o devise_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n trial_n of_o several_a sort_n and_o make_v reflection_n upon_o they_o and_o i_o own_o too_o that_o about_o natural_a thing_n i_o have_v a_o great_a reverence_n for_o experience_n in_o comparison_n of_o authority_n but_o withal_o i_o declare_v that_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n i_o do_v not_o think_v i_o need_v to_o recede_v from_o the_o value_n and_o kindness_n i_o have_v for_o experimental_a philosophy_n any_o thing_n near_o so_o far_o as_o your_o friend_n seem_v to_o imagine_v and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o if_o the_o experimental_a way_n of_o philosophise_v i_o be_o addict_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o indispose_v a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n those_o few_o thing_n be_v more_o than_o countervail_v by_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n that_o it_o afford_v a_o man_n of_o a_o well-disposed_a mind_n towards_o the_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n i_o say_v a_o man_n of_o a_o well-disposed_a mind_n that_o be_v one_o that_o be_v both_o docile_a and_o incline_v to_o make_v pious_a application_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o discover_v because_o such_o a_o qualification_n of_o mind_n i_o hope_v god_n through_o his_o goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v i_o and_o the_o occasion_n give_v by_o your_o friend_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n relate_v peculiar_o to_o i_o a_o personal_a account_n of_o my_o opinion_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o aught_o to_o suffice_v and_o it_o will_v be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v if_o my_o discourse_n be_v find_v as_o it_o often_o will_v be_v to_o extend_v much_o far_a which_o reflection_n i_o desire_v you_o will_v frequent_o have_v in_o your_o thought_n to_o prevent_v mistake_v the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a epistle_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o popular_a prejudices_fw-la that_o i_o perceive_v your_o two_o friend_n among_o many_o other_o more_o devout_a than_o well-informed_a person_n have_v entertain_v will_v make_v they_o think_v that_o what_o i_o have_v now_o deliver_v needs_o good_a proof_n and_o perhaps_o better_a than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v easy_o allow_v i_o the_o liberty_n i_o be_o go_v to_o take_v of_o brief_o premise_v some_o thing_n to_o clear_v the_o way_n for_o the_o principal_a point_n design_v to_o be_v discourse_v of_o in_o this_o letter_n i_o know_v you_o need_v not_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o philosophy_n which_o be_v most_o in_o request_n among_o the_o
several_a coat_n humour_n and_o muscle_n of_o which_o that_o exquisite_a dioptrical_a instrument_n consist_v and_o have_v separately_z consider_v the_o figure_n size_n consistence_n texture_n diaphaneity_n or_o opacity_n situation_n and_o connexion_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o their_o coaptation_n in_o the_o whole_a eye_n shall_v discover_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o law_n of_o optic_n how_o admirable_o this_o little_a organ_n be_v fit_v to_o receive_v the_o incident_a beam_n of_o light_n and_o dispose_v they_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n possible_a for_o complete_n the_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o almost_o infinite_o various_a object_n of_o sight_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o man_n to_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o the_o world_n be_v wise_o frame_v but_o i_o doubt_v it_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n confess_v that_o the_o creature_n be_v wise_o make_v rather_o because_o upon_o other_o ground_n they_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o wise_a agent_n than_o because_o so_o slight_a a_o account_n as_o the_o school_n philosophy_n give_v of_o particular_a creature_n convince_v they_o of_o any_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o creator_n and_o though_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o grant_v that_o some_o impression_n of_o god_n wisdom_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a that_o as_o i_o late_o intimate_v even_o a_o superficial_a philosopher_n may_v thence_o infer_v that_o the_o author_n of_o such_o work_n must_v be_v a_o wise_a agent_n yet_o how_o wise_a a_o agent_n he_o have_v in_o those_o work_v express_v himself_o to_o be_v none_o but_o a_o experimental_a philosopher_n can_v well_o discern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o slight_a survey_n but_o by_o a_o diligent_a and_o skilful_a scrutiny_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v by_o a_o rational_a and_o affective_a conviction_n engage_v to_o acknowledge_v with_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v isa_n xxviii_o 29._o ii_o after_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o next_o grand_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n who_o genuine_a consequence_n be_v the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a and_o everlasting_a state_n for_o this_o important_a truth_n divers_a argument_n may_v be_v allege_v that_o may_v persuade_v a_o sober_a and_o well-disposed_a man_n to_o embrace_v it_o but_o to_o convince_v a_o learned_a adversary_n the_o strong_a argument_n that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n supply_v we_o with_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v afford_v by_o the_o real_a philosophy_n for_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o form_v true_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o mind_n and_o thereby_o manifest_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n in_o their_o essential_a attribute_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v both_o this_o it_o make_v out_o more_o distinct_o by_o enumerate_v several_a faculty_n and_o function_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n such_o as_o to_o understand_v and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o form_v conception_n of_o abstract_a thing_n of_o universals_z of_o immaterial_a spirit_n and_o even_o of_o that_o infinite_o perfect_a one_o god_n himself_o and_o also_o to_o conceive_v and_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v incommensurable_a line_n and_o fur_v number_n to_o make_v ratiocination_n and_o both_o cogent_a and_o concatenated_a inference_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o express_v their_o intellectual_a notion_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la by_o word_n or_o institute_v sign_n to_o other_o man_n to_o exercise_v freewill_n about_o many_o thing_n and_o to_o make_v reflection_n on_o its_o own_o act_n both_o of_o intellect_n and_o will._n for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a prerogative_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o human_a mind_n and_o superior_a to_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n or_o to_o the_o imagination_n itself_o manifest_a that_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o corporeal_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o seat_n of_o these_o spiritual_a faculty_n and_o the_o source_n of_o these_o operation_n be_v a_o substance_n that_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n distinct_a from_o the_o body_n be_v not_o natural_o subject_a to_o die_v or_o perish_v with_o it_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o truth_n our_o virtuoso_fw-la have_v a_o advantage_n of_o a_o mere_a school-philosopher_n for_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a and_o real_a cause_n of_o putrefaction_n and_o other_o physical_a kind_n of_o corruption_n and_o thereby_o discern_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o destroy_v body_n be_v the_o avolation_n or_o other_o recess_n of_o some_o necessary_a part_n and_o such_o a_o deprave_a transposition_n of_o the_o component_a portion_n of_o matter_n as_o be_v altogether_o incongruous_a to_o the_o structure_n and_o mechanical_a modification_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o body_n of_o that_o species_n or_o kind_n it_o belong_v to_o our_o naturalist_n i_o say_v know_v this_o plain_o perceive_v that_o these_o cause_n of_o destruction_n can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o immaterial_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o a_o substance_n not_o real_o divisible_a can_v have_v no_o part_n expel_v or_o transpose_v and_o so_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o physical_a cause_n of_o corruption_n that_o destroy_v body_n she_o ought_v to_o last_v always_o and_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n endow_v with_o internal_a principle_n of_o act_v as_o appear_v in_o freewill_n she_o ought_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o unless_o it_o please_v god_n to_o annihilate_v she_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v he_o will_v do_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o modern_a peripatetic_n for_o i_o question_v whether_o aristotle_n himself_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n maintain_v substantial_a form_n by_o some_o of_o they_o style_v semi-substantiae_a to_o which_o in_o ape_n elephant_n and_o other_o that_o pass_v for_o ingenious_a animal_n they_o ascribe_v some_o such_o faculty_n and_o function_n as_o seem_v to_o differ_v but_o gradual_o from_o those_o of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o how_o innocent_a soever_o i_o grant_v their_o intention_n to_o be_v their_o doctrine_n tend_v much_o to_o enervate_a if_o not_o quite_o to_o disable_v the_o chief_a physical_a way_n of_o probation_n whence_o the_o immortality_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v just_o infer_v for_o since_o according_a to_o the_o peripatetic_n substantial_a form_n be_v as_o they_o speak_v educe_v out_o of_o the_o power_n or_o potentiality_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o do_v so_o depend_v upon_o it_o not_o only_o as_o to_o action_n but_o as_o to_o be_v that_o they_o can_v at_o all_o subsist_v without_o it_o but_o when_o the_o particular_a body_n as_o a_o herb_n a_o stone_n or_o a_o bird_n be_v destroy_v they_o perish_v with_o it_o or_o as_o some_o of_o they_o scarce_o intelligible_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n fall_v back_o into_o the_o basom_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o think_v they_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o atheist_n and_o caviller_n to_o impugn_v the_o mind_n immortality_n for_o if_o to_o a_o ape_n or_o other_o brute_n animal_n there_o belong_v a_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o matter_n that_o can_v actuate_v and_o inform_v it_o and_o make_v itself_o the_o architect_n of_o its_o own_o mansion_n though_o so_o admirable_a as_o that_o of_o a_o ape_n or_o a_o elephant_n if_o this_o be_v can_v in_o the_o body_n it_o have_v frame_v perform_v all_o the_o function_n of_o a_o vegetable_a soul_n and_o beside_o those_o see_v hear_v taste_n smell_v imagine_v infer_v remember_v love_n hate_n fear_v hope_v expect_v etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o be_v a_o mortal_a thing_n and_o perish_v with_o the_o body_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a for_o those_o enemy_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o think_v the_o soul_n mortal_a because_o their_o brutish_a life_n make_v they_o wish_v she_o be_v to_o fancy_v that_o 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consistent_a be_v
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more_o refractory_a portion_n of_o mankind_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o there_o be_v divers_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v real_a though_o some_o of_o they_o unheeded_a prophecy_n of_o the_o wonderful_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n thus_o christ_n foretell_v that_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n shall_v be_v his_o witness_n not_o only_o in_o judaea_n and_o samaria_n but_o to_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o according_a to_o the_o most_o probable_a explication_n of_o that_o text_n in_o the_o 24_o of_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n which_o be_v usual_o refer_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o seem_v rather_o to_o respect_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v a_o prediction_n that_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o jewish_a polity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n 14._o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v preach_v or_o proclaim_v 1._o in_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o term_n world_n that_o be_v then_o much_o in_o use_n and_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o evangelist_n luke_n to_o signify_v the_o roman_a world_n or_o empire_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o ten_o or_o twelve_o fisherman_n call_v the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o convert_v all_o nation_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o crucified_a person_n which_o will_v have_v be_v a_o strange_a commission_n to_o be_v give_v such_o man_n at_o that_o time_n if_o their_o master_n who_o send_v they_o have_v not_o foresee_v the_o success_n as_o well_o as_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o quick_a diffusion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o swift_a growth_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o despicable_a beginning_n to_o a_o greatness_n very_o disproportionate_a to_o they_o be_v more_o than_o intimate_v by_o 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that_o a_o censure_v action_n of_o she_o shall_v be_v report_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o her_o great_a praise_n what_o sober_a man_n that_o be_v not_o a_o prophet_n will_v venture_v to_o lose_v his_o credit_n by_o make_v such_o a_o promise_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o see_v such_o unlikely_a prediction_n actual_o accomplish_v it_o may_v well_o convince_v a_o unbiased_a man_n that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o ancient_a seer_n be_v real_o endow_v with_o a_o true_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o that_o the_o event_n by_o that_o foretell_v be_v not_o effect_n of_o chance_n or_o policy_n but_o of_o divine_a providence_n i_o think_v it_o not_o improper_a to_o make_v the_o mention_n of_o these_o prediction_n follow_v so_o close_a the_o discourse_n of_o the_o miracle_n because_o true_a prophecy_n of_o unlikely_a event_n fulfil_v by_o unlikely_a mean_n be_v supernatural_a thing_n and_o as_o such_o especial_o their_o author_n and_o design_n consider_v may_v 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forth_o by_o the_o differ_a state_n of_o the_o mosaic_a manna_n 33._o for_o though_o both_o that_o which_o fall_v daily_o except_o on_o the_o sabbath_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o a_o pot_n before_o the_o testimony_n be_v supernatural_a production_n yet_o whereas_o a_o portion_n of_o the_o former_a outla_v not_o two_o or_o three_o day_n that_o keep_v in_o the_o pot_n be_v preserve_v many_o age_n and_o continue_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v foretell_v it_o shall_v a_o visible_a miracle_n there_o be_v another_o reason_n why_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v annex_v to_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o both_o pretend_a and_o appeal_v to_o miracle_n as_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a disadvantage_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o the_o powerful_a opposition_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o they_o meet_v with_o and_o surmount_v it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v that_o such_o unlikely_a man_n shall_v so_o successful_o preach_v so_o uninvit_v a_o doctrine_n unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o conspicuous_a miracle_n or_o at_o least_o if_o so_o uneasy_a and_o persecute_v a_o religion_n be_v propagate_v without_o miracle_n that_o propagation_n itself_o as_o one_o of_o the_o father_n well_o observe_v may_v just_o pass_v for_o a_o miracle_n and_o be_v no_o less_o fit_a than_o another_o to_o confirm_v the_o religion_n so_o admirable_o propagate_v the_o past_a discourse_n have_v i_o hope_v manifest_v that_o a_o virtuoso_fw-la have_v some_o help_n that_o other_o man_n general_o speak_v have_v not_o to_o make_v he_o judicious_o approve_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o its_o favour_n and_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o a_o reveal_v religion_n how_o true_a soever_o it_o be_v can_v scarce_o be_v prove_v but_o by_o moral_a demonstration_n and_o because_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o always_o sufficient_a that_o the_o argument_n be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o there_o be_v some_o qualification_n require_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v that_o experimental_a philosophy_n do_v also_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o its_o cultivater_n to_o receive_v due_a impression_n from_o such_o proof_n as_o miracle_n do_v as_o well_o as_o other_o topic_n afford_v the_o christian_a religion_n another_o thing_n then_o that_o qualify_v a_o experimentarian_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o so_o of_o christianity_n be_v that_o a_o accustomance_n of_o endeavour_v to_o give_v clear_a explication_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o those_o solution_n that_o superficial_a wit_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o do_v insensible_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a and_o ingenuous_a modesty_n of_o mind_n and_o on_o the_o score_n of_o this_o intellectual_a as_o well_o as_o moral_a virtue_n not_o only_o he_o will_v be_v very_o inclinable_a both_o to_o desire_v and_o admit_v further_a information_n about_o thing_n which_o he_o perceive_v to_o be_v dark_a or_o abstruse_a but_o he_o will_v be_v very_o unapt_a to_o take_v for_o the_o adequate_a standard_n of_o truth_n a_o thing_n so_o imperfect_o inform_v and_o narrow_o limit_v as_o his_o mere_a or_o abstract_a reason_n as_o i_o think_v i_o have_v elsewhere_o intimate_v that_o one_o may_v call_v that_o which_o be_v furnish_v only_o with_o its_o own_o either_o congenite_fw-la or_o very_o easy_o and_o very_o early_o acquire_v notion_n and_o idaea_n and_o with_o popular_a notice_n and_o though_o a_o vulgar_a philosopher_n that_o allow_v himself_o to_o refer_v the_o obscure_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o substantial_a form_n real_a quality_n sympathy_n antipathy_n and_o some_o few_o other_o term_n which_o to_o be_v employ_v by_o he_o need_v not_o and_o perhaps_o for_o their_o darkness_n can_v be_v clear_o understand_v and_o by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v all_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o may_v indeed_o explicate_v one_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o another_o though_o i_o say_v such_o a_o titular_a philosopher_n may_v presume_v that_o he_o understand_v every_o thing_n and_o may_v be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o think_v that_o he_o must_v not_o hope_v nor_o desire_v to_o learn_v from_o less_o able_a man_n than_o his_o first_o teacher_n and_o that_o that_o can_v be_v true_a or_o be_v do_v which_o agree_v not_o with_o his_o philosophy_n yet_o a_o sober_a and_o experience_a naturalist_n that_o know_v what_o difficulty_n remain_v yet_o unsurmount_v in_o the_o presumedly_n clear_a conception_n and_o explication_n even_o of_o thing_n corporeal_a will_v not_o by_o a_o lazy_a or_o arrogant_a presumption_n that_o his_o knowledge_n about_o thing_n supernatural_a be_v already_o sufficient_a be_v induce_v to_o reject_v or_o to_o neglect_v any_o information_n that_o may_v increase_v it_o and_o this_o frame_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o very_a happy_a one_o for_o a_o student_n in_o reveal_v theology_n where_o cautiousness_n be_v not_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o avoid_n of_o error_n than_o docility_n be_v advantageous_a for_o the_o learning_n of_o truth_n since_o the_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a teacher_n be_v such_o that_o a_o scholar_n to_o improve_v his_o intellect_n need_v but_o bring_v a_o mind_n fit_v to_o receive_v the_o genuine_a information_n that_o be_v most_o liberal_o offer_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o will_v never_o deceive_v he_o that_o employ_v together_o with_o servant_n prayer_n a_o due_a care_n not_o to_o mistake_v the_o mean_v of_o they_o a_o assiduous_a conversation_n with_o the_o exquisite_o frame_v and_o admirable_o manage_v work_v of_o god_n bring_v a_o skilful_a considerer_n of_o they_o to_o discover_v from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v feasible_a or_o to_o be_v true_a which_o whilst_o he_o argue_v but_o upon_o ground_n of_o incompetent_o inform_v reason_n he_o judge_v false_a or_o unpracticable_a that_o little_a by_o little_a he_o acquire_v a_o habit_n of_o receive_v some_o sort_n of_o opinion_n and_o especial_o those_o that_o seem_v unfriendly_a to_o religion_n but_o as_o probationer_n with_o a_o disposition_n to_o reform_v or_o discard_v they_o upon_o further_a information_n and_o this_o as_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o in_o case_n he_o meet_v with_o it_o so_o he_o be_v dispose_v to_o receive_v if_o not_o to_o expect_v it_o by_o have_v often_o find_v himself_o oblige_v upon_o subsequent_a information_n to_o mend_v or_o lay_v aside_o his_o former_a opinion_n though_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a light_n he_o have_v to_o judge_v by_o when_o he_o entertain_v they_o as_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o visible_a truth_n that_o the_o discus_fw-la of_o venus_n be_v in_o all_o respect_n to_o the_o sun_n total_o luminous_a yet_o when_o the_o telescope_n discover_v she_o to_o have_v her_o full_a and_o her_o wane_n like_o the_o moon_n he_o will_v believe_v this_o further_a observation_n against_o the_o first_o make_v with_o his_o naked_a eye_n and_o indeed_o i_o have_v sometime_o doubt_v whether_o to_o be_v verse_v in_o mathematics_n and_o other_o demonstrative_a part_n of_o philosophy_n bring_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o mind_n by_o accustom_v and_o assist_v it_o to_o examine_v strict_o thing_n propose_v for_o truth_n and_o to_o evince_v strong_o the_o truth_n a_o man_n know_v to_o other_o than_o by_o fit_v he_o to_o discern_v the_o force_n of_o a_o good_a argument_n and_o submit_v willing_o to_o truth_n clear_o evince_v how_o little_a soever_o he_o may_v have_v expect_v to_o find_v such_o conclusion_n true_a it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o apply_v these_o reflection_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o sufficient_o declare_v both_o that_o multitude_n persist_v in_o a_o criminal_a infidelity_n out_o of_o a_o overweening_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o a_o readiness_n to_o be_v sway_v rather_o by_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la than_o by_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o will_v remove_v they_o and_o that_o docility_n be_v a_o very_a happy_a disposition_n to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o reveal_v religion_n in_o reference_n to_o which_o this_o qualification_n will_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o find_v in_o our_o virtuoso_fw-la because_o whereas_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o he_o have_v be_v accustom_a to_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o ignorance_n or_o desire_v further_a instruction_n be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o philosophy_n many_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o reveal_v religion_n declare_v such_o as_o be_v the_o decree_n the_o purpose_n the_o promise_n etc._n etc._n of_o
god_n and_o his_o most_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o exist_v and_o operate_n be_v thing_n so_o sublime_a and_o abstruse_a that_o they_o may_v well_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o mere_o physical_a one_o and_o can_v be_v satisfactory_o reach_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o philosopher_n because_o he_o be_v so_o will_v examine_v more_o strict_o than_o ordinary_a man_n be_v wont_a or_o able_a to_o do_v the_o proof_n bring_v for_o this_o or_o that_o propose_a revelation_n but_o that_o be_v no_o disadvantage_n to_o a_o supernatural_a religion_n such_o as_o the_o christian_a if_o it_o be_v as_o we_o now_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o the_o real_a truth_n about_o religion_n itself_o do_v not_o require_v credulity_n but_o only_a docility_n and_o perhaps_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v illustrate_v by_o compare_v what_o happen_v to_o a_o philosopher_n in_o the_o examen_fw-la of_o opinion_n and_o to_o a_o chemist_n in_o that_o of_o metal_n for_o if_o a_o piece_n of_o coin_n that_o man_n will_v have_v pass_v for_o true_a gold_n be_v offer_v to_o a_o ordinary_a man_n and_o to_o a_o skilful_a refiner_n though_o the_o late_a will_v examine_v it_o more_o strict_o and_o not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o stamp_n the_o colour_n the_o sound_n and_o other_o obvious_a mark_n that_o may_v satisfy_v a_o shopkeeper_n or_o a_o merchant_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v try_v it_o by_o the_o severe_a way_n of_o examine_v such_o as_o the_o touchstone_n the_o cupel_n aquafortis_n etc._n etc._n and_o find_v it_o to_o hold_v good_a in_o those_o proof_n he_o will_v ready_o and_o frank_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v true_a gold_n and_o will_v be_v more_o thorough_o convince_v of_o it_o than_o the_o other_o person_n who_o want_n of_o skill_n will_v make_v he_o still_o apt_a to_o retain_v a_o distrust_n and_o render_v he_o indeed_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v persuade_v but_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v on_o the_o like_a account_n though_o our_o virtuoso_fw-la will_v examine_v with_o more_o strictness_n and_o skill_n than_o ordinary_a man_n be_v able_a miracle_n prophecy_n or_o other_o proof_n say_v to_o be_v supernatural_a that_o be_v allege_v to_o evince_v a_o reveal_v religion_n yet_o if_o the_o certain_a and_o genuine_a character_n of_o truth_n appear_v in_o it_o he_o will_v be_v more_o thorough_o convince_v of_o it_o than_o a_o less_o skilful_a man_n who_o want_n of_o good_a criteria_n or_o touchstone_n and_o sound_v judgement_n will_v incline_v he_o to_o be_v diffident_a and_o to_o be_v still_o afraid_a of_o have_v be_v impose_v on_o i_o expect_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o you_o shall_v here_o object_n against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o late_a leave_n of_o the_o past_a discourse_n that_o it_o have_v degrade_v the_o human_a intellect_n by_o ascribe_v so_o much_o to_o experience_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a that_o it_o have_v leave_v nothing_o for_o reason_n to_o do_v unless_o servile_o to_o obey_v but_o though_o this_o objection_n be_v plausible_a yet_o the_o answer_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v due_o consider_v and_o reason_n be_v bring_v to_o act_v even_o on_o this_o occasion_n not_o as_o a_o interest_v party_n but_o a_o unbiased_a judge_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o rational_a philosopher_n scruple_n not_o to_o alter_v or_o renounce_v the_o opinion_n that_o specious_a reason_n have_v suggest_v to_o they_o when_o once_o they_o either_o find_v those_o opinion_n contradict_v by_o experience_n or_o meet_v with_o other_o opinion_n more_o conformable_a to_o experience_n and_o aristotle_n himself_o though_o he_o be_v accuse_v to_o have_v perhaps_o the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o ancient_a naturalist_n pervert_v physics_n by_o wrest_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o logical_a and_o metaphysical_a fancy_n yet_o even_o he_o confess_v not_o only_o that_o in_o the_o science_n of_o nature_n reason_n ought_v to_o comport_v with_o the_o phaenomena_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n with_o reason_n but_o that_o to_o adhere_v to_o plausible_a ratiocination_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o sensible_a observation_n be_v a_o weakness_n or_o disease_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o mind_n i_o will_v not_o here_o mention_v what_o i_o say_v in_o another_o paper_n by_o way_n of_o attempt_n to_o settle_v the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o experience_n in_o reference_n to_o natural_a philosophy_n but_o it_o may_v concern_v our_o present_a argument_n to_o employ_v a_o few_o line_n in_o this_o place_n towards_o the_o further_o clear_v the_o late_o propose_v objection_n we_o may_v observe_v then_o that_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v by_o aristotle_n and_o common_o receive_v in_o the_o school_n that_o the_o understanding_n be_v like_o blank_a paper_n and_o that_o it_o receive_v no_o knowledge_n but_o what_o have_v be_v convey_v to_o it_o through_o the_o sense_n whether_o i_o say_v this_o be_v or_o be_v not_o admit_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o notion_n which_o be_v either_o congenite_fw-la with_o the_o understanding_n or_o so_o easy_o and_o early_o acquire_v by_o it_o that_o divers_a philosopher_n think_v they_o innate_a be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o judge_n aright_o about_o any_o one_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o thing_n that_o occur_v either_o in_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o theology_n for_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n power_n wisdom_n and_o other_o attribute_n there_o be_v a_o facundity_n that_o have_v produce_v a_o world_n of_o contrivance_n law_n and_o other_o thing_n that_o exceed_o surpass_v both_o the_o number_n and_o variety_n that_o the_o dim_a and_o limit_a intellect_n of_o man_n can_v reach_v to_o by_o frame_v and_o compound_v idaea_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o pattern_n afford_v by_o the_o work_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o same_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n it_o must_v frequent_o happen_v that_o the_o notion_n and_o opinion_n man_n take_v up_o of_o the_o work_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mere_a suggestion_n of_o the_o abstract_a reason_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v it_o new_o speak_v of_o must_v not_o only_o be_v almost_o always_o very_o deficient_a but_o will_v be_v oftentimes_o very_o erroneous_a of_o which_o we_o see_v evident_a proof_n in_o many_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o old_a philosopher_n who_o though_o man_n of_o strong_a natural_a part_n be_v mislead_v by_o what_o they_o mistake_v for_o reason_n to_o maintain_v such_o thing_n about_o the_o work_n and_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o who_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o experience_n and_o revelation_n stand_v in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o often_o just_o think_v utter_o extravagant_a the_o importance_n of_o the_o subject_a late_o speak_v of_o and_o its_o be_v too_o little_o consider_v may_v make_v it_o deserve_v to_o be_v inculcate_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o that_o which_o i_o have_v late_o call_v abstract_v reason_n be_v but_o a_o narrow_a thing_n and_o reach_v but_o to_o a_o very_a small_a share_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o thing_n knowable_a whether_o human_a or_o divine_a that_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o help_n of_o further_a experience_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n this_o reason_n furnish_v with_o no_o other_o notice_n than_o it_o can_v supply_v itself_o with_o be_v so_o narrow_a and_o deceitful_a a_o thing_n that_o he_o that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n only_o within_o himself_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v quite_o ignorant_a of_o far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v scarce_o escape_v be_v mistake_v about_o a_o good_a part_n of_o those_o he_o think_v he_o know_v but_o notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o be_o far_o from_o intend_v to_o deny_v reason_n any_o of_o its_o just_a prerogative_n for_o i_o show_v in_o another_o paper_n that_o experience_n be_v but_o a_o assistant_n to_o reason_n since_o it_o do_v indeed_o supply_v information_n to_o the_o understanding_n but_o the_o understanding_n remain_v still_o the_o judge_n and_o have_v the_o power_n or_o right_n to_o examine_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v present_v to_o it_o the_o outward_a sense_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o hear_v by_o the_o intervention_n of_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o eye_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o more_o immediate_a optical_a tube_n and_o the_o sense_n do_v but_o perceive_v object_n not_o judge_n of_o they_o nor_o do_v the_o more_o wary_a among_o the_o philosopher_n trust_v their_o eye_n to_o teach_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o visible_a object_n but_o only_o employ_v it_o to_o perceive_v the_o phaenomena_n it_o exhibit_v and_o
the_o change_n that_o happen_v to_o its_o self_n by_o the_o action_n of_o it_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o sensory_n may_v deceive_v we_o if_o the_o requisite_n of_o sensation_n be_v want_v as_o when_o a_o square_a tower_n appear_v round_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o a_o straight_o stick_v half_a in_o the_o water_n appear_v crooked_a because_o of_o the_o double_a medium_fw-la it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o reason_n not_o sense_n to_o judge_n whether_o none_o of_o the_o requisite_n of_o sensation_n be_v want_v which_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o add_v oftentimes_o require_v not_o only_a reason_n but_o philosophy_n and_o then_o also_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o reason_n to_o judge_n what_o conclusion_n may_v and_o what_o can_v be_v safe_o ground_v on_o the_o information_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o experience_n so_o that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o experience_n correct_v reason_n it_o be_v somewhat_o a_o improper_a way_n of_o speak_v since_o it_o be_v reason_n itself_o that_o upon_o the_o information_n of_o experience_n correct_v the_o judgement_n she_o have_v make_v before_o and_o this_o borrow_a from_o the_o forementioned_a paper_n because_o it_o be_v never_o publish_a prompt_v i_o to_o illustrate_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n by_o compare_v she_o to_o a_o able_a judge_n who_o come_v to_o hear_v and_o decide_v cause_n in_o a_o strange_a country_n for_o the_o general_a notion_n he_o bring_v with_o he_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o justice_n and_o equity_n can_v give_v he_o but_o a_o very_a short_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o frame_v a_o right_a judgement_n about_o the_o case_n that_o be_v first_o bring_v before_o he_o and_o before_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o witness_n he_o may_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o fall_v into_o prejudicate_v opinion_n of_o thing_n whether_o person_n or_o cause_n but_o when_o a_o authentic_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n have_v clear_v thing_n to_o he_o he_o than_o pronounce_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n he_o be_v master_n of_o to_o which_o the_o witness_n do_v but_o give_v information_n though_o that_o subsequent_a information_n may_v have_v oblige_v he_o to_o lay_v aside_o some_o prejudicate_v opinion_n he_o have_v entertain_v before_o he_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o natural_a experience_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o understanding_n may_v with_o due_a alteration_n be_v apply_v to_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o here_o also_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o examine_v whether_o the_o testimony_n be_v indeed_o divine_a and_o whether_o a_o divine_a testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v as_o it_o will_v easy_o perceive_v it_o shall_v believe_v in_o what_o it_o clear_o teach_v to_o omit_v other_o use_v of_o reason_n about_o theological_a matter_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o this_o place_n where_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v show_v that_o reason_n be_v not_o degrade_v from_o the_o dignity_n that_o belong_v to_o she_o of_o perceive_v and_o judge_v though_o she_o be_v oblige_v by_o she_o own_o dictate_v to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n she_o can_v from_o experience_n whether_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a and_o by_o the_o full_a account_n of_o thing_n she_o receive_v from_o those_o information_n to_o rectify_v if_o need_v be_v her_o former_a and_o less_o mature_a judgement_n in_o short_a those_o that_o cry_v up_o abstract_v reason_n as_o if_o it_o be_v self-sufficient_a exalt_v it_o in_o word_n but_o we_o that_o address_v reason_n to_o physical_a and_o theological_a experience_n and_o direct_v it_o how_o to_o consult_v they_o and_o take_v its_o information_n from_o they_o exalt_v it_o in_o effect_n and_o reason_n be_v much_o less_o useful_o serve_v by_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o man_n than_o by_o the_o late_a since_o whilst_o those_o do_v but_o flatter_v it_o these_o take_v the_o right_a way_n to_o improve_v it_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o imagine_v that_o i_o have_v 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shall_v not_o despair_v that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v suffice_v to_o persuade_v you_o that_o experimental_a philosophy_n may_v great_o assist_v a_o well-disposed_a mind_n to_o yield_v a_o hearty_a and_o operative_a assent_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n i_o be_o sir_n your_o most_o &c._n &c._n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n reflection_n upon_o a_o theological_a distinction_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v above_o reason_n but_o not_o against_o reason_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n in_o the_o savoy_n print_v by_o edw._n jones_n for_o john_n tailor_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxc_o advertisement_n after_o the_o author_n have_v begin_v the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o christian_n virtuoso_fw-la and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o which_o he_o design_v to_o continue_v till_o he_o have_v complete_v it_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o leave_v the_o country_n where_o he_o enjoy_v some_o 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a_o person_n that_o be_v at_o leisure_n and_o furnish_v with_o a_o library_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o either_o excuse_n or_o deplore_v my_o be_v so_o ill_o accommodate_v for_o the_o task_n you_o impose_v upon_o i_o because_o as_o you_o seem_v to_o desire_v but_o my_o own_o thought_n so_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o common_a place-book_n will_v afford_v i_o any_o great_a assistance_n on_o so_o uncommon_a a_o theme_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o when_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v it_o i_o as_o well_o as_o you_o do_v less_o care_n for_o authority_n especial_o take_v from_o discourse_n design_v rather_o to_o persuade_v than_o prove_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v suggest_v by_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o yet_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v ready_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o do_v that_o frequent_o enough_o which_o your_o friend_n perhaps_o will_v call_v preach_v for_o beside_o that_o your_o desire_n and_o my_o haste_n 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notion_n of_o generosity_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o do_v so_o that_o as_o we_o think_v not_o mason_n but_o jeweller_n fit_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o genuineness_n and_o value_n of_o precious_a stone_n so_o you_o will_v allow_v i_o to_o take_v the_o notion_n and_o measure_n of_o greatness_n of_o mind_n not_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o injudicious_a vulgar_a but_o the_o judicious_a estimate_n of_o reason_n improve_v by_o philosophy_n and_o enlighten_v by_o natural_a theology_n i_o know_v the_o undiscerning_a multitude_n who_o judgement_n seem_v rather_o lodge_v in_o the_o eye_n than_o in_o the_o brain_n when_o they_o hear_v man_n name_n greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v something_o that_o like_o the_o coronation_n of_o a_o king_n be_v attend_v with_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n and_o a_o
numerous_a train_n of_o gazer_n and_o the_o loud_a acclamation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o at_o least_o when_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o a_o heroic_a soul_n they_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v be_v but_o in_o a_o great_a commander_n like_o a_o roman_a emperor_n or_o a_o tartarian_a general_n that_o lead_v and_o defeat_v army_n and_o desolate_v whole_a country_n and_o leave_v they_o people_v only_o with_o carcase_n but_o reason_n and_o religion_n that_o look_v on_o human_a thing_n with_o eye_n untroubled_a by_o those_o pompous_a outside_n that_o dazzle_v the_o vulgar_a can_v easy_o see_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o greatness_n of_o fortune_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o not_o only_a christianity_n teach_v that_o god_n who_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d respecter_n of_o person_n act_n 10._o and_o 34._o 2_o sam._n 14._o and_o 14._o see_v not_o person_n as_o man_n see_v they_o and_o that_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v sublime_a among_o man_n may_v be_v a_o abomination_n 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world_n be_v by_o themselves_o and_o the_o shallow_a vulgar_a think_v great_a spirit_n but_o as_o gnat_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o small_a and_o worthless_a creature_n and_o be_v real_o considerable_a for_o nothing_o save_o the_o noise_n and_o the_o sting_n wherewith_o they_o be_v able_a to_o disturb_v man_n rest_n that_o lucky_a monarch_n that_o overcome_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n and_o conquer_a country_n fast_o than_o one_o will_v have_v think_v he_o can_v have_v travel_v over_o they_o have_v this_o character_n give_v of_o his_o stupendous_a exploit_n by_o the_o roman_a historian_n that_o all_o he_o have_v do_v be_v that_o he_o dare_v well_o despise_v despicable_a thing_n and_o in_o a_o poet_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n this_o be_v his_o elegy_n faelix_fw-la terrarum_fw-la praedo_fw-la non_fw-la utile_fw-la mundo_fw-la editus_fw-la exemplum_fw-la and_o if_o such_o person_n as_o they_o have_v so_o little_a respect_n for_o so_o great_a a_o monarch_n 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of_o nation_n and_o as_o it_o usual_o speak_v a_o man_n a_o better_a artist_n to_o make_v a_o pocket-watch_n than_o a_o great_a town-clock_n all_o the_o advantage_n the_o late_a have_v of_o the_o former_a consist_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v wrought_v and_o not_o that_o of_o the_o skill_n that_o be_v display_v so_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o those_o production_n of_o virtue_n argue_v a_o great_a soul_n that_o make_v by_o far_o a_o lesser_a show_n and_o noise_n and_o you_o may_v remember_v not_o only_o that_o socrates_n notwithstanding_o his_o private_a and_o even_o necessitous_a condition_n be_v by_o the_o oracle_n prefer_v to_o all_o the_o grecian_n when_o greece_n be_v the_o theatre_n of_o generous_a mind_n but_o that_o a_o far_o true_a oracle_n than_o that_o of_o delphos_n pronounce_v the_o poor_a widow_n mind_n and_o circumstance_n to_o have_v make_v her_o mite_n a_o great_a liberality_n than_o all_o that_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v bestow_v upon_o the_o corban_n 43._o and_o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o no_o worse_o a_o judge_n than_o 32._o solomon_n let_v we_o not_o then_o from_o the_o mean_a notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o fond_a opinion_n of_o common_a soul_n take_v our_o estimate_n of_o so_o sublime_a and_o extraordinary_a a_o quality_n as_o greatness_n of_o mind_n for_o many_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o give_v not_o only_o their_o approbation_n but_o their_o applause_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o little_o esteem_v if_o they_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o wise_a as_o a_o piece_n of_o brass_n money_n that_o have_v long_o past_a currant_n among_o the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v think_v good_a gold_n when_o refiner_n and_o say-master_n have_v declare_v it_o counterfeit_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o what_o notion_n then_o of_o greatness_n of_o mind_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o allow_v i_o shall_v free_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o my_o apprehension_n the_o man_n that_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n be_v he_o that_o use_v 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nebuchadnezar_n but_o as_o part_n of_o a_o dream_n whereas_o the_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o christian_n be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n 28._o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v move_v as_o the_o believer_n crown_n be_v in_o opposition_n to_o those_o fade_a crown_n of_o laurel_n that_o adorn_v the_o head_n of_o the_o roman_a conqueror_n call_v a_o 4._o unwither_a crown_n of_o glory_n as_o if_o the_o laurel_n place_v on_o the_o christian_n head_n can_v grow_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o wreath_n better_a than_o it_o do_v on_o the_o tree_n but_o all_o that_o i_o have_v yet_o say_v be_v inferior_a to_o this_o last_o prerogative_n of_o the_o celestial_a crown_n that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o confer_v a_o relative_a dignity_n or_o preeminence_n but_o a_o essential_a worth_n and_o excellency_n as_o if_o the_o diamond_n which_o adorn_v that_o crown_n shall_v impart_v their_o own_o sparklingness_n transparency_n and_o incorruptibility_n to_o the_o person_n that_o wear_v it_o the_o high_a 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in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o their_o father_n who_o know_v but_o that_o the_o transfigure_v soul_n and_o body_n of_o some_o happy_a saint_n may_v be_v as_o glorious_a a_o sight_n as_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o st._n john_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n when_o he_o see_v a_o angel_n 17._o stand_v in_o the_o sun_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v very_o bold_a hyperbole_n i_o hope_v the_o text_n i_o have_v mention_v will_v keep_v they_o from_o seem_v altogether_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o when_o among_o other_o excellent_a prerogative_n that_o our_o saviour_n promise_v the_o persevere_v beleiver_n one_o be_v 27_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o power_n over_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o rule_v they_o with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n and_o the_o other_o which_o may_v well_o be_v the_o last_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n 21._o to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n even_o as_o i_o evercame_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n and_o tho'_o i_o ready_o yield_v that_o these_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v and_o literal_o take_v yet_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o infinite_a power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v he_o may_v have_v numberless_a dominion_n and_o set_v of_o governable_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o stranger_n too_o i_o think_v god_n attribute_n and_o christ_n expression_n may_v warrant_v we_o to_o expect_v amaze_a thing_n from_o he_o that_o be_v able_a and_o have_v declare_v himself_o willing_a to_o do_v for_o we_o 20._o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o in_o our_o present_a state_n so_o much_o as_o think_v and_o at_o least_o that_o will_v be_v allow_v i_o which_o i_o drive_v at_o in_o this_o celebration_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o propose_v such_o inestimable_a reward_n present_v beleiver_n with_o far_o high_a motive_n to_o heroic_a virtue_n than_o morality_n or_o philosophy_n can_v afford_v other_o men._n advertisement_n the_o author_n be_v desire_v to_o add_v yet_o something_o to_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o give_v the_o book_n they_o make_v part_n of_o a_o thickness_n more_o proportionate_a to_o its_o largeness_n he_o do_v among_o other_o paper_n of_o he_o that_o he_o turn_v over_o in_o compliance_n with_o that_o request_n light_n upon_o a_o epistolary_a discourse_n which_o by_o its_o very_a be_v unfinished_a seem_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o shortness_n the_o more_o fit_a to_o serve_v the_o present_a turn_n for_o this_o tract_n have_v be_v draw_v up_o in_o a_o country_n whence_o the_o author_n be_v oblige_v to_o remove_v before_o he_o have_v make_v any_o considerable_a progress_n in_o his_o work_n he_o be_v easy_o induce_v to_o put_v it_o up_o in_o a_o bundle_n of_o other_o write_n which_o like_o this_o be_v lay_v aside_o till_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o much_o leisure_n to_o complete_a they_o but_o upon_o the_o new_o mention_v occasion_n find_v that_o among_o 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a_o little_a raise_v since_o though_o the_o subject_n be_v theological_n yet_o the_o writer_n who_o be_v then_o many_o year_n young_a than_o he_o now_o be_v be_v a_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o write_v for_o a_o noble_a gentleman_n who_o like_o himself_o be_v a_o layman_n it_o be_v thought_n not_o only_o allowable_a but_o fit_a that_o the_o style_n shall_v not_o be_v altogether_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o the_o aim_n which_o be_v to_o make_v impression_n on_o a_o illustrious_a person_n not_o by_o dry_a precept_n or_o languid_a discourse_n but_o by_o exciting_a he_o to_o heroic_a virtue_n by_o the_o noble_a pattern_n and_o idea_n and_o the_o most_o move_a incentives_n he_o can_v propose_v and_o though_o the_o discouragement_n late_o mention_v and_o since_o increase_v by_o the_o author_n not_o be_v able_a
admit_v it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o make_v of_o saul_n and_o his_o army_n when_o all_o the_o people_n be_v on_o one_o side_n and_o only_o he_o and_o jonathan_n on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o when_o the_o world_n be_v so_o recent_a that_o many_o that_o be_v then_o alive_a may_v remember_v and_o converse_v with_o one_o that_o for_o two_o hundred_o year_n live_v contemporary_a with_o adam_n for_o so_o we_o may_v gather_v methusalem_n to_o have_v do_v men_n shall_v so_o soon_o forget_v all_o sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o yet_o in_o noah_n time_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v compare_v to_o its_o present_a state_n where_o tho'_o it_o be_v night_n in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v day_n in_o another_o but_o to_o the_o state_n of_o tohu_n va_fw-fr bohu_n or_o the_o first_o chaos_n where_o darkness_n be_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universal_a deep_a for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o 12._o that_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o and_o though_o noah_n family_n be_v save_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o that_o be_v a_o certain_a token_n of_o their_o be_v untouched_a by_o the_o general_a contagion_n for_o that_o wonderful_a vessel_n contain_v beast_n clean_a and_o unclean_a harmless_a and_o rapacious_a and_o in_o it_o be_v save_v wolf_n as_o well_o as_o lamb_n and_o vulture_n as_o well_o as_o dove_n and_o where_o god_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o receive_v noah_n and_o his_o house_n into_o the_o ark_n he_o express_v it_o thus_o for_o thou_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n without_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o of_o his_o family_n nor_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n more_o universal_a than_o it_o be_v great_a that_o mongrel_n breed_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o gigantic_a as_o themselves_o 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be_v constancy_n or_o persevere_v patience_n in_o affliction_n this_o quality_n have_v so_o noble_a a_o appearance_n that_o when_o it_o be_v exercise_v even_o by_o malefactor_n it_o obtain_v our_o esteem_n and_o while_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o excuse_v their_o action_n we_o can_v but_o commend_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o suffering_n for_o they_o calmness_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o outward_a storm_n be_v something_o that_o look_v so_o handsome_o that_o crime_n and_o gibbet_n can_v keep_v it_o from_o do_v so_o nor_o hinder_v those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v find_v from_o be_v both_o pity_v and_o applaud_v that_o this_o part_n of_o greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v befriend_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o than_o by_o any_o other_o institution_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o contribute_v to_o constancy_n and_o patience_n under_o outward_a pressure_n and_o calamity_n by_o precept_n by_o example_n and_o by_o argument_n chap._n v._n fragment_n humility_n 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