a_o treatise_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n wherein_o be_v examine_v the_o general_a motive_n and_o occasion_n which_o dispose_v unbeliever_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o two_o letter_n contain_v a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n translate_v fròm_v the_o french_a of_o mounseur_fw-fr le_z clerc_n london_n print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n mdcxcvii_o the_o translator_n preface_n mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v a_o person_n so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v less_o arrogant_a than_o superfluous_a for_o i_o to_o give_v any_o character_n of_o his_o capacity_n or_o his_o write_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o transgress_v either_o way_n in_o recommend_v the_o follow_a treatise_n for_o setting_z aside_o all_o personal_a consideration_n the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v my_o undertake_n the_o study_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n that_o some_o will_v make_v this_o inclination_n to_o pass_v for_o the_o only_a essential_a distinction_n of_o our_o species_n from_o all_o other_o animal_n but_o the_o study_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n since_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o sect_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a person_n enjoy_v that_o happiness_n be_v find_v to_o be_v different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n this_o diversity_n join_v to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o party_n that_o lay_v their_o claim_n to_o genuine_a christianity_n exclusive_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n seem_v to_o render_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a and_o indeed_o thousand_o of_o well-meaning_a people_n have_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o scepticism_n and_o indifference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a be_v content_a to_o be_v implicit_o lead_v by_o their_o teacher_n now_o that_o person_n deserve_v best_a of_o the_o world_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o truth_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a separate_v it_o from_o all_o the_o false_a notion_n with_o which_o it_o be_v so_o mix_v and_o overrun_v sometime_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o entire_a ruin_n thereof_o but_o who_o likewise_o establish_v such_o a_o excellent_a method_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v most_o certain_a he_o be_v on_o the_o right_a side_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v the_o endless_a labour_n of_o examine_v every_o religion_n successive_o how_o far_o our_o author_n have_v contribute_v to_o do_v mankind_n this_o desirable_a piece_n of_o service_n the_o reader_n must_v determine_v for_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o lead_v his_o judgement_n and_o though_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v so_o modest_a as_o to_o think_v his_o own_o performance_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o grotius_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a i_o must_v affirm_v and_o that_o with_o all_o imaginable_a impartiality_n that_o in_o my_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o for_o be_v it_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n reason_n be_v obvious_a to_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n whereas_o most_o of_o the_o other_o book_n be_v not_o intelligible_a but_o to_o profound_a scholar_n as_o if_o these_o only_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n but_o what_o be_v more_o notwithstanding_o the_o extraordinary_a talent_n of_o grotius_n he_o be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o the_o oriental_a language_n nor_o so_o acute_a and_o solid_a a_o philosopher_n nor_o yet_o superior_a in_o philology_n or_o history_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o writing_n after_o he_o but_o let_v mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n book_n speak_v for_o its_o author_n as_o for_o my_o version_n i_o shall_v detain_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o apology_n because_o it_o be_v not_o more_o correct_v or_o polite_a if_o it_o be_v faithful_a and_o intelligible_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o those_o who_o sincere_o study_v for_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o satisfy_v they_o i_o care_v not_o much_o for_o the_o displeasure_n of_o other_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v some_o year_n since_o i_o first_o form_v a_o design_n of_o write_v upon_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o small_a piece_n which_o i_o publish_v at_o present_a and_o have_v my_o other_o occupation_n pure_o depend_v upon_o my_o own_o choice_n this_o have_v be_v perform_v long_o ago_o but_o be_v necessary_o engage_v in_o some_o other_o thing_n i_o be_v force_v to_o put_v it_o off_o till_o now_o at_o length_n have_v finish_v my_o latin_a write_n upon_o the_o pentateuch_n i_o happy_o become_v master_n of_o time_n enough_o to_o turn_v my_o application_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o can_v free_o say_v that_o i_o never_o think_v of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o extreme_a satisfaction_n for_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o i_o can_v consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o always_o appear_v to_o i_o ground_v upon_o the_o firm_a proof_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o perfect_o conformable_a to_o sound_v reason_n or_o to_o say_v all_o in_o one_o word_n worthy_a the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nor_o do_v i_o in_o my_o whole_a life_n labour_n with_o more_o ardour_n and_o delight_n than_o i_o do_v in_o compose_v this_o work_n wherein_o i_o have_v i_o think_v evident_o make_v out_o that_o unbeliever_n act_v against_o all_o good_a sense_n in_o refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v they_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o whether_o i_o be_o mistake_v or_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v judge_n if_o this_o book_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o meet_v with_o that_o reception_n in_o french_a which_z several_z other_o of_o this_o kind_n have_v have_v i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o put_v it_o into_o latin_a and_o in_o my_o annotation_n upon_o it_o confirm_v all_o that_o i_o say_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a apologist_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o too_o of_o the_o most_o consider_v heathen_n as_o the_o incomparable_a grotius_n have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o far_o indeed_o from_o equal_v my_o work_n to_o he_o nor_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o with_o the_o same_o success_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a but_o if_o man_n have_v regard_v only_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o that_o write_v i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o none_o in_o the_o world_n have_v better_a than_o i_o nor_o be_v more_o convince_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o defend_v john_n le_fw-fr clerc_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o preface_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n pag._n 1._o part_n i._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o p._n 9_o chap._n 2._o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v refuse_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 27._o chap._n 3._o that_o what_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a p._n 45._o chap._n 4._o that_o many_o be_v unbeliever_n only_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reason_v well_o p._n 63._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o neglect_v of_o search_v into_o truth_n be_v often_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n p._n 75._o chap._n 6._o that_o laziness_n keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o infidelity_n p._n 93._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n p._n 107._o part_n ii_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o doubt_n because_o several_a embrace_v it_o more_o out_o of_o credulity_n than_o upon_o good_a reason_n p._n 110._o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o immorality_n or_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o sometime_o express_v the_o
likewise_o that_o he_o succeed_v well_o enough_o in_o this_o study_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o it_o then_o that_o he_o thereby_o acquire_v a_o great_a reputation_n among_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o his_o nation_n and_o have_v be_v prefer_v to_o the_o great_a honour_n they_o can_v confer_v upon_o he_o a_o man_n in_o these_o circumstance_n may_v very_o easy_o conceive_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o person_n and_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o despise_v such_o as_o be_v destitute_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o procure_v he_o all_o that_o honour_n and_o esteem_n now_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o one_o of_o the_o common_a people_n not_o of_o the_o priestly_a stock_n neither_o skilled_a in_o the_o law_n nor_o of_o any_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n go_v to_o see_v this_o eminent_a priest_n and_o tell_v he_o of_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o sentiment_n maintain_v against_o he_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o tradition_n he_o have_v learn_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o observe_v any_o of_o the_o mosaic_a ceremony_n now_o what_o will_v the_o priest_n think_v you_o answer_v to_o this_o what_o opinion_n will_v he_o have_v of_o a_o person_n that_o shall_v speak_v after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a business_n to_o guess_v that_o he_o will_v treat_v this_o man_n with_o indignation_n and_o contempt_n a_o little_a of_o his_o pity_n be_v the_o most_o he_o can_v expect_v it_o be_v plain_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o priest_n will_v be_v more_o deserve_v of_o this_o treatment_n whatever_o good_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o himself_o to_o set_v the_o effect_n of_o pride_n in_o another_o light_n let_v we_o imagine_v a_o epicurean_a philosopher_n a_o man_n of_o part_n and_o that_o by_o his_o write_n and_o discourse_n have_v get_v himself_o a_o considerable_a reputation_n among_o the_o greek_n such_o as_o lucian_n be_v for_o example_n or_o any_o other_o that_o you_o please_v this_o man_n be_v accustom_a for_o a_o great_a while_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o heathen_a religion_n wherein_o doubtless_o he_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v but_o he_o also_o join_v to_o it_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o examine_v they_o he_o look_v upon_o religion_n in_o general_a as_o mere_a superstition_n or_o as_o a_o trick_n of_o politician_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o simple_a he_o have_v a_o hundred_o time_n declaim_v among_o his_o friend_n against_o the_o infatuation_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n in_o this_o respect_n nor_o do_v he_o miss_v the_o return_n of_o applause_n from_o those_o of_o the_o same_o disposition_n his_o friend_n and_o his_o own_a railleries_n against_o religion_n have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n the_o best_a season_v of_o their_o conversation_n and_o debauch_n let_v we_o also_o send_v this_o philosopher_n to_o some_o vulgar_a person_n who_o undertake_v to_o prove_v against_o he_o that_o his_o epicureanism_n be_v the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o endeavour_n to_o inspire_v he_o with_o some_o awe_n of_o a_o divinity_n who_o providence_n govern_v the_o universe_n i_o desire_v not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v i_o as_o true_a or_o probable_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o so_o a_o minute_n or_o two_o now_o what_o will_v the_o epicurean_a say_n he_o will_v present_o put_v on_o a_o jeer_a countenance_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o this_o man_n have_v say_v to_o he_o without_o examine_v any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o a_o person_n of_o wit_n shall_v condescend_v to_o learn_v of_o one_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v none_o and_o who_o be_v infatuate_v to_o boot_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o mob_n these_o example_n belong_v proper_o to_o the_o age_n past_a and_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o force_n we_o must_v as_o it_o be_v forget_v our_o own_o time_n and_o imagine_v ourselves_o live_v before_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o be_v but_o such_o as_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o present_a time_n and_o have_v compare_v our_o passion_n with_o those_o of_o our_o predecessor_n know_v that_o the_o theatre_n of_o the_o world_n have_v only_o change_v its_o ornament_n and_o that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o heretofore_o man_n be_v proud_a as_o they_o have_v always_o be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o this_o passion_n may_v work_v the_o same_o effect_v now_o as_o it_o can_v have_v upon_o a_o jewish_a priest_n or_o epicurean_a philosopher_n sixteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o a_o man_n prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o opinion_n defend_v it_o out_o of_o vanity_n against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o reason_n a_o professor_n for_o instance_n that_o in_o the_o university_n have_v long_o teach_v the_o old_a philosophy_n or_o the_o old_a physic_n not_o only_o reject_v the_o most_o ingenious_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n of_o the_o modern_n but_o even_o those_o demonstration_n which_o show_v we_o the_o error_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o plain_a as_o the_o sun_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o conduct_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v what_o the_o modern_n say_v to_o be_v true_a he_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n own_o that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o for_o many_o year_n but_o pure_a chimera_n nor_o can_v he_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o humble_v himself_o so_o much_o to_o other_o who_o have_v discover_v truth_n whereof_o he_o be_v ignorant_a those_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o that_o reject_v it_o aught_o to_o retire_v within_o themselves_o and_o consider_v why_o they_o yield_v not_o to_o its_o reason_n they_o will_v find_v perhaps_o that_o the_o imaginary_a pleasure_n of_o be_v above_o the_o common_a level_n and_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o such_o as_o they_o despise_v be_v the_o true_a cause_n which_o retain_v they_o in_o their_o doubt_n and_o infidelity_n or_o at_o least_o that_o this_o disposition_n contribute_v towards_o it_o very_o much_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o pride_n be_v a_o vice_n and_o modesty_n a_o virtue_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o such_o as_o act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o pride_n do_v put_v themselves_o in_o danger_n at_o least_o of_o be_v deceive_v and_o that_o therefore_o pride_n shall_v never_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n this_o every_o body_n will_v own_v but_o i_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o a_o man_n judge_n by_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o pride_n for_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o common_a opinion_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v it_o out_o of_o vanity_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o beside_o a_o man_n be_v own_o consciousness_n we_o may_v know_v by_o two_o thing_n whether_o the_o motive_n of_o pride_n come_v into_o our_o judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o when_o we_o judge_v after_o that_o manner_n we_o never_o careful_o examine_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o very_a general_n and_o superficial_a review_n after_o which_o we_o peremptory_o conclude_v without_o ever_o begin_v our_o examen_fw-la anew_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o those_o who_o be_v condemn_v to_o beg_v a_o little_a patient_a hear_v or_o to_o have_v their_o reason_n exact_o consider_v once_o more_o for_o they_o shall_v no_o long_o be_v listen_v to_o they_o be_v condemn_v without_o appeal_n and_o can_v never_o recover_v themselves_o so_o a_o judgement_n once_o make_v without_o examination_n serve_v for_o a_o principle_n to_o other_o who_o continue_v to_o condemn_v on_o what_o they_o never_o well_o think_v of_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v any_o hear_n to_o their_o adversary_n if_o any_o doubt_n of_o what_o i_o say_v let_v those_o who_o out_o of_o pride_n have_v rash_o decide_v against_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v endeavour_v exact_o to_o repeat_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o have_v condemn_v have_v they_o judge_v after_o a_o mature_a examen_fw-la which_o require_v a_o long_a and_o strict_a discussion_n of_o all_o that_o be_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o condemn_v they_o will_v so_o well_o understand_v it_o as_o never_o to_o forget_v it_o they_o can_v repeat_v and_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o each_o reason_n bring_v against_o they_o as_o we_o see_v a_o judge_n that_o have_v careful_o read_v and_o examine_v all_o the_o part_n and_o paper_n of_o a_o trial_n report_v the_o particular_n without_o any_o hesitation_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o consequence_n and_o deserve_a attention_n but_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o reject_v
their_o own_o opinion_n and_o not_o upon_o those_o who_o design_n only_o to_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n none_o can_v without_o injustice_n impute_v to_o its_o founder_n all_o that_o have_v be_v since_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n they_o first_o lay_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o work_n the_o three_o proposition_n concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o revelation_n its_o perpetual_a subsistence_n and_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o its_o expression_n do_v suppose_v that_o the_o design_n of_o god_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n his_o will_n mathematical_o which_o be_v a_o supposition_n contrary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n a_o state_n of_o liberty_n wherein_o law_n and_o not_o demonstration_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v appoint_v reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o can_v not_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n nor_o avert_v they_o from_o vice_n otherwise_o than_o 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this_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o can_v perfect_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v short_a the_o divine_a law_n be_v proportionated_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n whatever_o they_o may_v say_v who_o have_v not_o study_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n agree_v upon_o by_o all_o christian_a divine_n that_o god_n do_v not_o damn_v any_o person_n bare_o for_o violate_v his_o law_n but_o for_o not_o leave_v his_o ill_a habit_n that_o be_v the_o man_n be_v own_o fault_n i_o shall_v insist_v no_o long_o upon_o this_o lest_o i_o digress_v too_o far_o from_o the_o subject_a i_o treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n what_o i_o conclude_v from_o all_o i_o have_v say_v be_v that_o unbeliever_n do_v frequent_o take_v ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la for_o clear_a principle_n from_o which_o they_o hasty_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n i_o have_v allege_v plain_a example_n of_o it_o and_o can_v have_v bring_v several_a more_o but_o those_o cite_v by_o i_o may_v 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how_o to_o govern_v their_o thought_n but_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o who_o presumption_n be_v increase_v by_o their_o age_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n incurable_a go_v to_o work_v with_o they_o how_o you_o will_v especial_o if_o any_o immorality_n be_v join_v to_o this_o want_n of_o judgement_n which_o never_o fail_v scarce_o to_o happen_v nor_o be_v it_o for_o such_o that_o we_o write_v as_o book_n of_o physic_n be_v not_o write_v about_o incurable_a disease_n to_o be_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v in_o effect_n some_o people_n who_o for_o want_n of_o know_v how_o to_o reason_n refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o upon_o what_o we_o know_v of_o many_o unbeliever_n which_o live_v among_o christian_n such_o as_o undertake_v to_o convert_v the_o indian_n and_o the_o other_o idolater_n of_o asia_n america_n and_o africa_n after_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o learn_v their_o language_n be_v force_v to_o take_v much_o more_o when_o they_o will_v by_o reason_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o monk_n may_v long_o enough_o make_v all_o imaginable_a effort_n to_o become_v intelligible_a to_o those_o ignorant_a people_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o the_o opinion_n whereupon_o it_o be_v build_v but_o although_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o plain_a yet_o there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o they_o who_o can_v be_v make_v to_o understand_v it_o and_o few_o that_o conceive_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o mean_n which_o the_o missionary_n have_v choose_v
the_o want_n of_o a_o little_a quiet_a whereof_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o for_o some_o small_a time_n but_o methinks_v a_o short_a term_n of_o carelessness_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o so_o great_a value_n with_o a_o man_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v he_o quit_v it_o be_v there_o any_o in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v live_v in_o this_o eternal_a indifference_n for_o all_o that_o require_v application_n if_o any_o leave_v this_o laziness_n for_o other_o thing_n what_o reason_n can_v he_o bring_v for_o not_o quit_v it_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v his_o own_o state_n as_o to_o religion_n if_o indeed_o after_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n a_o man_n can_v not_o enjoy_v his_o former_a quiet_n he_o may_v plead_v very_o plausible_o in_o defence_n of_o this_o carriage_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a after_o fatigue_v himself_o a_o little_a his_o repose_n be_v but_o the_o more_o pleasant_a and_o so_o the_o lazy_a shall_v by_o this_o principle_n at_o least_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v religion_n but_o now_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v certain_o true_a as_o we_o maintain_v a_o more_o deplorable_a state_n can_v not_o well_o be_v conceive_v in_o this_o life_n than_o that_o of_o the_o lazy_a gentleman_n we_o have_v describe_v for_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o lamentable_a than_o to_o precipitate_v one_o self_n into_o eternal_a misery_n rather_o than_o take_v the_o pain_n of_o learning_n the_o mean_n to_o avoid_v it_o that_o man_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o lazy_a person_n who_o will_v not_o rise_v at_o night_n for_o fear_n of_o break_v his_o repose_n though_o the_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n no_o he_o will_v be_v take_v for_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o madman_n we_o see_v by_o these_o example_n very_o clear_o how_o unreasonable_a that_o spiritual_a laziness_n be_v which_o keep_v man_n from_o examine_v religion_n we_o perceive_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o the_o misery_n that_o may_v proceed_v from_o it_o nevertheless_o there_o have_v be_v former_o man_n of_o this_o character_n and_o there_o be_v now_o even_o among_o christian_n such_o be_v those_o jew_n of_o thessalonica_n 17.4_o act_n 17.4_o whereof_o very_a few_o be_v the_o better_a for_o s._n paul_n preach_v because_o they_o will_v not_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v and_o whereof_o the_o most_o part_n very_o zealous_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n raise_v a_o commotion_n in_o the_o town_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o s._n luke_n this_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o same_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o berea_n another_o city_n of_o macedonia_n to_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n these_o say_v the_o historian_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n in_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o therefore_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v if_o those_o of_o thessalonica_n have_v love_n enough_o for_o the_o truth_n to_o do_v as_o much_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v less_o ready_a to_o receive_v their_o reason_n who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o '_o they_o but_o the_o laziness_n that_o detain_v they_o in_o judaisme_n join_v to_o their_o other_o passion_n keep_v they_o from_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o consequent_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o live_v among_o the_o christian_n and_o perhaps_o a_o part_n of_o the_o mahometan_n may_v neglect_v the_o examen_fw-la of_o christianity_n out_o of_o divers_a principle_n such_o as_o those_o we_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n but_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o mix_v with_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o laziness_n we_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n they_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o all_o meditation_n and_o discussion_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o that_o they_o vouchsafe_v not_o even_o to_o examine_v why_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o judaisme_n or_o mahometanism_n be_v altogether_o busy_a about_o sensible_a object_n and_o the_o care_n of_o life_n they_o can_v without_o reluctancy_n think_v serious_o and_o attentive_o of_o any_o other_o subject_a they_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o people_n extreme_o weary_a after_o walk_v a_o great_a way_n on_o foot_n but_o desire_v to_o take_v a_o long_o walk_v to_o refresh_v and_o divert_v themselves_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v be_v sure_a to_o such_o a_o proposition_n but_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o repose_n they_o will_v think_v of_o no_o other_o thing_n except_o quiet_o enjoy_v their_o rest_n thus_o such_o as_o be_v busy_a about_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n and_o fatigue_v with_o the_o perpetual_a care_n they_o occasion_n be_v lazy_a as_o to_o all_o other_o thing_n christianity_n be_v at_o this_o time_n divide_v into_o several_a sect_n whereof_o some_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o a_o error_n may_v we_o not_o therefore_o place_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o lazy_a those_o person_n who_o full_a of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n have_v never_o careful_o examine_v which_o of_o these_o sect_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o own_o that_o divers_a other_o motive_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o remain_v without_o know_v why_o themselves_o in_o that_o party_n wherein_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o condemn_v all_o other_o without_o vouchsafe_v to_o examine_v their_o tenet_n but_o if_o you_o remark_n it_o well_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principle_n which_o occasion_n this_o conduct_n be_v a_o certain_a lazy_a aversion_n to_o the_o trouble_v of_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n we_o may_v proceed_v yet_o further_o see_v there_o be_v people_n who_o condemn_v not_o only_o their_o native_a religion_n without_o have_v ever_o sufficient_o study_v it_o but_o likewise_o all_o other_o religion_n though_o still_o less_o know_v to_o they_o because_o first_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v discover_v some_o falsity_n therein_o they_o conclude_v next_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o so_o can_v never_o resolve_v upon_o serious_o or_o thorough_o examine_v the_o truth_n after_o have_v find_v out_o as_o they_o think_v that_o the_o able_a man_n they_o know_v teach_v a_o false_a doctrine_n for_o a_o gospel-truth_n they_o judge_v by_o this_o sample_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o country_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o laziness_n which_o keep_v they_o as_o it_o be_v enchant_v make_v they_o think_v it_o more_o convenient_a to_o condemn_v all_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o to_o engage_v in_o a_o solicitous_a enquiry_n after_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o danger_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o laziness_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o person_n who_o disagree_v to_o it_o but_o when_o they_o will_v actual_o get_v quit_v of_o this_o passion_n they_o find_v themselves_o so_o much_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v need_n of_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o be_v cure_v or_o to_o form_v a_o opposite_a habit._n beside_o all_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v we_o ought_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v in_o a_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o this_o idle_a temper_n which_o be_v not_o only_o infinite_o more_o satisfactory_a but_o likewise_o much_o more_o reasonable_a and_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n will_v be_v prefer_v to_o a_o shameful_a quiet_n worthy_a of_o beast_n then_o men._n let_v we_o imagine_v now_o such_o a_o lazy_a person_n as_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o let_v we_o compare_v his_o condition_n to_o that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v accustom_a to_o enquiry_n find_v no_o repose_n except_v in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o have_v perceive_v some_o false_a doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v he_o as_o a_o true_a one_o for_o we_o may_v grant_v this_o to_o several_a of_o the_o lazy_a unbeliever_n he_o reject_v this_o doctrine_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v true_a concern_v religion_n without_o consider_v that_o important_a truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o falsehood_n in_o the_o theology_n of_o his_o country_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v people_n perhaps_o elsewhere_o exempt_v from_o those_o error_n that_o be_v teach_v he_o or_o final_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n may_v have_v be_v misunderstand_v common_a sense_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n to_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n at_o least_o till_o he_o have_v examine_v these_o three_o
upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n i._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v be_v accuse_v but_o which_o nevertheless_o confirm_v they_o in_o these_o disposition_n it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v ill_o do_v of_o they_o to_o forsake_v the_o truth_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o but_o they_o be_v not_o much_o less_o to_o be_v blame_v who_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o occasion_n of_o do_v so_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o in_o this_o second_o part_n where_o grant_v to_o unbeliever_n that_o many_o of_o they_o who_o profess_v christianity_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o several_a thing_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o no_o way_n follow_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o those_o fault_n which_o we_o remark_n at_o this_o day_n in_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o their_o disciple_n the_o occasion_n which_o the_o latter_a give_v unbeliever_n to_o 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history_n and_o they_o believe_v not_o less_o the_o most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n than_o the_o holy_a and_o most_o useful_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n lay_v open_a by_o the_o teacher_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o understanding_n which_o determine_v these_o to_o believe_v they_o true_a or_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o respect_n but_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v to_o they_o well_o or_o ill-grounded_a and_o a_o certain_a credulity_n careful_o cherish_v in_o their_o mind_n because_o of_o the_o advantage_n draw_v by_o some_o from_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n deceive_v by_o a_o faint_a resemblance_n they_o call_v their_o credulity_n by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n and_o maintain_v that_o those_o want_v it_o who_o believe_v not_o as_o they_o do_v all_o that_o be_v tell_v they_o by_o their_o preacher_n and_o consequent_o 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these_o discourse_n and_o behold_v this_o conduct_n so_o visible_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n laugh_v at_o this_o pretend_a faith_n and_o draw_v from_o it_o this_o unhappy_a consequence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v receive_v so_o credulous_o be_v either_o false_a or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v extreme_o suspect_v thus_o the_o heathen_n former_o hear_v the_o christian_n say_v that_o they_o need_v only_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o understand_v what_o this_o mean_v 6._o mean_v origen_n count_v cell_n l._n 1_o &_o 6._o laugh_v in_o like_a manner_n at_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o if_o none_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o credulous_a person_n and_o such_o as_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o reason_v and_o indeed_o if_o it_o have_v for_o a_o main_a principle_n this_o doctrine_n that_o people_n must_v embrace_v it_o without_o know_v why_o and_o that_o such_o as_o shall_v thus_o believe_v it_o shall_v be_v save_v if_o they_o have_v maintain_v this_o i_o 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examination_n or_o that_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o blind_a faith_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o such_o as_o receive_v it_o upon_o those_o score_n can_v pass_v for_o christian_n who_o faith_n be_v praiseworthy_a to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o need_v but_o consider_v the_o conduct_n and_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n without_o any_o character_n to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o impostor_n who_o have_v frequent_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a be_v he_o to_o be_v believe_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n or_o have_v he_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o jew_n will_v have_v do_v well_o to_o reject_v he_o nay_o and_o have_v he_o in_o very_a deed_n be_v send_v of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o offer_v cogent_a proof_n of_o it_o no_o body_n can_v be_v blame_v for_o not_o believe_v on_o he_o for_o then_o such_o as_o be_v the_o most_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o 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they_o it_o can_v be_v say_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v interest_n which_o engage_v they_o in_o it_o or_o that_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o first_o undertake_n have_v jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o considerable_a provision_n for_o such_o as_o will_v preach_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o may_v and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v never_o the_o false_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o show_v unbeliever_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_v at_o all_o by_o any_o interest_n and_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o most_o considerable_a proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o preach_v herein_o we_o have_v matter_n of_o praise_v divine_a providence_n that_o have_v take_v such_o care_n about_o the_o first_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o prevent_v those_o disadvantageous_a suspicion_n which_o people_n may_v nourish_v concern_v any_o establishment_n like_o the_o 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considerable_a expense_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v as_o soon_o as_o person_n of_o quality_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o emperor_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a that_o the_o principal_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v live_v in_o some_o splendour_n without_o which_o they_o must_v become_v contemptible_a and_o unable_a not_o only_o to_o keep_v up_o their_o respect_n with_o the_o people_n but_o likewise_o with_o king_n and_o man_n of_o the_o first_o order_n to_o consider_v mankind_n such_o as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v and_o not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o settlement_n be_v necessary_a after_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_v religion_n upon_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o aim_v at_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o mere_a temporal_a settlement_n whereby_o they_o may_v live_v great_a but_o the_o worldliness_n of_o those_o people_n can_v without_o injustice_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o to_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v nor_o can_v they_o be_v blame_v neither_o who_o have_v augment_v the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n of_o churchman_n because_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a design_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a enough_o for_o such_o as_o enjoy_v those_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n to_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o most_o do_v if_o after_o make_v as_o modest_a expense_n as_o can_v be_v for_o the_o external_a part_n they_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o revenue_n to_o some_o good_a purpose_n where_o be_v the_o harm_n of_o this_o be_v there_o any_o law_n in_o be_v that_o prohibit_v it_o no_o sure_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v oblige_v humble_a and_o moderate_a or_o from_o remember_v their_o former_a condition_n before_o they_o come_v to_o these_o dignity_n who_o will_v not_o heap_v commendation_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o do_v so_o manage_v themselves_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v their_o avarice_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n they_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o dignity_n aforesaid_a but_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n more_o and_o to_o lead_v the_o people_n to_o piety_n and_o charity_n by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a efficacy_n than_o their_o discourse_n have_v there_o not_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o time_n some_o clergyman_n that_o behave_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o who_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o respect_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o be_v the_o bishop_n whereof_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n speak_v immediate_o after_o give_v that_o description_n of_o those_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a weight_n as_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o show_v every_o where_o clear_a token_n of_o his_o sincerity_n they_o may_v say_v he_o be_v real_o happy_a if_o despise_v the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n wherein_o they_o conceal_v their_o vice_n they_o have_v imitate_v the_o way_n of_o live_v of_o some_o prelate_n in_o the_o province_n who_o the_o frugality_n of_o their_o table_n the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o habit_n and_o their_o eye_n always_o fix_v upon_o the_o ground_n do_v render_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o true_a worshipper_n as_o virtuous_a and_o modest_a person_n therefore_o it_o be_v unjust_o do_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o attribute_v to_o the_o old_a or_o modern_a christianity_n the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n and_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o worst_a reason_v that_o can_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v answer_v to_o the_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n draw_v from_o the_o scandalous_a manner_n after_o which_o 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to_o provide_v a_o remedy_n against_o this_o disgrace_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o those_o who_o first_o spread_v it_o throughout_o all_o the_o world_n have_v order_v their_o disciple_n to_o suffer_v no_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n not_o even_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o essential_a and_o to_o persecute_v those_o who_o will_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n follow_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o great_a number_n the_o libertine_n may_v then_o questionless_a just_o attribute_v to_o they_o all_o the_o sad_a consequence_n that_o proceed_v from_o that_o intolerate_a principle_n whereof_o some_o divine_n make_v profession_n but_o it_o be_v just_a the_o contrary_a the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n recommend_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o moderation_n and_o charity_n in_o such_o dissension_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n 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shall_v
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yet_o worse_a be_v that_o most_o of_o those_o sect_n mutual_o condemn_v one_o another_o each_o of_o they_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n for_o such_o as_o embrace_v not_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v i_o need_v not_o enter_v upon_o particular_n or_o bring_v distinct_a proof_n of_o these_o division_n and_o anathemas_n for_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n but_o too_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n from_o hence_o unbeliever_n take_v a_o occasion_n of_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v like_o all_o other_o and_o that_o if_o it_o have_v come_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o do_v christian_n will_v be_v better_o agree_v than_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o same_o god_n say_v they_o who_o give_v it_o to_o man_n will_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v those_o division_n that_o extreme_o lessen_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o apple_n of_o discord_n which_o no_o soon_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n 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violate_v as_o all_o other_o be_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o reward_n and_o punishment_n concern_v another_o life_n man_n though_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o remote_a and_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o outward_a object_n which_o work_n upon_o their_o sense_n or_o imagination_n that_o the_o present_a time_n prevail_v over_o the_o future_a beside_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o persuasion_n though_o persuasion_n itself_o be_v most_o true_a no_o body_n doubt_v of_o some_o considerable_a fact_n of_o ancient_a history_n for_o example_n that_o cesar_n overcome_v pompey_n however_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o persuasion_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o that_o whereby_o every_o body_n be_v persuade_v of_o what_o he_o see_v though_o those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o roman_a author_n that_o be_v contemporary_a and_o those_o who_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o century_n doubt_v not_o at_o all_o of_o cesar_n victory_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o persuasion_n arise_v from_o what_o we_o have_v see_v be_v strong_a and_o more_o lively_a the_o christian_n who_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v sometime_o move_v with_o it_o be_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o just_a now_o allege_v more_o move_v with_o the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o some_o passion_n and_o so_o this_o last_o motion_n overcome_v the_o other_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v that_o disorder_n and_o say_v that_o few_o man_n will_v observe_v his_o commandment_n and_o many_o break_v they_o 2._o they_o part_n ii_o chap._n 2._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v elsewhere_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v why_o do_v not_o god_n make_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o sensible_a to_o man_n as_o what_o they_o see_v why_o do_v they_o not_o see_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o paradise_n and_o hell_n open_v good_a man_n in_o the_o one_o and_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o other_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o those_o who_o obey_v god_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o out_o of_o thankfulness_n and_o because_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o his_o law_n be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a can_v not_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o who_o obey_v only_o out_o of_o fear_n and_o wish_v that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o let_v they_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v make_v sensible_a every_o body_n will_v pay_v to_o god_n the_o same_o outward_a obedience_n beside_o though_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o observe_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o that_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o heathen_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o 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and_o charity_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n have_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a as_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o however_o those_o notion_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o a_o horrible_a custom_n practise_v among_o the_o roman_n have_v be_v condemn_v they_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o see_v man_n kill_v one_o another_o or_o fight_v with_o wild_a beast_n so_o cruel_a a_o diversion_n last_v during_o many_o age_n at_o rome_n nor_o be_v the_o humanity_n of_o the_o roman_a people_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o by_o their_o historian_n offend_v at_o it_o in_o the_o least_o the_o same_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grecian_n be_v so_o horrible_o addict_v to_o fornication_n and_o sodomy_n that_o they_o never_o imagine_v there_o be_v any_o harm_n it_o it_o provide_v it_o may_v not_o prejudice_v their_o temporal_a interest_n those_o who_o will_v read_v their_o comical_a and_o satirical_a poet_n will_v not_o only_o see_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o also_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o those_o debauchery_n among_o christian_n one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v always_o detest_v and_o not_o so_o common_a and_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a as_o among_o the_o heathen_n because_o they_o be_v both_o condemn_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o heathen_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o infamous_a debauchery_n not_o only_o without_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o but_o also_o without_o feel_v any_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n because_o they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o never_o give_v over_o their_o lewdness_n but_o when_o the_o body_n be_v wear_v out_o can_v no_o long_o answer_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o never_o show_v any_o sorrow_n for_o it_o whereby_o youth_n may_v be_v deter_v from_o it_o all_o that_o old_a man_n can_v say_v to_o young_a man_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n only_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o family_n but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o knowledge_n man_n have_v of_o do_v evil_a when_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o lewdness_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o bridle_n which_o stop_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o pleasure_n and_o a_o leaven_n which_o often_o work_v repentance_n and_o excite_v man_n to_o deter_v other_o from_o do_v the_o like_a i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o justice_n be_v much_o better_o administer_v among_o christian_n than_o elsewhere_o but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o their_o civil_a and_o political_a law_n be_v better_a what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v settle_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v uncertain_a among_o other_o nation_n or_o rather_o have_v introduce_v they_o anew_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o do_v evil_a dare_v not_o assert_v it_o and_o that_o 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be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o know_v answer_v not_o their_o objection_n well_o or_o maintain_v some_o false_a doctrine_n as_o true_a one_o and_o as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o i_o say_v in_o general_a that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n that_o lead_v man_n into_o incredulity_n who_o have_v wit_n and_o judgement_n enough_o be_v the_o weak_a answer_n which_o be_v often_o return_v to_o their_o objection_n and_o the_o absurd_a doctrine_n which_o be_v maintain_v against_o they_o as_o true_a one_o no_o christian_a society_n will_v contradict_v i_o because_o they_o accuse_v one_o another_o of_o very_a great_a error_n thus_o without_o name_v any_o in_o particular_a i_o leave_v to_o every_o one_o the_o liberty_n of_o make_v such_o application_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n difficult_a to_o apprehend_v in_o
to_o wish_v for_o miracle_n as_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o yet_o establish_v three_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o require_v new_a miracle_n from_o god_n with_o and_o show_v of_o reason_n man_n shall_v have_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o have_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o after_o a_o careful_a and_o impartial_a examination_n they_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o thing_n they_o inquire_v after_o but_o must_v doubt_v still_o of_o it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o help_v man_n incredulity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o mission_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n but_o because_o the_o proof_n thereof_o 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we_o can_v return_v to_o they_o four_o i_o affirm_v that_o miracle_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o such_o men._n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o what_o i_o say_v see_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deny_v his_o miraculous_a work_n they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n will_v never_o want_v shift_n to_o bring_v into_o question_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o presence_n see_v they_o have_v find_v out_o several_a to_o hinder_v we_o from_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o those_o of_o christ_n suppose_v they_o be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o second_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o work_v no_o miracle_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n than_o to_o work_v any_o and_o such_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o see_v some_o obstinate_a man_n who_o require_v from_o he_o some_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v none_o because_o he_o see_v they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o of_o other_o divine_a grace_n and_o will_v but_o thereby_o increase_v their_o gild_n the_o evangelist_n observe_v 6.5_o observe_v mat._n 13.58_o mark_v 6.5_o that_o be_v come_v to_o nazareth_n he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n some_o unbelieve_a teacher_n have_v require_v of_o he_o a_o miracle_n more_o than_o once_o 16.1_o once_o mat._n 12.38_o &_o 16.1_o he_o deny_v they_o and_o refer_v they_o to_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o never_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v eye-witness_n wherefore_o he_o sometime_o ask_v those_o who_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v cure_v their_o disease_n whether_o they_o believe_v etc._n believe_v mat._n 9.29_o etc._n etc._n he_o can_v do_v it_o to_o teach_v they_o that_o none_o deserve_v a_o new_a grace_n but_o he_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o other_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o expect_v or_o demand_v a_o cure_n from_o he_o have_v they_o not_o certain_o know_v by_o other_o example_n or_o some_o good_a reason_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v incline_v he_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o unbeliever_n suppose_v at_o once_o two_o thing_n most_o absurd_a and_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o use_v man_n have_v make_v of_o his_o favour_n but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v their_o unbelief_n whatever_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o grant_v they_o new_a grace_n so_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v please_v doubt_v of_o revelation_n whereby_o the_o 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and_o if_o unbeliever_n will_v mind_v it_o they_o may_v observe_v that_o most_o of_o their_o objection_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o that_o observation_n be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o some_o fact_n which_o happen_v many_o century_n ago_o and_o be_v attest_v by_o some_o historian_n who_o knowledge_n and_o sincerity_n have_v be_v well_o prove_v although_o one_o may_v raise_v some_o difficulty_n with_o respect_n to_o some_o circumstance_n which_o can_v be_v now_o easy_o resolve_v yet_o if_o those_o difficulty_n destroy_v not_o the_o direct_a proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n and_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o what_o they_o relate_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n to_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o query_n which_o may_v be_v make_v about_o a_o relation_n one_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o whatever_o it_o contain_v and_o 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they_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o propose_v any_o difficulty_n about_o a_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o other_o and_o be_v angry_a because_o they_o be_v not_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n some_o who_o want_v not_o wit_n and_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o reject_v it_o because_o they_o find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o do_v most_o time_n make_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a supposition_n without_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o viz._n that_o whatever_o they_o do_v not_o distinct_o comprehend_v be_v not_o true_a as_o if_o human_a knowledge_n ought_v necessary_o to_o comprehend_v whatever_o exist_v or_o be_v do_v in_o nature_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o knowledge_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o it_o will_v suffice_v to_o observe_v here_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o i_o mention_v just_a now_o be_v a_o mere_a supposition_n they_o be_v please_v to_o make_v because_o they_o imagine_v it_o raise_v they_o above_o what_o they_o be_v i_o maintain_v that_o this_o proposition_n can_v be_v deny_v viz._n that_o there_o may_v real_o be_v some_o thing_n the_o modus_fw-la or_o manner_n of_o which_o humane_a nature_n can_v know_v at_o present_a though_o it_o study_v for_o it_o never_o so_o much_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o distinct_a notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a but_o only_o that_o it_o may_v be_v we_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v require_v or_o the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v it_o to_o know_v some_o thing_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o certain_o know_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v that_o distinction_n because_o several_a people_n who_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o confound_v thing_n that_o be_v extreme_o different_a we_o can_v believe_v what_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o our_o clear_a notion_n but_o we_o believe_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v most_o unbeliever_n be_v common_o guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v less_o excusable_a than_o the_o former_a instead_o of_o be_v in_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o as_o seek_v after_o truth_n they_o act_n like_o man_n who_o only_o strive_v to_o get_v the_o better_a without_o inquire_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n they_o wrangle_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o those_o with_o who_o they_o dispute_v do_v it_o unsuccessful_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o that_o they_o will_v not_o show_v those_o who_o do_v not_o defend_v religion_n well_o what_o mistake_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o only_a labour_n to_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o triumph_v over_o they_o but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n about_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deceive_v other_o without_o do_v himself_o a_o great_a prejudice_n and_o when_o truth_n be_v equal_o advantageous_a to_o every_o body_n man_n shall_v only_o labour_v to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o instead_o of_o insult_v those_o who_o can_v show_v the_o way_n to_o it_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o put_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n the_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n say_v well_o 10._o well_o arist_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-la coelo_fw-la c._n 10._o that_o those_o who_o will_v right_o judge_v of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v arbitrator_n not_o party_n assoon_o as_o one_o have_v put_v on_o the_o character_n of_o a_o adversary_n he_o think_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n but_o of_o the_o glory_n which_o may_v be_v get_v by_o triumph_v over_o he_o who_o he_o have_v assault_v he_o be_v only_a intent_n upon_o his_o adversary_n way_n of_o reason_v to_o take_v he_o up_o upon_o all_o occasion_n but_o not_o to_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o a_o better_a he_o consider_v no_o long_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n as_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o enquiry_n but_o of_o his_o censure_n he_o view_v it_o on_o every_o side_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v a_o ill_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o unbeliever_n themselves_o can_v deny_v it_o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o clear_a and_o beautiful_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o only_o open_v they_o to_o see_v what_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a in_o it_o that_o they_o
christ_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a likelihood_n that_o god_n will_v disturb_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o so_o inconsiderable_a matter_n as_o those_o be_v for_o which_o he_o be_v say_v to_o disturb_v it_o every_o day_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o have_v not_o attentive_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v perhaps_o have_v say_v then_o that_o they_o apprehend_v not_o how_o providence_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o work_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n in_o its_o behalf_n see_v it_o make_v so_o little_a a_o progress_n in_o the_o world_n but_o those_o who_o live_v now_o can_v raise_v the_o like_a objection_n against_o we_o have_v see_v the_o duration_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v not_o produce_v yet_o among_o man_n all_o the_o effect_n it_o shall_v have_v produce_v if_o they_o have_v know_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v never_o happen_v hereafter_o those_o who_o will_v have_v conjecture_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o contemptible_a sect_n because_o it_o be_v then_o despise_v will_v have_v be_v gross_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v at_o present_a and_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o time_n past_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o reserve_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o future_a 8._o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o be_v the_o efficient_a and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o miracle_n we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o they_o be_v neither_o man_n nor_o other_o body_n which_o act_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o invisible_a power_n that_o be_v either_o some_o intelligent_a being_n more_o excellent_a than_o we_o though_o they_o be_v create_v or_o else_o god_n himself_o some_o believe_v as_o i_o say_v already_o that_o miracle_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n himself_o wrought_v several_a miracle_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v all_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o other_o creature_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o efficient_a and_o immediate_a cause_n but_o god_n himself_o to_o deny_v that_o intelligent_a being_n more_o perfect_a than_o we_o be_v can_v work_v miracle_n we_o shall_v exact_o know_v what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n and_o distinct_o see_v that_o miracle_n be_v above_o it_o it_o be_v true_a we_o know_v they_o be_v above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o god_n establish_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o give_v not_o to_o angel_n the_o power_n of_o alter_v sometime_o that_o order_n though_o it_o be_v original_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o none_o but_o a_o infinite_a power_n can_v make_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o if_o the_o power_n which_o establish_v it_o will_v permit_v it_o we_o can_v therefore_o say_v that_o angel_n work_v no_o miracle_n in_o effect_n it_o appear_v from_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n often_o make_v use_n of_o they_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v but_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o because_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o my_o subject_n 9_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v ask_v suppose_v angel_n work_v miracle_n first_o how_o one_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v god_n or_o a_o angel_n that_o wrought_v a_o certain_a miracle_n and_o second_o how_o one_o may_v know_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a angel_n a_o miracle_n be_v not_o of_o a_o nature_n which_o necessary_o require_v a_o cause_n whereof_o the_o power_n be_v infinite_a i_o confess_v we_o see_v no_o character_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n or_o a_o angel_n but_o the_o more_o we_o see_v a_o thing_n above_o our_o power_n the_o more_o it_o seem_v difficult_a to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n for_o example_n to_o foretell_v a_o contingent_a event_n or_o depend_v upon_o man_n will_n and_o which_o be_v to_o happen_v many_o age_n after_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o knowledge_n of_o create_a intelligent_a being_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a but_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o storm_n though_o the_o air_n be_v not_o dispose_v for_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n though_o it_o be_v above_o our_o power_n and_o we_o easy_o believe_v that_o angel_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a can_v do_v it_o however_o it_o matter_n little_a to_o know_v whether_o god_n immediate_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n or_o a_o good_a angel_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a good_a angel_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o be_v a_o execution_n of_o his_o order_n whether_o god_n himself_o act_v or_o a_o angel_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o see_v we_o neither_o see_v the_o cause_n that_o work_v nor_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n as_o for_o the_o other_o question_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o know_v whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a angel_n one_o may_v say_v something_o more_o positive_a truth_n be_v always_o the_o same_o contradict_v not_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a principle_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o pyrrhonian_n wherefore_o the_o miracle_n of_o god_n and_o good_a anglel_n ought_v always_o to_o tend_v to_o the_o confirm_v or_o establish_v some_o doctrine_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o be_v know_v either_o by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n and_o good_a angel_n always_o love_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o see_v therefore_o that_o a_o miracle_n confirm_v or_o establish_v something_o contrary_a to_o a_o certain_a truth_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o miracle_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n contrary_n to_o that_o of_o god_n and_o good_a angel_n thus_o the_o design_n of_o a_o miracle_n discover_v its_o author_n if_o we_o can_v apprehend_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v give_v no_o certain_a judgement_n about_o it_o nor_o draw_v from_o it_o any_o consequence_n for_o or_o against_o truth_n a_o bad_a angel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o work_v miracle_n which_o favour_n truth_n and_o virtue_n all_o those_o which_o contribute_v to_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o come_v from_o a_o good_a principle_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a angel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o act_v for_o lie_n and_o vice_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o shall_v favour_v either_o of_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miracle_n of_o bad_a angel_n this_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o know_v by_o what_o sort_n of_o angel_n a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v suppose_v it_o be_v know_v that_o a_o angel_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 10._o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v examine_v according_a to_o those_o principle_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o good_a angel_n because_o their_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o establish_v or_o settle_v truth_n and_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n now_o this_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n one_o may_v form_v of_o a_o power_n which_o delight_v in_o do_v ill_a and_o deceive_a men._n this_o christ_n show_v to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o accuse_v he_o of_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o demon_n 26._o demon_n mat._n 12.25_o 26._o every_o kingdom_n say_v he_o divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v that_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n against_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o a_o ill_a power_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o virtue_n but_o because_o i_o write_v not_o against_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o live_v among_o christian_n be_v not_o more_o persuade_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o of_o god_n and_o deny_v all_o sort_n of_o miracle_n alike_o but_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v those_o of_o christ_n 11._o last_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o miracle_n
great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o immediate_o precede_v it_o that_o this_o matter_n be_v never_o manage_v with_o better_a success_n the_o heathen_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o mahometans_n be_v not_o ill_o confute_v before_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v ever_o so_o well_o prove_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n nevertheless_o that_o there_o be_v still_o one_o thing_n behind_o which_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a have_v either_o not_o touch_v at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o slight_o i_o mean_v the_o secret_a motive_n and_o general_a reason_n which_o the_o incredulous_a have_v of_o not_o believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v their_o internal_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n do_v so_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o reason_n offer_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a themselves_o of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o do_v this_o that_o all_o speak_n to_o they_o be_v in_o vain_a before_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o impose_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 3.20_o joh._n 3.20_o neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v which_o signify_v that_o unbeliever_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o have_v long_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o many_o year_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n 21._o ver._n 21._o that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v easy_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n for_o example_n who_o discover_v several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v false_a judge_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a they_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o thousand_o lie_a miracle_n to_o who_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v join_v but_o find_v the_o modern_a miracle_n to_o be_v imposture_n they_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a one_o than_o another_o all_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o but_o as_o a_o totter_a fabric_n it_o must_v be_v show_v the_o incredulous_a then_o that_o those_o reason_n draw_v from_o without_o which_o
operam_fw-la quod_fw-la repugnamus_fw-la erevis_fw-la est_fw-la institutio_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la honestae_fw-la beataeque_fw-la si_fw-la credas_fw-la quintil_n inst_z orat._n lib._n 12._o c._n 6._o shall_v it_o happen_v then_o that_o we_o haâ—â—_n habit_n quite_o contrary_a to_o such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v of_o man_n they_o will_v certain_o dispose_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o every_o thing_n which_o that_o religion_n do_v teach_v to_o bâ—_n false_a and_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o itâ—_n law_n i_o do_v say_v yet_o that_o those_o contrary_a disposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a but_o i_o desire_v only_o the_o supposition_n which_o i_o now_o make_v to_o be_v grant_v i_o and_o i_o think_v none_o can_v deny_v i_o this_o without_o deny_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o i_o lay_v down_o at_o the_o beginning_n concern_v the_o influence_n our_o habit_n have_v over_o our_o reason_n with_o the_o difficulty_n of_o conquer_a they_o but_o these_o be_v truth_n so_o evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o disagree_v from_o they_o this_o be_v so_o behold_v the_o picture_n of_o man_n that_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o present_a disposition_n however_o he_o come_v by_o it_o he_o be_v a_o man_n that_o say_v to_o himself_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o this_o religion_n be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o my_o condition_n i_o be_o too_o honest_a a_o man_n to_o deserve_v damnation_n but_o this_o must_v nevertheless_o be_v be_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a it_o be_v therefore_o false_a and_o i_o shall_v never_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v absurd_a some_o will_v say_v to_o suppose_v a_o man_n disposition_n to_o be_v good_a without_o any_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n be_v a_o troublesome_a thing_n and_o that_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o condemn_v himself_o no_o body_n say_v they_o can_v reason_n after_o this_o manner_n unless_o it_o be_v some_o fool._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o there_o be_v many_o more_o fool_n of_o this_o sort_n than_o we_o imagine_v such_o as_o believe_v their_o own_o sentiment_n to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o in_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v almost_o all_o mankind_n what_o judgement_n do_v they_o make_v of_o those_o who_o without_o examine_v reject_v they_o do_v they_o not_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o act_v in_o that_o manner_n be_v well_o please_v with_o their_o own_o condition_n judge_v every_o thing_n true_a that_o agree_v with_o it_o and_o the_o contrary_a false_a it_o be_v true_a nevertheless_o that_o no_o body_n reason_n formal_o so_o distinct_o consider_v every_o proposition_n and_o their_o connection_n with_o one_o another_o no_o person_n make_v this_o formal_a paralogism_n i_o be_o a_o honest_a man_n what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o idea_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o idea_n and_o conduct_v be_v false_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mind_n suppose_v the_o two_o first_o proposition_n without_o express_o reflect_v upon_o they_o do_v thence_o infer_v the_o mention_a conclusion_n we_o pass_v over_o the_o premise_n so_o quick_o that_o we_o perceive_v not_o whence_o the_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v only_o we_o find_v our_o selveâ—_n strong_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n let_v we_o imagine_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o cannibal_n and_o that_o we_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o maxim_n receive_v by_o almost_o all_o nation_n that_o to_o fatten_v man_n in_o order_n to_o eat_v they_o be_v a_o horrible_a thing_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o will_v immediate_o agree_v to_o it_o that_o they_o will_v detest_v their_o former_a custom_n and_o live_v ever_o afterward_o as_o we_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o will_v resist_v the_o truth_n we_o shall_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o long_o a_o time_n as_o 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notwithstanding_o shall_v persuade_v we_o to_o eat_v a_o man_n we_o may_v reasonable_o do_v all_o that_o the_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o action_n can_v dictate_v to_o we_o before_o we_o follow_v therefore_o the_o inclination_n which_o custom_n beget_v in_o we_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o convince_v by_o clear_a and_o indubitable_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o custom_n be_v well_o ground_v and_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o passion_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v those_o passion_n lawful_a we_o can_v not_o reproach_v they_o with_o their_o infidelity_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o can_v show_v that_o these_o passion_n be_v unblamable_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o in_o the_o wrong_n and_o we_o may_v just_o complain_v of_o their_o obstinacy_n i_o do_v know_v how_o these_o maxim_n can_v be_v contest_v see_v they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o without_o so_o many_o preamble_n i_o shall_v have_v come_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n and_o show_v that_o unbeliever_n refuse_v assent_v to_o the_o gospel_n from_o ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o principle_n whence_o i_o draw_v the_o follow_a consequence_n shall_v be_v serious_o consider_v as_o those_o who_o reason_n from_o their_o present_a disposition_n do_v it_o without_o think_v on_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o unbeliever_n commit_v the_o same_o fault_n and_o i_o beg_v of_o they_o to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o there_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o they_o have_v determine_v not_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n see_v the_o moral_n of_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o all_o the_o vice_n that_o reason_n condemn_v it_o be_v 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pleasure_n we_o shall_v not_o court_v honour_n but_o by_o lawful_a way_n not_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o live_v great_a but_o to_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o society_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o this_o can_v be_v except_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o due_o discharge_v those_o office_n which_o we_o seek_v and_o of_o use_v those_o honour_n we_o be_v ambitious_a of_o to_o good_a purpose_n as_o for_o riches_n the_o gospel_n forbid_v we_o to_o desire_v they_o as_o a_o good_a but_o if_o without_o breach_n of_o any_o christian_a virtue_n we_o become_v rich_a it_o command_v we_o not_o to_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a but_o to_o impart_v our_o superfluity_n to_o the_o needy_a and_o as_o to_o pleasure_n we_o may_v take_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o any_o duty_n the_o gospel_n enjoin_v and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o will_v not_o engage_v we_o to_o violate_v any_o of_o its_o law_n thus_o
it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o and_o the_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n by_o little_a and_o little_o will_v the_o desire_n of_o see_v his_o enemy_n cure_v of_o so_o great_a a_o imperfection_n increase_n and_o he_o will_v insensible_o rid_v himself_o of_o it_o to_o show_v they_o a_o good_a example_n at_o length_n instead_o of_o longing_n to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o his_o enemy_n instead_o of_o make_v imprecation_n against_o they_o he_o will_v ardent_o wish_v they_o may_v become_v better_a man_n and_o will_v beg_v it_o of_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n nay_o he_o will_v on_o his_o side_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o after_o pray_v god_n as_o he_o do_v for_o himself_o that_o his_o enemy_n may_v become_v more_o virtuous_a he_o will_v wish_v they_o all_o that_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o bestow_v and_o more_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v desire_v it_o for_o himself_o now_o this_o it_o be_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n for_o we_o 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of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n of_o religion_n or_o whether_o the_o dislike_n of_o its_o moral_a precept_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o incredulity_n the_o first_o be_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n as_o incomprehensible_a or_o perplex_v and_o the_o second_o if_o the_o maxim_n of_o their_o moral_n be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o plain_o opposite_a to_o it_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o upon_o all_o other_o account_v they_o ready_o believe_v thing_n they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o conduct_n be_v more_o than_o the_o gospel_n admit_v do_v they_o not_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o ill_a habit_n be_v the_o secret_a but_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o disbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o common_a as_o to_o see_v unbeliever_n strong_o persuade_v of_o judiciary_n astrology_n and_o believe_v 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be_v not_o yet_o a_o cardinal_n have_v at_o so_o simple_a a_o discourse_n burst_v out_o a_o laugh_v have_v like_a to_o lose_v his_o favour_n by_o it_o for_o the_o cardinal_n be_v provoke_v at_o this_o mirth_n whereby_o he_o think_v mazarin_n jeer_v he_o say_v ironical_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o monsieur_n mazarin_n who_o have_v a_o profound_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n mazarin_n very_o submissive_o reply_v that_o give_v the_o fifty_o pistol_n which_o the_o mountebank_n demand_v for_o teach_v his_o secret_n it_o may_v be_v see_v whether_o the_o devil_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o mazarin_n himself_o look_v upon_o all_o divination_n as_o foppery_n except_o astrology_n which_o he_o strong_o fancy_v though_o he_o feign_v the_o contrary_n when_o madam_n mancini_n his_o sister_n die_v and_o afterward_o the_o duchess_n of_o mercaeur_n his_o niece_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o a_o astrologer_n at_o rome_n give_v in_o write_v a_o great_a while_n 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these_o opinion_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o manner_n of_o any_o person_n be_v live_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o incompatible_a as_o the_o christian_a moral_n be_v with_o their_o ill_a habit_n moreover_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n will_v strict_o examine_v themselves_o and_o compare_v their_o conduct_n with_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v i_o will_v own_v myself_o much_o deceive_v if_o they_o find_v it_o proof_n against_o the_o rigour_n of_o its_o precept_n julian_n of_o who_o i_o be_v speak_v have_v many_o excellent_a quality_n which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o quit_v by_o any_o mean_n have_v he_o remain_v still_o a_o christian_n and_o several_a bad_a one_o he_o have_v likewise_o which_o he_o must_v have_v rid_v himself_o of_o will_v he_o follow_v the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v which_o appear_v by_o many_o of_o his_o letter_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o notwithstanding_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o person_n do_v exceed_o contribute_v to_o make_v he_o receive_v or_o reject_v christianity_n and_o that_o unbeliever_n ought_v to_o examine_v themselves_o hereupon_o to_o see_v whether_o this_o whereof_o we_o accuse_v they_o be_v not_o true_a chap._n ii_o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v not_o grant_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n pride_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a persuasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v true_a not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v it_o as_o it_o do_v all_o other_o passion_n contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n but_o also_o because_o those_o affect_v with_o it_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v by_o a_o particular_a effect_n of_o this_o vice_n to_o reject_v unexamined_a the_o proof_n allege_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v what_o i_o design_n to_o show_v after_o i_o have_v first_o describe_v pride_n and_o its_o contrary_a virtue_n humility_n lest_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v concern_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v pride_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v a_o man_n imagine_v he_o possess_v more_o knowledge_n endowment_n or_o virtue_n than_o he_o true_o do_v and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o shall_v be_v more_o honour_a and_o esteem_v than_o he_o deserve_v the_o proud_a can_v without_o vexation_n bear_v that_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o refuse_v to_o other_o person_n they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o high_a idea_n of_o themselves_o but_o likewise_o despise_v other_o who_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v have_v not_o the_o same_o good_a quality_n nor_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o that_o esteem_n which_o
they_o appear_v not_o over-mortifyed_a who_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n nor_o will_v i_o set_v about_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o scepticism_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o no_o body_n stop_v at_o a_o mere_a doubt_n in_o religion_n those_o who_o say_v they_o have_v doubt_n be_v not_o content_a to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o possible_o deceive_v but_o as_o effectual_o so_o they_o consider_v not_o themselves_o as_o person_n who_o may_v well_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o as_o have_v find_v the_o true_a secret_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a pride_n as_o much_o as_o the_o bold_a determination_n let_v they_o have_v a_o great_a care_n therefore_o and_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o to_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v out_o of_o vanity_n be_v expose_v of_o one_o self_n to_o error_n let_v they_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o fallacious_a passion_n or_o at_o least_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o judge_v of_o religion_n we_o require_v not_o this_o of_o they_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o religion_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v or_o which_o they_o reject_v but_o from_o this_o maxim_n of_o common_a sense_n viz._n that_o a_o passion_n such_o as_o pride_n be_v can_v be_v of_o any_o service_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o that_o what_o keep_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a be_v i_o write_v against_o the_o pagan_n jew_n or_o mahometan_n and_o shall_v say_v that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la keep_v they_o wed_v to_o the_o religion_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n then_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o those_o that_o disbelieve_v christianity_n will_v conclude_v i_o in_o the_o right_n but_o as_o i_o write_v against_o man_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o it_o be_v i_o understand_v here_o by_o prejudices_fw-la when_o i_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n perhaps_o why_o unbeliever_n yield_v not_o their_o assent_n to_o it_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o i_o say_v in_o christianity_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v prejudice_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o instruction_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometans_n against_o christianity_n the_o second_o proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o and_o whereof_o it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n these_o people_n do_v easy_o conquer_v sometime_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n but_o after_o slight_o form_v to_o themselves_o other_o notion_n without_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o afterward_o become_v prejudices_fw-la to_o they_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n and_o it_o be_v of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o design_n to_o treat_v upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v form_v because_o they_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o such_o a_o complication_n of_o several_a motive_n and_o to_o circumstance_n so_o different_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v to_o distinguish_v they_o right_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v true_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v hasty_a conclusion_n which_o serve_v they_o afterward_o instead_o of_o a_o principle_n let_v we_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n bear_v in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o very_o gross_a error_n as_o it_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v we_o suppose_v i_o say_v that_o this_o man_n come_v to_o discern_v these_o error_n by_o read_v the_o book_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a party_n he_o be_v present_o cure_v of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o be_v always_o tell_v that_o the_o sentiment_n maintain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n be_v true_a it_o may_v notwithstanding_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n capable_a of_o discover_v these_o error_n can_v go_v back_o to_o the_o very_a spring_n and_o examine_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o itself_o such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o he_o stop_v then_o and_o imagine_v not_o only_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n be_v false_a but_o he_o make_v the_o same_o conclusion_n concern_v all_o religion_n without_o except_v that_o of_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v entertain_v such_o thought_n a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v find_v any_o body_n to_o who_o he_o dare_v open_v his_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v able_a to_o undeceive_v he_o if_o he_o do_v and_o these_o thought_n may_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n at_o length_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n afterward_o to_o eradicate_v they_o if_o the_o man_n too_o be_v any_o thing_n speculative_a he_o may_v in_o this_o condition_n form_v other_o principle_n upon_o on_o which_o he_o shall_v reason_v all_o his_o life_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o false_a these_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la from_o which_o i_o say_v we_o must_v preserve_v ourselves_o and_o that_o may_v contribute_v much_o to_o get_v the_o christian_a religion_n reject_v all_o those_o who_o be_v taint_v with_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o express_v they_o clear_o and_o beside_o they_o dare_v not_o always_o declare_v they_o free_o to_o those_o with_o who_o they_o discourse_v upon_o the_o subject_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a business_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v turn_v to_o their_o advantage_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o all_o judgement_n make_v of_o a_o thing_n from_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o if_o man_n shall_v thus_o hit_v upon_o the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v by_o pure_a chance_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d this_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o search_n oâ—_n all_o sort_n of_o truth_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o a_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v this_o rule_n than_o be_v ground_v upon_o common_a sense_n and_o no_o body_n can_v disagree_v to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o prejudice_n very_o common_a among_o those_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o that_o plain_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v they_o say_v believe_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v because_o they_o never_o see_v any_o miracle_n nor_o ever_o speak_v to_o any_o person_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o like_a they_o can_v any_o better_o imagine_v that_o this_o earth_n whereupon_o we_o live_v have_v a_o beginning_n or_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o animal_n nor_o plant_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o they_o have_v always_o remark_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v never_o speak_v to_o any_o that_o have_v see_v this_o beginning_n i_o maintain_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o general_a maxim_n a_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o whereof_o he_o have_v never_o see_v any_o example_n nor_o speak_v to_o any_o eye-witness_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o can_v give_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o geometrical_a axiom_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o what_o have_v persuade_v some_o people_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v that_o many_o time_n they_o discover_v falsehood_n by_o its_o mean_n some_o ancient_a philosopher_n for_o example_n have_v confute_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n concern_v the_o centaur_n the_o giant_n the_o monster_n chimaera_n and_o the_o like_a fictitious_a thing_n by_o this_o very_a maxim_n what_o have_v be_v now_o be_v incredibil_n palephat_n de_fw-mi reb_fw-mi incredibil_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o future_a i_o agree_v that_o this_o axiom_n may_v be_v of_o use_n when_o such_o as_o affirm_v unheard-of_a thing_n deserve_v no_o credit_n as_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o own_a they_o have_v invent_v a_o great_a part_n of_o what_o they_o say_v but_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o extend_v general_o to_o all_o thing_n or_o that_o it_o can_v pass_v for_o a_o self-evident_a maxim_n when_o a_o possible_a thing_n be_v attest_v by_o
to_o employ_v in_o their_o conversion_n rather_o than_o reason_n this_o make_v nothing_o to_o my_o design_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o bring_v those_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o insidelity_n peculiar_a to_o they_o from_o the_o people_n of_o europe_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o credulous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o very_o serious_o embrace_v a_o great_a number_n of_o incredible_a thing_n whereof_o their_o theology_n be_v make_v up_o their_o incredulity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gospel_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o reason_v almost_o at_o all_o except_o about_o thing_n relate_v to_o life_n and_o that_o nothing_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n except_v from_o experience_n or_o education_n they_o be_v not_o man_n that_o meditate_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o attentive_o consider_v abstract_v idea_n nor_o of_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o to_o draw_v some_o consequence_n from_o they_o so_o for_o want_n of_o meet_v a_o little_a reason_n in_o these_o people_n one_o be_v extreme_o puzzle_v how_o to_o get_v they_o to_o change_v their_o opinion_n this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o mahometan_n since_o we_o know_v that_o their_o divine_n do_v sometime_o write_v with_o subtlety_n and_o sense_n enough_o against_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o missionary_n will_v have_v they_o embrace_v nor_o can_v we_o treat_v they_o as_o infidel_n that_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o scepticism_n for_o they_o be_v every_o thing_n rather_o than_o pyrrhonian_n see_v they_o most_o hearty_o believe_v all_o the_o alcoran_n nevertheless_o although_o they_o have_v sense_n enough_o as_o i_o say_v to_o make_v objection_n against_o some_o doctrine_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o enough_o to_o examine_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o to_o see_v upon_o what_o it_o be_v 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not_o be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o nor_o seduce_v by_o their_o way_n chap._n v._o that_o the_o neglect_v of_o search_v into_o truth_n be_v often_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o have_v natural_o a_o genius_n good_a enough_o for_o abstract_a matter_n and_o that_o also_o be_v not_o whole_o neglect_v in_o their_o first_o education_n but_o who_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n have_v engage_v in_o occupation_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n the_o necessary_n of_o their_o family_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n do_v so_o take_v up_o their_o mind_n for_o several_a year_n together_o that_o they_o neglect_v all_o other_o thing_n never_o improve_v their_o natural_a part_n nor_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n with_o any_o application_n in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n this_o negligence_n lead_v they_o insensible_o into_o doubt_v for_o if_o the_o connection_n of_o 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order_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o importance_n nay_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o unbeliever_n who_o perceive_v not_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o that_o this_o negligence_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o incredulity_n and_o i_o shall_v bring_v many_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o work_n now_o to_o make_v what_o i_o have_v say_v more_o evident_a i_o will_v instance_n this_o fault_n in_o other_o person_n where_o people_n may_v remark_n it_o more_o impartial_o than_o in_o themselves_o when_o christianity_n begin_v to_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o judea_n that_o be_v chief_o when_o the_o apostle_n declare_v every_o where_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o master_n and_o show_v that_o he_o want_v not_o faithful_a disciple_n on_o earth_n though_o he_o be_v himself_o no_o more_o there_o all_o the_o jew_n ought_v one_o will_v think_v to_o have_v inform_v themselves_o of_o what_o these_o disciple_n say_v see_v they_o be_v thing_n most_o near_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v they_o expect_v their_o messiah_n about_o that_o time_n they_o groan_v so_o heavy_o under_o the_o roman_a tyranny_n that_o they_o wish_v for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o liberty_n and_o they_o hope_v the_o messiah_n shall_v prove_v their_o deliverer_n in_o this_o disposition_n they_o ought_v to_o hearken_v i_o shall_v think_v to_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o a_o messiah_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o doubt_n whether_o the_o wish_a deliverer_n be_v yet_o come_v or_o not_o methinks_v too_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v be_v hear_v of_o all_o the_o world_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n especial_o his_o resurrection_n for_o indeed_o these_o miracle_n be_v so_o great_a and_o many_o that_o more_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o messiah_n the_o
to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o dialectic_a or_o logick_n there_o be_v not_o one_o philosopher_n who_o have_v any_o reasonable_a no_o nor_o a_o probable_a hypothesis_n concern_v god_n except_o the_o platonist_n who_o accommodate_v their_o opinion_n so_o much_o to_o vulgar_a notion_n that_o by_o this_o medley_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a they_o render_v all_o the_o good_a they_o speak_v unprofitable_a and_o fruitless_a notwithstanding_o such_o as_o spend_v all_o their_o time_n to_o hear_v this_o sort_n of_o people_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v out_o of_o a_o unpardonable_a negligence_n to_o understand_v what_o s._n paul_n say_v to_o they_o one_o will_v think_v no_o body_n can_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o like_a fault_n among_o christian_n since_o they_o general_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v better_o spend_v his_o time_n than_o in_o discover_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o christianity_n be_v ground_v but_o the_o action_n of_o christian_n not_o 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respect_v for_o his_o preferment_n nor_o consider_v for_o his_o riches_n be_v he_o comparable_a to_o this_o other_o ignorant_a but_o rich_a or_o honourable_a man_n not_o at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o most_o christian_n this_o practice_n cry_v much_o loud_o if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o than_o the_o evangelical_n maxim_n it_o contradict_v and_o seem_v to_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o it_o concern_v they_o little_a to_o learn_v the_o reason_n of_o assent_v to_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o obtain_v some_o employment_n or_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o to_o which_o this_o same_o christianity_n contribute_v nothing_o it_o fall_v out_o likewise_o but_o too_o often_o that_o this_o dangerous_a lesson_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o considerable_a person_n who_o after_o neglect_v the_o study_n of_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o cultivate_v the_o art_n of_o advance_v 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come_v into_o their_o mind_n which_o beget_v difficulty_n out_o of_o which_o they_o can_v extricate_v themselves_o for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o at_o last_o produce_v a_o formal_a infidelity_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v cure_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o continuance_n it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a to_o fall_v into_o this_o negligence_n i_o be_o treat_v of_o as_o the_o cause_n whence_o it_o spring_v be_v always_o in_o be_v and_o act_v incessant_o upon_o the_o understanding_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n whilst_o that_o which_o may_v incline_v people_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v the_o gospel_n act_v but_o weak_o and_o be_v stifle_v as_o it_o be_v every_o moment_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o more_o numerous_a party_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o thing_n that_o may_v great_o contribute_v in_o seduce_v such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n they_o frame_v without_o perceive_v it_o and_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v solid_a enough_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a obey_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o just_a as_o much_o as_o their_o worldly_a interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v they_o imagine_v that_o most_o man_n act_v a_o part_n only_o and_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o real_o do_v not_o or_o else_o they_o conclude_v that_o person_n so_o injudicious_a as_o to_o contradict_v their_o belief_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v but_o a_o ill_a example_n to_o follow_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_o do_v of_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o persuasion_n by_o their_o conduct_n see_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v change_v the_o latter_a thus_o they_o imitate_v pretty_a well_o the_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o believe_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o multitude_n in_o as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o they_o have_v principle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n if_o they_o neglect_v inform_v themselves_o in_o religion_n this_o proceed_v from_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o regulate_v not_o their_o manner_n according_a to_o its_o precept_n it_o be_v because_o they_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o recompense_n promise_v those_o who_o shall_v observe_v they_o nor_o to_o the_o pain_n wherewith_o they_o be_v menace_v that_o violate_v they_o in_o a_o word_n they_o act_n coherent_o whereas_o the_o life_n of_o other_o be_v a_o perpetual_a contradiction_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v huge_o out_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o multitude_n feign_v only_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o injudiciousness_n make_v they_o contradict_v their_o belief_n by_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o preserve_v our_o persuasion_n entire_a even_o when_o we_o contradict_v it_o by_o our_o action_n than_o to_o suit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o conduct_v we_o follow_v and_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o man_n may_v sincere_o believe_v a_o principle_n to_o be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o not_o order_v his_o life_n according_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v that_o what_o set_v most_o man_n action_n a_o go_v be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v not_o seldom_o entire_o repugnant_a to_o this_o knowledge_n no_o body_n for_o example_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o bribery_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o well-governed_a state_n and_o that_o all_o employment_n shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o those_o only_o who_o deserve_v they_o nay_o the_o law_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v bribery_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v few_o person_n that_o do_v not_o solicit_v for_o themselves_o or_o for_o their_o friend_n when_o any_o opportunity_n of_o advancement_n offer_v itself_o we_o find_v also_o that_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n which_o they_o break_v nevertheless_o every_o day_n when_o they_o reap_v any_o present_a advantage_n from_o it_o we_o may_v allege_v a_o more_o evident_a example_n of_o this_o contradiction_n between_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n a_o gouty_a man_n who_o contract_v this_o troublesome_a distemper_n by_o drink_v too_o much_o wine_n doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o the_o immoderate_a use_n of_o this_o liquor_n must_v needs_o prove_v very_o hurtful_a to_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a pleasure_n he_o find_v in_o drink_v carry_v it_o and_o he_o can_v forbear_v drink_v more_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o several_a other_o passion_n in_o
that_o laziness_n may_v keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o incredulity_n we_o may_v reduce_v those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o believe_a christianity_n to_o two_o order_n of_o men._n some_o embrace_v it_o rather_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o as_o they_o esteem_v than_o for_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a number_n there_o be_v however_o many_o understand_a person_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o after_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o have_v be_v full_o convince_v we_o may_v also_o divide_v unbeliever_n into_o two_o party_n the_o one_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o christian_n build_v their_o belief_n but_o have_v not_o judge_v they_o worthy_a of_o assent_n either_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n which_o i_o will_v not_o stay_v to_o examine_v now_o the_o other_o sort_n have_v never_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o examine_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o pronounce_v our_o proof_n not_o convince_a they_o may_v be_v lead_v to_o this_o hasty_a judgement_n by_o divers_a motive_n or_o several_a passion_n may_v contribute_v together_o to_o throw_v they_o into_o infidelity_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o nice_a discussion_n of_o these_o motive_n and_o passion_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o general_a or_o particular_a in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v suffice_v to_o oblige_v unbeliever_n to_o retire_v as_o it_o be_v into_o themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o self-love_n i_o must_v nevertheless_o add_v here_o some_o remark_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o particular_a source_n of_o incredulity_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a and_o whereof_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o speak_v any_o thing_n this_o source_n be_v laziness_n which_o occasion_n many_o people_n to_o remove_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n whatever_o demand_v attention_n and_o that_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o by_o their_o sense_n or_o by_o their_o passion_n we_o meet_v with_o some_o who_o have_v understanding_n and_o judgement_n enough_o to_o examine_v right_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o but_o the_o long_a habit_n they_o have_v acquire_v of_o not_o examine_v any_o of_o these_o abstract_a idea_n which_o require_v some_o application_n make_v they_o so_o averse_a to_o this_o examen_fw-la that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o whilst_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o disposition_n to_o conquer_v it_o if_o this_o can_v be_v and_o to_o cure_v those_o who_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o or_o to_o keep_v other_o at_o least_o from_o fall_v into_o it_o we_o must_v examine_v it_o in_o its_o rise_n progress_n and_o consequence_n for_o if_o we_o can_v show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o consequence_n the_o most_o dangerous_a it_o must_v be_v necessary_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o become_v a_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o give_v way_n to_o it_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v more_o quick_o excite_v our_o attention_n than_o what_o strike_v our_o sense_n or_o awaken_v some_o of_o our_o passion_n whatever_o be_v convey_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o either_o of_o these_o way_n do_v so_o move_v and_o occupy_v it_o that_o if_o the_o sensation_n be_v lively_a and_o the_o passion_n quick_a no_o other_o thing_n can_v enter_v whilst_o they_o act_v there_o and_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o aversion_n to_o all_o thing_n beside_o for_o if_o a_o man_n continue_v long_o in_o this_o disposition_n without_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o subdue_v it_o it_o happen_v at_o last_o that_o though_o he_o be_v extreme_o active_a with_o regard_n to_o sensible_a thing_n and_o those_o passion_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v up_o himself_o he_o fall_v nevertheless_o into_o a_o surprise_v laziness_n as_o to_o all_o other_o matter_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v of_o read_v or_o examine_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o body_n proceed_v from_o such_o a_o extreme_a love_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o repose_n to_o which_o we_o be_v accustom_a that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o lose_v it_o without_o trouble_n so_o the_o laziness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o i'm_n now_o treat_v of_o do_v so_o seize_v upon_o all_o those_o who_o entertain_v it_o that_o they_o can_v shake_v it_o off_o without_o great_a pain_n and_o molestation_n be_v we_o assure_v that_o nothing_o merit_v our_o attention_n but_o what_o make_v impression_n upon_o our_o sense_n or_o relate_v to_o our_o passion_n we_o shall_v then_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o this_o please_a laziness_n and_o live_v with_o respect_n to_o spiritual_a object_n in_o the_o same_o calm_a wherein_o we_o live_v with_o regard_n to_o whatever_o we_o think_v can_v neither_o hurt_v nor_o benefit_v we_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o part_v with_o a_o state_n full_a of_o pleasure_n only_o to_o disquiet_v ourselves_o in_o examine_v what_o will_v occasion_v pain_n but_o procure_v we_o no_o advantage_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o negligence_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o no_o way_n concern_v the_o sense_n shall_v occasion_v we_o infinite_o more_o harm_n than_o our_o laziness_n about_o they_o can_v procure_v we_o of_o pleasure_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v downright_a madness_n for_o we_o to_o live_v in_o this_o carelessness_n but_o we_o can_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v fear_v shall_v we_o neglect_v spiritual_a thing_n such_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o without_o examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o this_o religion_n be_v ground_v and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o conquer_v this_o laziness_n that_o keep_v we_o from_o do_v it_o or_o else_o prefer_v the_o quiet_a of_o a_o fool_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o stupidity_n to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n wherein_o we_o be_v and_o of_o what_o we_o have_v to_o fear_v or_o hope_n notwithstanding_o those_o who_o once_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o this_o laziness_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o any_o examination_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v the_o hard_a task_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reclaim_v themselves_o some_o of_o they_o whereof_o we_o speak_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v whatever_o be_v tell_v they_o of_o religion_n than_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o other_o again_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o examine_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v of_o these_o last_o that_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o treat_v and_o of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o how_o understanding_n soever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v before_o they_o take_v up_o this_o careless_a way_n of_o live_v they_o be_v afterward_o very_a difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o 3._o tacit._n in_o agricol_n c._n 3._o subit_fw-la quip_n etiam_fw-la ipsius_fw-la inertiae_fw-la dulcedo_fw-la &_o invisa_fw-la primò_fw-la desidia_fw-la postremò_fw-la amatur_fw-la the_o pleasure_n of_o laziness_n get_v into_o the_o soul_n and_o at_o last_o we_o love_v that_o idleness_n which_o at_o first_o we_o hate_v he_o act_v plain_o against_o good_a sense_n who_o condemn_v what_o he_o have_v never_o well_o examine_v because_o he_o have_v not_o resolution_n enough_o to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v it_o and_o he_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o common_a prudence_n who_o obstinate_o live_v in_o this_o condition_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n if_o he_o act_v thus_o in_o relation_n to_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v if_o he_o take_v side_n without_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v who_o can_v he_o get_v to_o approve_v his_o conduct_n none_o sure_o unless_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n void_a of_o common_a sense_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v visible_o expose_v himself_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o error_n he_o may_v fall_v into_o let_v we_o suppose_v for_o a_o moment_n with_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a although_o this_o can_v be_v know_v till_o it_o be_v first_o examine_v but_o what_o risk_n do_v they_o run_v in_o hear_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_n none_o at_o all_o since_o if_o what_o they_o affirm_v be_v not_o conclusive_a nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o reject_v it_o all_o the_o loss_n they_o can_v fear_v be_v only_o
of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v make_v no_o more_o account_n of_o they_o for_o this_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o quite_o opposite_a persuasion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o ignorance_n can_v excuse_v they_o as_o we_o can_v easy_o show_v second_o if_o man_n not_o of_o such_o ill_a moral_n at_o least_o not_o in_o so_o scandalous_a a_o manner_n shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o pure_a credulity_n as_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o contrary_n be_v they_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o gospel_n a_o proof_n whereof_o be_v that_o those_o people_n ordinary_o change_v from_o black_a to_o white_a according_a as_o they_o alter_v their_o mind_n who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o their_o conscience_n nor_o do_v i_o well_o know_v whether_o such_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v of_o any_o opinion_n for_o they_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o what_o be_v never_o so_o little_o 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method_n carry_v in_o itself_o all_o the_o character_n of_o sincerity_n insomuch_o that_o in_o read_v of_o it_o one_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n to_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o few_o can_v be_v deceive_v about_o they_o all_o this_o join_v together_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n who_o vice_n or_o i_o know_v not_o what_o science_n false_o so_o call_v have_v not_o blind_v and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o incredulous_a find_v in_o they_o proceed_v rather_o from_o their_o disposition_n of_o mind_n than_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o the_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o judge_n of_o those_o subtle_a and_o perplex_a question_n which_o divide_v the_o divine_n but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o that_o the_o distinct_a belief_n 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and_o faithful_a servant_n 25.23_o mat._n 25.23_o thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v object_v to_o i_o further_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_v capable_a to_o see_v in_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o other_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o usefulness_n excellence_n and_o sincerity_n which_o i_o say_v may_v be_v remark_v therein_o and_o nevertheless_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o this_o but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o these_o people_n imitate_v other_o but_o they_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n demand_v it_o be_v not_o calculate_v indeed_o for_o the_o learned_a alone_o but_o no_o more_o be_v it_o for_o brute_n such_o as_o understand_v not_o or_o be_v suppose_v not_o capable_a to_o understand_v any_o thing_n 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it_o be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o science_n be_v only_o a_o chimaera_n no_o body_n dare_v maintain_v it_o but_o it_o be_v just_a thus_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o false_a zeal_n the_o incredulous_a object_n further_o that_o since_o those_o who_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n observe_v not_o the_o most_o important_a precept_n of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o themselves_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n for_o otherwise_o say_v they_o they_o will_v not_o quit_v the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o seeing_z if_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n be_v true_a what_o concern_v practice_n be_v not_o less_o so_o but_o if_o the_o most_o zealous_a be_v not_o persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n what_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o its_o proof_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o prejudice_n that_o be_v very_o difficult_o conquer_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o what_o be_v say_v than_o to_o what_o be_v do_v and_o who_o look_v upon_o man_n moral_n as_o the_o character_n of_o their_o belief_n every_o person_n have_v not_o strength_n of_o thought_n enough_o to_o consider_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o themselves_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v obey_v or_o to_o the_o judgement_n that_o christian_n seem_v to_o make_v of_o they_o by_o their_o conduct_n but_o at_o bottom_n this_o be_v a_o ill-grounded_a prejudice_n from_o which_o no_o consequence_n can_v be_v infer_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o follow_a remark_n first_o of_o all_o we_o may_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o those_o zealot_n in_o show_n for_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n who_o be_v not_o in_o effect_n persuade_v of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o cloak_n of_o religion_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o multitude_n the_o better_a to_o carry_v on_o 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to_o use_v those_o hardly_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o sentiment_n nay_o they_o maintain_v that_o without_o this_o christianity_n be_v lose_v and_o that_o all_o other_o religion_n shall_v triumph_v over_o it_o all_o have_v be_v still_o pagan_a according_a to_o they_o if_o constantine_n and_o the_o other_o succeed_a christian_a emperor_n have_v not_o employ_v their_o authority_n to_o destroy_v heathenism_n now_o what_o other_o thing_n can_v such_o discourse_n mean_v but_o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o true_a proof_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o moderation_n which_o be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o who_o have_v well_o studyâ—d_v these_o proof_n and_o careful_o examine_v all_o the_o part_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v make_v up_o find_v it_o so_o well_o ground_v its_o promise_n so_o become_v god_n and_o man_n and_o its_o precept_n so_o useful_a to_o humane_a society_n that_o to_o make_v it_o whole_o triumph_v over_o error_n it_o be_v enough_o in_o their_o judgement_n to_o obtain_v a_o liberty_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o may_v incur_v no_o danger_n for_o so_o do_v in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o may_v oppose_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n with_o equal_a arms._n these_o person_n animate_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o moderation_n whereof_o i_o speak_v and_o equal_o press_v all_o the_o part_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o contradict_v by_o their_o action_n the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n if_o religion_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o from_o the_o conduct_n and_o discourse_n of_o its_o professor_n regard_v aught_o to_o be_v have_v rather_o to_o these_o man_n than_o to_o other_o second_o i_o have_v show_v elsewhere_o that_o since_o man_n do_v not_o always_o act_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n but_o most_o frequent_o follow_v the_o movement_n of_o their_o passion_n their_o sentiment_n must_v not_o be_v always_o conclude_v from_o their_o carriage_n this_o be_v so_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o certain_a zealot_n may_v act_v very_o disagreeable_o to_o their_o profession_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o their_o persuasion_n from_o their_o manner_n we_o must_v confess_v however_o that_o if_o in_o those_o zealot_n there_o appear_v a_o continual_a series_n of_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o walk_a contrary_n to_o what_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n than_o we_o have_v great_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o design_n of_o cover_v their_o infidelity_n with_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o a_o strong_a and_o sincere_a belief_n shall_v at_o length_n eradicate_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n all_o habit_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o the_o most_o ingenuous_a man_n may_v act_v sometime_o against_o their_o persuasion_n by_o surprise_n or_o the_o sudden_a motion_n of_o a_o violent_a passion_n three_o as_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o government_n from_o the_o way_n how_o they_o be_v observe_v so_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ill_o reason_v to_o condemn_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o obey_v it_o not_o there_o may_v be_v most_o excellent_a law_n and_o acknowledge_v too_o for_o such_o yet_o not_o always_o strict_o observe_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o passion_n of_o those_o who_o break_v they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v remark_v in_o all_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n what_o cause_v this_o contradiction_n between_o the_o sentiment_n and_o carriage_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v be_v perhaps_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o apply_v the_o general_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o happen_v every_o day_n and_o that_o they_o mistake_v the_o most_o prohibit_v action_n for_o exception_n to_o the_o rule_n 26._o arrian_n upon_o epictetus_n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o a_o famous_a philosopher_n say_v that_o most_o of_o man_n error_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v general_a to_o particular_a idea_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o near_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n occasion_n at_o least_o in_o part_n the_o violation_n of_o many_o law_n which_o be_v all_o the_o while_n think_v just_a and_o wellgrounded_n zeal_n accompany_v with_o very_o great_a ignorance_n and_o the_o great_a as_o the_o ignorance_n be_v grosser_n furnish_v the_o incredulous_a likewise_o with_o another_o pretence_n of_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o blind_a persuasion_n mere_o build_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o have_v least_o examine_v thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o less_o discern_a appear_v frequent_o the_o hot_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o party_n with_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o furious_a zeal_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o mahometans_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o pagan_a populace_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v bring_v no_o example_n of_o it_o in_o those_o sect_n also_o into_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o present_a divide_v the_o heat_n wherewith_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n defend_v their_o sentiment_n and_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v they_o be_v but_o too_o common_a this_o blind_a zeal_n have_v so_o often_o break_v out_o and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o such_o ill_a method_n to_o advance_v each_o party_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o if_o this_o false_a zeal_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o heathen_n
conduct_n they_o can_v help_v be_v persuade_v that_o these_o prelate_n even_o before_o they_o get_v those_o dignity_n which_o they_o so_o scandalous_o abuse_v do_v not_o believe_v a_o word_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v not_o devote_v to_o the_o church_n to_o edify_v it_o and_o to_o lead_v christian_n to_o a_o virtuous_a life_n by_o their_o discourse_n and_o their_o example_n but_o out_o of_o ambition_n or_o avarice_n and_o that_o they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o cloak_n of_o religion_n to_o come_v at_o their_o end_n they_o likewise_o draw_v hence_o a_o further_a consequence_n which_o be_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a in_o itself_o since_o man_n of_o the_o first_o order_n and_o that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o defend_v it_o believe_v it_o not_o whatever_o they_o say_v by_o reason_n of_o those_o great_a advantage_n they_o get_v by_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o clergy_n who_o live_v after_o this_o manner_n can_v 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they_o persist_v in_o act_v a_o part_n and_o all_o the_o mark_v they_o give_v of_o their_o zeal_n procure_v they_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o best_a comedian_n man_n eye_n be_v fix_v upon_o their_o evil_a action_n and_o their_o incapacity_n they_o think_v always_o upon_o their_o solicitation_n and_o the_o shameful_a practice_n they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o come_v at_o the_o dignity_n which_o they_o enjoy_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o they_o make_v assiduous_a court_n to_o such_o as_o can_v serve_v they_o without_o be_v at_o the_o least_o pain_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n of_o acquire_v the_o necessary_a talent_n and_o knowledge_n for_o discharge_v this_o employment_n they_o so_o much_o intrigue_v for_o the_o flattery_n they_o so_o liberal_o bestow_v upon_o the_o great_a to_o who_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o in_o order_n to_o be_v prefer_v be_v not_o forget_v and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o change_v their_o thought_n when_o they_o be_v see_v every_o day_n as_o servile_a towards_o such_o as_o be_v above_o they_o as_o they_o be_v haughty_a towards_o their_o inferior_n if_o damasus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v endeavour_v to_o convert_v ammianus_n marcellinus_n he_o have_v no_o soon_o begin_v to_o speak_v but_o this_o pagan_a historian_n will_v remember_v the_o way_n how_o damasus_n be_v elevate_v to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n damasus_n and_o ursinus_n say_v he_o 3_o lib._n 27._o c._n 3_o burn_v with_o a_o excessive_a desire_n of_o obtain_v the_o episcopal_a see_v oppose_v one_o another_o with_o so_o much_o violence_n that_o they_o and_o their_o party_n come_v to_o blow_n and_o to_o cut_v one_o another_o throat_n after_o they_o have_v send_v for_o arms._n juventius_n governor_n of_o the_o city_n not_o be_v able_a to_o repress_v nor_o appease_v they_o be_v constrain_v to_o force_v his_o way_n retreat_v into_o the_o suburb_n damasus_n have_v the_o better_a his_o party_n have_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o this_o affair_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o one_o day_n there_o be_v find_v in_o the_o palace_n of_o sicininus_fw-la where_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a church_n a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o seven_o dead_a body_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o pacify_v the_o people_n who_o for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o fury_n for_o my_o part_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o splendour_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o such_o as_o aim_v at_o those_o thing_n ought_v to_o oppose_v one_o another_o with_o all_o their_o may_v to_o obtain_v their_o desire_n for_o after_o they_o enjoy_v it_o they_o live_v at_o their_o ease_n they_o enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o offering_n or_o gift_n of_o woman_n they_o ride_v in_o their_o chariot_n they_o be_v well_o clad_v and_o make_v banquet_n so_o sumptuous_a that_o they_o exceed_v the_o table_n of_o king_n this_o be_v what_o marcellinus_n write_v of_o damasus_n and_o which_o no_o doubt_n on_o it_o can_v not_o dispose_v he_o to_o hear_v this_o bishop_n the_o good_a order_n and_o policy_n that_o at_o this_o time_n be_v almost_o every_o where_o establish_v do_v hinder_v indeed_o the_o commit_n of_o such_o irregularity_n but_o the_o secret_a and_o public_a brigues_n the_o solicitation_n for_o man_n neither_o of_o merit_n or_o capacity_n be_v not_o less_o frequent_a now_o than_o former_o we_o see_v as_o many_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o preferment_n but_o their_o diligence_n in_o make_v their_o court_n to_o such_o as_o can_v assist_v they_o person_n who_o have_v no_o other_o talent_n for_o discharge_v the_o employment_n they_o seek_v but_o that_o of_o live_v easy_o and_o idle_o join_v to_o a_o extreme_a desire_n of_o obtain_v it_o therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o wonder_v if_o clergyman_n thus_o prefer_v increase_n instead_o of_o diminish_v the_o number_n of_o the_o incredulous_a another_o thing_n which_o contribute_v much_o to_o 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it_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n upon_o his_o manner_n this_o charitable_a carriage_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a branch_n so_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o general_a love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n who_o the_o gospel_n command_v we_o to_o love_v as_o ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n since_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v perhaps_o till_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o call_v all_o mankind_n to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n christian_n have_v be_v divide_v almost_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n into_o divers_a opinion_n they_o be_v so_o still_o and_o so_o they_o will_v continue_v it_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o so_o that_o charity_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v in_o error_n or_o be_v look_v upon_o so_o to_o be_v have_v be_v always_o of_o great_a use_n and_o will_v be_v so_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 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inquisition_n who_o cruel_a maxim_n be_v abhor_v by_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o management_n observe_v in_o many_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o establish_v nor_o will_v i_o treat_v express_o here_o of_o this_o question_n which_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n as_o great_a at_o least_o as_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n without_o make_v any_o digression_n how_o be_v a_o clergyman_n treat_v in_o many_o place_n if_o he_o forsake_v the_o common_a opinion_n never_o so_o little_a if_o he_o have_v a_o benefice_n he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v it_o or_o at_o least_o expose_v to_o the_o cruel_a slander_n of_o such_o as_o will_v fain_o get_v his_o place_n and_o who_o be_v always_o a_o good_a number_n although_o he_o punctual_o discharge_v all_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o his_o moral_n be_v irreproachable_a but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o prefer_v a_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o 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of_o such_o as_o listen_v to_o their_o calumny_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o clergyman_n who_o be_v already_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o benefice_n or_o that_o aim_v at_o one_o be_v a_o blockhead_n idle_a spend_v his_o time_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v smoke_a slander_a or_o do_v some_o very_a scandalous_a thing_n provide_v he_o be_v orthodox_n as_o they_o speak_v he_o quiet_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v get_v or_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o be_v prefer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o change_v his_o manner_n good_a man_n censure_n in_o vain_a his_o manner_n of_o live_v without_o object_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o except_o what_o be_v public_a but_o they_o be_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o towards_o he_o alone_o be_v practise_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a 7._o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 7._o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o have_v their_o eye_n principal_o fix_v upon_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n conclude_v from_o hence_o two_o thing_n the_o one_o that_o good_a moral_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o quality_n they_o have_v least_o regard_n to_o and_o the_o other_o that_o the_o body_n of_o ecclesiastic_n be_v only_o a_o mere_a faction_n where_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o intend_v but_o to_o support_v by_o all_o way_n what_o can_v procure_v or_o preserve_v their_o temporal_a interest_n the_o incredulous_a add_v further_o that_o the_o candidate_n or_o pretender_n to_o the_o benefice_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o prey_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seize_v whenever_o they_o be_v vacant_a or_o which_o they_o may_v forcible_o snatch_v from_o such_o as_o possess_v they_o by_o whatever_o mean_n they_o can_v they_o conclude_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o zeal_n affect_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o good_a income_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v even_o to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o those_o doctrine_n if_o this_o income_n be_v not_o settle_v only_o upon_o such_o as_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o clergy_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a to_o unbeliever_n the_o constant_a practice_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o nation_n make_v more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o all_o the_o discourse_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o they_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v christianity_n itself_o as_o they_o do_v the_o false_a religion_n and_o so_o die_v in_o a_o incurable_a infidelity_n by_o their_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v true_a but_o also_o by_o a_o specious_a occasion_n of_o judge_v wrong_n which_o several_a clergyman_n give_v '_o they_o they_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v in_o their_o infidelity_n as_o they_o see_v the_o zeal_n for_o temporal_n very_o different_a from_o that_o concern_v spiritual_n and_o this_o they_o easy_o discover_v by_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v make_v of_o those_o who_o defend_v and_o be_v passionate_a for_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o their_o party_n and_o of_o they_o who_o defend_v christianity_n by_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a and_o after_o the_o best_a method_n of_o clear_v people_n understanding_n deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o disorder_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o need_v reformation_n those_o last_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o advance_v by_o such_o who_o profession_n oblige_v to_o favour_v they_o be_v put_v back_o for_o ever_o and_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o dangerous_a person_n whilst_o the_o first_o be_v in_o favour_n all_o the_o while_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v the_o incredulous_a judge_n by_o this_o conduct_n that_o it_o be_v not_o christianity_n in_o general_n they_o mind_n whatever_o they_o say_v but_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o the_o party_n since_o those_o who_o consecrate_v themselves_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o first_o be_v 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there_o be_v no_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o be_v gracious_a enough_o to_o expect_v their_o thankful_a return_v though_o he_o have_v be_v more_o kind_a to_o one_o than_o to_o another_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o this_o provide_v he_o require_v no_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v i_o mean_v if_o he_o judge_v all_o nation_n according_a to_o their_o portion_n of_o knowledge_n as_o he_o infallible_o will_v do_v it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o think_v of_o quite_o another_o thing_n beside_o impart_v their_o knowledge_n to_o those_o people_n who_o live_v yet_o in_o ignorance_n they_o be_v at_o immense_a expense_n to_o satisfy_v their_o desire_n or_o to_o make_v war_n upon_o one_o another_o but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o a_o very_a moderate_a one_o to_o declare_v the_o gospel_n to_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_n make_v they_o run_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hazard_n all_o in_o order_n to_o be_v rich_a but_o they_o will_v not_o put_v themselves_o to_o the_o least_o inconvenience_n to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n where_o it_o be_v not_o nevertheless_o god_n command_n of_o do_v it_o to_o the_o apostle_n extend_v to_o all_o christian_n as_o i_o can_v easy_o prove_v other_o who_o seem_v more_o sensible_a of_o this_o command_n of_o christ_n do_v send_v indeed_o a_o great_a number_n of_o missionary_n whithersoever_o they_o can_v but_o without_o blame_v their_o intention_n which_o be_v undoubted_o good_a consider_v in_o general_a it_o may_v be_v just_o say_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o those_o missionary_n be_v not_o themselves_o master_v enough_o of_o christianity_n to_o convert_v true_a disciple_n for_o jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o heathen_n they_o frequent_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o lie_v and_o never_o gain_v those_o people_n but_o by_o impose_v upon_o they_o instead_o of_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o admirable_a maxim_n of_o its_o moral_n they_o teach_v they_o a_o thousand_o useless_a not_o to_o say_v false_a thing_n and_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o vain_a or_o frivolous_a practice_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n with_o charity_n at_o all_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o wonder_v if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o any_o great_a success_n see_v those_o who_o god_n have_v command_v to_o spread_v it_o either_o whole_o neglect_v this_o precept_n or_o not_o due_o perform_v it_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v then_o and_o not_o god_n who_o have_v give_v they_o excellent_a law_n but_o not_o constrain_v they_o to_o obedience_n but_o unbeliever_n pretend_v that_o providence_n shall_v have_v look_v to_o this_o by_o extraordinary_a mean_n and_o not_o vain_o expect_v from_o christian_n the_o execution_n of_o those_o order_n which_o according_a to_o we_o be_v give_v so_o long_o a_o time_n since_o though_o not_o hitherto_o observe_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v of_o god_n liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o favour_n as_o he_o please_v that_o the_o conduct_v of_o providence_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o what_o be_v past_a the_o time_n may_v come_v perhaps_o when_o divine_a worship_n shall_v be_v pay_v to_o none_o except_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o no_o other_o doctrine_n be_v acknowledge_v but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o time_n likewise_o may_v be_v infinite_o long_o than_o what_o be_v pass_v since_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n not_o go_v but_o for_o a_o very_a few_o year_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o time_n of_o light_n so_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o god_n beneficence_n in_o this_o regard_n shall_v be_v
system_n of_o divinity_n which_o raise_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v talk_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n propose_v some_o doubt_n to_o divine_n nay_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n viz._n that_o all_o other_o err_v in_o something_o it_o can_v be_v wonder_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o unbeliever_n offer_v some_o objection_n to_o divine_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n or_o which_o they_o resolve_v by_o contradict_v themselves_o divine_n upbraid_v one_o another_o with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n not_o altogether_o ignorant_a observe_v in_o the_o society_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v explain_v be_v subject_a to_o great_a difficulty_n or_o be_v altogether_o false_a let_v we_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o his_o country_n be_v very_o learn_v man_n and_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n better_o than_o other_o a_o opinion_n common_a enough_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o never_o go_v out_o of_o their_o country_n or_o never_o read_v the_o book_n of_o other_o sect_n when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o consult_v satisfy_v they_o not_o or_o maintain_v palpable_a falsity_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n be_v not_o true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o false_a if_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n have_v such_o thought_n never_o read_v the_o work_n of_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o error_n he_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o more_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n because_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o error_n have_v be_v find_v out_o the_o long_a it_o be_v think_v of_o the_o better_a it_o be_v know_v when_o man_n know_v nothing_o better_o about_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n and_o have_v not_o penetration_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n of_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n because_o they_o present_o suspect_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n which_o they_o have_v not_o examine_v be_v not_o better_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n be_v account_v as_o essential_a as_o other_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o a_o man_n take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o read_v book_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o ingenious_a man_n of_o both_o side_n he_o will_v often_o perceive_v that_o both_o party_n attack_v very_o well_o and_o defend_v themselves_o ill_a that_o man_n will_v conclude_v from_o thence_o and_o often_o with_o reason_n that_o both_o party_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n the_o more_o he_o hear_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o more_o he_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a because_o he_o have_v not_o part_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n if_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o external_a and_o internal_a motive_n which_o make_v he_o incline_v to_o unbelief_n as_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o that_o man_n will_v get_v into_o a_o scepticism_n almost_o incurable_a or_o into_o a_o formal_a unbelief_n out_o of_o which_o he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o extricate_v himself_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v as_o supposition_n be_v real_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o people_n in_o italy_n france_n spain_n and_o germany_n for_o i_o must_v tell_v it_o and_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o conceal_v that_o i_o do_v follow_v the_o particular_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o place_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v they_o see_v some_o opinion_n manifest_o false_a establish_v in_o those_o vast_a country_n by_o a_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o offer_v any_o objection_n they_o be_v pitiful_o resolve_v and_o than_o if_o they_o dare_v reply_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o censure_n and_o threaten_n not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o inquisition_n and_o burn_v if_o they_o grow_v obstinate_a nevertheless_o divine_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n though_o evident_o false_a with_o great_a heat_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o prove_v they_o many_o layman_n who_o want_v not_o penetration_n but_o know_v no_o better_o think_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o distinct_o apprehend_v the_o falsity_n of_o what_o be_v say_v they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a other_o add_v to_o their_o meditation_n the_o read_n of_o some_o controversial_a book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n author_n and_o they_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a altogether_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o right_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o their_o teacher_n can_v free_v they_o from_o that_o opinion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o often_o find_v some_o book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n author_n who_o attack_z well_o enough_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o certain_a protestant_n and_o those_o protestant_n be_v as_o unlucky_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v successful_a in_o assault_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n they_o also_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o because_o their_o examination_n reach_v not_o to_o all_o the_o sect_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o confound_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o condemn_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o beside_o other_o motive_n which_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o those_o thought_n and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o see_v two_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o so_o much_o that_o they_o retain_v their_o opinion_n for_o ever_o if_o no_o better_a book_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o if_o no_o body_n free_v they_o from_o the_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o divine_n to_o maintain_v those_o doctrine_n those_o who_o assert_v they_o with_o heat_n and_o declaim_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n against_o other_o christian_a society_n be_v prefer_v and_o get_v the_o most_o considerable_a dignity_n of_o the_o party_n they_o be_v in_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v moderate_a towards_o those_o who_o be_v call_v heretic_n or_o heterodox_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o favour_v if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o employment_n and_o ruin_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v altogether_o undo_v and_o almost_o every_o where_n if_o any_o intimate_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v in_o though_o he_o do_v it_o never_o so_o modest_o they_o show_v he_o no_o pity_n he_o must_v suffer_v whatever_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n can_v do_v when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o disposition_n be_v that_o divine_n will_v be_v judge_n and_o party_n in_o controvert_v doctrine_n against_o the_o clear_a principle_n of_o equity_n though_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o favour_v one_o of_o the_o party_n though_o their_o decision_n be_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o unsatisfactory_a they_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a and_o solid_a nay_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o book_n of_o their_o adversary_n ought-not_a to_o be_v read_v or_o those_o who_o read_v they_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n of_o not_o approve_v their_o argument_n otherwise_o they_o must_v undergo_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o party_n unbeliever_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o several_a particular_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v maintain_v out_o of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o by_o unjust_a and_o violent_a mean_n conclude_v that_o divine_n and_o consequent_o all_o christian_n be_v factious_a people_n and_o enemy_n to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o other_o
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v every_o where_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v common_o receive_v where_o they_o live_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o condemn_v it_o from_o hear_v a_o silly_a preacher_n who_o represent_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o people_n who_o entertain_v no_o favourable_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o explication_n thereof_o which_o they_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v but_o too_o often_o ill_o provide_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n speak_v there_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v a_o severe_a examination_n of_o judicious_a man_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o sort_n of_o discourse_n can_v without_o great_a injustice_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v some_o who_o affect_v to_o give_v they_o that_o name_n as_o if_o such_o preacher_n be_v inspire_v apostle_n and_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o call_v such_o meditation_n by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n be_v it_o not_o that_o such_o expression_n give_v occasion_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o despise_v christianity_n which_o deserve_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o the_o most_o penetrate_a and_o solid_a wit_n as_o many_o sermon_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o illiterate_a person_n as_o no_o body_n can_v bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o author_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o who_o perhaps_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o otherwise_o and_o then_o pretend_v he_o may_v with_o reason_n vent_v his_o explication_n as_o infallible_a so_o unbeliever_n can_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hear_v preach_v as_o apostolical_a doctrine_n before_o they_o have_v careful_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o unjust_a of_o men._n second_o unbeliever_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o the_o forego_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o divine_n or_o hear_v they_o preach_v they_o reject_v all_o christianity_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o many_o truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o lie_n and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o some_o few_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v false_a because_o some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v say_v they_o inward_o persuade_v of_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o know_v why_o that_o be_v the_o cant_n of_o a_o perfect_a fanatic_a who_o equal_v without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o alcoran_n and_o all_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o follower_n whereof_o may_v all_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o their_o preach_a consist_v in_o some_o fact_n and_o in_o good_a reason_n attend_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o very_o much_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o by_o a_o mere_a 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blame_v for_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o their_o eloquence_n but_o see_v they_o say_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o impostor_n upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o apostle_n style_v to_o say_v so_o by_o the_o by_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v simple_a and_o plain_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v second_o it_o be_v a_o style_n without_o any_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o disposition_n if_o a_o thousand_o sublime_a stroke_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o they_o come_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a not_o from_o the_o word_n or_o order_n three_o we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o that_o providence_n undoubted_o watch_v over_o their_o manner_n of_o writing_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o say_v truth_n and_o lest_o if_o they_o have_v express_v themselves_o ill_o they_o shall_v be_v misunderstand_v by_o their_o reader_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a place_n to_o treat_v of_o that_o subject_a i_o only_o make_v those_o remark_n to_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o take_v advantage_n at_o the_o ill_a rhetoric_n of_o some_o defender_n of_o christianity_n who_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o general_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o defend_v truth_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o and_o i_o declare_v as_o to_o myself_o that_o i_o do_v desire_n at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v find_v in_o their_o work_n if_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n i_o desire_v those_o mistake_v may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o i_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o religion_n i_o vindicate_v there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v say_v here_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o temporal_a interest_n to_o move_v they_o to_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n i_o have_v already_o say_v so_o elsewhere_o and_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o first_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o any_o examination_n because_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part._n so_o that_o if_o self-interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v often_o the_o reason_n why_o divine_n maintain_v now_o some_o opinion_n and_o after_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a christianity_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n not_o the_o apostle_n who_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n after_o those_o general_a observation_n i_o must_v set_v down_o some_o particular_a example_n of_o false_a doctrine_n which_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o one_o may_v write_v large_a volume_n about_o that_o matter_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o allege_v three_o or_o four_o example_n of_o doctrine_n which_o offend_v unbeliever_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o people_n now_o who_o pretend_v that_o we_o ought_v scarce_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o maintain_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v its_o divinity_n without_o know_v why_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reason_n neither_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v even_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o reason_n rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o thought_n viz._n that_o reason_n may_v overthrow_v all_o divinity_n if_o those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o see_v any_o body_n who_o reason_n better_a than_o ordinary_a divine_n do_v or_o have_v any_o principle_n somewhat_o different_a from_o they_o which_o he_o have_v embrace_v by_o use_v his_o reason_n they_o slander_v he_o as_o a_o dangerous_a man_n because_o he_o venture_v to_o reason_n about_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n such_o a_o character_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o hatred_n and_o stir_v ill-affected_a person_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o divine_a to_o live_v quiet_o with_o a_o man_n who_o endeavour_n to_o reason_n well_o and_o ground_n the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o undeniable_a principle_n other_o will_v have_v we_o humble_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v public_o to_o explain_v religion_n without_o mistrust_v they_o or_o reason_v at_o all_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o on_o they_o as_o infallible_a though_o we_o have_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o most_o christian_n to_o examine_v those_o doctrine_n and_o their_o best_a way_n be_v as_o they_o say_v blind_o to_o follow_v their_o guide_n such_o discourse_n which_o be_v common_o to_o be_v hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v make_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a many_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o come_v then_o into_o one_o mind_n be_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v at_o this_o rate_n be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o absurd_a but_o what_o may_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n if_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o our_o ordinary_a affair_n we_o will_v real_o think_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_n to_o deceive_v we_o if_o they_o will_v sell_v something_o to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o must_v not_o examine_v it_o we_o will_v present_o suspect_v that_o they_o design_v to_o cheat_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o reason_n to_o distinguish_v a_o false_a religion_n from_o a_o true_a one_o beside_o it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n wherein_o we_o know_v the_o revelation_n be_v nevertheless_o those_o man_n will_v have_v we_o to_o read_v those_o book_n with_o a_o unlimited_a credulity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v whatever_o we_o be_v tell_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o notion_n they_o be_v afraid_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v only_o for_o reason_n and_o who_o insignificant_a word_n and_o a_o ill-grounded_a authority_n can_v satisfy_v unbeliever_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o design_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o divine_v very_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v can_v be_v maintain_v see_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o because_o that_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o have_v not_o careful_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n fancy_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v it_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o suspicious_a with_o some_o modern_a divine_n when_o divine_n have_v teach_v principle_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o preach_v transubstantiation_n and_o other_o such_o doctrine_n to_o credulous_a man_n which_o they_o insinuate_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o maxim_n of_o not_o reason_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o unbeliever_n fail_v not_o to_o perceive_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o persist_v the_o more_o in_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o not_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v our_o reason_n to_o examine_v whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o or_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o suppose_v every_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o also_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o able_a to_o put_v a_o good_a sense_n upon_o their_o word_n by_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v make_v
there_o be_v many_o readins_n which_o may_v be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o our_o modern_a copy_n do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o as_o his_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v destroy_v unbeliever_n will_v undoubted_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o tolerable_a reply_n to_o they_o but_o cappellus_n show_v very_o clear_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o consequence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n and_o so_o he_o free_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o those_o insult_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o which_o his_o adversary_n have_v expose_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n than_o the_o draw_n of_o such_o consequence_n for_o they_o hear_v on_o the_o one_o side_n some_o grave_n and_o much_o esteem_v teacher_n say_v after_o a_o doleful_a manner_n that_o if_o certain_a opinion_n be_v not_o true_a than_o religion_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o see_v man_n of_o great_a learning_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v those_o opinion_n but_o also_o maintain_v they_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v less_o certain_a than_o religion_n by_o the_o confession_n even_o of_o a_o part_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o they_o by_o reject_v some_o opinion_n ground_v upon_o very_o solid_a argument_n whatever_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n can_v tell_v they_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o make_v they_o pass_v for_o conceit_a man_n and_o of_o no_o great_a sincerity_n this_o help_v they_o also_o to_o perceive_v in_o many_o divine_v a_o strange_a disposition_n which_o will_v dishonour_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o viz._n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o what_o be_v true_a but_o what_o they_o think_v proper_a to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v embrace_v when_o they_o fancy_v that_o if_o a_o certain_a thing_n be_v believe_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v be_v doubt_v of_o they_o do_v trouble_v themselves_o with_o inquire_v whether_o their_o fancy_n be_v ill_o ground_v or_o whether_o that_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v on_o not_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v but_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o woeful_a manner_n that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v dangerous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o can_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v with_o religion_n as_o they_o fancy_v this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o pleader_n who_o be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o be_v in_o the_o right_a he_o suppress_v whatever_o seem_v to_o he_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o what_o he_o defend_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o he_o be_v afraid_a it_o may_v appear_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n such_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o place_n who_o want_v skill_n or_o courage_n shall_v say_v that_o if_o some_o ill-fortified_a and_o inconsiderable_a out-work_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n he_o must_v unavoidable_o surrender_v the_o fortress_n those_o who_o observe_v the_o conduct_n of_o both_o will_v present_o suspect_v the_o pleader_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o governor_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o place_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o hope_n to_o make_v a_o good_a resistance_n unbeliever_n have_v the_o same_o thought_n concern_v divine_v when_o they_o observe_v that_o they_o greedy_o collect_v and_o catch_v at_o whatever_o can_v in_o any_o manner_n make_v their_o cause_n better_o or_o at_o least_o make_v it_o appear_v so_o but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v be_v that_o those_o divine_v dont_fw-fr know_v very_o well_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o only_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faction_n or_o interest_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o weak_a reason_n to_o support_v it_o it_o need_v but_o appear_v naked_a and_o such_o as_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n if_o any_o one_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o love_v not_o truth_n but_o only_o the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v afraid_a for_o religion_n it_o will_v never_o want_v more_o able_a defender_n who_o will_v be_v devote_v to_o it_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n worthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n they_o will_v never_o be_v afraid_a as_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v only_o assault_v with_o reason_n and_o argument_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n 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do_v when_o any_o objection_n be_v raise_v against_o christianity_n be_v to_o see_v whether_o that_o objection_n direct_o show_v that_o the_o proof_n thereof_o be_v false_a though_o nothing_o can_v be_v answer_v to_o that_o difficulty_n if_o those_o that_o raise_v it_o can_v reply_v to_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o difficulty_n do_v not_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v about_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o that_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o incredulous_a act_n not_o wise_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o of_o some_o difficulty_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confute_v the_o proof_n on_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v now_o i_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n can_v destroy_v those_o proof_n
can_v easy_o show_v but_o it_o be_v especial_o necessary_a to_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n the_o persecution_n of_o their_o neighbour_n or_o their_o own_o dissension_n have_v reduce_v they_o to_o a_o miserable_a condition_n and_o the_o temporal_a promise_n of_o the_o law_n be_v no_o more_o fulfil_v which_o make_v even_o good_a man_n murmur_v and_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o time_n be_v not_o at_o all_o able_a to_o hinder_v it_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o author_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la who_o be_v strange_o perplex_v with_o this_o question_n etc._n question_n see_v wisdom_n ch_n 4_o &_o 5_o etc._n etc._n why_o wicked_a man_n be_v often_o very_o happy_a in_o this_o life_n and_o those_o that_o keep_v the_o law_n very_o miserable_a that_o question_n can_v not_o be_v otherways_o answer_v than_o by_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n shall_v last_v long_o cease_v to_o grant_v to_o the_o 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one_o of_o his_o apostle_n say_v 1.10_o say_v 2_o tim._n 1.10_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a his_o doctrine_n be_v to_o they_o but_o perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v ask_v why_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n then_o to_o fear_v the_o jew_n will_v corrupt_v themselves_o among_o the_o pagan_n as_o they_o do_v former_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o god_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o his_o spirituality_n be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o nothing_o can_v persuade_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a hereafter_o the_o jew_n be_v better_o qualify_v and_o more_o like_a to_o convert_v the_o heathen_n than_o the_o heathen_n to_o draw_v the_o jew_n to_o their_o 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no_o religion_n and_o other_o ridiculous_a one_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o philosopher_n oppose_v that_o corruption_n in_o some_o measure_n but_o some_o of_o they_o exhort_v man_n to_o virtue_n only_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o in_o this_o life_n as_o the_o epicurcans_n which_o take_v off_o all_o the_o force_n of_o their_o discourse_n other_o as_o the_o platonic_n and_o stoic_n mention_v indeed_o the_o reward_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v after_o death_n but_o only_o in_o a_o doubtful_a manner_n and_o without_o any_o proof_n so_o that_o their_o exhortation_n be_v in_o effect_n very_o weak_a though_o their_o moral_n be_v fine_a indeed_o yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o to_o be_v find_v fault_n with_o and_o their_o theology_n be_v full_a of_o chimaera_n which_o now_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o then_o the_o christian_a
find_v fault_n as_o if_o they_o be_v sorry_a to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v nothing_o that_o clash_v with_o right_a reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o shall_v be_v dispose_v as_o those_o who_o search_v a_o truth_n necessary_a to_o they_o and_o think_v rather_o to_o discover_v it_o themselves_o than_o to_o find_v some_o falsity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o it_o and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o well_o know_v if_o those_o to_o who_o they_o make_v their_o application_n to_o resolve_v their_o doubt_n do_v not_o satisfy_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_n or_o read_v the_o write_n of_o another_o party_n which_o perhaps_o will_v afford_v they_o great_a satisfaction_n nay_o if_o no_o body_n do_v altogether_o satisfy_v they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v less_o bind_v to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v know_v it_o in_o part_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o go_v far_o if_o 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jew_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n add_v
the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v distinct_o report_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o as_o defend_v it_o nor_o tell_v what_o they_o except_v against_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o this_o be_v what_o they_o shall_v examine_v themselves_o about_o and_o without_o which_o they_o must_v confess_v they_o do_v pronounce_v a_o hasty_a sentence_n nor_o can_v they_o without_o injustice_n refuse_v to_o examine_v once_o again_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n all_o the_o book_n that_o have_v be_v see_v and_o all_o the_o discourse_n we_o can_v hear_v upon_o this_o subject_a contain_v only_o some_o loose_a difficulty_n which_o seem_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o exact_a and_o methodical_a examination_n these_o difficulty_n can_v be_v more_o sufficient_a to_o inform_v those_o who_o will_v judge_n solid_o of_o so_o great_a a_o affair_n than_o the_o objection_n of_o one_o of_o the_o party_n be_v to_o inform_v equitable_a judge_n we_o have_v therefore_o 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can_v show_v if_o those_o i_o have_v to_o do_v with_o doubt_v of_o it_o so_o the_o jew_n those_o blind_a guide_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o greek_n conceit_v of_o a_o thousand_o chimera_n conclude_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v false_a out_o of_o mere_a vanity_n those_o who_o be_v educate_v among_o christian_n be_v get_v into_o the_o same_o fancy_n shall_v take_v heed_n they_o do_v not_o commit_v the_o like_a fault_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v voluntary_o deceive_v let_v they_o examine_v then_o whither_o in_o the_o judgement_n they_o form_n of_o christianity_n they_o suppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o incontestable_a they_o reproach_n christian_n with_o make_v supposition_n without_o proof_n let_v they_o not_o be_v guilty_a therefore_o themselves_o of_o what_o they_o object_n to_o other_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o they_o go_v back_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o then_o reduce_v they_o to_o certain_a proposition_n they_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o have_v build_v upon_o the_o most_o obscure_a and_o incomprehensible_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v to_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n compound_v of_o extension_n and_o thought_n and_o which_o modify_v itself_o as_o we_o see_v the_o universe_n be_v without_o have_v any_o supreme_a intelligence_n distinct_a from_o the_o universe_n itself_o concern_v about_o it_o to_o suppose_v i_o say_v so_o strange_a a_o proposition_n without_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v certain_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o peremptory_a manner_n of_o say_v such_o obscure_a thing_n serve_v they_o for_o evidence_n or_o demonstration_n when_o i_o say_v to_o demonstrate_v i_o understand_v as_o mathematician_n do_v what_o leave_v no_o doubt_n nor_o difficulty_n behind_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o the_o demonstration_n otherwise_o they_o must_v not_o talk_v of_o demonstrate_v unless_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o the_o weak_a by_o this_o word_n let_v the_o write_n of_o those_o be_v read_v over_o and_o over_o who_o maintain_v the_o proposition_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o ground_n themselves_o upon_o it_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o religion_n which_o equal_v the_o obscure_n of_o this_o principle_n there_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o people_n who_o utter_v it_o as_o a_o incontestable_a truth_n and_o judge_v thereby_o of_o whatever_o the_o christian_n say_v concern_v god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o providence_n if_o these_o people_n will_v diligent_o examine_v themselves_o i_o be_o much_o deceive_v if_o they_o do_v not_o discover_v that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a reason_n which_o bring_v they_o to_o think_v this_o a_o clear_a principle_n be_v their_o value_v themselves_o upon_o defend_v a_o opinion_n remote_a from_o vulgar_a notion_n and_o of_o admit_v rather_o the_o most_o obscure_a thing_n imaginable_a than_o they_o shall_v mix_v again_o with_o the_o crowd_n from_o which_o they_o endeavour_v hereby_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o as_o credulity_n and_o superstition_n add_v to_o their_o object_n as_o it_o be_v a_o false_a light_n which_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o evidence_n so_o pride_n make_v a_o geometrical_a principle_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a there_o be_v other_o person_n to_o who_o this_o dogmatical_a and_o peremptory_a air_n be_v so_o displease_v that_o they_o equal_o condemn_v such_o as_o stick_v to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n and_o those_o who_o forsake_v what_o be_v common_o receive_v endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a principle_n they_o think_v that_o see_v there_o be_v difficulty_n every_o where_o and_o those_o sometime_o insurmountable_a the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o affirm_v nothing_o and_o to_o reject_v all_o without_o establish_v any_o thing_n i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o confute_v this_o principle_n here_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o although_o this_o way_n seem_v very_o different_a from_o that_o whereof_o we_o have_v be_v speak_v it_o be_v probable_a nevertheless_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o like_a disposition_n of_o mind_n it_o be_v not_o much_o less_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a pride_n to_o consider_v itself_o secure_v from_o popular_a error_n by_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n than_o by_o establish_v principle_n contrary_a to_o those_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v some_o look_n upon_o other_o man_n as_o the_o sport_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o the_o prey_n to_o speak_v so_o of_o a_o thousand_o chimaera_n whilst_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o doubt_n they_o think_v themselves_o safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o error_n it_o may_v be_v say_v nevertheless_o by_o some_o man_n that_o not_o pride_n but_o the_o mere_a impossibility_n of_o discover_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o very_a mortify_a thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o doubt_n i_o will_v say_v that_o
disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o all_o place_n that_o not_o only_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v do_v work_v numberless_a miracle_n whilst_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n but_o that_o he_o also_o leave_v the_o same_o power_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o day_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o excite_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v nor_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v send_v they_o no_o more_o prophet_n to_o work_v any_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o expect_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o give_v so_o little_a heed_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o nation_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v they_o ill_o without_o examine_v in_o the_o least_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o have_v two_o jewish_a author_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o philo_n and_o joseph_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o these_o matter_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o write_n philo_z write_v a_o great_a many_o book_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n be_v allegorical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o some_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o gospel_n if_o he_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o it_o if_o he_o disbelieved_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v at_o least_o have_v endeavour_v to_o confute_v it_o somewhere_o but_o he_o say_v not_o a_o word_n for_o or_o against_o it_o which_o be_v sign_n enough_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o eusebius_n therapeutes_fw-gr eusebius_n hist_o ecclesiast_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 17._o see_v jos_n scaliger_n l._n 7._o de_fw-la emendat_fw-la temp._n valesius_fw-la upon_o eusebius_n and_o thomas_n brown_a in_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o therapeutes_fw-gr and_o some_o learned_a man_n after_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr of_o alexandria_n who_o encomium_n be_v write_v by_o philo_n in_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n be_v christian_n but_o nothing_o except_o a_o desire_n of_o confound_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o author_n can_v discover_v christian_n to_o eusebius_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr where_o one_o syllable_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o where_o all_o that_o philo_n say_v do_v perfect_o quadrate_n to_o some_o of_o the_o essean_n who_o form_v as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v a_o particular_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o desire_n of_o convince_a infidel_n shall_v not_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o weak_a proof_n against_o they_o for_o certain_o such_o method_n must_v needs_o render_v they_o more_o averse_a to_o christianity_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o by_o man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a read_n or_o judgement_n but_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v with_o respect_n to_o 8._o to_o antiq._n jud._n l._n 18._o c._n 4_o &_o 8._o joseph_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o produce_v out_o of_o he_o wherein_o he_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o place_n to_o examine_v these_o passage_n which_o learned_a man_n letter_n man_n see_v le_fw-fr feure_n in_o his_o critical_a letter_n believe_v be_v insert_v by_o some_o christian_a into_o the_o text_n of_o joseph_n but_o be_v this_o as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o joseph_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o child_n whereof_o st._n matthew_n speak_v nor_o of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v suppose_v by_o any_o to_o have_v be_v acquaint_v 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tacitus_n ep._n l._n 10._o plinius_n and_o 25._o and_o in_o claud._n c._n 25._o suetonius_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o want_v not_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v it_o though_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v polite_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o have_v spend_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o age_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n now_o this_o philosophy_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n comparable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v the_o learned_a of_o rome_n neglect_v these_o thing_n only_o because_o barbarian_n as_o the_o grecian_n speak_v have_v declare_v they_o for_o they_o well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o famous_a sage_n of_o greece_n have_v undertake_v long_a voyage_n to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o learn_v their_o opinion_n what_o make_v they_o contemn_v the_o christian_n then_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o a_o scandalous_a neglect_n proceed_v from_o the_o predominant_a passion_n of_o most_o people_n for_o ordinary_o they_o apply_v themselves_o only_o to_o what_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o may_v contribute_v to_o have_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o abide_v the_o literature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o laertius_n the_o see_v the_o preface_n of_o diogen_n laertius_n greek_n be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a repute_n at_o rome_n and_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n do_v value_v themselves_o upon_o these_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a there_o because_o it_o contain_v not_o any_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o add_v more_o lustre_n to_o such_o as_o do_v aspire_v to_o the_o great_a dignity_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n make_v the_o athenian_n neglect_v the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n of_o understand_v the_o gospel_n when_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o their_o city_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o and_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o have_v they_o as_o much_o good_a sense_n as_o they_o have_v vanity_n at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o call_v he_o a_o babbler_n 22._o act_n 17.18_o 22._o and_o after_o listen_v a_o while_n to_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o of_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o other_o put_v he_o off_o till_o some_o other_o time_n and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o proceed_v in_o part_n from_o a_o unblamable_a neglect_n that_o will_v not_o let_v they_o inform_v themselves_o thorough_o about_o what_o st._n paul_n declare_v although_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o athenian_n and_o the_o stranger_n who_o follow_v their_o study_n there_o be_v man_n of_o much_o leisure_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o news_n 21._o ver._n 21._o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o hear_v whether_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o method_n or_o the_o elocution_n they_o be_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o his_o discourse_n let_v we_o suppose_v with_o they_o that_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v not_o so_o take_v as_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o shall_v this_o extinguish_v their_o curiosity_n be_v truth_n always_o necessary_o accompany_v with_o eloquence_n none_o of_o they_o dare_v maintain_v such_o a_o thing_n notwithstanding_o s._n paul_n be_v there_o do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o they_o neglect_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n they_o lose_v a_o world_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o very_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n as_o be_v the_o physics_n of_o all_o their_o philosopher_n without_o except_v any_o and_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o great_a part_n
like_a manner_n people_n who_o desire_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v indulge_v those_o desire_n without_o call_v into_o question_n all_o the_o while_n the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o manner_n of_o most_o christian_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o persuasion_n not_o that_o they_o perceive_v not_o this_o opposition_n well_o enough_o and_o condemn_v it_o too_o when_o they_o think_v of_o it_o but_o the_o method_n of_o live_v general_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o passion_n carry_v it_o over_o the_o judgement_n they_o make_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o example_n already_o allege_v and_o by_o thousand_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o can_v be_v hence_o conclude_v that_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o our_o inclination_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v accommodate_v it_o rather_o to_o our_o manner_n of_o live_v than_o continue_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v who_o will_v maintain_v that_o a_o prince_n will_v do_v better_o in_o change_v the_o law_n according_a to_o his_o present_a passion_n than_o to_o let_v they_o subsist_v and_o break_v they_o every_o hour_n no_o body_n for_o if_o he_o observe_v not_o the_o law_n as_o he_o shall_v he_o leave_v they_o their_o authority_n however_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o subject_n and_o such_o other_o prince_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o observe_v they_o which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o society_n what_o disorder_n will_v it_o cause_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o a_o adulterous_a prince_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o contemn_v their_o authority_n will_v abrogate_v all_o those_o law_n prohibit_v adultery_n 31._o herodot_n l._n 3._o c._n 31._o it_o be_v say_v that_o cambyses_n the_o son_n of_o cyrus_n be_v in_o love_n with_o his_o sister_n and_o desirous_a of_o marry_v she_o inquire_v of_o the_o royal_a judge_n who_o be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n among_o the_o persian_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o brother_n to_o have_v his_o sister_n to_o wife_n they_o answer_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n which_o permit_v it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v another_o law_n that_o permit_v the_o king_n of_o persia_n to_o do_v whatever_o they_o please_v upon_o this_o answer_n cambyses_n marry_v his_o sister_n and_o the_o persian_n have_v not_o from_o that_o time_n scruple_v to_o imitate_v their_o king_n in_o this_o practice_n it_o have_v questionless_a be_v less_o criminal_a and_o much_o less_o hurtful_a to_o the_o society_n if_o cambyses_n have_v marry_v his_o sister_n without_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o cover_v his_o incest_n by_o authority_n of_o law_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v then_o which_o carriage_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o unblamable_a that_o of_o such_o as_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v divine_a or_o that_o of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o reject_v the_o divinity_n of_o these_o law_n because_o they_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o obey_v they_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o latter_a be_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o former_a suppose_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v beneficial_a to_o society_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n so_o whatever_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n unbeliever_n can_v however_o excuse_v themselves_o because_o other_o do_v not_o act_v coherent_o see_v they_o neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o import_v they_o most_o to_o know_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v doubtless_o in_o the_o wrong_n herein_o and_o they_o deny_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o the_o incredulous_a be_v much_o more_o to_o blame_v than_o they_o if_o the_o latter_a will_v examine_v themselves_o they_o may_v discover_v perhaps_o some_o other_o source_n of_o this_o negligence_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o it_o be_v that_o general_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a about_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o people_n so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o present_a and_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o discourse_n or_o example_n which_o may_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v reason_n not_o to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n although_o they_o seem_v sometime_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v well_o remark_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o love_v nothing_o but_o their_o passion_n and_o be_v careful_a only_a how_o to_o indulge_v these_o for_o they_o receive_v no_o more_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o what_o be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o their_o desire_n thus_o prince_n and_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n can_v bear_v that_o such_o as_o be_v about_o they_o shall_v ingenuous_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o be_v say_v of_o they_o and_o tell_v beside_o their_o own_o thought_n of_o the_o matter_n if_o any_o be_v a_o little_a too_o sincere_a he_o be_v quick_o banish_v from_o their_o presence_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o many_o private_a person_n who_o take_v none_o for_o their_o friend_n but_o such_o as_o flatter_v they_o and_o help_v to_o keep_v they_o up_o in_o the_o good_a opinion_n they_o have_v conceive_v of_o themselves_o prince_n and_o private_a man_n do_v equal_o drive_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n all_o thought_n that_o may_v trouble_v their_o repose_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o quiet_o enjoy_v what_o they_o love_v they_o can_v say_v therefore_o that_o they_o be_v such_o mighty_a lover_n of_o truth_n who_o care_n for_o know_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v please_v to_o they_o and_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o many_o unbeliever_n deal_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o religion_n neglect_v to_o understand_v what_o may_v convince_v they_o out_o of_o a_o secret_a averseness_n they_o have_v of_o search_v into_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o can_v discover_v without_o extreme_o disquiet_v themselves_o so_o s._n paul_n reason_v before_o felix_n of_o justice_n 24.25_o act_n 24.25_o temperance_n and_o future_a judgement_n this_o tremble_a governor_n be_v quick_o weary_a of_o hear_v he_o and_o put_v he_o off_o till_o another_o time_n have_v s._n paul_n entertain_v he_o with_o some_o other_o discourse_n he_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o it_o may_v be_v as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v but_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o this_o apostle_n begin_v to_o speak_v to_o he_o be_v too_o opposite_a to_o his_o manner_n to_o obtain_v a_o long_a audience_n from_o he_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o this_o disposition_n be_v entire_o against_o all_o good_a sense_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v equal_o blame_v flattery_n and_o flatterer_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v upon_o likewise_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o wisdom_n than_o wilful_o to_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v disadvantageous_a to_o we_o for_o without_o know_v it_o we_o can_v never_o bring_v a_o remedy_n against_o it_o and_o our_o ignorance_n about_o it_o change_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o contribute_v not_o seldom_o to_o render_v our_o condition_n worse_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o ought_v to_o look_v to_o it_o and_o not_o fear_v to_o hazard_v their_o repose_n in_o the_o search_n of_o disquiet_v truth_n they_o ought_v to_o beware_v of_o that_o ill_n regulate_v self-love_n which_o flatter_v our_o present_a passion_n and_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v mix_v some_o bitterness_n with_o the_o sweetness_n we_o taste_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o their_o negligence_n of_o inform_v themselves_o about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o great_a part_n from_o this_o dangerous_a disposition_n and_o they_o will_v agree_v to_o it_o no_o doubt_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o examine_v themselves_o do_v we_o see_v unbeliever_n use_v much_o application_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n without_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o thorough_a information_n and_o yet_o not_o quit_v their_o infidelity_n we_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n see_v they_o do_v not_o conclude_v but_o after_o a_o long_a and_o requisite_a discussion_n but_o we_o see_v not_o one_o of_o they_o so_o dispose_v and_o they_o be_v all_o content_v with_o a_o very_a superficial_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n without_o endeavour_v to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o give_v we_o occasion_n to_o confirm_v ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o infidelity_n proceed_v as_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o their_o neglect_n of_o due_a instruction_n chap._n vi_o
head_n but_o for_o this_o there_o be_v more_o caution_n and_o moderation_n requisite_a than_o unbeliever_n common_o have_v who_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o examen_fw-la to_o be_v impossible_a choose_v rather_o to_o deny_v all_o at_o once_o this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o any_o reader_n because_o he_o have_v discover_v by_o chance_n a_o error_n in_o some_o historian_n will_v immediate_o conclude_v without_o read_v any_o further_a that_o the_o whole_a be_v pure_a romance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a history_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a and_o hasty_a judgement_n unbeliever_n seem_v to_o live_v in_o as_o profound_a a_o tranquillity_n as_o a_o man_n can_v do_v who_o know_v by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o all_o religion_n be_v false_a they_o appear_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o indifference_n for_o truth_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o if_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v it_o they_o be_v ready_a while_o in_o this_o disposition_n to_o do_v whatever_o may_v render_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n more_o please_v nor_o will_v they_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o examine_v and_o they_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o those_o pleasure_n as_o far_o as_o they_o judge_v it_o possible_a without_o do_v they_o any_o harm_n it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o this_o opinion_n open_v a_o door_n to_o numberless_a secret_a crime_n and_o give_v encouragement_n in_o public_a to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v practise_v with_o safety_n i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o such_o people_n be_v bad_a friend_n bad_a subject_n or_o bad_a citizen_n because_o they_o sacrifice_v every_o thing_n to_o their_o pleasure_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n they_o can_v enjoy_v no_o other_o quiet_n but_o what_o must_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o most_o notorious_a folly_n imaginable_a they_o be_v according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n every_o moment_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o part_v for_o ever_o with_o what_o they_o love_v and_o which_o to_o acquire_v or_o preserve_v have_v frequent_o occasion_v they_o infinite_a trouble_n this_o loss_n may_v happen_v by_o a_o thousand_o unforeseen_a accident_n and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v unavoidable_o by_o death_n beyond_o which_o they_o expect_v nothing_o nevertheless_o they_o live_v secure_o they_o behave_v themselves_o much_o worse_o than_o a_o man_n will_v do_v who_o be_v serious_o tell_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n but_o that_o there_o be_v mean_n of_o escape_v it_o if_o he_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o know_v they_o and_o yet_o will_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o divert_v himself_o without_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v attention_n to_o what_o be_v say_v to_o he_o though_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v his_o life_n in_o case_n those_o adviser_n who_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v speak_v truth_n if_o what_o christianity_n tell_v we_o be_v indeed_o true_a there_o be_v pain_n infinite_o surpass_v death_n to_o be_v fear_v by_o such_o as_o reject_v it_o and_o yet_o unbeliever_n who_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a rest_v secure_o in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o lazine_n without_o inform_v themselves_o any_o further_a in_o good_a truth_n such_o as_o live_v in_o this_o disposition_n and_o who_o imagine_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o in_o this_o respect_n much_o elevate_v above_o the_o brute_n which_o be_v only_o concern_v about_o the_o present_a now_o on_o the_o contrary_a let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n who_o have_v well_o study_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a christianity_n satisfy_v in_o himself_o with_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v discover_v he_o observe_v the_o precept_n they_o enjoin_v he_o with_o all_o tranquillity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n he_o expect_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o faith_n with_o a_o contentment_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v be_v equal_v the_o most_o refine_a reason_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n wherein_o man_n must_v necessary_o live_v with_o one_o another_o require_v nothing_o of_o he_o but_o he_o obey_v it_o without_o hesitate_v and_o whatever_o befall_v he_o he_o look_v upon_o death_n only_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o a_o much_o better_a life_n than_o this_o i_o dare_v affirm_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o and_o it_o be_v that_o suppose_v this_o man_n deceive_v yet_o his_o condition_n will_v be_v infinite_o more_o desirable_a than_o that_o of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o examine_v religion_n reject_v it_o nevertheless_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v themselves_o for_o ever_o and_o be_v withal_o in_o a_o perpetual_a fear_n if_o not_o quite_o bewitch_v with_o their_o incredulity_n and_o laziness_n of_o lose_v for_o ever_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o infinite_o more_o reasonable_a and_o more_o sure_a both_o for_o this_o and_o the_o other_o life_n if_o there_o be_v one_o to_o search_v after_o truth_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o most_o extravagant_a carelessness_n imaginable_a this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v shall_v be_v grant_v i_o here_o and_o that_o can_v be_v deny_v i_o by_o any_o without_o act_v against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o see_v whether_o this_o laziness_n i_o have_v describe_v be_v not_o at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o incredulity_n this_o examination_n be_v of_o the_o utmost_a importance_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v lose_v by_o make_v of_o it_o and_o you_o risk_v all_o by_o neglect_v it_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n those_o disposition_n and_o motive_n contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o may_v bring_v unbeliever_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n although_o i_o have_v consider_v these_o different_a disposition_n one_o after_o another_o and_o have_v distinguish_v they_o by_o particular_a character_n i_o be_o not_o of_o opinion_n however_o that_o they_o act_n separately_z upon_o any_o or_o that_o there_o be_v unbeliever_n who_o may_v be_v reproach_v only_o with_o one_o of_o these_o fault_n there_o be_v not_o any_o questionless_a that_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n guilty_a of_o several_a of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v more_o culpable_a in_o one_o than_o in_o another_o immorality_n make_v one_o a_o infidel_n in_o another_o it_o be_v pride_n that_o chief_o oppose_v itself_o to_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n you_o see_v some_o blind_v by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o take_v for_o undoubted_a maxim_n there_o be_v other_o who_o do_v not_o reason_n well_o or_o neglect_v inform_v themselves_o of_o what_o they_o shall_v learn_v or_o who_o laziness_n keep_v from_o enter_v upon_o a_o discussion_n which_o to_o they_o appear_v too_o tedious_a and_o painful_a and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v those_o in_o who_o all_o these_o fault_n may_v meet_v in_o some_o degree_n though_o but_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v their_o predominant_a passion_n there_o be_v likewise_o infinite_a variety_n in_o man_n genius_n and_o understanding_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a quality_n and_o their_o different_a conjunction_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o unbeliever_n who_o can_v say_v that_o they_o renounce_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o most_o conformable_a principle_n to_o sound_a reason_n and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o more_o regular_a manner_n or_o more_o useful_a to_o society_n and_o can_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o of_o they_o exempt_v from_o the_o fault_n i_o have_v describe_v it_o may_v then_o be_v just_o say_v that_o my_o enumeration_n 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observation_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v long_o ago_o to_o the_o hypocritical_a jew_n may_v be_v now_o say_v to_o many_o people_n you_o that_o make_v your_o boast_n of_o the_o law_n 2.23_o rom._n 2.23_o by_o break_v the_o law_n dishonour_n god_n for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v blaspheme_v among_o the_o gentile_n through_o you_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o man_n draw_v a_o consequence_n very_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v that_o see_v those_o who_o pass_v for_o the_o pillar_n of_o religion_n who_o have_v sometime_o the_o best_a employment_n and_o who_o be_v in_o most_o esteem_v be_v such_o ill_a people_n the_o religion_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a artifice_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o to_o cover_v their_o passion_n under_o a_o pretence_n which_o gain_v they_o respect_n for_o in_o a_o word_n all_o that_o the_o zealous_a do_v if_o you_o believe_v they_o be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o the_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o unbeliever_n come_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n which_o they_o can_v deny_v be_v only_o a_o fine_a idea_n to_o impose_v the_o more_o easy_o upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o their_o guard_n they_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o say_v they_o but_o the_o most_o zealous_a observe_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v have_v other_o perhaps_o obey_v they_o exact_o that_o they_o may_v get_v by_o it_o but_o as_o for_o themselves_o they_o laugh_v at_o they_o you_o will_v hear_v those_o for_o example_n preach_v charity_n and_o impartiality_n who_o have_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o but_o be_v wonderful_o please_v to_o find_v those_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o not_o selfish_a or_o uncharitable_a because_o it_o make_v for_o their_o advantage_n this_o be_v what_o unbeliever_n say_v and_o they_o be_v never_o unfurnish_a with_o example_n to_o cite_v about_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o have_v not_o be_v violate_v by_o some_o zealot_n and_o many_o time_n without_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n because_o this_o appearance_n of_o zeal_n cover_v all_o defect_n the_o fact_n we_o deny_v not_o and_o we_o may_v add_v further_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v foresee_v it_o by_o exalt_v that_o charity_n which_o be_v principal_o violate_v by_o this_o false_a zeal_n above_o not_o only_a orthodoxy_n but_o even_o the_o high_a knowledge_n and_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n itself_o not_o every_o one_o that_o cry_v unto_o i_o lord_n 7.21_o mat._n 7.21_o lord_n say_v jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v who_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o doctrine_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a admonition_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a example_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o st._n paul_n likewise_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o such_o emphatical_a term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o speak_v more_o home_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o a_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o nothing_o and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o it_o appear_v plain_o hereby_o that_o the_o carriage_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n this_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o unbeliever_n who_o can_v without_o injustice_n confound_v some_o person_n abuse_v of_o religion_n with_o religion_n itself_o if_o any_o pretend_v to_o have_v very_o much_o study_v a_o certain_a science_n and_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o understand_v nothing_o of_o it_o can_v
the_o mahometans_n the_o jew_n and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o true_a christianity_n give_v it_o no_o approbation_n so_o that_o if_o the_o falsity_n of_o these_o religion_n or_o sect_n may_v be_v hence_o conclude_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o can_v reason_v against_o christianity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o it_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o blind_a obedience_n from_o such_o as_o embrace_v it_o and_o that_o it_o express_o condemn_v the_o furious_a zeal_n which_o flow_v from_o this_o spring_n one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n 1.14_o rom._n 10.2_o gal._n 1.14_o add_v that_o it_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o blame_v it_o exceed_o another_o say_v to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 3.14_o jam._n 3.14_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o this_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o blind_a zeal_n then_o be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o attribute_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o education_n of_o the_o ignorant_a populace_n who_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o truth_n by_o its_o proper_a light_n and_o the_o virtue_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o their_o heart_n who_o due_o receive_v it_o defend_v it_o with_o the_o same_o arm_n they_o will_v error_n that_o be_v with_o passion_n and_o fury_n this_o sort_n of_o people_n can_v without_o extreme_a injustice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o model_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o christianity_n since_o it_o clear_o condemn_v their_o conduct_n we_o must_v on_o the_o contrary_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o understand_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o but_o good_a reason_n in_o its_o defence_n and_o that_o to_o procure_v themselves_o love_n and_o respect_n practise_v only_o those_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a virtue_n they_o learn_v from_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o true_a christian_n the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n chap._n iii_o that_o unbeliever_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christiam_fw-la religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o people_n devotion_n since_o christianity_n have_v flourish_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v frequent_o prove_v a_o advantageous_a thing_n to_o show_v great_a zeal_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o although_o this_o make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o truth_n not_o depend_v upon_o the_o interest_n one_o have_v or_o have_v not_o to_o defend_v it_o yet_o the_o incredulous_a be_v sure_a to_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o hence_o of_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v endeavour_n make_v sometime_o to_o gain_v they_o over_o by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o age_n but_o they_o instant_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o those_o man_n do_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o will_v be_v great_a getter_n by_o it_o in_o so_o do_v but_o must_v lose_v infinite_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o indeed_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o cogent_a conclusion_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v defend_v or_o that_o now_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o infidel_n 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to_o a_o great_a dignity_n than_o what_o he_o possess_v he_o appear_v humble_a gentle_a moderate_a and_o kind_a he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o disinterestedness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n if_o he_o have_v a_o talon_n for_o the_o pulpit_n he_o there_o principal_o show_v his_o zeal_n against_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o time_n nay_o he_o be_v in_o a_o fury_n against_o scandalous_a clergyman_n and_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n so_o long_o complain_v of_o and_o not_o yet_o reform_v in_o a_o word_n he_o use_v all_o the_o discourse_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o that_o place_n in_o order_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o have_v his_o income_n be_v great_a he_o will_v put_v they_o to_o much_o better_a use_v than_o most_o ecclesiastic_n do_v after_o act_v his_o part_n for_o some_o year_n at_o last_o he_o obtain_v his_o end_n that_o be_v a_o dignity_n and_o income_n that_o render_v he_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o long_o to_o be_v know_v he_o be_v forthwith_o haughty_a hard-hearted_a untractable_a and_o passionate_a towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o think_v his_o inferior_n those_o who_o be_v his_o friend_n before_o and_o upon_o who_o friendship_n too_o he_o value_v himself_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o he_o if_o he_o now_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o look_v the_o obligation_n they_o lay_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o private_a person_n and_o when_o they_o expect_v no_o return_v from_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v he_o think_v they_o be_v all_o due_a to_o his_o merit_n and_o that_o more_o be_v owe_v he_o but_o as_o for_o himself_o he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o body_n and_o do_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n when_o he_o cold_o receive_v the_o incense_n they_o be_v 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may_v pretend_v to_o some_o force_n they_o can_v say_v that_o this_o promise_v not_o be_v perform_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o matter_n be_v quite_o contrary_a jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n consider_v the_o disposition_n of_o man_n and_o foresee_v likewise_o future_a event_n have_v clear_o prophesy_v of_o the_o division_n that_o shall_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n suppose_v you_o say_v jesus_n christ_n that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o give_v peace_n on_o earth_n 12.51_o luke_n 12.51_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o rather_o division_n for_o from_o henceforth_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o in_o one_o house_n divide_v three_o against_o two_o and_o two_o against_o three_o etc._n etc._n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o 11.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v also_o make_v manifest_a among_o you_o here_o be_v express_v word_n signify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 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that_o god_n who_o foresee_v all_o thing_n aught_o by_o consequence_n to_o express_v his_o will_n in_o so_o clear_a a_o manner_n as_o to_o prevent_v all_o the_o dispute_n which_o we_o see_v now_o among_o christian_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o god_n have_v express_v himself_o plain_o enough_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o about_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v hope_v and_o do_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o necessary_n if_o man_n do_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o scripture-notion_n what_o make_v division_n spring_v among_o christian_n be_v the_o addition_n and_o ill-drawn_a consequence_n and_o not_o the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o as_o look_v in_o it_o only_o for_o the_o truth_n they_o easy_o find_v this_o and_o be_v never_o deceive_v about_o any_o thing_n essential_a but_o those_o who_o will_v find_v therein_o what_o vain_a subtlety_n and_o humane_a interest_n or_o passion_n have_v add_v to_o it_o be_v apt_a i_o confess_v to_o be_v deceive_v every_o moment_n in_o a_o word_n to_o all_o sincere_a person_n who_o love_v the_o truth_n preferable_o to_o every_o other_o thing_n the_o gospel_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n and_o can_v occasion_v any_o considerable_a dispute_n but_o to_o man_n govern_v by_o their_o passion_n and_o conceit_v of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o most_o evident_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v obscure_a there_o be_v no_o law_n so_o clear_a but_o a_o wrangler_n may_v raise_v a_o thousand_o difficulty_n about_o it_o and_o if_o a_o legislator_n shall_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o wise_a man_n except_o he_o express_o prevent_v all_o possible_a difficulty_n and_o mark_v all_o the_o case_n wherein_o ill-disposed_a person_n will_v abuse_v his_o law_n there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o legislator_n to_o who_o any_o wisdom_n can_v be_v attribute_v none_o ever_o undertake_v to_o perform_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o write_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o volume_n to_o which_o something_o new_a must_v be_v add_v every_o moment_n since_o there_o may_v happen_v infinite_a case_n every_o day_n therefore_o if_o god_n have_v design_v to_o prevent_v all_o those_o controversy_n already_o move_v or_o that_o shall_v hereafter_o arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n and_o reject_v by_o name_n all_o possible_a error_n he_o must_v have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o volume_n that_o to_o use_v st._n john_n expression_n the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o and_o their_o multitude_n will_v render_v they_o useless_a for_o proof_n that_o the_o clear_a law_n and_o the_o most_o proper_a to_o prevent_v all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n become_v obscure_a to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o observe_v they_o we_o need_v only_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v already_o say_v of_o the_o charity_n to_o be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o error_n about_o any_o article_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o speak_v more_o clear_o or_o effectual_o upon_o this_o head_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v and_o nevertheless_o the_o most_o part_n of_o christian_n practise_v at_o this_o time_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v say_v just_o the_o contrary_n thus_o they_o dispute_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n rather_o because_o they_o be_v blind_v by_o prejudices_fw-la and_o willing_a to_o dispute_v than_o because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o obscure_a with_o regard_n to_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o mean_n to_o condemn_v express_o all_o possible_a error_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christians_n shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o incredulous_a
infinite_o more_o considerable_a than_o be_v those_o age_n wherein_o he_o seem_v to_o some_o to_o have_v neglect_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o one_o day_n the_o present_a state_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o earth_n shall_v be_v entire_o change_v and_o that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_o but_o we_o be_v not_o inform_v when_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v and_o such_o as_o think_v it_o shall_v happen_v soon_o after_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n from_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o he_o or_o his_o apostle_n be_v altogether_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v now_o he_o before_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 30.5_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o psal_n 30.5_o who_o anger_n endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o in_o who_o favour_n be_v life_n may_v have_v prospect_n infinite_o more_o extend_v and_o which_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o time_n we_o 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be_v preserve_v among_o they_o although_o the_o addition_n make_v by_o several_a of_o they_o strange_o disfigure_v it_o such_o as_o keep_v only_o to_o these_o essential_a point_n which_o be_v all_o that_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v and_o who_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o school_n have_v a_o just_a idea_n enough_o of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v say_v not_o to_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o reproach_n of_o controvertist_n fall_v rather_o upon_o the_o preacher_n than_o upon_o those_o upright_a and_o sincere_a person_n who_o take_v of_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o understand_v and_o live_v conformable_o to_o their_o notion_n unbeliever_n make_v another_o objection_n against_o religion_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v difficult_a to_o answer_v and_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o essential_a precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v among_o christian_n whence_o the_o incredulous_a infer_v that_o 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to_o they_o and_o they_o neither_o endanger_v their_o reputation_n nor_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n for_o so_o do_v they_o never_o fail_v to_o break_v they_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o fraud_n and_o cheat_n provide_v they_o be_v not_o sue_v for_o it_o and_o their_o reputation_n be_v not_o so_o blemish_v as_o to_o do_v they_o some_o prejudice_n in_o the_o world_n they_o common_o call_v a_o honest_a man_n a_o man_n who_o can_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o law_n and_o live_v not_o worse_a than_o other_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n he_o be_v in_o a_o good_a man_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v a_o man_n who_o keep_v a_o better_o outside_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o we_o call_v piety_n that_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a exercise_n the_o frequent_v whereof_o be_v a_o very_a equivocal_a sign_n of_o a_o good_a inward_a disposition_n we_o see_v every_o minute_n some_o man_n careful_a of_o that_o 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character_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n those_o who_o shall_v teach_v other_o to_o be_v modest_a in_o their_o judgement_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o doctrine_n they_o understand_v not_o which_o be_v duty_n humanity_n shall_v teach_v we_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o exasperate_a ignorant_a people_n by_o their_o public_a and_o private_a discourse_n against_o other_o christian_n and_o be_v as_o good_a pattern_n of_o judge_v rash_o and_o persecute_v without_o any_o pity_n as_o they_o be_v ill_a example_n of_o live_v like_o christian_n as_o for_o the_o other_o temporal_a interest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n how_o few_o be_v they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o their_o own_o as_o they_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o who_o endeavour_n to_o procure_v they_o as_o they_o may_v without_o prejudice_v themselves_o it_o seem_v that_o provide_v we_o live_v well_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v for_o ourselves_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o 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gospel_n command_v it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a for_o these_o man_n to_o part_n with_o their_o indolence_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o when_o it_o be_v not_o their_o interest_n but_o the_o least_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v they_o to_o act_v against_o their_o neighbour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o do_v nothing_o for_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o other_o part_n of_o charity_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a who_o want_v our_o alm_n how_o many_o be_v they_o i_o will_v not_o say_v who_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o or_o give_v away_o their_o overplus_n but_o who_o keep_v any_o proportion_n between_o their_o vain_a or_o foolish_a expense_n and_o their_o alms._n if_o among_o christian_n we_o look_v for_o the_o virtue_n we_o owe_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o to_o ourselves_o such_o as_o modesty_n or_o humility_n abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n patience_n in_o adversity_n i_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v find_v more_o of_o they_o than_o among_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a or_o modern_a heathen_n provide_v we_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v justice_n to_o both_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a at_o least_o that_o they_o be_v very_o scarce_o especial_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n nay_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o those_o virtue_n more_o than_o other_o be_v mere_a hypocrite_n as_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v if_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n be_v careful_o examine_v humility_n or_o modesty_n hinder_v they_o not_o from_o hunt_v after_o preferment_n which_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o from_o make_v extraordinary_a expense_n when_o they_o have_v get_v they_o nor_o from_o treat_v man_n contemptuous_o who_o virtue_n and_o talent_n shine_v infinite_o above_o they_o abstinence_n from_o pleasure_n hinder_v they_o not_o from_o enjoy_v at_o least_o all_o the_o convenience_n and_o when_o they_o can_v all_o the_o delight_n of_o this_o life_n whilst_o they_o preach_v frugality_n to_o other_o they_o will_v do_v or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o lose_v the_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o give_v they_o or_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o employment_n they_o enjoy_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o their_o virtue_n consist_v in_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o will_v please_v the_o multitude_n and_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v censure_v for_o have_v perform_v one_o of_o their_o christian_a duty_n or_o to_o draw_v hatred_n on_o themselves_o by_o practise_v it_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v they_o prefer_v obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n to_o the_o reputation_n they_o endeavour_v to_o get_v or_o keep_v among_o men._n the_o rest_n of_o christian_n do_v the_o like_a not_o to_o make_v their_o ruler_n ashamed_a six_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o compare_v the_o christian_a moral_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o christian_n say_v they_o can_v believe_v that_o those_o moral_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n see_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v so_o inconsiderable_a they_o say_v they_o can_v apprehend_v that_o a_o religion_n reveal_v as_o we_o affirm_v for_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o excellent_a above_o all_o other_o make_v not_o a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o world_n in_o what_o concern_v good_a manner_n but_o if_o they_o have_v reflect_v enough_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o state_n of_o europe_n and_o asia_n before_o it_o be_v establish_v they_o will_v spare_v that_o objection_n they_o shall_v remember_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v some_o law_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v which_o though_o admirable_a in_o themselves_o force_v no_o body_n to_o observe_v they_o that_o there_o may_v be_v room_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o wonder_v if_o they_o be_v
use_n of_o to_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o other_o men._n they_o not_o where_o say_v that_o they_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v or_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o must_v part_v with_o our_o notion_n to_o embrace_v they_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o judge_v of_o nothing_o but_o by_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o own_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a we_o comprehend_v not_o perfect_o all_o the_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o be_v for_o example_n the_o divine_a property_n but_o we_o form_n at_o least_o some_o notion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o contrary_a to_o reason_n there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o exact_a and_o adequate_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o be_v save_v reason_n also_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o can_v know_v exact_o this_o sort_n of_o thing_n nor_o many_o other_o and_o that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_n of_o thing_n we_o 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the_o behalf_n of_o those_o new_a doctrine_n not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o my_o part_n have_v study_v those_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v i_o think_v i_o may_v affirm_v that_o no_o proposition_n can_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v express_v in_o their_o word_n be_v not_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o same_o grammatical_a rule_n as_o all_o other_o author_n be_v moreover_o i_o affirm_v that_o one_o need_v suppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o know_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n some_o divine_n who_o have_v not_o study_v the_o holy_a scripture_n well_o maintain_v another_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o less_o proper_a to_o hinder_v infidel_n from_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n than_o the_o maxim_n i_o have_v confute_v they_o say_v that_o many_o 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their_o life_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o example_n do_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o society_n it_o be_v therefore_o false_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v arbitrary_a law_n and_o no_o commandment_n give_v to_o man_n for_o their_o good_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o god_n will_v have_v mystery_n in_o religion_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a only_o to_o humble_v man._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v no_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v none_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o confuse_a one_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o exact_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o general_a and_o confuse_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o understand_v not_o at_o all_o see_v to_o believe_v that_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v perceive_v between_o the_o term_n it_o be_v make_v of_o as_o logician_n teach_v and_o none_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o a_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o perceive_v for_o example_n when_o i_o be_o tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o dead_a and_o to_o rise_v but_o also_o clear_o perceive_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o those_o two_o thing_n though_o i_o do_v know_v distinct_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o if_o i_o be_v tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o not_o rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n dead_a and_o to_o rise_v perceive_v no_o relation_n between_o a_o affirmation_n and_o a_o negation_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o 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the_o wrong_n they_o bold_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v mere_a imposture_n fancy_v the_o former_a be_v so_o too_o those_o who_o cast_v in_o their_o way_n that_o stumbling-block_n be_v bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o man_n of_o no_o judgement_n or_o less_o conscience_n but_o though_o unbeliever_n may_v triumph_v over_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o assert_v some_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v they_o can_v say_v against_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v ground_v be_v like_o those_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v every_o day_n first_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n affect_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n every_o minute_n and_o out_o of_o ostentation_n such_o as_o be_v those_o that_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o second_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v get_v no_o money_n by_o publish_v they_o abroad_o as_o it_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o to_o who_o those_o church_n belong_v wherein_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v that_o very_a thing_n viz._n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n bring_v wealth_n to_o the_o master_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v one_o right_o suspect_v whatever_o be_v say_v about_o it_o three_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v ground_v be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o who_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o those_o miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o have_v examine_v they_o shall_v have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v such_o a_o discovery_n have_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o man_n ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o inquisition_n where_o it_o be_v set_v up_o or_o of_o draw_v on_o themselves_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o mob_n which_o sometime_o be_v not_o less_o to_o be_v fead_v than_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o be_v wellgrounded_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a but_o when_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n beside_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o fact_n one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v it_o but_o no_o body_n dare_v do_v that_o now_o with_o respect_n to_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a thus_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o be_v say_v for_o those_o of_o our_o time_n none_o but_o those_o who_o want_v either_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n will_v compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v here_o that_o unbeliever_n pretend_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o what_o i_o have_v suppose_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n now_o they_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a now_o there_o be_v none_o neither_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o former_o because_o the_o only_a reason_n that_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o work_v miracle_n many_o century_n ago_o be_v the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o other_o way_n and_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n subsist_v still_o so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v god_n be_v not_o less_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n out_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v now_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ancient_a miracle_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v of_o use_n to_o cure_v our_o doubt_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v establish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a because_o the_o history_n of_o religion_n preserve_v the_o proof_n of_o those_o that_o be_v do_v at_o its_o first_o establishment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o history_n be_v doubt_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o new_a miracle_n be_v now_o require_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v good_a as_o we_o affirm_v and_o if_o they_o be_v doubt_v of_o only_o out_o of_o a_o ill_a principle_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n goodness_n if_o there_o remain_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o much_o worse_a than_o with_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n he_o wrought_v miracle_n former_o but_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o history_n to_o be_v true_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o miracle_n this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o man_n have_v not_o now_o the_o same_o reason_n
may_v find_v fault_n with_o something_o or_o other_o shall_v at_o last_o grow_v so_o conceit_v of_o their_o pretend_a sagacity_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o incurable_a such_o a_o disposition_n be_v not_o at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o can_v only_o serve_v to_o increase_v one_o error_n and_o indeed_o what_o truth_n can_v he_o find_v out_o who_o only_o seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o dispute_v and_o overcome_v truth_n which_o often_o fly_v from_o those_o that_o seek_v it_o with_o application_n offer_v not_o itself_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o that_o fly_v from_o it_o after_o those_o general_a observation_n concern_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v offer_v against_o religion_n i_o must_v allege_v some_o particular_a example_n of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n which_o unbeliever_n be_v wont_a to_o assault_v there_o be_v none_o they_o more_o frequent_o speak_v against_o than_o what_o christian_n believe_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o 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how_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v undeniable_a i_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o though_o i_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o god_n may_v have_v produce_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o yet_o i_o can_v deny_v it_o especial_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n no_o character_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n even_o to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o much_o more_o absurd_a still_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o christian_a divine_n who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o though_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o ground_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o that_o foundation_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o illiterate_a man_n as_o well_o as_o for_o scholar_n do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o require_v a_o great_a meditation_n than_o the_o vulgar_a be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o apprehend_v that_o god_n impart_v to_o matter_n the_o form_n it_o now_o have_v to_o pay_v to_o he_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o without_o suppose_v what_o i_o have_v prove_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n we_o must_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o form_n they_o have_v be_v eternal_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o form_n no_o more_o than_o in_o matter_n which_o can_v make_v we_o suspect_v that_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n though_o we_o have_v not_o see_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o great_a body_n that_o surround_v we_o and_o not_o one_o eye-witness_n have_v leave_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o though_o it_o seem_v that_o little_a or_o no_o sensible_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o world_n in_o general_a yet_o no_o body_n can_v say_v for_o all_o that_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n because_o the_o 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generation_n single_o take_v have_v have_v a_o beginning_n we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o generation_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a that_o man_n and_o beast_n begin_v to_o exist_v upon_o earth_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o some_o cause_n epicurus_n who_o say_v that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n make_v more_o ridiculous_a supposition_n and_o more_o absurd_a conjecture_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o ancient_a fable_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o body_n maintain_v his_o hypothesis_n now_o but_o other_o say_v that_o whatever_o exist_v be_v proper_o but_o one_o be_v that_o modify_v itself_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o its_o nature_n if_o any_o body_n know_v what_o they_o mean_v or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v but_o a_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o nonsensical_a though_o it_o have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o geometrical_a order_n can_v deceive_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v incline_v to_o it_o from_o some_o other_o reason_n wherefore_o see_v nothing_o can_v give_v a_o beginning_n to_o itself_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o animal_n who_o form_v they_o upon_o this_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v that_o be_v which_o christian_n call_v god_n thus_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o have_v create_v we_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o create_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o planet_n because_o limit_a period_n as_o those_o of_o the_o planet_n be_v can_v never_o exhaust_v eternity_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o multiply_v so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o no_o objection_n can_v force_v we_o to_o renounce_v that_o proposition_n see_v we_o direct_o prove_v it_o by_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v oppose_v to_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o and_o be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o ignorance_n they_o object_n for_o example_n that_o they_o can_v apprehend_v how_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v immaterial_a can_v create_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o say_v they_o so_o that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a can_v not_o give_v to_o body_n the_o propriety_n which_o they_o have_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o very_a argument_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o may_v say_v matter_n have_v no_o motion_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o be_v immaterial_a have_v less_o still_a none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o wherefore_o matter_n have_v no_o motion_n let_v they_o try_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v good_a will_v resolve_v the_o propose_a objection_n against_o the_o 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whatever_o they_o say_v concern_v revelation_n in_o general_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o prejudice_n viz._n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o a_o revelation_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o argument_n ground_v only_o upon_o our_o ignorance_n and_o which_o suppose_v that_o what_o we_o know_v not_o be_v not_o true_a as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n shall_v either_o manifest_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n which_o no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v or_o find_v out_o in_o that_o revelation_n some_o manifest_a character_n of_o falsity_n which_o no_o body_n can_v show_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n arise_v partly_o from_o their_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n thereof_o and_o not_o perceive_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o that_o history_n in_o a_o few_o word_n man_n know_v nothing_o but_o by_o experience_n and_o reflection_n and_o experience_n be_v slow_a and_o reflection_n oftentime_o difficult_a god_n show_v they_o by_o some_o revelation_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v concern_v his_o nature_n and_o the_o worship_n he_o require_v from_o they_o though_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o but_o a_o short_a abridgement_n of_o the_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v during_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o mention_n etc._n mention_n gen._n 3.3.9_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6.13_o &_o 7.1_o &_o 8.15_o &_o 9.1_o &_o 12.1_o etc._n etc._n
apostle_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v but_o i_o affirm_v again_o that_o that_o very_a thing_n will_v raise_v suspicion_n against_o they_o and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n before_o i_o show_v it_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v blame_v art_n and_o eloquence_n as_o be_v pernicious_a and_o useless_a on_o all_o occasion_n on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o can_v be_v too_o much_o esteem_v that_o be_v those_o who_o use_v it_o to_o vindicate_v and_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n i_o only_o design_v to_o show_v that_o it_o fall_v out_o better_o that_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v destitute_a of_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o happen_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o leave_v to_o posterity_n the_o life_n discourse_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v man_n of_o great_a eloquence_n and_o perfect_a master_n 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manner_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o in_o the_o least_o that_o though_o many_o profess_v it_o out_o of_o interest_n for_o many_o age_n past_a rather_o than_o out_o of_o persuasion_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v suspect_v concern_v its_o first_o founder_n that_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v one_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o that_o the_o falsity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o christian_n now_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n last_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n represent_v it_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o unbeliever_n will_v serious_o think_v upon_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v those_o proposition_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o and_o then_o they_o may_v find_v without_o any_o difficulty_n a_o answer_n to_o all_o their_o particular_a objection_n as_o soon_o as_o some_o undeniable_a principle_n have_v be_v lay_v down_o which_o influence_n all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n several_a thing_n which_o before_o seem_v difficult_a cease_v then_o to_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o one_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v every_o day_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n remain_v uncertain_a or_o unknown_a every_o thing_n make_v man_n perplex_v and_o the_o long_o they_o live_v in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o more_o the_o difficulty_n increase_v as_o soon_o as_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o several_a part_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n from_o those_o of_o many_o christian_n of_o this_o time_n they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o and_o the_o behaviour_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o at_o all_o like_a the_o doctrine_n of_o ancient_a christianity_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o thing_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o a_o dispute_n wherein_o man_n only_a design_n to_o show_v their_o wit_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o search_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v equal_o useful_a to_o both_o side_n unbeliever_n ought_v therefore_o to_o part_v altogether_o with_o that_o spirit_n of_o wrangle_a which_o make_v they_o so_o eager_a to_o
the_o christian_n it_o be_v 97._o be_v ep._n lib._n 10._o ep._n 97._o pliny_n the_o young_a who_o be_v proconsul_n of_o bythinia_n about_o seventy_o year_n after_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n search_v out_o by_o trajan_n order_n the_o christian_n who_o be_v in_o his_o province_n and_o will_v know_v what_o opinion_n they_o have_v afterward_o he_o write_v to_o trajan_n about_o it_o in_o a_o letter_n which_o be_v extant_a still_o they_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o all_o their_o crime_n and_o error_n consist_v in_o their_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o night_n on_o a_o certain_a day_n and_o sing_v together_o a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o a_o god_n that_o they_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n indeed_o not_o to_o perpetrate_v any_o crime_n but_o to_o commit_v no_o theft_n nor_o robbery_n nor_o adultery_n to_o deceive_v no_o body_n to_o deny_v no_o trust_n afterward_o they_o go_v to_o eat_v together_o which_o they_o do_v in_o common_a without_o any_o harm_n but_o that_o 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same_o thing_n they_o refer_v the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n to_o that_o christ_n who_o pilate_n put_v to_o death_n and_o they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v precise_o the_o same_o moral_n this_o we_o see_v not_o only_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n but_o also_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o st._n barnabas_n in_o that_o of_o st._n clemens_n in_o the_o book_n of_o hermas_n and_o the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st._n ignatius_n and_o st._n polycarp_n 5._o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v that_o under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n there_o be_v a_o man_n in_o judea_n who_o give_v a_o beginning_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o preach_v most_o excellent_a moral_n all_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v since_o attest_v it_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o no_o body_n do_v ever_o doubt_v of_o it_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o do_v it_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v certain_a whether_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o primitive_a christian_n be_v sincere_a person_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o honesty_n let_v we_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o be_v let_v we_o examine_v the_o letter_n which_o st._n clemens_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o that_o of_o corinth_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o vespasian_n we_o see_v in_o that_o whole_a epistle_n a_o spirit_n of_o peace_n charity_n humility_n and_o very_o press_v exhortation_n to_o obey_v the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o severe_o chide_v those_o who_o observe_v they_o not_o and_o praise_n the_o corinthian_n for_o have_v conform_v their_o action_n to_o its_o precept_n during_o some_o time_n one_o may_v see_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o bear_v witness_n 2._o witness_n §._o 2._o to_o the_o christian_n of_o corinth_n that_o they_o have_v labour_v day_n and_o night_n for_o all_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v with_o mercy_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v be_v sincere_a without_o malice_n and_o without_o remember_v the_o harm_n they_o may_v have_v do_v one_o to_o another_o that_o all_o livision_n and_o schism_n be_v abhor_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v sorrowful_a for_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o neighbour_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o want_n as_o their_o own_o that_o they_o never_o repent_v of_o have_v do_v well_o but_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n that_o in_o their_o conduct_n full_a of_o virtue_n and_o worthy_a of_o respect_n they_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o command_n be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n nay_o he_o say_v towards_o the_o end_n that_o he_o know_v many_o christian_n who_o put_v themselves_o in_o chain_n to_o redeem_v other_o and_o that_o many_o have_v sell_v themselves_o to_o be_v slave_n have_v feed_v other_o with_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n his_o whole_a letter_n be_v full_a of_o the_o like_a expression_n that_o clemens_n have_v for_o his_o master_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o first_o teach_v christianity_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v of_o a_o great_a piety_n if_o we_o read_v their_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o breathe_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o deity_n a_o extreme_a love_n to_o all_o man_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a modesty_n in_o whatever_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n behaviour_n towards_o himself_o let_v any_o of_o these_o write_n be_v pitch_v upon_o nothing_o will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o but_o what_o tend_v to_o piety_n and_o charity_n if_o some_o of_o their_o write_n have_v be_v controvert_v let_v we_o take_v those_o that_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o or_o if_o you_o please_v those_o which_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n clemens_n st._n luke_n gospel_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o the_o same_o moral_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o disciple_n 6._o the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o exhort_v all_o those_o that_o will_v hear_v they_o to_o live_v after_o a_o manner_n so_o rational_a and_o so_o advantageous_a to_o human_a society_n can_v not_o be_v suspect_v thereby_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o they_o preach_v that_o doctrine_n only_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n and_o then_o under_o pretence_n of_o piety_n to_o obtain_v from_o they_o what_o they_o desire_v but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a suspicion_n not_o at_o all_o ground_a upon_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v see_v they_o condemn_v alike_o the_o unlawful_a love_n of_o riches_n dignity_n and_o pleasure_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o fraud_n and_o cheat._n not_o one_o place_n of_o their_o write_n can_v be_v quote_v that_o favour_n ambition_n covetousness_n or_o voluptuousness_n this_o be_v so_o that_o suspicion_n can_v be_v ground_v but_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n viz._n either_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v expect_v some_o advantage_n by_o their_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v general_o embrace_v or_o that_o they_o actual_o get_v some_o by_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v it_o i_o call_v advantage_n a_o good_a great_a in_o itself_o than_o all_o the_o toil_v and_o danger_n which_o the_o apostle_n expose_v themselves_o to_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o at_o lest_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v great_a it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o if_o they_o be_v deceiver_n they_o will_v not_o propose_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a advantage_n than_o the_o trouble_v they_o be_v at_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v without_o extravagancy_n by_o those_o who_o have_v read_v their_o write_n but_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o their_o doctrine_n but_o on_o supposition_n that_o most_o of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v it_o will_v embrace_v it_o otherwise_o they_o can_v expect_v but_o a_o perpetual_a persecution_n for_o none_o but_o a_o mad_a man_n will_v have_v expect_v to_o live_v quiet_o among_o man_n extreme_o conceit_v of_o some_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o those_o he_o profess_v who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v both_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o take_v away_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o those_o who_o oppose_v their_o superstition_n such_o as_o be_v general_o the_o roman_n grecian_n and_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o expect_v then_o that_o their_o preach_v will_v be_v so_o successful_a as_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o
mankind_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n wherein_o those_o nation_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o be_v the_o jew_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o their_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n and_o beside_o so_o time_n so_o see_v josephus_n in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n of_o free_v they_o from_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n the_o roman_n and_o grecian_n be_v either_o atheist_n or_o superstitious_a and_o general_o so_o give_v to_o their_o pleasure_n so_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o lose_v all_o sense_n etc._n sense_n vid._n sallust_n in_o bel._n catiline_n senecam_fw-la ep._n 7._o quaest_n nat._n lib._n 4._o praefat._n &_o passim_fw-la juvenal_n persium_n etc._n etc._n of_o virtue_n speak_v with_o horror_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o time_n the_o history_n of_o both_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o event_n of_o that_o time_n a_o image_n of_o the_o most_o horrible_a corruption_n that_o ever_o be_v if_o we_o judge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o gospel-notion_n after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v can_v any_o man_n fancy_n that_o the_o apostle_n hope_v to_o get_v their_o opinion_n embrace_v by_o most_o of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o their_o time_n how_o can_v they_o expect_v that_o man_n so_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n and_o harden_v in_o their_o crime_n will_v ever_o embrace_v opinion_n that_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o they_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n open_o say_v after_o their_o master_n that_o they_o expect_v not_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n will_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n in_o proportion_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v remain_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n simplicity_n have_v make_v they_o hope_n to_o convert_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n experience_n will_v have_v soon_o undeceive_v they_o see_v after_o have_v preach_v during_o many_o year_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v convert_v but_o few_o people_n the_o roman_a history_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o during_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v far_o less_o than_o that_o of_o heathen_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v necessary_o expose_v to_o a_o cruel_a persecution_n during_o their_o whole_a life_n be_v despise_v and_o hate_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n alike_o they_o can_v have_v no_o reward_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o their_o labour_n and_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o every_o minute_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o 15.19_o they_o 1_o cor._n 15.19_o themselves_o say_v they_o expect_v all_o sort_n of_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v not_o mistake_v see_v after_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o suffering_n they_o be_v cruel_o put_v to_o death_n maintain_v still_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v preach_v 5._o preach_v §._o 5._o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o unjust_a envy_n say_v clemens_n who_o i_o have_v cite_v already_o that_o peter_n suffer_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o several_a pain_n and_o have_v undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v go_v into_o the_o place_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o it_o be_v out_o of_o envy_n that_o paul_n get_v the_o price_n of_o patience_n have_v be_v put_v seven_o time_n in_o iron_n whip_v and_o stone_v be_v the_o herald_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n he_o make_v his_o faith_n famous_a have_v teach_v the_o whole_a world_n justice_n and_o be_v come_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o west_n when_o he_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n before_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o state_n he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o event_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v destroy_v altogether_o the_o second_o thing_n on_o which_o the_o suspicion_n of_o their_o want_n of_o sincerity_n may_v have_v be_v ground_v if_o they_o be_v esteem_v by_o a_o small_a number_n of_o man_n 1.26_o man_n see_v 1_o cor._n 1.26_o most_o of_o they_o of_o a_o low_a condition_n they_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n jew_n and_o heathen_n ill-treated_n and_o persecute_v suffer_v a_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o at_o last_o die_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o public_a executioner_n as_o i_o have_v show_v by_o clemens_n word_n and_o as_o all_o their_o other_o disciple_n affirm_v it_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o say_v in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n 4.11_o epistle_n 1_o cor._n 4.11_o unto_o this_o present_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n 15.19_o hand_n ib._n c._n 15.19_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a certain_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v become_v the_o execration_n of_o most_o man_n by_o maintain_v a_o forgery_n to_o be_v esteem_v by_o some_o few_o who_o have_v no_o credit_n or_o reputation_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v 4.9_o be_v ib._n c._n 4.9_o deal_v with_o as_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n in_o the_o amphitheatre_n to_o be_v a_o spectate_v to_o the_o people_n a_o man_n may_v be_v move_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o live_v will_v applaud_v he_o but_o no_o body_n ever_o think_v fit_a to_o expose_v himself_o to_o long-suffering_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a death_n only_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o very_a few_o man_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o impious_a or_o mad_a man_n by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o live_v 7._o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n can_v be_v deny_v viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o doctrine_n we_o read_v in_o their_o book_n which_o christian_n profess_v still_o under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n and_o some_o follow_a emperor_n that_o they_o live_v in_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o a_o cruel_a death_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v during_o many_o year_n if_o we_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n live_v after_o a_o voluptuous_a manner_n and_o altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o moral_n they_o preach_v we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o first_o disciple_n who_o in_o imitation_n of_o their_o master_n as_o they_o themselves_o say_v have_v courageous_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o suffering_n without_o get_v any_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o life_n 6._o life_n §._o 6._o to_o those_o man_n say_v clemens_n speak_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o live_v after_o a_o divine_a manner_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v join_v who_o have_v undergo_v several_a torment_n be_v a_o most_o noble_a example_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a absurdity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v that_o man_n must_v suffer_v for_o religion_n exhort_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o yet_o live_v at_o ease_n without_o care_v to_o practice_v the_o precept_n they_o give_v to_o other_o but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o cheat_v the_o world_n make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n not_o only_o sincere_a imitator_n of_o the_o seem_a virtue_n of_o their_o master_n but_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o who_o real_o die_v for_o a_o doctrine_n for_o which_o those_o of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o one_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o some_o seduce_v person_n may_v be_v as_o strong_o persuade_v of_o a_o lie_n as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o do_v consequent_o to_o maintain_v a_o falsehood_n whatever_o the_o most_o resolute_a man_n can_v do_v for_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n but_o one_o can_v apprehend_v that_o man_n who_o have_v imbibe_v from_o their_o childhood_n some_o opinion_n altogether_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v so_o that_o after_o they_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n they_o suffer_v the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n for_o it_o though_o they_o never_o see_v their_o master_n suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o it_o but_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o passage_n i_o have_v quote_v out_o of_o tacitus_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n a_o great_a many_o people_n declare_v themselves_o christian_n though_o they_o see_v that_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o incendiary_n it_o appear_v also_o from_o pliny_n that_o some_o
say_v to_o they_o that_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n 29.29_o deut._n 29.29_o but_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v false_a the_o second_o which_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o can_v hold_v and_o no_o person_n without_o a_o extravagant_a presumption_n can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n ought_v to_o govern_v the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v act_v conformable_a to_o the_o virtue_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o for_o indeed_o although_o we_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o these_o attribute_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o conceive_v they_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n or_o that_o we_o can_v exact_o know_v what_o carriage_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o they_o we_o know_v for_o example_n that_o god_n be_v most_o wise_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o this_o sovereign_a intelligence_n never_o act_n without_o propose_v certain_a end_n worthy_a of_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o go_v to_o those_o end_n by_o the_o way_n he_o judge_n to_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o that_o be_v effectual_o so_o but_o for_o all_o this_o we_o know_v not_o at_o least_o in_o a_o distinct_a manner_n every_o end_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o nor_o all_o the_o way_n whereby_o he_o design_v to_o come_v at_o they_o no_o body_n can_v ever_o boast_v of_o gather_v this_o from_o either_o revelation_n or_o the_o event_n that_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n we_o know_v by_o history_n that_o some_o prince_n have_v govern_v their_o subject_n with_o great_a wisdom_n but_o who_o can_v value_v himself_o upon_o know_v all_o their_o particular_a design_n and_o the_o method_n they_o have_v use_v to_o come_v at_o their_o end_n only_o from_o their_o write_n or_o their_o conduct_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v then_o that_o we_o may_v know_v something_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n without_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v into_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o conduct_n and_o common_a sense_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n rash_o thereof_o this_o be_v so_o the_o three_o proposition_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o most_o presumptuous_a and_o temerarious_a imagination_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o reason_n thus_o concern_v a_o earthly_a king_n and_o bold_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o ill_a management_n because_o he_o have_v not_o follow_v our_o idea_n of_o the_o conduct_v he_o shall_v observe_v without_o our_o have_v a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o his_o affair_n nor_o of_o his_o design_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o absurd_a so_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n infinite_o exalt_v above_o we_o for_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o unbeliever_n reason_n upon_o this_o occasion_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o revelation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o four_o proposition_n we_o can_v exact_o judge_v of_o god_n providence_n towards_o mankind_n during_o the_o age_n past_a by_o the_o history_n we_o have_v few_o of_o they_o be_v extant_a but_o if_o we_o have_v all_o the_o history_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v yet_o that_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o form_v such_o a_o judgement_n by_o the_o exact_a history_n do_v necessary_o omit_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n and_o relate_v only_o the_o most_o considerable_a event_n which_o regard_v state_n rather_o than_o the_o opinion_n of_o nation_n or_o the_o revelation_n they_o may_v receive_v from_o heaven_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v then_o that_o none_o can_v without_o extreme_a rashness_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o divine_a providence_n or_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o he_o govern_v not_o the_o world_n after_o that_o manner_n they_o think_v he_o shall_v this_o answer_n may_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o incredulous_a form_n against_o revelation_n and_o providence_n and_o which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o in_o this_o chapter_n however_o to_o show_v full_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o prejudices_fw-la of_o this_o nature_n i_o shall_v examine_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o though_o i_o have_v already_o destroy_v their_o foundation_n i_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n say_v concern_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o all_o man_n by_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o first_o patriarch_n from_o who_o they_o be_v descend_v to_o noah_n for_o example_n and_o to_o his_o child_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o have_v its_o origin_n hence_o rather_o than_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o people_n i_o may_v add_v likewise_o that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n free_a and_o content_v himself_o with_o give_v they_o law_n they_o have_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n by_o violate_v his_o command_n and_o so_o become_v unworthy_a that_o god_n shall_v continue_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o as_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o the_o favour_n he_o be_v please_v to_o heap_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o he_o may_v very_o well_o without_o any_o way_n blemish_v his_o goodness_n bestow_v more_o favour_n upon_o some_o people_n than_o other_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o free_a as_o the_o effect_n of_o beneficence_n which_o be_v not_o due_a and_o no_o body_n can_v reasonable_o complain_v that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o such_o a_o benefactor_n what_o he_o have_v give_v to_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a that_o he_o give_v he_o what_o he_o have_v and_o which_o be_v no_o more_o due_a to_o he_o than_o what_o he_o have_v not_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a diversity_n among_o creature_n of_o several_a kind_n some_o have_v more_o and_o some_o less_o property_n than_o other_o and_o that_o all_o the_o while_n no_o person_n maintain_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v make_v all_o equal_o perfect_a without_o put_v any_o difference_n between_o his_o work_n why_o may_v not_o god_n also_o be_v please_v to_o place_v some_o variety_n in_o the_o same_o species_n of_o being_n since_o we_o see_v that_o the_o disposition_n of_o humane_a body_n do_v vary_v in_o a_o world_n of_o thing_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v not_o more_o of_o a_o piece_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o think_v strange_a that_o god_n have_v thus_o different_o distribute_v his_o gift_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o god_n have_v impart_v more_o or_o less_o light_a to_o the_o several_a nation_n which_o compose_v mankind_n the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v proceed_v from_o this_o that_o people_n without_o perceive_v it_o confound_v god_n justice_n with_o his_o beneficence_n and_o withal_o they_o unreasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n require_v a_o equal_a return_n of_o virtue_n from_o all_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v they_o all_o by_o the_o same_o law_n upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n to_o expect_v as_o much_o from_o the_o cafer_n of_o africa_n or_o the_o savage_n of_o america_n as_o from_o more_o know_v people_n and_o it_o be_v think_v unjust_a that_o god_n shall_v dispense_v his_o gift_n so_o diverse_o since_o he_o will_v judge_v all_o man_n upon_o the_o same_o foot_n but_o though_o the_o beneficence_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o revelation_n perfect_o free_a insomuch_o that_o no_o nation_n can_v complain_v that_o another_o be_v prefer_v to_o it_o etc._n rom._n 9.10_o etc._n etc._n his_o justice_n follow_v the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o haâ—_n prescribe_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o men._n he_o give_v to_o who_o he_o will_v 11.23_o rom._n 11.23_o and_o in_o what_o quantity_n he_o please_v but_o he_o judge_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v bestow_v he_o require_v noâ—_n what_o he_o have_v not_o give_v 12.21_o mat._n 12.21_o and_o he_o reap_v noâ—_n where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_v 2.12_o rom._n 2.12_o those_o that_o sin_n without_o the_o law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n and_o those_o that_o sin_n under_o the_o law_n shall_v bâ—_n judge_v by_o the_o law_n as_o for_o the_o second_o question_n touch_v the_o continuance_n of_o revelation_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v take_v away_o by_o what_o be_v now_o say_v god_n will_v have_v all_o reasonable_a regard_n to_o every_o circumstance_n of_o those_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v so_o different_o distribute_v his_o favour_n revelation_n do_v teach_v we_o the_o contrary_n not_o where_o and_o if_o any_o christian_a doctor_n have_v add_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o defend_v
religion_n appear_v with_o a_o theology_n altogether_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n with_o so_o perfect_a a_o system_fw-la of_o moral_n that_o it_o contain_v whatever_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n say_v that_o be_v good_a upon_o that_o matter_n and_o with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o certain_a that_o man_n be_v necessary_o move_v with_o they_o when_o they_o think_v of_o they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v nothing_o to_o man_n that_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o their_o need_n nor_o enlighten_v they_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a time_n it_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o god_n have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n as_o i_o have_v say_v not_o that_o i_o will_v affirm_v that_o those_o be_v precise_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o providence_n and_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a thing_n to_o show_v the_o wisdom_n thereof_o and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n for_o if_o man_n notwithstanding_o their_o ignorance_n can_v give_v very_o probable_a reason_n of_o god_n conduct_n how_o great_a a_o light_n may_v he_o dart_v into_o our_o mind_n if_o he_o be_v please_v to_o draw_v off_o the_o veil_n if_o i_o may_v speak_v so_o under_o which_o he_o hide_v himself_o i_o must_v make_v some_o more_o observation_n upon_o the_o person_n who_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o man_n because_o unbeliever_n fancy_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v quite_o other_o man_n than_o they_o be_v they_o think_v that_o if_o god_n design_v to_o send_v any_o in_o his_o name_n to_o man_n he_o shall_v have_v choose_v man_n of_o authority_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o eloquent_a enough_o to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o other_o and_o write_v according_a to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o eloquence_n what_o they_o design_v to_o leave_v to_o posterity_n i_o confess_v that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o ministry_n god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o person_n of_o authority_n the_o gospel_n itself_o which_o be_v his_o last_o revelation_n be_v preach_v only_o by_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a man_n without_o any_o dignity_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v sensible_a mark_n of_o god_n wisdom_n in_o that_o choice_n which_o can_v not_o appear_v in_o a_o contrary_a choice_n i_o will_v only_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v of_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o apply_v to_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o be_v man_n of_o the_o same_o condition_n though_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o a_o royal_a line_n his_o family_n be_v become_v so_o poor_a that_o he_o can_v make_v no_o great_a figure_n among_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o extraction_n most_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v fisherman_n or_o man_n of_o no_o great_a account_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n among_o their_o countryman_n whereby_o they_o may_v command_v any_o respect_n but_o that_o which_o seem_v proper_a to_o expose_v they_o to_o contempt_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v authorise_v their_o doctrine_n especial_o in_o future_a age_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a a_o little_a and_o see_v what_o will_v be_v think_v of_o it_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v man_n of_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v say_v with_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n first_o that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a part_n who_o see_v the_o jew_n in_o such_o a_o corruption_n which_o altogether_o destroy_v the_o civil_a society_n among_o they_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n undertake_v to_o reform_v they_o by_o feign_v new_a revelation_n and_o authorise_v these_o pretend_a revelation_n by_o false_a miracle_n it_o be_v a_o design_n that_o man_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n may_v easy_o think_v of_o and_o several_a have_v be_v accuse_v of_o it_o as_o lycurgus_n numa_n 22._o numa_n see_v plutarch_n in_o their_o life_n diodorus_n siculus_n bibl._n lib._n 1._o towards_o the_o end_n lactantius_n inst_z diu._n lib._n 1._o c._n 22._o and_o other_o pagan_a lawgiver_n who_o feign_v to_o have_v receive_v their_o law_n from_o some_o deity_n to_o make_v they_o more_o sacred_a second_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o by_o give_v better_a law_n to_o their_o fellow-citizen_n as_o be_v come_v from_o heaven_n they_o not_o only_o do_v they_o good_a service_n in_o deceive_v they_o but_o also_o that_o they_o themselves_o get_v credit_n by_o it_o because_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o godhead_n three_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o their_o miracle_n be_v false_a because_o man_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n may_v easy_o deceive_v other_o by_o appoint_v some_o man_n who_o favour_n their_o design_n and_o fright_v by_o their_o authority_n those_o who_o can_v discover_v their_o cheat_n it_o be_v for_o example_n a_o easy_a thing_n for_o numa_n pompilius_n to_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v a_o particular_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o nymph_n egeria_n and_o persuade_v the_o roman_n that_o he_o go_v to_o see_v that_o goddess_n every_o night_n in_o a_o wood_n wherein_o he_o may_v easy_o hide_v some_o body_n who_o make_v they_o believe_v by_o a_o thousand_o cheat_n which_o may_v easy_o come_v into_o one_o mind_n that_o this_o wood_n be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o goddess_n he_o may_v reward_v those_o who_o favour_v his_o design_n and_o revenge_v himself_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o cross_v it_o so_o that_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o man_n of_o authority_n preach_v a_o new_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v so_o much_o suspect_v by_o their_o contemporary_n and_o especial_o by_o posterity_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n to_o assure_v one_o self_n of_o their_o sincerity_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v manifest_a that_o such_o a_o design_n of_o reform_v the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o even_o all_o mankind_n by_o feign_v a_o false_a revelation_n can_v not_o easy_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o have_v no_o authority_n so_o vast_a a_o project_n be_v not_o for_o ordinary_a man_n who_o seldom_o entertain_v great_a thought_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v discover_v and_o punish_v by_o the_o magistrate_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o deter_v they_o from_o do_v it_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o thought_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o hope_v with_o any_o probability_n to_o get_v more_o credit_n and_o authority_n by_o such_o a_o cheat_n that_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a of_o be_v discover_v by_o their_o superior_n who_o always_o suspect_v such_o design_n last_o such_o man_n can_v promise_v no_o reward_n to_o those_o who_o assist_v they_o nor_o threaten_v those_o that_o cross_v their_o design_n of_o revenge_a themselves_o upon_o they_o their_o superior_n watch_v over_o their_o action_n and_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v out_o of_o their_o sphere_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o punish_v they_o upon_o the_o first_o motion_n they_o make_v it_o be_v therefore_o much_o more_o likely_a that_o man_n of_o no_o authority_n may_v act_v sincere_o on_o such_o a_o occasion_n than_o those_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o all_o future_a age_n than_o to_o choose_v for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n man_n who_o honesty_n can_v not_o be_v suspect_v see_v it_o be_v only_o upon_o their_o sincerity_n that_o all_o our_o belief_n be_v ground_v and_o beside_o the_o success_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n by_o man_n of_o no_o authority_n be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n whereas_o the_o success_n of_o a_o design_n contrive_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o considerable_a man_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o their_o authority_n rather_o than_o of_o their_o reason_n etc._n reason_n 1_o cor._n 1.27_o etc._n etc._n god_n have_v choose_v say_v one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v yea_o and_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o nought_o thing_n that_o be_v that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o art_n and_o eloquence_n which_o unbeliever_n will_v require_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o