kind_n of_o pleasure_n we_o pursue_v than_o in_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o our_o inclination_n to_o it_o we_o be_v all_o equal_o allure_v and_o draw_v yet_o not_o by_o the_o same_o but_o several_a object_n so_o that_o if_o lust_n prevail_v in_o one_o ambition_n as_o much_o prevail_v in_o another_o and_o covetousness_n in_o a_o three_o and_o in_o other_o intemperance_n or_o sloth_n so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n seem_v much_o the_o same_o to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n the_o strength_n of_o temptation_n consist_v especial_o in_o our_o weakness_n not_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n we_o be_v take_v with_o but_o in_o our_o inclination_n to_o it_o hence_o be_v it_o as_o difficult_a for_o one_o man_n to_o overcome_v his_o covetousness_n as_o to_o another_o to_o overcome_v his_o lust_n and_o restless_a toilsome_a ambition_n be_v as_o luscious_a and_o take_v with_o some_o temper_n as_o lazy_a and_o delicious_a luxury_n with_o other_o if_o this_o be_v well-weighed_a it_o will_v make_v we_o more_o mild_a and_o gentle_a in_o our_o censure_n of_o other_o and_o not_o so_o soft_a and_o easy_a in_o excuse_v ourselves_o it_o be_v further_a worth_n our_o observe_v here_o that_o every_o man_n virtue_n derive_v some_o tincture_n from_o his_o constitution_n and_o temper_n so_o that_o general_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o guess_v a_o man_n natural_a constitution_n by_o the_o complexion_n of_o his_o religion_n however_o virtue_n cease_v not_o to_o be_v virtue_n nor_o will_v that_o slight_a alloy_n of_o the_o natural_a constitution_n extinguish_v its_o vigour_n and_o merit_n tho'_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o keep_v a_o strict_a and_o jealous_a guard_n upon_o his_o inclination_n for_o nature_n soon_o revive_v even_o after_o it_o have_v be_v some_o time_n bury_v and_o to_o labour_v most_o after_o that_o perfection_n which_o do_v most_o contradict_v and_o oppose_v the_o particular_a vice_n of_o his_o constitution_n for_o it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o moral_o impossible_a to_o gain_v a_o conquest_n over_o it_o and_o as_o impossible_a to_o gain_v a_o rational_a peace_n and_o security_n without_o this_o conquest_n a_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o objection_n to_o incapacitate_v man_n for_o happiness_n be_v a_o unteachable_a stupidity_n consist_v in_o a_o slow_a conception_n and_o treacherous_a memory_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n do_v require_v in_o their_o scholar_n the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a matter_n as_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n skill_n in_o mathematics_n fit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o the_o epicuraean_a pretend_v his_o divine_a happiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v build_v and_o seneca_n reckon_v the_o unthinking_a crowd_n among_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v all_o of_o they_o do_v with_o one_o consent_n require_v three_o thing_n to_o complete_a a_o virtuous_a and_o happy_a man_n nature_n education_n or_o instruction_n and_o custom_n to_o the_o first_o they_o attribute_v the_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n to_o the_o second_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o three_o the_o easiness_n and_o constancy_n and_o to_o all_o three_o together_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v distinguish_v between_o perfect_a and_o imperfect_a between_o political_n or_o social_n and_o philosophical_a virtue_n and_o do_v not_o deem_v every_o nature_n capable_a of_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v perfect_a and_o philosophical_a but_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a philosophy_n require_v no_o such_o qualification_n in_o those_o who_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n all_o that_o he_o require_v be_v a_o humble_a and_o a_o honest_a mind_n free_v from_o proud_a prejudices_fw-la possess_v with_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o obey_v it_o according_o st._n paul_n observe_v that_o such_o be_v most_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o you_o see_v your_o call_v brethren_n how_o that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v but_o god_n have_v choose_v 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 that_o be_v despise_v have_v god_n choose_v nor_o will_v any_o one_o imagine_v that_o acute_a and_o eminent_a part_n be_v necessary_a to_o render_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o be_v a_o christian_n who_o shall_v consider_v the_o brevity_n and_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o law_n do_v it_o require_v a_o deep_a and_o penetrate_a judgement_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o tenacious_a memory_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v or_o remember_v that_o plain_a and_o short_a summary_n of_o christian_a practice_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n 2._o titus_n 2._o and_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n or_o that_o as_o brief_a and_o perspicuous_a abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n 17._o faith_n john_n 17._o this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v or_o that_o excellent_a abridgement_n of_o both_o by_o st._n paul_n 20._o paul_n act_n 20._o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v true_a all_o thing_n be_v now_o ravel_v and_o entangle_v and_o the_o faith_n and_o virtue_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o half_a so_o conspicuous_a among_o christian_n as_o their_o theological_a war_n tumult_n and_o faction_n but_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o man_n not_o to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o pride_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o one_o not_o to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o other_o nor_o may_v any_o one_o here_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n object_n that_o tho'_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n be_v clear_a yet_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v not_o so_o for_o who_o can_v ever_o imagine_v such_o a_o stupidity_n of_o nature_n as_o can_v disable_v any_o one_o to_o understand_v the_o proof_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o great_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o messiah_n or_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n or_o what_o stupidity_n of_o nature_n can_v render_v it_o a_o impossible_a task_n to_o we_o to_o comprehend_v the_o two_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o evangelical_n righteousness_n namely_o the_o subserviency_n of_o it_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o and_o of_o another_o life_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o god_n we_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o write_v this_o as_o if_o i_o mean_v hereby_o to_o represent_v industry_n in_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o superfluous_a and_o un-necessary_a but_o to_o assure_v all_o of_o how_o mean_a capacity_n soever_o of_o the_o success_n of_o it_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a how_o much_o some_o applaud_v themselves_o on_o the_o account_n of_o acquire_v knowledge_n of_o doubtful_a or_o abstruse_a thing_n how_o much_o other_o value_v themselves_o on_o a_o peculiar_a sort_n of_o politic_n remote_a enough_o indeed_o from_o virtue_n and_o other_o on_o accomplishment_n as_o remote_a from_o reason_n as_o the_o other_o politic_n from_o virtue_n and_o how_o much_o all_o of_o they_o do_v despise_v the_o dulness_n of_o those_o who_o can_v and_o the_o simplicity_n of_o those_o who_o strive_v not_o to_o equal_v they_o in_o these_o attainment_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o beget_v in_o i_o the_o least_o scruple_n or_o suspicion_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o have_v before_o assert_v i_o know_v that_o our_o duty_n be_v plain_a and_o that_o the_o path_n of_o duty_n be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o compendious_a one_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o another_o for_o i_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o take_v with_o god_n as_o a_o humble_a faith_n devout_a pure_a peaceable_a and_o charitable_a religion_n as_o to_o worldly_a happiness_n i_o know_v that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o virtue_n support_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o guide_v by_o his_o truth_n be_v the_o safe_a and_o the_o plain_a guide_n he_o can_v follow_v in_o dark_a and_o tempestuous_a time_n true_a policy_n consist_v not_o in_o that_o address_n or_o subtlety_n of_o spirit_n which_o furnish_v a_o man_n at_o all_o time_n with_o plausible_a shift_n but_o in_o that_o integrity_n and_o virtue_n that_o need_v none_o and_o the_o beauty_n and_o life_n of_o conversation_n consist_v not_o in_o artificial_a face_n fantastic_a dress_n mechanic_n motion_n shrug_n and_o cringe_n
enable_v noâ—_n only_o to_o confront_v but_o to_o despise_v evil_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o despite_n of_o they_o these_o be_v advantage_n so_o incomparablâ—_n great_a and_o good_a that_o no_o evil_n can_v be_v balance_v against_o they_o and_o it_o be_v evidenâ—â—_n that_o no_o write_n no_o not_o of_o the_o stoic_n themselves_o be_v ever_o more_o stuff_v with_o boast_v and_o dare_v account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o those_o of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o thus_o from_o all_o put_v together_o whether_o we_o consult_v the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n testimony_n of_o revelation_n or_o reason_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o good_a humour_a and_o grateful_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o voluptuous_a and_o atheistical_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o good_a do_v outweigh_v evil_a in_o the_o design_n of_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o have_v i_o not_o myself_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o evil_n yes_o but_o not_o of_o god_n creation_n but_o our_o own_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o thing_n themselves_o but_o the_o shade_n and_o phantasm_n wanton_a superstitious_a effeminate_a or_o froward_a mind_n do_v raise_v about_o they_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o man._n so_o then_o if_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o multiply_v the_o number_n of_o our_o evil_n our_o share_n of_o good_a in_o life_n may_v be_v much_o great_a than_o our_o share_n of_o evil_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o accessary_a to_o our_o own_o misery_n we_o may_v be_v happy_a unless_o second_o good_n 2._o the_o efficacy_n of_o evil_a not_o great_a than_o that_o of_o good_n evil_a have_v so_o much_o of_o venom_n and_o malignity_n in_o it_o that_o a_o little_a evil_n contribute_v more_o to_o our_o misery_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a can_v to_o our_o happiness_n we_o may_v here_o judge_v of_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a either_o by_o that_o influence_n they_o general_o have_v or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o impression_n they_o ought_v to_o make_v upon_o man_n the_o question_n will_v come_v to_o a_o speedy_a and_o a_o happy_a issue_n for_o than_o we_o must_v either_o reckon_v nothing_o a_o evil_a but_o a_o moral_a one_o that_o be_v sin_n and_o vice_n or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o venom_n and_o malignity_n of_o other_o evil_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o that_o of_o moral_a one_o this_o latter_a opinion_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n for_o who_o wilâ—_n not_o make_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o a_o misfortune_n and_o a_o crime_n between_o a_o affliction_n and_o a_o punishment_n between_o those_o inconvenience_n trouble_v and_o pain_n which_o we_o suffer_v as_o guilty_a criminal_n and_o those_o we_o suffer_v as_o unfortunate_a innocent_n or_o afflict_a hero_n or_o saint_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o evil_n or_o pain_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o same_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o suffer_a the_o one_o make_v man_n much_o more_o miserable_a than_o the_o other_o for_o our_o misfortune_n shall_v only_o reach_v the_o body_n not_o the_o mind_n but_o when_o we_o suffer_v for_o our_o crime_n the_o whole_a man_n suffer_v the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o body_n misfortune_n when_o the_o storm_n be_v overpast_v leave_v no_o deform_a ruin_n no_o wound_n nor_o scar_n behind_o they_o but_o our_o crime_n leave_v stain_n and_o guilt_n behind_o which_o haunt_v the_o mind_n with_o perpetual_a horror_n from_o this_o distinction_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o evil_n we_o may_v infer_v this_o comfortable_a conclusion_n that_o nothing_o can_v make_v man_n whole_o true_o miserable_a but_o himself_o nothing_o can_v oppress_v he_o by_o the_o weight_n of_o moral_a evil_n but_o his_o own_o choice_n for_o nothing_o can_v compel_v or_o necessitate_v he_o to_o be_v wicked_a the_o stroke_n the_o wound_n of_o natural_a evil_n so_o i_o will_v call_v all_o the_o rest_n distinct_a from_o moral_n and_o owe_v their_o be_v to_o the_o revolution_n of_o time_n and_o chance_n and_o nature_n etc._n etc._n be_v faint_a and_o slight_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v too_o deep_o and_o sensible_o affect_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n to_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o the_o impression_n of_o these_o evil_n and_o true_o that_o mind_n that_o be_v furnish_v with_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n with_o a_o rational_a and_o solid_a faith_n with_o steady_a and_o wellgrounded_n hope_n may_v bear_v the_o impetuous_a shock_n of_o all_o these_o wave_n and_o storm_n calm_a and_o unmoved_a nay_o i_o may_v bold_o affirm_v not_o only_o that_o virtue_n check_v and_o control_v these_o evil_n blunt_v their_o edge_n and_o abate_v their_o force_n but_o what_o be_v more_o that_o their_o natural_a strength_n their_o own_o proper_a force_n be_v weak_a and_o contemptible_a unless_o our_o own_o vice_n be_v combine_v and_o confederate_v with_o they_o against_o we_o our_o pride_n must_v aid_v our_o enemy_n to_o render_v his_o affront_n provoke_v our_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n must_v assist_v fortune_n to_o render_v its_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n of_o we_o destructive_a to_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o state_n falsehood_n under_o a_o disguise_n of_o friendship_n can_v never_o have_v abuse_v our_o confidence_n by_o betray_v our_o infirmity_n or_o forsake_v we_o in_o affliction_n have_v not_o our_o own_o folly_n and_o self-conceit_n first_o betray_v we_o expose_v we_o a_o naked_a prey_n to_o flattery_n and_o treachery_n the_o coldness_n or_o neglect_v of_o great_a man_n can_v never_o wound_v we_o the_o hollow_a deceitful_a profession_n of_o those_o above_o we_o can_v never_o fool_n or_o fret_v we_o do_v not_o the_o fondness_n of_o our_o own_o desire_n betray_v we_o first_o into_o vain_a presumption_n and_o a_o flatter_a credulity_n the_o storm_n that_o snatch_v away_o a_o relation_n or_o a_o friend_n can_v never_o overthrow_v i_o if_o i_o stand_v upon_o my_o own_o bottom_n if_o i_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a weakness_n of_o place_v my_o happiness_n in_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o my_o own_o power_n and_o so_o make_v myself_o dependent_a upon_o another_o man_n fancy_n or_o fortune_n final_o death_n itself_o must_v derive_v its_o terror_n from_o the_o mournful_a solemnity_n we_o dress_v it_o in_o from_o the_o darkness_n and_o horror_n of_o our_o delude_a imagination_n or_o else_o it_o will_v prove_v but_o a_o contemptible_a bugbear_n a_o very_a inconsiderable_a evil_n or_o none_o at_o all._n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o we_o distinguish_v evil_n into_o natural_a and_o moral_a we_o shall_v have_v little_a reason_n to_o think_v the_o influence_n of_o evil_a so_o malignant_a and_o deadly_a since_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o avoid_v moral_a evil_n and_o natural_a one_o strike_v but_o half_a way_n they_o wound_v not_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v arm_v and_o guard_v with_o reason_n and_o religion_n but_o now_o if_o with_o the_o stoic_n we_o shall_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sort_n of_o evil_a but_o what_o be_v moral_a if_o we_o shall_v allow_v the_o name_n of_o good_a to_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n or_o of_o evil_a to_o nothing_o but_o vice_n than_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o temporal_a and_o external_n misfortune_n as_o inconvenience_n and_o disadvantage_n only_o they_o may_v make_v we_o less_o happy_a but_o they_o can_v make_v we_o miserable_a and_o true_o if_o we_o shall_v here_o suppose_v or_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n or_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n triumph_v over_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n be_v considerable_o great_a this_o opinion_n can_v imply_v so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o it_o or_o be_v a_o mere_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o idle_a contention_n of_o word_n since_o i_o can_v tell_v with_o what_o consonancy_n to_o truth_n or_o propriety_n of_o speech_n we_o can_v call_v those_o trouble_n or_o hardship_n evil_n which_o direct_o tend_v to_o procure_v for_o we_o a_o infinite_a good_a a_o pleasure_n which_o do_v abundant_o outweigh_v our_o suffering_n i_o '_o think_v it_o be_v now_o sufficient_o evident_a that_o natural_a evil_n be_v not_o of_o that_o mighty_a efficacy_n &_o deadly_a venomous_a quality_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v that_o a_o little_a evil_n do_v more_o effectual_o contribute_v to_o our_o misery_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a can_v to_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v apparent_a how_o slight_a the_o impression_n be_v which_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v upon_o we_o it_o will_v now_o be_v time_n to_o
be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v this_o have_v in_o part_n be_v already_o answer_v and_o shall_v more_o full_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o chapter_n second_o such_o who_o assign_v a_o cause_n or_o reason_n why_o some_o be_v miserable_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o the_o number_n of_o these_o if_o man_n will_v talk_v coherent_o if_o they_o will_v be_v firm_a and_o steady_a to_o their_o principle_n will_v be_v very_o small_a for_o as_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n destroy_v fate_n so_o do_v the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o render_v all_o its_o motion_n as_o determinate_a and_o necessary_a as_o that_o of_o fire_n or_o air_n or_o any_o inanimate_a body_n whatever_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a the_o atheist_n only_o shall_v oppose_v this_o proposition_n and_o he_o who_o have_v exclude_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v exclude_v happiness_n too_o for_o if_o whatever_o be_v not_o voluntary_a i_o speak_v of_o humane_a misery_n be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidabe_n and_o whatever_o be_v so_o be_v fatal_a as_o needs_o it_o must_v for_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o fatal_a event_n and_o one_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a then_o it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o atheist_n only_o shall_v deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v happiness_n as_o he_o who_o only_o assert_v fate_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o many_o man_n be_v wild_a and_o inconsistent_a and_o therefore_o some_o who_o wide_o differ_v in_o their_o principle_n do_v yet_o conclude_v and_o centre_n in_o one_o common_a error_n and_o thus_o it_o happen_v here_o theist_n as_o well_o as_o atheist_n endeavour_v to_o introduce_v fate_n into_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o to_o make_v the_o misery_n of_o such_o as_o be_v miserable_a involuntary_a fatal_a and_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o affirm_v some_o man_n to_o be_v unavoidable_o miserable_a do_v not_o deny_v that_o other_o may_v be_v happy_a but_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n discourage_v all_o who_o be_v not_o already_o happy_a from_o endeavour_v to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o must_v here_o be_v oppose_v by_o i_o now_o it_o be_v true_a that_o i_o may_v this_o way_n with_o one_o stroke_n cut_v off_o all_o objection_n at_o once_o for_o he_o that_o baffle_v the_o opinion_n of_o fate_n leave_v every_o man_n in_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o prove_v his_o misery_n voluntary_a for_o that_o choice_n which_o man_n make_v be_v not_o necessary_o or_o fatal_o determine_v to_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a one_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a task_n for_o first_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o in_o the_o world_n a_o few_o only_o except_v so_o addict_v to_o maintain_v a_o universal_a fate_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o exempt_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o its_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o which_o anon_o and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n if_o any_o at_o this_o day_n do_v not_o as_o a_o philosopher_n once_o prove_v motion_n by_o walk_v so_o be_v it_o as_o easy_a and_o ready_a a_o way_n to_o prove_v the_o liberty_n of_o mankind_n by_o some_o free_a choice_n or_o other_o but_o when_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o answer_v objection_n that_o method_n must_v be_v take_v not_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n invite_v to_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n propose_v their_o opinion_n compel_v to_o therefore_o because_o man_n do_v general_o impute_v their_o misery_n to_o either_o god_n fortune_n fate_n or_o their_o own_o incapacity_n of_o happiness_n i_o will_v speak_v distinct_o to_o each_o of_o these_o and_o first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o man_n misery_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o must_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n of_o mankind_n if_o what_o epictetus_n say_v with_o respect_n to_o many_o god_n have_v be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o one_o nothing_o have_v ever_o be_v say_v with_o more_o exact_a truth_n or_o a_o better_o poise_v judgement_n 37._o epicteti_fw-la enchirid._n c._n 37._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o have_v rational_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n it_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a that_o religion_n shall_v serve_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n for_o false_a and_o unworthy_a notion_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o bereave_v god_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o he_o from_o his_o creature_n by_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o he_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o atheism_n and_o thus_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v design_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o the_o manifestation_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o to_o advance_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o blessedness_n by_o influence_v his_o life_n and_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o security_n and_o cheerfulness_n shall_v be_v pervert_v to_o end_n direct_o contrary_a and_o prove_v instrumental_a to_o dishonour_v god_n and_o tender_a man_n miserable_a the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v too_o too_o evident_a in_o those_o visible_a effect_n the_o ignorance_n or_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n produce_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o want_n of_o conceive_v aright_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o immensity_n etc._n etc._n join_v with_o the_o numerous_a necessity_n of_o mankind_n do_v bring_v forth_o or_o at_o least_o confirm_v polytheism_n groundless_a apprehension_n of_o cruelty_n in_o god_n bring_v forth_o superstition_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o polytheism_n and_o superstition_n give_v be_v to_o atheism_n and_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v many_o mischief_n which_o i_o must_v impute_v either_o to_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o want_v of_o just_a consideration_n of_o the_o true_a one_o or_o at_o least_o to_o not_o argue_v clear_o and_o true_o from_o '_o they_o for_o from_o one_o of_o these_o reason_n it_o proceed_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o some_o man_n be_v so_o slight_a empty_a and_o trifle_a the_o religion_n of_o other_o so_o melancholy_a and_o uncomfortable_a and_o true_o superstitious_a and_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o atheistical_a looseness_n sensual_a carnal_a presumption_n and_o wretchless_n despair_n and_o many_o other_o evil_n owe_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n have_v man_n worthy_a notion_n of_o god_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v ever_o fancy_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o sincerity_n and_o devotion_n of_o a_o communicant_a sit_v but_o not_o kneel_v after_o supper_n but_o not_o in_o the_o morning_n that_o the_o whiteness_n of_o the_o garment_n will_v pollute_v and_o unhallow_a the_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o such_o like_a will_v not_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n easy_o convince_v such_o a_o weak_a and_o scrupulous_a trifler_n that_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v please_v but_o by_o sincere_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n nor_o to_o be_v displease_v but_o by_o voluntary_a wickedness_n all_o thing_n else_o weigh_v nothing_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o not_o deserve_v the_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o tho'_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v suppose_v his_o scruple_n warrant_v by_o divine_a command_n and_o consequent_o because_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n render_v all_o his_o commandment_n indisputable_o authoritative_a and_o bind_a he_o shall_v therefore_o think_v himself_o as_o indispensible_o oblige_v to_o reject_v these_o thing_n as_o to_o shun_v a_o sin_n yet_o even_o here_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_v soon_o instruct_v he_o how_o to_o distinguish_v the_o divine_a command_n and_o teach_v he_o that_o those_o which_o do_v enjoin_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o stand_n and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n that_o those_o which_o do_v enjoin_v duty_n subservient_fw-fr to_o that_o end_n be_v of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n and_o do_v bind_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o necessity_n and_o tendency_n that_o such_o as_o do_v enjoin_v or_o forbid_v thing_n of_o a_o more_o remote_a and_o distant_a nature_n circumstantial_a ritual_a etc._n etc._n be_v mere_o positive_a and_o arbitrary_a temporary_a and_o mutable_a and_o the_o interpose_v necessity_n of_o superior_a duty_n be_v at_o any_o time_n sufficient_a to_o supersede_n their_o obligation_n to_o proceed_v to_o other_o effect_n of_o mis_fw-fr conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o one_o who_o right_o understand_v the_o unspeakable_a goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v after_o he_o have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v be_v torment_v with_o doubtful_a fear_n and_o jealousy_n
that_o of_o plutarch_n so_o general_o praise_v by_o all_o writer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v rather_o man_n shall_v say_v of_o i_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o plutarch_n than_o that_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o fickle_a unconstant_a froward_a revengeful_a and_o implacable_a temper_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o entertain_v such_o a_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o humane_a nature_n will_v recoil_v from_o and_o start_v back_o pale_a and_o scare_v at_o the_o sight_n let_v we_o not_o fasten_v those_o character_n upon_o god_n which_o a_o good-tempered_a man_n if_o charge_v with_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o foul_a reproach_n and_o most_o injurious_a accusation_n especial_o since_o a_o defect_n be_v not_o only_o more_o conspicuous_a but_o more_o reproachful_a where_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o perfection_n and_o peevishness_n and_o cruelty_n be_v infinite_o more_o mischievous_a in_o a_o almighty_a than_o impotent_a be_v i_o may_v shun_v polycrates_n dionysius_n periander_n etc._n etc._n but_o how_o shall_v i_o shun_v god_n i_o may_v leave_v samos_n sicily_n or_o corinth_n and_o where_o clemency_n and_o justice_n make_v their_o abide_v i_o may_v make_v i_o but_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v what_o place_n shall_v be_v my_o refuge_n if_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o almighty_a tyrant_n thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a such_o kind_n of_o representation_n of_o god_n tend_v not_o to_o enamour_v man_n of_o god_n but_o to_o alienate_v and_o estrange_v he_o they_o tend_v not_o to_o advance_v religion_n but_o superstition_n they_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n dread_a god_n but_o not_o love_v he_o they_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o god_n be_v to_o be_v represent_v such_o as_o our_o dear_a lord_n who_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o father_n have_v reveal_v he_o a_o god_n of_o hope_n a_o god_n of_o love_n a_o god_n who_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n god_n be_v love_n let_v it_o not_o be_v think_v a_o absurd_a or_o barren_a tautology_n tho'_o i_o shall_v recite_v this_o one_o text_n a_o thousand_o time_n oftener_o than_o i_o do_v for_o no_o tongue_n can_v express_v the_o divine_a nature_n so_o much_o to_o the_o life_n as_o his_o who_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n of_o love_n nor_o let_v god_n deal_n with_o the_o gentil_n world_n before_o the_o revelation_n of_o christianity_n be_v allege_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o mankind_n 17._o act._n 14._o and_o 17._o it_o be_v true_a god_n in_o time_n past_o suffer_v all_o nation_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n he_o wink_v at_o he_o publish_v not_o reveal_v law_n to_o the_o gentile_n from_o heaven_n he_o depute_v no_o prophet_n to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n with_o a_o commission_n to_o restore_v by_o sign_n and_o miracle_n that_o natural_a religion_n conformable_o to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n which_o be_v the_o import_n of_o those_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n and_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v strange_o efface_v and_o obliterated_a among_o the_o gentile_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v too_o 1._o that_o god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o a_o witness_n in_o any_o age_n of_o gentilism_n the_o heathen_a be_v never_o destitute_a of_o so_o much_o light_n as_o may_v have_v conduct_v they_o to_o god_n and_o that_o happiness_n he_o design_v they_o for_o beside_o the_o tradition_n transmit_v from_o noah_n to_o posterity_n the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n be_v ever_o open_a to_o they_o and_o this_o do_v in_o most_o legible_a character_n assert_v the_o be_v of_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n thus_o st._n paul_n 14._o act_n 14._o nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n nor_o be_v this_o testimony_n so_o unsuccessful_a deorum_fw-la sunt_fw-la autem_fw-la alii_fw-la philosophi_fw-la &_o high_a quidem_fw-la magni_fw-la atque_fw-la nobiles_fw-la qui_fw-la deorum_fw-la ment_fw-la atque_fw-la ratione_fw-la omnem_fw-la mundum_fw-la administrari_fw-la &_o regi_fw-la censeant_fw-la neque_fw-la verò_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la ab_fw-la iisdem_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la hominum_fw-la consuli_fw-la &_o provideri_fw-la nam_fw-la &_o fruges_fw-la &_o reliqua_fw-la quae_fw-la terra_fw-la pariat_fw-la &_o tempestates_fw-la ac_fw-la tem_fw-la porum_fw-la varietates_fw-la coelique_fw-la mutationes_fw-la quibus_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la terra_fw-la gignat_fw-la maturata_fw-la pubescant_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la tribui_fw-la generi_fw-la humano_fw-la putant_fw-la cic._n l._n 1._o de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la but_o that_o in_o all_o age_n there_o be_v some_o excellent_a man_n who_o do_v ascribe_v the_o original_a &_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o god_n and_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v found_v a_o rational_a and_o excellent_a worship_n upon_o these_o be_v so_o many_o light_n shine_v in_o dark_a place_n as_o so_o many_o justification_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o reproach_n of_o man_n wilful_a stupidity_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o consequent_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o happiness_n be_v proportion_v and_o conform_v to_o those_o manifestation_n which_o god_n make_v they_o to_o those_o obligation_n which_o he_o lay_v before_o they_o and_o to_o that_o strength_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o for_o god_n be_v not_o a_o hard_a master_n he_o will_v not_o make_v good_a the_o accusation_n of_o the_o wicked_a servant_n he_o will_v not_o take_v up_o what_o he_o lay_v not_o down_o 19_o luk._n 19_o nor_o reap_v what_o he_o do_v not_o sow_v in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n do_v at_o the_o last_o day_n deal_v with_o man_n according_a to_o those_o several_a oeconomy_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o they_o be_v under_o and_o if_o he_o have_v afford_v all_o nation_n mean_v proportionable_a to_o those_o duty_n he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o to_o those_o degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o which_o he_o design_v they_o than_o he_o be_v always_o the_o god_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o once_o of_o the_o jew_n or_o now_o of_o the_o christian_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o providence_n which_o can_v give_v we_o any_o colour_n to_o call_v into_o question_n the_o care_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o remove_v this_o objection_n as_o it_o lay_v in_o my_o way_n if_o my_o design_n do_v not_o hasten_v i_o on_o and_o i_o do_v not_o judge_v this_o satisfactory_a i_o can_v easy_o make_v appear_v god_n goodness_n to_o the_o gentile_n by_o present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o scheme_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n platonic_n and_o stoic_n by_o examine_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a part_n of_o the_o gentil_n world_n and_o that_o of_o the_o sottish_a and_o vicious_a part_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v the_o assistance_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v they_o and_o give_v a_o account_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a god_n by_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o far_o stifle_v and_o oppress_v in_o the_o gentil_n world_n but_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o gentile_n and_o infidel_n do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v my_o present_a enquiry_n as_o to_o deserve_v so_o exact_a a_o discussion_n the_o barrenness_n of_o some_o country_n the_o servitude_n and_o poverty_n of_o some_o people_n be_v a_o much_o slight_a objection_n for_o till_o it_o can_v appear_v that_o poverty_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o virtue_n or_o that_o wealth_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o luxury_n and_o the_o nurse_n of_o sloth_n and_o wantonness_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o man_n happiness_n it_o will_v weigh_v but_o very_o little_a against_o so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o divine_a love_n that_o he_o have_v not_o heap_v upon_o all_o nation_n so_o many_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o may_v put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v lazy_a wanton_a and_o insolent_a now_o
have_v elsewhere_o express_v for_o the_o philosopher_n or_o excellent_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o since_o he_o so_o frequent_o acknowledge_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v first_o inflame_v with_o the_o holy_a love_n of_o true_a philosophy_n by_o read_v a_o piece_n of_o tully_n but_o be_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v carry_v by_o vote_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o i_o can_v produce_v testimony_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o man_n of_o such_o who_o antiquity_n learning_n and_o piety_n may_v more_o than_o balance_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n austin_n it_o be_v true_a their_o faith_n differ_v much_o from_o that_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o no_o man_n i_o think_v in_o his_o wit_n can_v expect_v it_o otherwise_o for_o how_o vast_a be_v the_o distance_n between_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o those_o motive_n and_o principle_n to_o virtue_n by_o which_o they_o be_v act_v they_o be_v such_o as_o a_o christian_a need_v not_o blush_v at_o or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o not_o only_o as_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o bond_n and_o support_v of_o society_n the_o delight_n the_o guide_n and_o comfort_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n life_n but_o also_o as_o the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o which_o do_v render_v we_o like_o he_o and_o therefore_o acceptable_a to_o he_o as_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v unite_v man_n to_o god_n that_o can_v raise_v man_n above_o the_o bodily_a pollution_n of_o sensuality_n that_o can_v enable_v he_o to_o outbrave_v the_o fear_n of_o fortune_n and_o of_o death_n as_o that_o which_o can_v fit_v he_o for_o the_o conversation_n of_o heaven_n and_o last_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a together_o with_o all_o this_o you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v idolater_n i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o they_o do_v often_o partake_v in_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a multitude_n but_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a multitude_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o both_o and_o that_o in_o these_o three_o point_n the_o object_n the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o object_n the_o philosopher_n it_o be_v true_a do_v worship_n spirit_n but_o good_a one_o the_o multitude_n do_v worship_n devil_n how_o contradictory_n be_v those_o character_n which_o the_o sensual_a infatuate_v multitude_n bestow_v upon_o their_o idol_n and_o those_o by_o which_o the_o philosopher_n describe_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o god_n or_o their_o genii_n lust_n and_o cruelty_n make_v up_o the_o one_o purity_n goodness_n and_o charity_n the_o other_o this_o need_v no_o proof_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o almost_o all_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a philosophy_n that_o be_v extant_a yet_o i_o think_v it_o can_v seem_v superfluous_a to_o produce_v one_o testimony_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o genii_n or_o guardian_n angel_n by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v what_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o those_o superior_a spirit_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o dwell_v always_o in_o heaven_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o who_o tho'_o they_o call_v they_o god_n they_o think_v infinite_o inferior_a to_o that_o one_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o we_o but_o yet_o much_o superior_a as_o well_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o nature_n as_o dignity_n of_o their_o place_n to_o those_o angel_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o man_n and_o as_o the_o guardian_n of_o man_n and_o the_o interpreter_n or_o conveyer_n of_o his_o request_n to_o god_n these_o be_v thus_o describe_v by_o apuleius_n 68_o apuleius_n de_fw-fr deo_fw-la socratis_n p._n 68_o hic_fw-la quem_fw-la dico_fw-la prorsus_fw-la custos_fw-la singularis_fw-la praefectus_fw-la domesticus_n speculator_n proprius_fw-la curator_n intimus_fw-la cognitor_fw-la assiduus_fw-la observator_fw-la individuus_fw-la arbiter_n inseparabilis_fw-la testis_fw-la malorum_fw-la improbator_fw-la bonorum_fw-la probator_n si_fw-la ritè_fw-la animadvertatur_fw-la sedulò_fw-la cognoscatur_fw-la religiosè_fw-la colatur_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la socrate_n justitiâ_fw-la &_o innocentiâcultus_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la rebus_fw-la incertis_fw-la prospector_fw-la dubiis_fw-la praemonitor_fw-la periculosis_fw-la tutator_fw-la egenis_fw-la opitulator_fw-la qui_fw-la tibi_fw-la quaeat_fw-la tum_fw-la in_o somniis_fw-la tum_fw-la in_o signis_fw-la tum_fw-la etiam_fw-la fortassè_fw-la corâ—m_fw-la câ—m_fw-la usus_fw-la postulat_fw-la mala_fw-la averruncare_fw-la bona_fw-la prosperare_fw-la humilia_fw-la sublimare_fw-la nutantia_fw-la fulcire_fw-la obscura_fw-la clarare_fw-la secunda_fw-la regere_fw-la adversa_fw-la corrigere_fw-la the_o substance_n of_o all_o which_o be_v this_o our_o true_o guardian_n angel_n our_o immediate_a superintendent_n the_o domestic_a spy_n of_o all_o our_o action_n the_o conscious_a witness_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o thought_n the_o approver_n and_o encourager_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o the_o hater_n and_o discourager_n of_o our_o vice_n if_o he_o be_v heedful_o mind_v by_o we_o right_o know_v and_o religious_o worship_v with_o righteousness_n and_o innocence_n as_o he_o be_v by_o socrates_n will_v be_v our_o council_n in_o doubtful_a our_o guard_n in_o hazardous_a affair_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v idolater_n admit_v it_o if_o they_o be_v damn_v for_o this_o idolatry_n good_a god_n what_o will_v become_v of_o that_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o practice_n at_o this_o day_n be_v infinite_o more_o inexcusable_a than_o they_o be_v because_o god_n have_v public_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v one_o mediator_n through_o who_o he_o will_v we_o to_o approach_v he_o there_o be_v then_o room_n for_o the_o plea_n of_o humility_n but_o now_o a_o pretence_n of_o humility_n what_o can_v it_o be_v in_o reality_n but_o wanton_a fondness_n or_o presumptuous_a wilfulness_n thus_o wide_o do_v the_o virtuous_a and_o understand_a part_n of_o mankind_n differ_v in_o the_o object_n of_o their_o worship_n from_o the_o sensual_a and_o stupid_a herd_n and_o since_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_n be_v natural_o derive_v from_o the_o notion_n man_n entertain_v of_o that_o be_v which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o must_v differ_v as_o wide_o in_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o worship_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o object_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o while_o the_o people_n offer_v to_o their_o god_n their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o they_o in_o uncleanness_n or_o cruelty_n the_o philosopher_n thought_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o welcome_a a_o sacrifice_n to_o they_o as_o the_o imitation_n of_o their_o purity_n and_o goodness_n holy_a affection_n and_o good_a work_n from_o both_o these_o difference_n there_o follow_v a_o three_o consist_v in_o the_o different_a effect_n which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o do_v produce_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o one_o as_o wickedness_n always_o will_v utter_o estrange_v they_o more_o and_o more_o from_o the_o true_a god_n the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o other_o for_o so_o i_o will_v call_v it_o to_o avoid_v dispute_n seem_v to_o unite_v they_o more_o and_o more_o to_o he_o since_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o spirit_n they_o worship_v not_o only_o as_o the_o creature_n but_o most_o lively_a image_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o good_a gift_n proceed_v from_o he_o tho'_o they_o receive_v they_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o mediation_n of_o angel_n and_o that_o virtue_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o only_a grateful_a worship_n of_o god_n do_v exalt_v their_o mind_n and_o by_o render_v they_o more_o like_o he_o must_v needs_o render_v they_o more_o near_o to_o he_o thus_o they_o talk_v whether_o thus_o they_o live_v or_o no_o be_v not_o very_o material_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n for_o after_o all_o tho'_o their_o life_n shall_v not_o have_v come_v up_o to_o their_o philosophy_n these_o their_o discourse_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v some_o way_n serviceable_a to_o mankind_n be_v a_o manifest_a reproof_n to_o the_o stupid_a idolatry_n to_o the_o brutish_a and_o barbarous_a worship_n which_o then_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n these_o doctrine_n can_v not_o but_o manifest_o tend_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n they_o can_v not_o but_o tend_v to_o restore_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o its_o just_a authority_n and_o present_v the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerous_a world_n with_o a_o natural_a that_o be_v lovely_a idea_n of_o virtue_n and_o give_v they_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o obligation_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o of_o the_o sanction_n by_o which_o god_n establish_v that_o law_n which_o