perjury_n be_v so_o frequent_o observe_v by_o some_o heathen_n that_o when_o diagoras_n hear_v a_o man_n for_o swear_v himself_o in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o be_v impatient_a to_o see_v that_o he_o be_v not_o present_o thunder-stricken_a become_v a_o atheist_n and_o because_o sentence_n against_o so_o great_a a_o evil_n be_v not_o sudden_o execute_v therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o fool_n this_o wicked_a man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o he_o about_o that_o great_a mischief_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n psal._n 14.1_o eccl._n 8.11_o dub._n some_o pagan_n aâ—d_v false_a christian_n have_v dare_v to_o take_v false_a oath_n the_o jesuit_n whether_o they_o be_v pagan_n or_o christian_n i_o know_v not_o will_v swear_v anything_o even_o solemn_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o therefore_o this_o argument_n impious_a meâ—_n dare_v not_o take_v a_o false_a oath_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n or_o some_o supreme_a power_n which_o they_o fear_v hold_v not_o for_o the_o antecedent_n be_v evident_o fall_v but_o this_o be_v rational_a strange_a horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n have_v follow_v perjure_a person_n though_o no_o man_n know_v they_o be_v so_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o invisible_a superior_a power_n whence_o such_o horror_n and_o terror_n and_o judgement_n proceed_v frm._n i_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a perjure_a person_n in_o former_a and_o be_v in_o these_o present_a time_n but_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o exception_n see_v what_o be_v reply_v to_o another_o very_a like_o it_o pag._n 4._o however_o i_o be_o content_a the_o argument_n shall_v stand_v as_o you_o have_v propose_v it_o strange_a horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n have_v follow_v perjure_a person_n etc._n etc._n which_o sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o intend_v and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v another_o argument_n very_o like_a to_o this_o or_o which_o be_v rather_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o former_a may_v be_v takâ—n_v from_o the_o fear_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n even_o among_o the_o very_a heathen_n nero_n have_v kill_v his_o mother_n confess_v that_o he_o be_v often_o trouble_v which_o her_o ghost_n the_o wretched_a caligula_n at_o the_o report_n of_o a_o thunder_n clap_v will_v â—un_v under_o his_o bed_n a_o thousand_o instance_n there_o be_v among_o heathen_a writer_n of_o wicked_a man_n labour_v under_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o juvenal_n do_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n in_o one_o or_o two_o of_o his_o satyr_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o mere_a pagan_n man_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o of_o his_o severity_n against_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v torment_v with_o the_o sad_a prospect_n of_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n attend_v upon_o their_o villainy_n though_o never_o so_o secret_o practise_v but_o the_o timor_fw-la numinis_fw-la vindicantis_fw-la the_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n a_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v devil_n evil_a spirit_n together_o with_o their_o wicked_a instrument_n witch_n magician_n sorcerer_n conjurer_n which_o none_o but_o a_o foolish_a atheist_n who_o will_v believe_v no_o further_o than_o his_o sight_n lead_v he_o can_v doubt_v of_o how_o frequent_o the_o devil_n have_v appear_v in_o this_o nation_n in_o time_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o how_o he_o do_v so_o still_o to_o the_o poor_a '_o indian_n thâ—t_v worship_v he_o for_o their_o god_n be_v abundant_o manifest_a by_o the_o tradition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o know_v christian_n that_o have_v be_v in_o those_o part_n what_o prank_n and_o diabolical_a feat_n have_v be_v act_v by_o witch_n and_o conjurer_n may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o learned_a author_n that_o have_v write_v against_o they_o as_o dr._n moor_n and_o many_o other_o and_o albeit_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n witchcraft_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o now_o so_o frequent_a in_o this_o nation_n as_o heretofore_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n and_o dark_a ignorance_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o our_o forefather_n be_v melancholy_a hypocondriack_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o deceive_v we_o with_o vain_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n but_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v this_o in_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o devil_n appear_v more_o frequent_o to_o uphold_v his_o kingdom_n over_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o false_a worship_n but_o in_o time_n of_o knowledge_n and_o gospel_n light_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n use_v all_o his_o art_n to_o render_v man_n sceptic_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o atheist_n infidel_n profane_a so_o that_o his_o very_a appear_v will_v pull_v down_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o exercise_v over_o these_o wretch_n who_o like_a sadducee_n believe_v neither_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n nor_o any_o thing_n further_o than_o they_o can_v see_v now_o the_o prince_n oâ—_n the_o air_n be_v too_o subtle_a to_o confute_v this_o groâ—s_n error_n in_o his_o best_a servant_n by_o any_o or_o often_o apparition_n the_o last_o reason_n i_o shall_v take_v from_o that_o allow_a distinction_n that_o be_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n better_a and_o worse_o which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o measure_n of_o man_n action_n and_o this_o measure_n must_v be_v a_o law_n either_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n or_o institute_v and_o write_v in_o book_n or_o table_n and_o thiâ—_n law_n must_v have_v a_o law_n maker_n which_o must_v be_v able_a both_o to_o know_v reward_n and_o punish_v not_o only_a man_n word_n and_o action_n but_o his_o very_a thought_n which_o none_o can_v do_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o justice_n but_o he_o that_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v none_o 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do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v yea_o doubtless_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n what_o a_o monstrous_a creature_n be_v the_o fool_n atheist_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n dub._n though_o i_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o your_o former_a reason_n against_o atheism_n yet_o i_o hearty_o thank_v you_o for_o these_o which_o you_o have_v here_o add_v which_o though_o they_o be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o several_a learned_a author_n yet_o as_o you_o have_v brief_o sum_v they_o up_o they_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o of_o short_a discourse_n who_o lose_v themselves_o in_o long_a treatise_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o middle_n and_o be_v more_o tire_v with_o the_o length_n then_o please_v with_o the_o soundness_n and_o excellency_n of_o such_o discourse_n sir_n be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o your_o reason_n against_o atheism_n i_o humble_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o bless_v they_o unto_o i_o to_o preserve_v i_o from_o all_o profane_a irreligious_a course_n from_o practical_a atheism_n which_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a propensity_n and_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speculative_a and_o dogmatical_a dialogue_n ii_o against_o antiscrpturisme_n firm._n have_v give_v you_o such_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o have_v full_o remove_v all_o your_o doubt_n concern_v that_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n if_o you_o please_v we_o will_v discourse_v of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o upon_o these_o two_o depend_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o be_v steadfast_a
in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o moâ—t_o sacred_a word_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o these_o great_a fundamental_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v both_o a_o orthodox_n and_o a_o serious_a christian._n dub._n if_o you_o can_v give_v i_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o have_v in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n you_o will_v perform_v a_o work_n of_o great_a charity_n but_o i_o fâ—ar_v of_o as_o great_a difficulty_n firm._n happy_o you_o may_v perceive_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o your_o reason_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o prejudicate_a opinion_n which_o chief_o arise_v from_o that_o contrariety_n which_o be_v betwixt_o man_n carnal_a corrupt_a heart_n and_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n i_o hope_v by_o his_o blessing_n who_o cause_n i_o plead_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o give_v your_o full_a assent_n to_o this_o other_o great_a principle_n of_o christianity_n dub._n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o weigh_v your_o reason_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o a_o even_o unbiased_a judgement_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o aâ—imo_fw-la defaecato_fw-la with_o a_o mind_n free_a from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensuality_n interest_n partiality_n or_o prejudice_n firm._n upon_o the_o confidence_n to_o find_v this_o ingenuity_n in_o you_o i_o shall_v present_v you_o with_o these_o follow_a reason_n 1._o you_o do_v belive_o that_o there_o be_v a_o omnipotent_a god_n creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v that_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n he_o make_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o some_o good_a end_n that_o he_o have_v order_v they_o to_o act_v and_o work_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v their_o be_v faculty_n operation_n from_o their_o all_o wise_a and_o glorious_a maker_n they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n to_o do_v homage_n and_o service_n to_o he_o that_o make_v they_o dub._n all_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v very_o rational_a firm._n these_o thing_n be_v grant_v that_o not_o to_o mention_v other_o creature_n as_o man_n have_v his_o be_v reason_n and_o understanding_n from_o almighty_a god_n so_o be_v he_o bind_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o that_o way_n and_o manner_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o man_n excellent_a nature_n which_o must_v be_v therefore_o a_o reasonable_a service_n which_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o pagan_n as_o jew_n and_o christian_n call_v religion_n which_o according_a to_o all_o sober_a people_n comprehend_v duty_n of_o piety_n as_o prayer_n praise_n and_o sacrifice_n duty_n of_o temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n duty_n of_o honesty_n justice_n righteousness_n and_o all_o morality_n dub._n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a then_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n that_o make_v man_n endue_v he_o with_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o there_o be_v a_o debt_n and_o duty_n owe_v from_o man_n to_o god_n his_o maker_n which_o all_o the_o world_n call_v religion_n and_o no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o so_o barbarous_a say_v cicero_n as_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o religion_n yea_o there_o be_v such_o a_o tendency_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n where_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o extinguish_v by_o brutish_a sensuality_n that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v worship_v no_o god_n at_o all_o he_o will_v bow_v down_o to_o a_o sock_n or_o a_o stone_n so_o that_o clear_v it_o be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o man_n by_o he_o create_v there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v a_o religion_n firm._n true_o nothing_o do_v more_o necessary_o follow_v as_o du-plessis_n have_v well_o observe_v then_o a_o god_n a_o man_n a_o religion_n but_o if_o almighty_a god_n do_v make_v man_n to_o worship_v he_o sure_o he_o give_v he_o some_o rule_n for_o that_o worship_n some_o law_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o his_o soul_n dub._n i_o can_v deny_v it_o and_o that_o this_o law_n be_v no_o law_n write_v in_o paper_n or_o engrave_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v tertullian_n utter_v these_o excellent_a word_n o_o aniâ—a_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la christiana_n o_o divine_a soul_n that_o be_v natural_o a_o christian._n we_o see_v that_o the_o fire_n ascend_v the_o water_n move_v towards_o the_o centre_n bird_n make_v their_o nest_n beast_n feed_v their_o young_a not_o by_o any_o outward_a positive_a law_n but_o by_o the_o unerring_a hand_n of_o nature_n and_o may_v not_o man_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o serve_v his_o maker_n perform_v this_o service_n without_o any_o institue_v law_n or_o prescribe_v canon_n firm._n there_o be_v no_o dispute_v against_o experience_n you_o see_v he_o do_v not_o and_o when_o you_o shall_v embrace_v and_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n you_o will_v see_v he_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o fall_n from_o that_o perfect_a staâ—e_v in_o which_o he_o be_v first_o make_v whereas_o the_o inferior_a creature_n keep_v their_o station_n dub._n i_o confess_v there_o be_v different_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n opposite_a one_o to_o another_o so_o that_o all_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v god_n some_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a firm._n if_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n all_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n how_o will_v you_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o false_a this_o you_o can_v discern_v by_o any_o imprint_v law_n or_o light_n of_o nature_n unless_o excite_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n common_a to_o all_o man_n that_o be_v not_o natural_a fool_n and_o madman_n stupid_a inconsiderate_a wretch_n or_o debauch_a bruit_n who_o reason_n be_v â—unk_v down_o into_o gross_a sensuality_n dub._n it_o be_v very_o true_a if_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a to_o point_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v why_o so_o many_o sober_a man_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o debauch_v their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n shall_v so_o strange_o differ_v about_o it_o firm._n i_o believe_v you_o can_v nor_o yet_o why_o jew_n and_o pagan_n do_v offer_v up_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o these_o deitys_n they_o worship_v do_v any_o light_n of_o nature_n make_v it_o rational_a that_o the_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o poor_a innocent_a beast_n or_o be_v it_o rational_a to_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v delight_v in_o humane_a sacrifice_n dub._n i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v teach_v man_n that_o such_o sacrifice_n shall_v please_v the_o go_n i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o this_o part_n of_o worship_n use_v by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n pray_v sir_n give_v yourself_o the_o trouble_n of_o inform_v i_o whence_o this_o practice_n spring_v firm._n you_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o have_v not_o its_o original_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o albeit_o some_o kind_n of_o sacrifice_n as_o prayer_n praise_n alms-deed_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n deo_fw-la datori_fw-la to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o may_v spring_v from_o that_o light_n yet_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n be_v never_o show_v to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n by_o nature_n candle_n but_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n appoint_v by_o almighty_a god_n to_o prefigure_v the_o grand_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v term_v god_n ape_n teach_v his_o servant_n the_o gentile_n to_o imitate_v who_o have_v the_o shell_n but_o not_o the_o kernel_n the_o shadow_n but_o not_o the_o substance_n the_o outward_a rite_n but_o not_o christ_n crucify_v represent_v by_o it_o dub._n i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o beast_n come_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o you_o seem_v to_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v from_o divine_a revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n firm._n you_o will_v be_v better_o satisfy_v when_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o the_o founder_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v pretend_v to_o revelation_n numa_n lycurgus_n mahomet_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o devil_n teach_v they_o to_o do_v in_o imitation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o
god_n 2._o pet._n 1.20_o now_o there_o be_v but_o four_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n judaism_n christianity_n paganism_n and_o mahometism_n if_o i_o shall_v prove_v unto_o you_o that_o christianity_n who_o rule_n and_o foundation_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n and_o the_o other_o three_o false_a i_o hope_v you_o will_v grant_v that_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v be_v the_o true_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o give_v by_o inspiration_n and_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o first_o argument_n dub._n if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o other_o three_o religion_n be_v false_a it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o revelation_n to_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v likewise_o false_a firm._n this_o i_o shall_v easy_o do_v beginning_n with_o paganism_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o worship_v of_o the_o â—_z 1._o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n 2._o dâ—â—d_a man_n that_o call_v sabaisme_n this_o hâ—llâ—nisme_n from_o the_o nation_n that_o fiâ—st_v use_v these_o mode_n of_o worship_n of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n chap._n 13._o and_o 14._o but_o more_o full_o in_o vossius_fw-la de_fw-la idolaâ—ria_fw-la and_o in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gentile_n court_n who_o have_v mâ—de_v use_n of_o divers_a excellent_a man_n that_o have_v write_v of_o this_o subject_a that_o this_o religion_n of_o pagan_n be_v against_o the_o lâ—w_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n worship_v and_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o abominable_a â—ites_n and_o ceremony_n any_o man_n that_o have_v the_o least_o spark_n of_o that_o light_n remain_v in_o he_o may_v â—asily_o discern_v first_o the_o thing_n worship_v be_v the_o creature_n some_o of_o they_o that_o never_o have_v life_n other_o thâ—t_v once_o live_v but_o be_v now_o dead_a who_o ghost_n or_o mane_n the_o heathen_n imagine_v to_o be_v confine_v to_o their_o idol_n whereas_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v câ—pable_a of_o religious_a worship_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o right_a reason_n that_o one_o creature_n shall_v thus_o worship_v another_o god_n alone_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o such_o worship_n because_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o he_o it_o be_v that_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n therefore_o deo_n datori_fw-la to_o god_n the_o creator_n and_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n all_o religious_a worship_n be_v only_o due_a beside_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o they_o dicite_fw-la plures_fw-la dicite_fw-la nullum_fw-la it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v there_o be_v many_o god_n as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o the_o notion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v ens_fw-la infinitum_fw-la a_o be_v of_o infinite_a power_n and_o perfection_n but_o natural_a reason_n show_v they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o infinite_a because_o infinite_a power_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n comprehend_v all_o power_n and_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o many_o or_o more_o than_o one_o second_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v so_o ridiculous_a and_o so_o filthy_a that_o the_o apostle_n style_v they_o abominable_a idolatry_n it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a modesty_n either_o to_o hear_v or_o speak_v of_o they_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o see_v paganism_n smart_o and_o solid_o confute_v let_v he_o peruse_v the_o ancient_a father_n lactantius_n arnobius_n minutius_n felix_fw-la eusebius_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n st._n augustine_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la etc._n etc._n dub._n i_o always_o conceive_v paganism_n to_o be_v a_o most_o vain_a and_o vile_a superstition_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o be_o no_o better_o persuade_v of_o mahometism_n however_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v your_o reason_n against_o it_o firm._n you_o may_v please_v to_o receive_v they_o thus_o my_o first_o reason_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o it_o be_v not_o much_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o that_o false_a prophet_n mahomet_n publish_v his_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n fabulous_a fiction_n and_o damnable_a blasphemy_n to_o the_o world_n first_o from_o which_o i_o thus_o argue_v truth_n be_v before_o falsehood_n illud_fw-la verum_fw-la quod_fw-la antiquum_fw-la see_v the_o world_n be_v now_o above_o 5500_o year_n old_a and_o see_v religion_n have_v be_v practise_v in_o it_o from_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n before_o mahomet_n or_o that_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v suffer_v gross_a error_n to_o infect_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o least_o 3000_o year_n before_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n be_v know_v unto_o man_n second_o mahometism_n be_v a_o mixture_n of_o judaisme_n heresy_n and_o paganism_n with_o some_o sprinkling_n of_o christianity_n a_o bundle_n of_o ridiculous_a fable_n prodigious_a lie_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v peruse_v the_o alcoran_n three_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o such_o carnal_a weapon_n by_o sensual_a motive_n and_o promise_n of_o fleshly_a pleasure_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v follower_n of_o that_o grand_a impostor_n which_o be_v so_o unworthy_a of_o the_o rational_a soul_n that_o they_o can_v be_v call_v the_o cord_n of_o man_n but_o be_v only_o proper_a allurement_n for_o those_o who_o reason_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o brutish_a sensuality_n dub._n these_o reason_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v the_o folly_n and_o falseness_n of_o this_o new_a or_o rather_o no_o religion_n but_o pray_v you_o inform_v i_o why_o you_o rank_v judaisme_n in_o the_o number_n of_o false_a religious_a see_v it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o you_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n firm._n when_o i_o reckon_v judaisme_n among_o false_a religion_n i_o mean_v only_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o the_o modern_a jew_n under_o &_o against_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o which_o their_o forefather_n under_o the_o law_n live_v and_o die_v in_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o true_a religion_n consist_v of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n holy_a obedience_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o father_n before_o the_o law_n the_o israelite_n under_o the_o law_n the_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o religion_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10.1.2.3_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n to_o come_v the_o christian_n do_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v already_o come_v to_o they_o he_o be_v veil_v in_o type_n and_o shadow_n to_o we_o he_o be_v reveal_v and_o those_o shadow_n be_v vanish_v at_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n dub._n by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a thaâ—_n all_o religion_n that_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n except_o the_o jewish_a under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o christian_a under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v for_o substance_n the_o very_a same_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o consequent_o their_o pretend_a revelation_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o satanical_a delusion_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a and_o divine_a revelation_n your_o argument_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o conclude_v i_o pray_v you_o proceed_v firm._n my_o second_o argument_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o excellency_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n first_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a resolve_v itself_o into_o most_o excellent_a principle_n and_o end_n the_o glorify_v of_o god_n and_o humble_v man_n pointing_z out_o unto_o we_o the_o most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n in_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o our_o creator_n in_o the_o dedication_n and_o devotion_n of_o our_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v place_v our_o felicity_n in_o spiritual_a not_o in_o fleshly_a pleasure_n the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v holy_a scripture_n contain_v law_n most_o holy_a most_o pure_a most_o righteous_a let_v all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o can_v answer_v the_o challenge_n make_v by_o moses_n deu._n 4.8_o what_o nation_n be_v there_o so_o great_a that_o have_v statue_n and_o judgement_n so_o
enemy_n to_o christianity_n acknowledge_v but_o beside_o their_o testimony_n which_o be_v from_o adversary_n be_v uâ—â—y_a cogent_n we_o have_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o most_o place_n of_o the_o world_n for_o 1600_o year_n and_o upward_o and_o as_o he_o that_o will_v go_v up_o by_o the_o side_n of_o the_o river_n will_v at_o last_o come_v to_o the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o so_o he_o that_o shall_v ascend_v through_o the_o several_a century_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o last_o infallible_o come_v to_o the_o head_n of_o it_o christ_n jesus_n to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n his_o preach_a and_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v his_o bitter_a death_n and_o bloody_a passion_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o christ_n through_o the_o same_o century_n down_o to_o this_o present_a time_n he_o may_v be_v far_o more_o certain_a of_o the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o work_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o our_o bessed_a saviour_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a julius_n caesar_n pompey_n scipio_n hannibal_n of_o the_o war_n and_o noble_a acheivement_n manage_v by_o they_o of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n the_o baron_n war_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o a_o fool_n or_o a_o mad_a man_n or_o one_o that_o have_v vow_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o then_o what_o he_o can_v see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n will_v doubt_v of_o these_o for_o that_o the_o tradition_n which_o convey_v the_o same_o of_o these_o worthy_n and_o their_o action_n down_o unto_o we_o be_v nothing_o so_o general_a as_o that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o at_o all_o practical_a but_o pure_o historical_a wherein_o we_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o thing_n report_v of_o those_o noble_a warrior_n be_v true_a or_o false_a dub._n he_o that_o will_v not_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o universal_a tradition_n take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a science_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n history_n and_o want_v rather_o a_o cudgel_n then_o a_o argument_n to_o confute_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o undeniable_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o do_v great_a and_o marvellous_a thing_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o work_n which_o they_o do_v be_v true_a miracle_n sure_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o know_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v a_o imposture_n firm._n tho'_o at_o present_a this_o may_v appear_v difficult_a to_o you_o yet_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v make_v this_o difference_n as_o manifest_v to_o you_o as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o gold_n and_o dross_n and_o here_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o nicety_n of_o the_o schoolman_n betwixt_o mirum_fw-la &_o miraculum_fw-la that_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v arduum_fw-la insoliâ—um_fw-la supra_fw-la vim_o naturae_fw-la hard_a unusual_a and_o above_o the_o powèr_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o differ_v from_o a_o â—alse_a one_o in_o the_o efficient_a material_a and_o formal_a cause_n which_o be_v ignotum_fw-la per_fw-la ignotius_fw-la but_o to_o wave_v such_o subtlety_n a_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v from_o a_o false_a one_o 1._o by_o the_o success_n as_o exod._n 7.12_o it_o be_v say_v aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o those_o of_o the_o sorcerer_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n it_o be_v clear_a how_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n swallow_v up_o in_o effect_v all_o false_a one_o â—one_n by_o satin_n instrument_n how_o notwithstanding_o all_o those_o lie_a wonder_n wrought_v by_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n and_o other_o the_o prejudicate_a world_n be_v bring_v over_o from_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n to_o embrace_v poor_a persecute_v christianity_n by_o those_o true_a miracle_n which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v the_o great_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o a_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v from_o that_o which_o be_v a_o jugle_n or_o imposture_n by_o the_o design_n or_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o bring_v man_n over_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o propagate_v the_o true_a religion_n the_o end_n of_o false_a one_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o this_o worship_n which_o note_n of_o difference_n god_n himself_o have_v stamp_v upon_o false_a miracle_n deut._n 13_o dub._n but_o do_v not_o you_o now_o run_v into_o the_o same_o error_n which_o you_o so_o late_o condemn_v in_o other_o for_o by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v i_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n before_o i_o can_v know_v which_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n and_o sure_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o know_v before_o firm._n there_o be_v a_o mutual_a confirmation_n betwixt_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o true_a miracle_n true_a religion_n do_v give_v light_n to_o miracle_n these_o do_v seal_n and_o confirm_v that_o religion_n we_o see_v that_o all_o discursive_a knowledge_n do_v arise_v from_o some_o precedent_a knowledge_n until_o we_o ascend_v to_o such_o principle_n that_o be_v clear_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o evident_a it_o be_v to_o natural_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o this_o one_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v religious_o worship_v the_o intelligent_a and_o learned_a heathen_n have_v acknowledge_v all_o these_o again_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v never_o but_o four_o general_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n paganism_n turkism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o of_o all_o these_o religion_n none_o be_v so_o rational_a or_o such_o a_o reasonable_a service_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o christian_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v the_o old_a of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o father_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n for_o the_o spirituality_n morality_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o god_n heaâ—_n worship_v it_o be_v excellent_a beyond_o all_o other_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n here_o upon_o any_o serious_a sober_a man_n may_v conclude_v that_o all_o these_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v attempt_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o christianity_n be_v but_o mere_a imposture_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o wherein_o one_o true_a god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n wisdom_n power_n and_o glory_n be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o only_a true_a miracle_n dub._n pray_v sir_n excuse_v i_o this_o unnecessary_a trouble_n which_o i_o have_v give_v you_o for_o by_o what_o you_o have_v say_v before_o concern_v the_o supereminent_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o i_o may_v have_v see_v the_o force_n of_o your_o reason_n which_o as_o i_o conceive_v stand_v thus_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_a true_a religion_n than_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a miracle_n firm._n you_o right_o conclude_v i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o note_n or_o mark_v of_o a_o true_a mirâ—cle_n and_o that_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o such_o a_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o draw_v of_o the_o mind_n from_o sin_n to_o god_n the_o primitive_a christian_n much_o insist_v on_o this_o as_o a_o undoubâ—ed_a evidence_n of_o tâ—e_v miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o effect_n that_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n of_o souâ—â—_n from_o sin_n and_o idol_n to_o goâ—_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o tend_v main_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n christ_n by_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o dispossess_v satan_n out_o of_o man_n body_n but_o out_o of_o his_o temple_n upon_o this_o accouâ—t_n he_o convince_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n of_o most_o irrational_a blasphemy_n when_o they_o object_v against_o he_o that_o he_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o he_o reply_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v mat._n 12.25_o besides_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o he_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n contâ—â—â—y_o to_o the_o devil_n design_n which_o be_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n that_o himself_o may_v be_v worship_v to_o ensnare_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n
of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o heathen_a mystery_n which_o indeed_o be_v very_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n abominable_a idolatry_n not_o to_o be_v name_v to_o modest_a ear_n dr._n stillingfleet_v orig._n sac._n lib._n 2._o cap._n 10._o 4._o true_a miracle_n differ_v from_o diabolical_a imposture_n in_o three_o particolar_n 1._o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n 2._o their_o number_n 3._o the_o quality_n of_o â—hings_n wrought_v by_o they_o 1._o the_o impostare_v of_o satan_n be_v do_v by_o a_o great_a deal_n oâ—_n pomp_n and_o ceremony_n magical_a rite_n charâ—es_n and_o medicine_n what_o christ_n do_v be_v with_o a_o word_n speak_v yea_o by_o the_o very_a touch_n oâ—_n his_o garmâ—â—â—_n 2._o for_o their_o number_n those_o satanical_a juggling_n be_v comparative_o very_o few_o there_o be_v not_o many_o that_o be_v cure_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n but_o christ_n cure_v whole_a multitude_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o teâ—ple_n where_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n may_v be_v easy_o suspect_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n arnoâ—ius's_n objection_n against_o the_o gentile_n be_v very_o rational_a what_o wonder_n be_v it_o to_o show_v one_o or_o two_o cure_v when_o thousand_o lie_n continual_o in_o your_o temple_n languish_v for_o want_n of_o cure_n which_o 〈◊〉_d eâ—en_o weary_a your_o god_n esculaâ—ius_n with_o prayer_n and_o tear_n but_o can_v have_v no_o help_n â—rom_fw-mi he_o with_o all_o their_o importunity_n 3._o for_o the_o quality_n of_o thing_n pretend_v to_o be_v do_v by_o miracle_n the_o cure_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v some_o slight_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o perform_v by_o christ_n what_o heathen_a juggler_n do_v ever_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o any_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o lame_a to_o walk_v or_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o 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presence_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n this_o testimony_n of_o god_n the_o father_n give_v three_o several_a time_n dâ—d_v â—ully_o ratify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n give_v â—he_n very_o same_o testimony_n to_o moses_n and_o hâ—s_a doctrine_n and_o â—hat_n in_o the_o sight_n and_o audience_n of_o many_o thousand_o exod._n 19.16_o thiâ—_n moâ—â—s_v often_o remind_v the_o people_n of_o especial_o deut._n 4.32.33_o where_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o never_o any_o people_n do_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n out_o of_o â—â—e_z midst_n of_o the_o fire_n as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o thiâ—â—ay_v oâ—â—eâ—â—lation_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o suitable_a to_o the_o 〈…〉_z of_o almighty_a god_n and_o so_o pecuâ—â—â—r_v â—o_o hiâ—_n that_o the_o devil_n who_o in_o other_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d aâ—e_v never_o attempt_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o tâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d nor_o do_v i_o believe_v he_o be_v ever_o aâ—â—e_n gâ—â—_n hâ—ving_v restrain_v he_o by_o â—his_n omnipotent_a 〈◊〉_d â—nd_n reâ—erved_v this_o way_n of_o revelation_n peâ—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_z dâ—b_n 〈◊〉_d discourse_n have_v be_v so_o rational_a that_o 〈…〉_z as_o agrippa'_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v a_o 〈…〉_z buâ—â—â—together_o such_o as_o you_o be_v as_o to_z 〈◊〉_d too_o great_a principleâ—_n of_o christianity_n concern_v â—he_n be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n â—f_o â—oly_a scripture_n and_o methinks_v i_o see_v all_o false_a religion_n fall_n flâ—t_o on_o their_o face_n before_o these_o great_a truth_n as_o dagon_n do_v before_o the_o ark_n firm._n no_o marviell_n for_o he_o that_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n must_v needs_o abominate_a those_o false_a worship_n which_o be_v â—o_o extreme_o contrary_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o his_o most_o sacred_a writ_n but_o see_v you_o be_v so_o well_o persuade_v of_o these_o principle_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o more_o reason_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o only_o if_o you_o shall_v hereafter_o meet_v with_o any_o scoff_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n that_o shall_v deny_v either_o of_o they_o you_o may_v for_o conclusion_n of_o all_o press_v upon_o he_o this_o dilemma_n or_o fork_a argument_n either_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n or_o it_o be_v not_o true_a suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o thou_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o thou_o be_v only_o in_o a_o error_n for_o this_o short_a span_n of_o time_n but_o what_o if_o they_o prove_v undouted_o true_a and_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o than_o thou_o be_v eternal_o damn_v now_o what_o a_o madness_n be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o seem_a temporary_a error_n to_o come_v within_o the_o danger_n of_o everlasting_a damnation_n dub._n this_o argument_n may_v startle_v any_o atheist_n and_o make_v he_o consider_v with_o himself_o how_o sad_a his_o condition_n will_v be_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o solid_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n do_v demonstrate_v and_o yet_o he_o shall_v live_v and_o die_v a_o infidel_n o_o what_o will_v become_v of_o such_o a_o one_o unto_o all_o eternity_n i_o be_o full_a of_o wonder_n and_o amazement_n that_o see_v there_o be_v such_o convince_a reason_n against_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o creature_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o such_o in_o hell_n for_o the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v firm._n you_o will_v cease_v to_o wonder_v when_o you_o shall_v right_o consider_v the_o certain_a reason_n of_o those_o gross_a error_n which_o be_v 1._o drollery_n and_o foolish_a jest_n which_o render_v man_n inconsiderate_a and_o mindless_a even_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n much_o more_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n a_o man_n that_o be_v give_v to_o droll_fw-fr and_o jest_n be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o serious_a business_n 2._o many_o man_n be_v man_n of_o short_a discourse_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a faculty_n which_o be_v altogether_o rusty_a for_o want_v of_o use_n exercise_n and_o ingenious_a education_n though_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v write_v in_o large_a character_n yet_o every_o one_o can_v read_v in_o that_o book_n no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o never_o go_v to_o school_v can_v read_v the_o primer_n half_a psalter_n or_o any_o book_n of_o the_o fair_a print_n dub._n this_o be_v true_a of_o many_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a man_n that_o be_v very_a brute_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o by_o the_o erect_a figure_n of_o their_o body_n their_o rational_a soul_n mean_a while_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o mere_a sensuality_n such_o as_o have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o to_o think_v of_o he_o either_o that_o he_o be_v or_o be_v not_o these_o digenerate_a creature_n do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o hope_v you_o wilâ—_n not_o say_v that_o the_o wittâ—_n of_o the_o time_n be_v such_o ignorant_a animal_n firm._n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o you_o may_v observe_v that_o these_o witty_a man_n be_v person_n of_o no_o serious_a or_o solid_a judgement_n especial_o in_o thing_n of_o high_a concernment_n they_o be_v such_o as_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o idleness_n drollery_n vain_a recreation_n so_o that_o albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o those_o two_o great_a book_n to_o read_v in_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o read_v or_o meditate_v upon_o
a_o god_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o contain_v firm._n i_o have_v heretofore_o take_v you_o for_o a_o rational_a man_n and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v a_o reason_n from_o you_o of_o such_o thought_n and_o doubt_n dub._n those_o many_o controversy_n and_o sharp_a contention_n about_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v cause_v i_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o any_o god_n to_o be_v worship_v firm._n be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o so_o many_o wise_a man_n shall_v contend_v about_o a_o trifle_n a_o fancy_n a_o very_a nothing_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o what_o shall_v be_v a_o most_o rational_a motive_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n shall_v make_v you_o doubt_v of_o both_o there_o must_v be_v something_o in_o it_o that_o draw_v so_o many_o combatant_n into_o the_o field_n zealous_a stickler_n for_o their_o several_a modes_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n hate_v â—ne_a another_o even_n unto_o death_n dub._n this_o you_o have_v intimate_v before_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o so_o many_o fierce_a dispute_n about_o religion_n do_v argue_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a fancy_n i_o pray_v sir_n inquire_v no_o further_o after_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o doubt_n but_o let_v i_o hear_v from_o you_o how_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v firm._n most_o willing_o but_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v the_o more_o methodical_o let_v it_o be_v agree_v betwixt_o we_o what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n upon_o supposition_n that_o god_n be_v what_o do_v you_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o your_o mind_n dub._n it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o that_o the_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v 395._o that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a firm._n if_o god_n be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a then_o god_n be_v for_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a must_v necessary_o exist_v and_o be_v dub._n do_v not_o we_o say_v a_o rose_n be_v a_o flower_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v at_o aâ—l_a time_n that_o a_o rose_n be_v for_o in_o the_o winter_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o rose_n and_o yet_o the_o proposition_n be_v true_a firm._n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o limit_a and_o finite_a perfection_n for_o in_o this_o the_o essence_n may_v be_v real_o abstract_v from_o the_o actual_a existence_n but_o not_o in_o that_o for_o a_o be_v infinite_o or_o absolute_o perfect_a must_v necessary_o exist_v not_o contingent_o or_o impossible_o for_o those_o mode_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a for_o whatsoever_o do_v exist_v contingent_o be_v in_o possibility_n not_o to_o exist_v which_o be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o impossibility_n of_o existence_n be_v the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o all_o other_o dub._n this_o reason_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o albeit_o i_o can_v reply_v to_o it_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o satisfy_v with_o it_o i_o fear_v some_o fallacy_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o it_o firm._n i_o believe_v not_o yet_o because_o you_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v it_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o other_o thaâ—_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a firm._n what_o say_v you_o then_o to_o that_o reason_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o general_n consent_n of_o all_o nation_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o christian_n nulla_fw-la gens_fw-la tam_fw-la barbara_fw-la etc._n etc._n say_v cicero_n no_o nation_n be_v ever_o so_o barbarous_a which_o do_v not_o confess_v a_o god_n now_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n be_v the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o nation_n shall_v consent_v in_o so_o great_a a_o falsehood_n as_o the_o atheist_n endeavour_v to_o maintain_v add_v to_o this_o their_o general_a practice_n in_o worship_v some_o supreme_a deity_n that_o rather_o than_o worship_v no_o god_n at_o all_o they_o will_v worship_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n yeâ—_n the_o moâ—t_o contemptible_a creature_n the_o crocodile_n onion_n garlic_n a_o red_a cloth_n any_o thing_n they_o first_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o morning_n so_o powerful_a be_v the_o impulse_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n in_o this_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a distinguish_a character_n betwixt_o a_o man_n and_o a_o beast_n as_o lactantius_n have_v long_o since_o observe_v dub._n i_o confess_v that_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o nation_n in_o the_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v a_o god_n have_v be_v one_o main_a reason_n that_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o be_v a_o downright_a atheist_n yet_o i_o have_v somewhat_o to_o say_v against_o it_o because_o this_o consent_n be_v not_o so_o general_a as_o be_v pretend_v for_o i_o have_v hear_v there_o have_v be_v man_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o not_o a_o few_o in_o these_o we_o live_v in_o who_o have_v say_v not_o only_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o also_o with_o their_o tongue_n there_o be_v no_o god_n firm._n what_o be_v two_o or_o three_o man_n in_o former_a age_n or_o a_o feâ—_n debauch_a person_n in_o this_o to_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o civil_a nation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n happy_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o soâ—e_a have_v deny_v the_o snoâ—_n to_o be_v white_a the_o fire_n to_o be_v hot_a monstrous_a opinion_n be_v no_o more_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n then_o monstrous_a shape_n and_o form_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o she_o general_o observe_v in_o the_o form_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n in_o their_o due_a proportion_n and_o lineament_n what_o if_o some_o few_o out_o of_o discontent_n singularity_n animosity_n or_o brutish_a sensuality_n have_v turn_v atheist_n be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o this_o brutish_a opinion_n that_o few_o sober_a man_n if_o any_o have_v be_v of_o their_o party_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v first_o atheist_n in_o practice_n sensual_a debauch_a wretch_n nam_fw-la quo_fw-la quis_fw-la in_o vita_fw-la purior_fw-la etc._n etc._n say_v cicero_n â—y_a how_o much_o any_o man_n have_v be_v more_o pure_a in_o his_o liâ—e_z and_o conversation_n by_o so_o much_o his_o thought_n of_o the_o god_n have_v be_v more_o sound_a and_o rational_a dub._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o atheism_n that_o the_o debaucher_n sort_n be_v the_o great_a iâ—_n not_o the_o only_a stickler_n for_o it_o but_o still_o my_o doubt_n remain_v and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v to_o hear_v from_o you_o some_o more_o evident_a reason_n for_o my_o full_a satisfaction_n firm._n most_o willing_o i_o shall_v comply_v with_o youâ—_n desire_n my_o three_o argument_n shall_v be_v this_o if_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n than_o it_o be_v make_v by_o something_o else_o for_o nothing_o can_v make_v 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world_n and_o judge_v the_o earth_n firm._n this_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v perform_v by_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n who_o cause_n i_o plead_v and_o who_o poor_a sinful_a creature_n i_o be_o first_o then_o by_o the_o world_n we_o understand_v the_o whole_a systeme_n or_o collection_n of_o thing_n in_o it_o contain_v sun_n moon_n star_n air_n earth_n water_n man_n beast_n foâ—les_n fish_n plant_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o comprehend_v in_o this_o vast_a circumference_n dub._n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o by_o tâ—â—_n world_n we_o be_v â—o_o understand_v all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v as_o you_o have_v enumerate_v they_o which_o make_v up_o the_o visible_a world_n create_v by_o almighty_a god_n in_o six_o day_n as_o your_o moses_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v firm._n that_o none_o of_o these_o be_v from_o