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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n new_a old_a testament_n 3,965 5 8.0680 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A55818 A discourse for the vindicating of Christianity from the charge of imposture Offer'd, by way of letter, to the consideration of the deists of the present age. By Humphrey Prideaux, D.D. and arch-deacon of Suffolk. Prideaux, Humphrey, 1648-1724. 1697 (1697) Wing P3412A; ESTC R219515 81,417 183

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a_o false_a religion_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n as_o that_o interest_n must_v have_v appear_v in_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o and_o in_o those_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v so_o also_o must_v their_o wickedness_n for_o word_n and_o write_n being_n the_o outward_a expression_n of_o our_o inward_a conception_n there_o be_v that_o connection_n between_o they_o that_o although_o the_o former_a may_v often_o disguise_v the_o latter_a they_o can_v never_o so_o total_o conceal_v they_o but_o every_o accurate_a observer_n may_v still_o be_v able_a through_o the_o one_o to_o penetrate_v into_o the_o other_o and_o by_o what_o a_o man_n utter_v whether_o in_o speech_n or_o writing_n see_v what_o he_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o that_o can_v act_v the_o hypocrite_n so_o cunning_o as_o to_o dissemble_v the_o great_a wickedness_n under_o word_n write_n and_o action_n too_o 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any_o one_o thing_n which_o may_v in_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n thereof_o be_v contrary_a to_o its_o righteousness_n i_o will_v then_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o we_o strong_a enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a cause_n and_o make_v all_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v be_v say_v for_o it_o total_o ineffectual_a to_o its_o support_n but_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o such_o flaw_n therein_o that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v ever_o yet_o give_v unto_o mankind_n and_o both_o in_o command_v of_o good_a as_o well_o as_o in_o forbid_v of_o evil_n vast_o exceed_v all_o other_o that_o go_v before_o it_o and_o prescribe_v much_o more_o to_o our_o practice_n in_o both_o than_o the_o wise_a and_o high_a moralist_n be_v ever_o able_a without_o it_o to_o reach_v in_o speculation_n for_o one_a as_o to_o the_o forbid_v of_o evil_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o indulge_v or_o in_o the_o least_o allow_v we_o in_o any_o practice_n that_o savour_v hereof_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a law_n which_o be_v so_o perfect_o broad_a in_o the_o prohibition_n as_o adequate_o to_o reach_v whatsoever_o may_v be_v evil_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o without_o any_o exception_n omission_n or_o defect_n absolute_o full_o and_o thorough_o forbid_v unto_o we_o whatsoever_o may_v have_v but_o the_o least_o taint_n of_o corruption_n therein_o and_o therefore_o it_o not_o only_o restrain_v all_o the_o overtact_n of_o iniquity_n but_o also_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n within_o which_o in_o the_o least_o tend_v thereto_o and_o in_o its_o precept_n prohibit_v we_o not_o only_o the_o do_v or_o speak_v of_o evil_n but_o also_o the_o harbour_v or_o receive_v into_o our_o mind_n the_o least_o thought_n or_o desire_n thereafter_o whereby_o it_o so_o effectual_o provide_v against_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n that_o it_o pluck_v it_o up_o out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o by_o the_o very_a root_n and_o so_o make_v the_o man_n pure_a and_o clean_o and_o holy_a altogether_o without_o allow_v the_o least_o savour_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v remain_v in_o he_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o will_v be_v thorough_o such_o can_v we_o be_v but_o as_o perfect_v in_o our_o obedience_n to_o this_o law_n as_o it_o be_v perfect_o give_v unto_o we_o and_o two_o as_o to_o the_o command_a of_o good_a its_o prescription_n be_v that_o we_o employ_v our_o time_n our_o power_n and_o all_o other_o talent_n entrust_v with_o we_o to_o the_o best_a we_o be_v able_a both_o to_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n and_o also_o to_o show_v charity_n unto_o man_n and_o this_o last_o not_o only_o to_o our_o friend_n relation_n and_o benefactor_n but_o in_o general_a to_o all_o mankind_n even_o to_o our_o enemy_n and_o those_o who_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o hereby_o it_o advance_v we_o to_o that_o height_n of_o perfection_n in_o all_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o render_v we_o like_o the_o angel_n of_o light_n in_o our_o service_n unto_o god_n and_o like_o god_n himself_o in_o our_o charity_n to_o man._n for_o it_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o angel_n to_o worship_n and_o serve_v our_o god_n to_o the_o utmost_a ability_n of_o out_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o god_n to_o make_v our_o goodness_n to_o man_n extend_v unto_o all_o without_o exception_n or_o reserve_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o from_o we_o and_o can_v any_o man_n think_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o religion_n which_o so_o thorough_o and_o full_o forbid_v all_o evil_a and_o in_o so_o high_a and_o perfect_a a_o manner_n prescribe_v we_o all_o good_a can_v ever_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o wicked_a mind_n the_o fruit_n be_v too_o good_a to_o proceed_v from_o so_o corrupt_a
religion_n also_o and_o that_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o the_o old_a roman_a religion_n be_v regulate_v and_o state_v by_o they_o but_o that_o numa_n found_v any_o new_a religion_n be_v what_o i_o utter_o deny_v for_o numa_n leave_v no_o other_o religion_n behind_o he_o in_o rome_n at_o his_o death_n than_o that_o very_o same_o heathenism_n which_o he_o find_v there_o at_o his_o first_o come_v thither_o to_o be_v king_n for_o the_o city_n have_v be_v then_o but_o new_o found_v and_o the_o people_n make_v up_o of_o a_o collection_n of_o the_o refuse_n and_o scum_n of_o divers_a nation_n there_o gather_v together_o they_o be_v as_o much_o out_o of_o order_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o those_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o all_o that_o numa_n do_v when_o he_o come_v to_o reign_v over_o they_o be_v to_o make_v law_n to_o regulate_v both_o and_o therefore_o as_o he_o found_v several_a wholesome_a constitution_n for_o the_o orderly_a govern_n of_o the_o state_n so_o also_o do_v he_o for_o the_o regular_a worship_v of_o the_o god_n then_o acknowledge_v among_o they_o without_o make_v any_o essential_a alteration_n in_o the_o religion_n afore_o practise_v by_o they_o for_o have_v he_o do_v so_o than_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o roman_n must_v have_v differ_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o other_o city_n of_o italy_n which_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o for_o they_o communicate_v with_o each_o other_o in_o their_o worship_n as_o they_o do_v also_o with_o the_o greek_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o old_a roman_a religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o greek_a heathenism_n the_o same_o which_o be_v practise_v in_o greece_n and_o in_o all_o those_o country_n which_o be_v plant_v with_o colony_n from_o thence_o as_o almost_o all_o italy_n be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o the_o roman_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o city_n of_o italy_n look_v on_o delphos_n as_o a_o principal_a place_n of_o their_o worship_n with_o the_o same_o 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a_o new_a religion_n than_o the_o body_n of_o canon_n give_v we_o by_o king_n james_n the_o first_o for_o the_o more_o orderly_o regulate_v of_o our_o worship_n and_o discipline_n make_v our_o religion_n a_o new_a christianity_n only_o numa_n the_o better_a to_o make_v his_o constitution_n to_o obtain_v among_o those_o barbarous_a people_n for_o who_o he_o make_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a person_n and_o in_o this_o he_o practise_v a_o pious_a fraud_n but_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n guilty_a of_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o for_o he_o teach_v they_o no_o new_a religion_n but_o only_o the_o very_a same_o greek_a heathenism_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n of_o italy_n from_o their_o forefather_n and_o real_o believe_v to_o be_v that_o very_o true_a religion_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o the_o deceit_n he_o make_v use_v of_o he_o 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notwithstanding_o the_o fault_n commit_v in_o use_v such_o mean_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o effect_v but_o where_o the_o religion_n be_v all_o forgery_n and_o falsehood_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o promote_a it_o deceit_n and_o fraud_n the_o imposture_n than_o become_v so_o total_o and_o perfect_o wicked_a without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o good_a therein_o as_o must_v necessary_o denominate_v the_o author_n and_o first_o propagator_n of_o it_o to_o be_v perfect_o wicked_a also_o if_o you_o say_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a imposture_n as_o this_o can_v have_v any_o good_a end_n for_o the_o sake_n whereof_o the_o author_n of_o it_o may_v be_v free_v from_o that_o charge_n of_o wickedness_n which_o i_o lay_v upon_o they_o that_o good_a end_n must_v be_v either_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n or_o the_o benefit_n of_o men._n but_o how_o can_v god_n be_v more_o dishonour_v than_o by_o a_o false_a religion_n or_o how_o can_v man_n be_v more_o mischieve_v than_o by_o have_v the_o 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all_o such_o error_n and_o mistake_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o they_o be_v this_o direct_v we_o to_o look_v high_a than_o man_n for_o the_o founder_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n and_o the_o original_a author_n of_o those_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v and_o necessary_o prove_v that_o only_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o infinite_a in_o all_o other_o perfection_n can_v thus_o give_v we_o a_o law_n so_o exact_o like_o himself_o thorough_o perfect_a in_o the_o whole_a and_o infallible_o true_a in_o every_o particular_a thereof_o sect_n v._o v._o another_o mark_n of_o imposture_n be_v that_o wherever_o it_o be_v first_o propagate_v it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o craft_n and_o fraud_n and_o this_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o cheat_n for_o the_o end_n of_o such_o be_v to_o deceive_v craft_n and_o fraud_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v effect_v in_o this_o case_n a_o lie_n must_v be_v make_v to_o go_v for_o a_o truth_n and_o a_o appearance_n for_o a_o reality_n and_o to_o compass_v this_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o both_o to_o dress_v up_o the_o cheat_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o pretend_v and_o also_o to_o cast_v such_o a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o especial_o where_o the_o cheat_n be_v a_o imposture_n in_o religion_n for_o whoever_o come_v with_o a_o new_a religion_n to_o be_v propose_v to_o the_o world_n must_v find_v all_o man_n so_o far_o prejudice_v and_o prepossessed_n against_o it_o as_o they_o be_v affect_v to_o the_o old_a one_o they_o have_v before_o profess_v and_o therefore_o when_o man_n be_v educate_v or_o any_o otherwise_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o a_o religion_n and_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o some_o or_o other_o they_o be_v not_o apt_a easy_o to_o forego_v it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o must_v bring_v they_o over_o to_o another_o contrary_n thereto_o when_o the_o new_a religion_n real_o come_v from_o god_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n first_o and_o after_o the_o christian_a do_v it_o bring_v its_o credential_n with_o it_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o make_v way_n for_o its_o reception_n for_o when_o man_n find_v the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n work_v with_o it_o they_o have_v from_o thence_o sufficient_a evidence_n give_v they_o from_o who_o it_o come_v and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v but_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o god_n do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n own_o and_o attest_v must_v be_v from_o he_o but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n accompany_v the_o new_a religion_n to_o gain_v credit_n thereto_o the_o defect_n hereof_o must_v be_v make_v up_o by_o somewhat_o else_o to_o draw_v over_o the_o people_n to_o its_o belief_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o must_v put_v all_o impostor_n upon_o craft_n and_o 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people_n so_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n first_o to_o manifest_v himself_o unto_o for_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v weary_a of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v so_o long_o profess_v when_o he_o first_o appear_v in_o his_o mission_n among_o they_o that_o they_o be_v then_o grow_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a a_o very_a extravagant_a bigotry_n and_o superstition_n concern_v it_o so_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o offensive_a to_o they_o than_o a_o offer_n tend_v thereto_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v with_o they_o even_o to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o case_n be_v not_o much_o otherwise_o as_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o gentile_n be_v then_o grow_v almost_o as_o tenacious_a of_o their_o idolatry_n as_o the_o jew_n of_o their_o law_n and_o learning_n be_v in_o that_o age_n among_o both_o at_o the_o high_a pitch_n that_o ever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 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the_o man_n of_o mecca_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v when_o mahomet_n begin_v his_o imposture_n among_o they_o shall_v be_v easy_a to_o embrace_v a_o new_a one_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o conceive_v but_o that_o a_o imposture_n shall_v be_v receive_v and_o obtain_v such_o prevalency_n over_o man_n in_o so_o learned_a and_o discern_a a_o age_n as_o that_o wherein_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o they_o who_o where_o then_o so_o zealous_o addict_v to_o the_o religion_n they_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v induce_v to_o forsake_v it_o for_o a_o new_a one_o found_v only_o on_o a_o cheat_n and_o fraud_n be_v what_o moral_o speak_v we_o may_v very_o well_o reckon_v impossible_a 7._o mahomet_n offer_v at_o no_o prophecy_n that_o he_o may_v not_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o event_n but_o jesus_n christ_n deliver_v many_o clear_a and_o plain_a prophecy_n several_a of_o which_o respect_v that_o very_a age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o be_v all_o in_o their_o proper_a time_n as_o plain_o verify_v by_o the_o completion_n of_o they_o 8._o mahomet_n offer_v at_o no_o miracle_n in_o public_a although_o continual_o call_v upon_o and_o provoke_v to_o it_o by_o his_o opposer_n for_o not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v any_o true_a one_o or_o will_v not_o hazard_v himself_o to_o a_o discovery_n by_o those_o which_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o therefore_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v go_v for_o miracle_n that_o be_v his_o converse_n with_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n his_o journey_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o army_n of_o angel_n that_o help_v he_o in_o his_o battle_n be_v only_o relate_v by_o he_o as_o thing_n act_v behind_o the_o curtain_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o other_o witness_n but_o himself_o alone_o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o witness_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ever_o to_o contradict_v they_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o 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whole_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o our_o saviour_n mission_n this_o he_o frequent_o foretell_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o on_o this_o be_v found_v the_o whole_a religion_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o and_o can_v any_o one_o say_v he_o can_v have_v a_o design_n of_o secular_a interest_n for_o himself_o in_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o which_o can_v have_v no_o be_v but_o by_o his_o die_v for_o it_o or_o any_o reason_n for_o its_o establishment_n among_o man_n till_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o complete_n of_o it_o to_o say_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o worldly_a interest_n in_o this_o will_v be_v to_o charge_v it_o on_o his_o cross_n and_o place_n it_o in_o that_o bitter_a and_o ignominious_a death_n which_o he_o undergo_v thereon_o man_n sometime_o put_v their_o life_n to_o great_a hazard_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o for_o a_o man_n purposely_o to_o design_n death_n for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o part_n with_o this_o world_n in_o 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it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o otherwise_o they_o can_v help_v forward_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v thus_o have_v pass_v through_o so_o many_o age_n and_o all_o the_o strict_a examination_n of_o heathen_n jew_n atheist_n and_o all_o other_o adversary_n who_o have_v so_o strenuous_o endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v their_o authority_n and_o no_o discovery_n be_v make_v hereof_o for_o suppose_v at_o first_o under_o the_o mask_n of_o renounce_v the_o world_n they_o may_v a_o while_n conceal_v their_o design_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a you_o can_v say_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o this_o can_v not_o last_v long_o for_o if_o this_o be_v all_o they_o design_v by_o teach_v that_o holy_a religion_n and_o write_v those_o book_n in_o which_o it_o be_v contain_v sometime_o or_o other_o they_o must_v have_v put_v those_o design_n in_o execution_n otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v be_v in_o vain_a lay_v sometime_o or_o other_o 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the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ever_o put_v themselves_o in_o possession_n of_o any_o such_o worldly_a interest_n or_o when_o do_v they_o ever_o make_v the_o least_o offer_n in_o order_n thereto_o have_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a enemy_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o it_o have_v bitter_a one_o enough_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n ever_o record_v any_o such_o against_o they_o or_o have_v any_o other_o ever_o since_o from_o any_o good_a authority_n or_o any_o authority_n at_o all_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o tax_v they_o herewith_o or_o be_v it_o possible_a their_o name_n can_v have_v remain_v untainted_a of_o this_o charge_n amid_o so_o many_o adversary_n who_o have_v now_o for_o near_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n stand_v up_o in_o every_o age_n to_o oppose_v that_o holy_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v unto_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o least_o be_v guilty_a hereof_o nay_o have_v it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o 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this_o amount_n to_o no_o high_a than_o a_o pious_a fraud_n which_o out_o of_o a_o overhot_a and_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n some_o man_n have_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o best_a ends._n and_o such_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o end_n may_v still_o be_v denominate_v good_a and_o righteous_a in_o the_o main_a how_o much_o soever_o they_o may_v have_v be_v out_o in_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n to_o promote_v they_o 3._o when_o the_o imposture_n be_v in_o the_o end_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o mean_n and_o not_o only_o the_o revelation_n pretend_v but_o also_o the_o religion_n itself_o be_v all_o false_a counterfeit_a and_o feign_v this_o amount_n to_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o be_v total_o wicked_a without_o any_o mixture_n of_o good_a therein_o in_o the_o former_a case_n where_o the_o imposture_n be_v only_o in_o the_o mean_n there_o be_v a_o good_a end_n design_v and_o therefore_o something_o still_o from_o whence_o the_o person_n use_v it_o may_v be_v denominate_v good_a but_o where_o the_o imposture_n be_v in_o both_o it_o be_v wickedness_n all_o over_o without_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o in_o it_o to_o exempt_v he_o from_o be_v perfect_o wicked_a that_o make_v use_v thereof_o which_o particular_n being_n premise_a my_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o i_o do_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v relate_v by_o 2._o author_n of_o good_a credit_n that_o minos_n king_n of_o crete_n when_o he_o first_o frame_v the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n to_o give_v they_o the_o great_a authority_n use_v to_o retire_v into_o a_o cave_n on_o mount_n dicta_fw-la and_o from_o thence_o to_o bring_v they_o forth_o to_o his_o cretan_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v there_o deliver_v to_o he_o by_o jupiter_n and_o that_o numa_n when_o he_o found_v the_o law_n of_o rome_n 1._o practise_v the_o same_o art_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v they_o from_o the_o nymph_n egeria_n that_o so_o he_o may_v procure_v they_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o 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i_o desire_v to_o know_v among_o what_o sort_n of_o man_n you_o will_v place_v they_o while_o you_o thus_o plead_v their_o excuse_n for_o they_o must_v be_v one_o of_o these_o three_o that_o be_v either_o atheist_n deist_n or_o believer_n of_o a_o institute_v religion_n 1._o if_o you_o say_v they_o be_v atheist_n that_o word_n alone_o contain_v enough_o to_o prove_v they_o perfect_o wicked_a whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v indeed_o agreeable_a enough_o to_o the_o principes_fw-la of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o may_v laudable_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o a_o good_a end_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o device_n of_o politician_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n but_o if_o the_o atheist_n be_v the_o deviser_n what_o intention_n of_o good_a can_v the_o device_n carry_v therewith_o none_o certain_o towards_o god_n since_o he_o utter_o deny_v his_o be_v or_o 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which_o can_v while_o in_o that_o impiety_n ever_o give_v he_o a_o better_a character_n afterward_o 2._o if_o you_o say_v they_o be_v deist_n such_o as_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v your_o main_a principle_n be_v against_o all_o institute_v religion_n whatever_o as_o if_o god_n be_v dishonour_v and_o man_n injure_v by_o every_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n practise_v among_o we_o and_o can_v you_o then_o think_v that_o any_o who_o be_v thus_o persuade_v can_v without_o be_v first_o corrupt_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o well_o as_o hypocrisy_n ever_o become_v themselves_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o sentiment_n on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o the_o author_n and_o teacher_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n among_o we_o 3._o but_o if_o you_o place_v they_o among_o those_o who_o be_v believer_n of_o a_o institute_v religion_n they_o must_v abolish_v that_o which_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a before_o they_o can_v introduce_v that_o by_o imposture_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o case_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o they_o be_v such_o impostor_n as_o you_o hold_v they_o to_o be_v for_o they_o be_v educate_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v from_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o teach_v suppose_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a true_a way_n whereby_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o they_o till_o they_o deliver_v their_o new_a revelation_n which_o total_o abolish_v this_o religion_n and_o establish_v the_o christian_a in_o its_o stead_n and_o therefore_o if_o those_o revelation_n be_v not_o true_a and_o real_a as_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v but_o all_o forge_a and_o counterfeit_v by_o they_o as_o you_o say_v they_o must_v abolish_v a_o religion_n which_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a to_o make_v way_n for_o that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o thereby_o become_v wilful_o and_o know_o according_a to_o their_o own_o belief_n the_o author_n of_o lead_v man_n from_o save_a truth_n into_o damn_v error_n to_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o ever_o and_o also_o of_o deprive_v god_n of_o that_o acceptable_a worship_n whereby_o he_o be_v true_o honour_v according_a to_o his_o own_o appointment_n to_o introduce_v in_o its_o stead_n a_o false_a superstition_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v which_o must_v be_v constant_a dishonour_n unto_o he_o as_o long_o as_o practise_v among_o we_o and_o if_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v such_o impostor_n as_o all_o this_o import_v and_o such_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v impostor_n at_o all_o they_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o that_o impiety_n towards_o god_n as_o well_o as_o that_o injustice_n towards_o man_n herein_o as_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v they_o the_o wicked_a of_o man_n before_o they_o can_v arrive_v hereto_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o wicked_a man_n this_o abundant_o demonstrate_v they_o can_v not_o be_v such_o impostor_n as_o you_o charge_v they_o to_o be_v as_o to_o the_o second_o objection_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o impostor_n through_o enthusiasm_n and_o mistake_v and_o false_o impose_v thing_n for_o divine_a revelation_n not_o out_o of_o a_o wicked_a design_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o that_o he_o be_v herein_o real_o deceive_v himself_o and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o all_o impostor_n shall_v be_v such_o wicked_a person_n as_o i_o have_v allege_v my_o answer_n hereto_o be_v 1._o i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o enthusiasm_n have_v carry_v man_n into_o very_o strange_a conceit_n and_o extravagancy_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o religion_n already_o establish_v as_o we_o have_v instance_n enough_o hereof_o in_o the_o anabaptist_n of_o germany_n the_o quaker_n here_o with_o we_o the_o they_o batenist_n among_o the_o mahometan_n and_o in_o some_o of_o the_o recluse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o that_o enthusiasm_n can_v ever_o go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o fancy_n a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o fancy_n propagate_v that_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o it_o come_v from_o god_n be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v believe_v and_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v be_v give_v hereof_o but_o two_o allow_v it_o possible_a this_o objection_n then_o as_o apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n must_v suppose_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o enthusiasm_n into_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o teach_v and_o that_o therefore_o although_o they_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n such_o wicked_a man_n as_o a_o wilful_a imposture_n must_v suppose_v they_o to_o be_v yet_o still_o they_o may_v be_v impostor_n by_o mistake_n and_o be_v by_o enthusiasm_n so_o far_o delude_v as_o to_o think_v that_o to_o come_v to_o they_o from_o god_n by_o divine_a revelation_n which_o have_v no_o other_o birth_n but_o from_o their_o own_o wild_a fancy_n may_v preach_v it_o to_o man_n as_o such_o not_o out_o of_o a_o wicked_a design_n to_o deceive_v but_o that_o they_o be_v real_o herein_o deceive_v themselves_o but_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o conceive_v that_o so_o grave_a so_o serious_a and_o so_o wise_o a_o frame_a religion_n as_o christianity_n be_v can_v ever_o be_v the_o spawn_n of_o enthusiasm_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o product_n of_o that_o use_v ever_o to_o be_v like_o the_o parent_n wild_a and_o extravagant_a in_o all_o its_o part_n often_o disagree_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o reason_n and_o often_o as_o much_o with_o itself_o but_o christianity_n be_v in_o all_o its_o part_n as_o rational_a as_o it_o be_v good_a give_v we_o the_o just_a notion_n of_o god_n the_o best_a precept_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o live_v honest_o and_o righteous_o with_o each_o other_o and_o have_v a_o thorough_a conformity_n to_o itself_o in_o every_o particular_a of_o it_o on_o which_o account_n it_o have_v be_v approve_v and_o admire_v for_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o composure_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o its_o constitution_n even_o by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o those_o who_o never_o submit_v thereto_o and_o therefore_o always_o carry_v with_o it_o mark_v and_o evidence_n enough_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o sufficient_o to_o prove_v it_o vast_o above_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n ever_o to_o produce_v it_o 3._o the_o founder_n and_o first_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n give_v such_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n thereof_o as_o enthusiasm_n can_v never_o produce_v for_o can_v enthusiasm_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o
sure_a he_o leave_v no_o art_n or_o device_n unpractised_a which_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v use_n of_o with_o any_o advantage_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o by_o prove_v unto_o you_o that_o none_o of_o those_o method_n of_o craft_n and_o fraud_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o first_o propagate_a of_o mahometism_n be_v ever_o practise_v in_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o christianity_n i_o shall_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o no_o craft_n or_o fraud_n at_o all_o which_o be_v anyway_o practicable_a on_o such_o occasion_n can_v ever_o be_v charge_v thereupon_o for_o 1._o mahomet_n make_v use_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o insinuation_n both_o with_o rich_a and_o poor_a for_o the_o gain_n of_o their_o affection_n thereby_o to_o gain_v they_o to_o his_o imposture_n also_o but_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v quite_o the_o contrary_a free_o convince_a all_o man_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o have_v regard_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o mission_n on_o which_o they_o be_v send_v which_o instead_o of_o reconcile_a man_n to_o their_o person_n provoke_v the_o world_n against_o they_o and_o they_o sufficient_o experience_v it_o from_o the_o ill_a usage_n which_o they_o find_v therein_o 2._o mahomet_n the_o easy_a to_o draw_v over_o the_o arabian_n to_o his_o party_n indulge_v they_o by_o his_o law_n in_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o he_o find_v they_o strong_o addict_v to_o especial_o those_o of_o lust_n and_o war_n which_o those_o barbarian_n above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v by_o their_o natural_a inclination_n most_o violent_o carry_v after_o and_o therefore_o he_o allow_v they_o a_o plurality_n of_o wife_n and_o a_o free_a use_n of_o their_o female_a slave_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o make_v it_o a_o main_a part_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o they_o to_o fight_v against_o plunder_v and_o destroy_v all_o that_o will_v not_o be_v of_o it_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n allow_v no_o such_o practice_n but_o strict_o prohibit_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n how_o much_o soever_o in_o reputation_n among_o man_n even_o to_o the_o forbid_v of_o many_o thing_n till_o then_o allow_v and_o hold_v lawful_a among_o those_o who_o where_o call_v god_n own_o people_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o seek_v the_o favour_n of_o man_n by_o indulge_v they_o in_o their_o lust_n and_o sinful_a practice_n they_o lay_v a_o much_o strict_a restraint_n upon_o they_o than_o be_v ever_o do_v before_o 3_o mahomet_n to_o please_v his_o arabian_n retain_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o most_o of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o they_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o under_o that_o which_o he_o abolish_v and_o also_o the_o temple_n of_o mecca_n in_o which_o they_o be_v chief_o perform_v but_o jesus_n christ_n without_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o please_a of_o man_n abolish_v both_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o law_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o bigoted_a unto_o and_o also_o the_o total_a worship_v of_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n without_o be_v at_o all_o influence_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o that_o extravagant_a fondness_n which_o he_o know_v the_o whole_a world_n have_v then_o for_o they_o 4._o mahomet_n when_o he_o find_v any_o of_o his_o new_a law_n not_o so_o well_o to_o serve_v his_o return_n crafty_o shift_v the_o scene_n and_o bring_v they_o about_o to_o his_o purpose_n by_o such_o alteration_n as_o will_v best_o suit_v therewith_o and_o therefore_o when_o his_o make_v his_o kebla_n towards_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o so_o well_o please_v his_o countryman_n he_o turn_v it_o about_o again_o towards_o mecca_n and_o order_v all_o his_o pilgrimage_n thither_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o the_o like_a change_n he_o make_v in_o many_o other_o particular_n according_a as_o he_o find_v his_o interest_n require_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o every_o impostor_n must_v do_v for_o interest_n be_v the_o end_n which_o all_o such_o aim_n at_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o can_v so_o well_o lay_v their_o design_n in_o order_n to_o it_o but_o that_o emerge_a change_n in_o the_o one_o will_v frequent_o require_v change_n in_o the_o other_o also_o but_o jesus_n christ_n never_o make_v the_o least_o alteration_n in_o any_o of_o the_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n which_o he_o deliver_v but_o what_o he_o first_o teach_v both_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n immutable_o persist_v in_o without_o at_o all_o regard_v how_o violent_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n run_v counter_a against_o they_o herein_o and_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o certain_a evidence_n that_o none_o such_o be_v the_o bottom_n which_o they_o be_v build_v upon_o 5._o mahomet_n under_o pain_n of_o death_n forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o dispute_n about_o his_o religion_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o wise_a course_n to_o prevent_v its_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n from_o be_v detect_v and_o expose_v for_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v never_o stand_v the_o trial_n of_o a_o rational_a examination_n they_o must_v all_o have_v soon_o be_v explode_v have_v every_o man_n be_v allow_v the_o free_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o inquire_v into_o they_o but_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n direct_v the_o quite_o contrary_a course_n for_o our_o saviour_n bid_v the_o jew_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o john_n 5._o v_o 39_o and_o the_o noble_a beroean_n be_v commend_v that_o they_o do_v so_o before_o they_o will_v receive_v those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v preach_v unto_o they_o act_v 17._o v_o 11._o and_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o this_o general_a rule_n first_o to_o prove_v or_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o then_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o only_o which_o we_o find_v to_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5._o v._n 21._o it_o be_v only_a error_n and_o falsehood_n that_o desire_v to_o shelter_v itself_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o dare_v not_o expose_v itself_o to_o a_o open_a view_n and_o trial_n but_o truth_n be_v always_o certain_a of_o its_o own_o stability_n make_v use_n of_o no_o art_n to_o support_v itself_o but_o dare_v venture_v itself_o abroad_o on_o its_o own_o foundation_n only_o and_o bold_o offer_v itself_o to_o every_o man_n search_n and_o the_o more_o it_o be_v sift_v and_o examine_v into_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o refulgent_a will_v it_o always_o appear_v and_o since_o christianity_n from_o the_o first_o ever_o take_v this_o course_n as_o it_o still_o do_v wherever_o pure_o profess_v and_o instead_o of_o prohibit_v dispute_n about_o it_o invite_v all_o man_n to_o search_v and_o examine_v thereinto_o this_o sufficient_o argue_v how_o certain_a the_o first_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o that_o no_o cheat_n or_o imposture_n can_v ever_o be_v intend_v thereby_o 6._o mahomet_n make_v choice_n of_o a_o people_n first_o to_o propagate_v his_o imposture_n among_o who_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o fit_v to_o receive_v it_o and_o that_o on_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o indifferency_n which_o they_o be_v then_o grow_v to_o as_o to_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o 2._o because_o of_o the_o great_a ignorance_n they_o be_v in_o of_o all_o manner_n of_o learning_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o first_o vent_v his_o forgery_n among_o they_o there_o be_v then_o but_o only_o one_o man_n among_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o mecca_n that_o can_v either_o write_v or_o read_v for_o who_o be_v more_o fit_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o than_o the_o ignorant_a and_o who_o can_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o receive_v a_o new_a religion_n than_o those_o who_o be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o any_o other_o to_o prejudice_v they_o against_o it_o the_o papist_n who_o next_o mahomet_n have_v the_o great_a claim_n to_o imposture_n as_o to_o those_o error_n which_o they_o teach_v very_o well_o understand_v how_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v to_o be_v serve_v by_o both_o these_o particular_n and_o therefore_o make_v it_o their_o business_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o keep_v their_o own_o people_n in_o ignorance_n and_o pervert_v all_o those_o they_o call_v heretic_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o so_o have_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v again_o to_o receive_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o atheist_n now_o among_o we_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v how_o much_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o this_o their_o hellish_a artifice_n against_o we_o but_o all_o be_v quite_o contrary_a as_o to_o those_o who_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n first_o preach_v our_o holy_a religion_n unto_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o choose_v such_o ignorant_a time_n to_o come_v among_o we_o in_o or_o a_o
still_o keep_v up_o those_o gross_a error_n in_o their_o church_n which_o neither_o reason_n nor_o religion_n can_v ever_o support_v and_o the_o same_o must_v be_v do_v as_o to_o all_o other_o falsity_n impose_v on_o mankind_n before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o firm_a foot_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v only_a force_n and_o violence_n that_o can_v cram_v such_o thing_n down_o man_n throat_n which_o their_o reason_n and_o their_o judgement_n must_v ever_o renounce_v the_o unthinking_a multitude_n may_v for_o a_o while_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o craft_n of_o the_o impostor_n and_o by_o the_o art_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o delusion_n be_v make_v easy_a to_o swallow_v any_o forgery_n that_o shall_v be_v offer_v ●nto_fw-mi they_o but_o when_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o firs●_o zeal_n be_v over_o and_o the_o matter_n come_v to_o be_v examine_v into_o by_o reason_n and_o cool_o scan_v through_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a imposture_n can_v stand_v the_o test_n but_o mu●●_n soon_o be_v lay_v open_a blast_v and_o explode_v thereon_o and_o therefore_o unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o force_n to_o suppress_v this_o inquiry_n and_o have_v power_n on_o its_o side_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o acquiesce_v therein_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o may_v delude_v man_n at_o first_o it_o can_v never_o obtain_v any_o last_a establishment_n among_o they_o and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o the_o impostor_n which_o have_v ever_o yet_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o power_n to_o back_v they_o and_o how_o great_a progress_n soever_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v make_v in_o the_o first_o heat_n they_o have_v all_o at_o length_n be_v detect_v and_o explode_v and_o sink_v to_o nothing_o for_o want_n of_o this_o support_n on_o their_o side_n to_o keep_v they_o up_o for_o nothing_o but_o truth_n can_v of_o itself_o alone_o stand_v the_o test_n of_o age_n upon_o its_o own_o bottom_n only_o falsehood_n and_o error_n be_v too_o weak_a for_o such_o a_o trial_n and_o therefore_o unless_o support_v by_o some_o external_a strength_n and_o fence_v thereby_o against_o all_o assault_n of_o opposer_n they_o must_v necessary_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o again_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o where_o education_n or_o the_o force_n of_o long_o receive_v custom_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o for_o this_o and_o neither_o can_v in_o the_o first_o propagate_a of_o a_o imposture_n there_o the_o sword_n must_v come_v in_o to_o over_o rule_v all_o or_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v be_v establish_v among_o men._n but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n instead_o of_o make_v use_n of_o any_o such_o force_n to_o establish_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o teach_v have_v all_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o spite_n of_o the_o world_n it_o at_o length_n prevail_v over_o the_o world_n by_o the_o dint_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n only_o and_o after_o have_v stand_v the_o assault_n of_o all_o 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