Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n scripture_n sense_n true_a 4,624 5 5.7921 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A48888 The reasonableness of Christianity as delivered in the Scriptures Locke, John, 1632-1704. 1695 (1695) Wing L2751; ESTC R22574 121,736 314

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n london_n print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n 1695._o the_o preface_n the_o little_a satisfaction_n and_o consistency_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o most_o of_o the_o system_n of_o divinity_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o make_v i_o betake_v myself_o to_o the_o sole_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o which_o they_o all_o appeal_v for_o the_o understanding_n the_o christian_a religion_n what_o from_o thence_o by_o a_o attentive_a and_o unbiased_a search_n i_o have_v receive_v reader_n i_o here_o deliver_v to_o thou_o if_o by_o this_o my_o labour_n thou_o receive_v any_o light_n or_o confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n join_v with_o i_o in_o thanks_o to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n for_o his_o condescension_n to_o our_o understand_n if_o upon_o a_o fair_a and_o unprejudiced_a examination_n thou_o find_v i_o have_v mistake_v the_o sense_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o beseech_v thou_o as_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v that_o of_o charity_n and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o sobriety_n set_v i_o right_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n errata_fw-la page_n 35._o line_n 22._o read_v on_o the._n p._n 62._o l._n 26._o r._n bethesda_n p._n 63._o l._n 26._o r._n little_a of_o any_o thing_n p._n 64._o ult_n r._n it_o be_v p._n 65._o l._n 6._o r._n they_o at_o jerusalem_n ibid._n l._n 10_o r._n ing_z in_o that_o place_n p._n 67._o l._n 17._o r._n that_o remain_v p._n 69._o l._n 23._o r._n a_o king_n or_o rather_o messiah_n the_o king_n p._n 75._o l._n 6._o deal_n these_o ibid._n l._n 14._o r._n nor_o 〈◊〉_d p._n 112._o l._n 4._o r._n bethesda_n p._n 161._o l._n 2._o r._n and_o of_o p._n 165._o l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d present_a world_n p._n 194._o l._n 11._o r._n avail_v not_o devil_n p._n 217._o l._n 11._o r._n in_o his_o sermon_n in_o the._n p._n 263._o l._n ●_o r._n before_o observe_v p._n 264._o l._n 24._o r._n custom_n p._n 271._o l._n 2._o r._n apophthegm_n ibid._n l._n 24._o r._n themselves_z and_o deduce_v p._n 282._o l._n 〈◊〉_d r._n no_o touch_n of_o p._n 284._o 1._o 〈◊〉_d confusion_n p._n 287._o l._n 17._o r._n life_n and._n p._n 295._o l._n 22._o r._n the_o apostle_n p._n 203._o l._n 20._o r._n treatise_n p._n 304._o l._n 4._o ●_o abstract_n ibid._n l._n 14._o read_v they_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o one_o who_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o adam_n fall_n to_o understand_v therefore_o what_o we_o be_v restore_v to_o by_o jesus_n christ_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n show_v we_o lose_v by_o adam_n this_o i_o think_v worthy_a of_o a_o diligent_a and_o unbiased_a search_n since_o i_o find_v the_o two_o extreme_n that_o man_n run_v into_o on_o this_o point_n either_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n or_o on_o the_o other_o make_v christianity_n almost_o nothing_o for_o whilst_o some_o man_n will_v have_v all_o adam_n posterity_n doom_v to_o eternal_a infinite_a punishment_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o adam_n who_o million_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o and_o no_o one_o have_v authorize_v to_o transact_v for_o he_o or_o be_v his_o representative_a this_o seem_v to_o other_o so_o little_o consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a and_o infinite_a god_n that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o redemption_n necessary_a and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v none_o rather_o than_o admit_v of_o it_o upon_o a_o supposition_n so_o derogatory_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o attribute_n of_o that_o infinite_a be_v and_o so_o make_v jesus_n christ_n nothing_o but_o the_o restorer_n and_o preacher_n of_o pure_a natural_a religion_n thereby_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o both_o side_n will_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v trespass_v this_o way_n against_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n by_o any_o one_o who_o do_v but_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o collection_n of_o write_n design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o illiterate_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o general_o and_o in_o necessary_a point_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o plain_a direct_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n such_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o speaker_n who_o use_v they_o according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o that_o time_n and_o country_n wherein_o they_o live_v without_o such_o learned_a artificial_a and_o force_v sense_n of_o they_o as_o be_v seek_v out_o and_o put_v upon_o they_o in_o most_o of_o the_o system_n of_o divinity_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n that_o each_o one_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o to_o one_o that_o thus_o unbiased_a read_v the_o scripture_n what_o adam_n fall_v from_o be_v visible_a be_v the_o state_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n which_o be_v call_v justice_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o the_o word_n which_o in_o the_o original_a signify_v justice_n be_v translate_v righteousness_n and_o by_o this_o fall_n he_o lose_v paradise_n wherein_o be_v tranquillity_n and_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n i._n e._n he_o lose_v bliss_n and_o immortality_n the_o penalty_n annex_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o sentence_n pronounce_v by_o god_n upon_o it_o show_v this_o the_o penalty_n stand_v thus_o gen._n ii_o 17._o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v how_o be_v this_o execute_v he_o do_v eat_v but_o in_o the_o day_n he_o do_v eat_v he_o do_v not_o actual_o die_v but_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o paradise_n from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o shut_v out_o for_o ever_o from_o it_o lest_o he_o shall_v take_v thereof_o and_o live_v for_o ever_o this_o show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o paradise_n be_v a_o state_n of_o immortality_n of_o life_n without_o end_n which_o he_o lose_v that_o very_a day_n that_o he_o eat_v his_o life_n begin_v from_o thence_o to_o shorten_v and_o waste_v and_o to_o have_v a_o end_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o his_o actual_a death_n be_v but_o like_o the_o time_n of_o a_o prisoner_n between_o the_o sentence_n past_a and_o the_o execution_n which_o be_v in_o view_n and_o certain_a death_n then_o enter_v and_o show_v his_o face_n which_o before_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o not_o know_v so_o st._n paul_n rom._n v._n 12._o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n i._n e._n a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o mortality_n and_o 1_o cor._n xv._n 22._o in_o adam_n all_o die_n i._n e._n by_o reason_n of_o his_o transgression_n all_o man_n be_v mortal_a and_o come_v to_o die_v this_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o these_o cite_a place_n and_o so_o much_o the_o current_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o death_n come_v on_o all_o man_n by_o adam_n sin_n only_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n death_n for_o some_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o gild_n wherein_o not_o only_o he_o but_o all_o his_o posterity_n be_v so_o involve_v that_o every_o one_o descend_v of_o he_o deserve_v endless_a torment_n in_o hell-fire_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o more_o here_o how_o far_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o man_n this_o consist_v with_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v mention_v it_o above_o but_o it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o understand_v a_o law_n which_o require_v the_o plain_a and_o direct_v word_n that_o by_o death_n shall_v be_v mean_v eternal_a life_n in_o misery_n can_v any_o one_o be_v suppose_v by_o a_o law_n that_o say_v for_o felony_n you_o shall_v die_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v lose_v his_o life_n but_o be_v keep_v alive_a in_o perpetual_a exquisite_a torment_n and_o will_v any_o one_o think_v himself_o fair_o deal_v with_o that_o be_v so_o use_v to_o this_o they_o will_v have_v it_o be_v also_o a_o state_n of_o necessary_a sin_v and_o provoke_a god_n in_o every_o action_n that_o man_n do_v a_o yet_o hard_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n death_n than_o the_o other_o god_n say_v that_o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n thou_o shall_v die_v i._n e._n thou_o and_o thy_o posterity_n shall_v be_v ever_o after_o uncapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v sinful_a and_o provoke_a to_o i_o and_o shall_v just_o deserve_v my_o wrath_n and_o
true_a god_n our_o saviour_n find_v the_o world_n but_o the_o clear_a revelation_n he_o bring_v with_o he_o dissipate_v this_o darkness_n make_v the_o one_o invisible_a true_a god_n know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o with_o such_o evidence_n and_o energy_n that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v no_o where_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o but_o where_o ever_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o truth_n he_o deliver_v and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v come_v those_o mist_n have_v be_v dispel_v and_o in_o effect_n we_o see_v that_o since_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n have_v prevail_v and_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o even_o to_o the_o light_n that_o the_o messiah_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o we_o must_v ascribe_v the_o own_n and_o profession_n of_o one_o god_n which_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n have_v derive_v and_o borrow_v from_o it_o so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v certain_o and_o manifest_o true_a of_o our_o saviour_n what_o st._n john_n say_v of_o he_o i_o john_n iii_o 8._o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o light_n the_o world_n need_v and_o this_o light_n it_o receive_v from_o he_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o he_o eternal_a invisible_a not_o like_a to_o any_o visible_a object_n nor_o to_o be_v represent_v by_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v whether_o the_o revelation_n to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o moses_n do_v not_o teach_v this_o and_o why_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o the_o answer_n be_v obvious_a that_o however_o clear_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o invisible_a god_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o yet_o that_o revelation_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o little_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n among_o a_o people_n by_o that_o very_a law_n which_o they_o receive_v with_o it_o exclude_v from_o a_o commerce_n and_o communication_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o gentile_a world_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o several_a age_n before_o can_v have_v no_o attestation_n of_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o the_o hebrew_n build_v their_o faith_n but_o from_o the_o jew_n themselves_o a_o people_n not_o know_v to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n contemn_v and_o think_v vile_o of_o by_o those_o nation_n that_o do_v know_v they_o and_o therefore_o very_o unfit_a and_o unable_a to_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o one_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o diffuse_v it_o through_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o that_o ancient_a revelation_n upon_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o but_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o come_v throw_v down_o this_o wall_n of_o partition_n and_o do_v not_o confine_v his_o miracle_n or_o message_n to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n or_o the_o worshipper_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o he_o himself_o preach_v at_o samaria_n and_o do_v miracle_n in_o the_o border_n of_o tyre_n and_o sydon_n and_o before_o multitude_n of_o people_n gather_v from_o all_o quarter_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n send_v his_o apostle_n among_o the_o nation_n accompany_v with_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v in_o all_o part_n so_o frequent_o and_o before_o so_o many_o witness_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o broad_a daylight_n that_o as_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v never_o dare_v to_o deny_v they_o no_o not_o julian_n himself_o who_o neither_o want_v skill_n nor_o power_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n nor_o will_v have_v fail_v to_o have_v proclaim_v and_o expose_v it_o if_o he_o can_v have_v detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o find_v the_o least_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n publish_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o number_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o follower_n by_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o truth_n bear_v down_o this_o mighty_a and_o accomplish_a emperor_n and_o all_o his_o part_n in_o his_o own_o dominion_n he_o dare_v not_o deny_v so_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v grant_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o mission_n unavoidable_o follow_v notwithstanding_o whatsoever_o artful_a suggestion_n his_o wit_n can_v invent_v or_o malice_n shall_v offer_v to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n maker_n of_o all_o thing_n a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v want_v to_o mankind_n this_o part_n of_o knowledge_n though_o cultivate_v with_o some_o care_n by_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n yet_o get_v little_a foot_n among_o the_o people_n all_o man_n indeed_o under_o pain_n of_o displease_v the_o god_n be_v to_o frequent_v the_o temple_n every_o one_o go_v to_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n but_o the_o priest_n make_v it_o not_o their_o business_n to_o teach_v they_o virtue_n if_o they_o be_v diligent_a in_o their_o observation_n and_o ceremony_n punctual_a in_o their_o feast_n and_o solemnity_n and_o the_o trick_n of_o religion_n the_o holy_a tribe_n assure_v they_o the_o god_n be_v please_v and_o they_o look_v no_o far_o few_o go_v to_o the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_a in_o their_o action_n the_o priest_n sell_v the_o better_a pennyworth_n and_o therefore_o have_v all_o the_o custom_n lustration_n and_o procession_n be_v much_o easy_a than_o a_o clean_a conscience_n and_o a_o steady_a course_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n that_o atone_v for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v much_o more_o convenient_a than_o a_o strict_a and_o holy_a life_n no_o wonder_n then_o that_o religion_n be_v every_o where_o distinguish_v from_o and_o prefer_v to_o virtue_n and_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a heresy_n and_o profaneness_n to_o think_v the_o contrary_n so_o much_o virtue_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o hold_v society_n together_o and_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o quiet_a of_o government_n the_o civil_a law_n of_o commonwealth_n teach_v and_o force_v upon_o man_n that_o live_v under_o magistrate_n but_o these_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v by_o such_o who_o have_v no_o other_o aim_n but_o their_o own_o power_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o those_o thing_n that_o will_v serve_v to_o tie_v man_n together_o in_o subjection_n or_o at_o most_o be_v direct_o to_o conduce_v to_o the_o prosperity_n and_o temporal_a happiness_n of_o any_o people_n but_o natural_a religion_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n be_v no_o where_o that_o i_o know_v take_v care_n of_o by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a reason_n it_o shall_v seem_v by_o the_o little_a that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v do_v in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o thing_n for_o unassisted_a reason_n to_o establish_v morality_n in_o all_o its_o part_n upon_o its_o true_a foundation_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o convince_a light_n and_o it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o sure_a and_o short_a way_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o mass_n of_o mankind_n that_o one_o manifest_o send_v from_o god_n and_o come_v with_o visible_a authority_n from_o he_o shall_v as_o a_o king_n and_o lawmaker_n tell_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o require_v their_o obedience_n than_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o long_a and_o sometime_o intricate_a deduction_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v out_o to_o they_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v neither_o leisure_n to_o weigh_v nor_o for_o want_v of_o education_n and_o use_v skill_n to_o judge_n of_o we_o see_v how_o unsuccessful_a in_o this_o the_o attempt_n of_o philosopher_n be_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n how_o short_a their_o several_a system_n come_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o true_a and_o complete_a morality_n be_v very_o visible_a and_o if_o since_o that_o the_o christian_a philosopher_n have_v much_o outdo_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o have_v add_v be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n though_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v hear_v and_o consider_v they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v contradict_v every_o one_o may_v observe_v a_o great_a many_o truth_n which_o he_o receive_v at_o first_o from_o other_o and_o ready_o assent_v to_o as_o consonant_a to_o reason_n which_o he_o will_v have_v find_v it_o hard_o and_o perhaps_o beyond_o his_o strength_n to_o have_v discover_v himself_o native_a and_o original_a truth_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o wrought_v out_o of_o the_o mine_n as_o we_o who_o have_v it_o deliver_v ready_a dug_n and_o fashion_v into_o our_o hand_n be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v and_o how_o often_o at_o fifty_o or_o threescore_o year_n
christ_n of_o nazareth_n who_o you_o crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n i._n e._n the_o lame_a man_n restore_v by_o peter_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a this_o be_v the_o stone_n which_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o by_o you_o builder_n which_o be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n in_o which_o we_o must_v be_v save_v which_o in_o short_a be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o only_a true_a messiah_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o person_n but_o he_o give_v to_o be_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o who_o name_n we_o may_v ask_v and_o hope_v for_o salvation_n it_o will_v here_o possible_o be_v ask_v quorsum_fw-la perditio_fw-la hoec_fw-la what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o a_o saviour_n what_o advantage_n have_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v the_o fitness_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o have_v do_v it_o whereof_o our_o narrow_a understanding_n and_o short_a view_n may_v utter_o incapacitate_v we_o to_o judge_v we_o know_v little_a of_o this_o visible_a and_o nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o intellectual_a world_n wherein_o be_v infinite_a number_n and_o degree_n of_o spirit_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o ken_n or_o guess_v and_o therefore_o know_v not_o what_o transaction_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o kingdom_n we_o know_v not_o what_o need_n there_o be_v to_o set_v up_o a_o head_n and_o a_o chieftain_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o there_o be_v more_o than_o obscure_a intimation_n in_o scripture_n and_o we_o shall_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v call_v god_n wisdom_n or_o providence_n to_o account_n and_o pert_o condemn_v for_o needless_a all_o that_o that_o our_o weak_a and_o perhaps_o biaff_v understand_n can_v account_v for_o though_o this_o general_a answer_n be_v reply_n enough_o to_o the_o forementioned_a demand_n and_o such_o as_o a_o rational_a man_n or_o fair_a searcher_n after_o truth_n will_v acquiesce_v in_o yet_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v show_v itself_o so_o visible_o to_o common_a apprehension_n that_o it_o have_v furnish_v we_o abundant_o wherewithal_o to_o satisfy_v the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a who_o will_v not_o take_v a_o blessing_n unless_o they_o be_v instruct_v what_o need_n they_o have_v of_o it_o and_o why_o it_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o great_a and_o many_o advantage_n we_o receive_v by_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n the_o messiah_n will_v show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o need_n that_o he_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n mission_n from_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a in_o the_o multitude_n of_o miracle_n he_o do_v before_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n which_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n have_v so_o order_v that_o they_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o of_o the_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o christianity_n that_o what_o he_o deliver_v can_v but_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o unquestionable_a verity_n though_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o every_o part_n of_o they_o sufficient_o evidence_n a_o deity_n yet_o the_o world_n make_v so_o little_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o see_v he_o not_o where_o even_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o himself_o he_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v find_v sense_n and_o lust_n blind_v their_o mind_n in_o some_o and_o a_o careless_a inadvertency_n in_o other_o and_o fearful_a apprehension_n in_o most_o who_o either_o believe_v there_o be_v or_o can_v not_o but_o suspect_v there_o may_v be_v superior_a unknown_a being_n give_v they_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o priest_n to_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o false_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o their_o worship_n with_o foolish_a rite_n as_o they_o please_v and_o what_o dread_a or_o craft_n once_o begin_v devotion_n soon_o make_v sacred_a and_o religion_n immutable_a in_o this_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n vice_n and_o superstition_n hold_v the_o world_n nor_o can_v any_o help_n be_v have_v or_o hope_v for_o from_o reason_n which_o can_v not_o be_v hear_v and_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n the_o priest_n every_o where_o to_o secure_v their_o empire_n have_v exclude_v reason_n from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o wrong_a notion_n and_o invent_v rite_n the_o world_n have_v almost_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o one_o only_o true_a god_n the_o rational_a and_o think_v part_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v true_a when_o they_o seek_v after_o he_o find_v the_o one_o supreme_a invisible_a god_n but_o if_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v he_o it_o be_v only_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o keep_v this_o truth_n lock_v up_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n as_o a_o secret_a nor_o ever_o dare_v venture_v it_o among_o the_o people_n much_o less_o among_o the_o priest_n those_o wary_a guardian_n of_o their_o own_o creed_n and_o profitable_a invention_n hence_o we_o see_v that_o reason_n speak_v never_o so_o clear_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a have_v never_o authority_n enough_o to_o prevail_v on_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o persuade_v the_o society_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n that_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v own_v and_o worship_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n be_v the_o national_a religion_n of_o the_o israelite_n alone_o and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o it_o be_v introduce_v and_o support_v among_o that_o people_n by_o revelation_n they_o be_v in_o goshen_n and_o have_v light_a whilst_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o almost_o egyptian_a darkness_n without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v quick_a part_n or_o improve_v they_o more_o that_o have_v a_o great_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o follow_v it_o far_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o speculation_n than_o the_o athenian_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v but_o one_o socrates_n among_o they_o that_o oppose_v and_o laugh_v at_o their_o polytheism_n and_o wrong_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o we_o see_v how_o they_o reward_v he_o for_o it_o whatsoever_o plato_n and_o the_o sober_a of_o the_o philosopher_n think_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o the_o one_o god_n they_o be_v fain_o in_o their_o outward_a profession_n and_o worship_n to_o go_v with_o the_o herd_n and_o keep_v to_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o law_n which_o what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o have_v dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o these_o know_v and_o quick-sighted_a grecian_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o act_v xvii_o 22-29_a you_o man_n of_o athens_n say_v he_o i_o perceive_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o be_v too_o superstitious_a for_o as_o i_o pass_v by_o and_o behold_v your_o devotion_n i_o find_v a_o altar_n with_o this_o inscription_n to_o the_o unknown_a god._n who_o therefore_o you_o ignorant_o worship_n he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o see_v that_o he_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n dwell_v not_o in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n neither_o be_v worship_v with_o man_n hand_n as_o though_o he_o need_v nay_o thing_n see_v he_o give_v unto_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v determine_v the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n that_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n if_o haply_o they_o may_v feel_v he_o out_o and_o find_v he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o here_o he_o tell_v the_o athenian_n that_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n give_v up_o to_o superstition_n whatever_o light_n there_o be_v in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o true_a god_n yet_o they_o few_o of_o they_o find_v he_o he_o be_v every_o where_o near_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o like_o people_n grope_v and_o feel_n for_o something_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o do_v not_o see_v he_o with_o a_o full_a clear_a daylight_n but_o think_v the_o godhead_n like_v to_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o stone_n grave_v by_o art_n and_o man_n device_n in_o this_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o error_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o
old_a be_v think_v man_n tell_v what_o they_o wonder_v how_o they_o can_v miss_v think_v of_o which_o yet_o their_o own_o contemplation_n do_v not_o and_o possible_o never_o will_v have_v help_v they_o to_o experience_n show_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o morality_n by_o mere_a natural_a light_n how_o agreeable_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o it_o make_v but_o a_o flow_n progress_n and_o little_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v find_v in_o man_n necessity_n passion_n vice_n and_o mistake_v interest_n which_o turn_v their_o thought_n another_o way_n and_o the_o design_v leader_n as_o well_o as_o follow_a herd_n find_v it_o not_o to_o their_o purpose_n to_o employ_v much_o of_o their_o meditation_n this_o way_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v the_o cause_n it_o be_v plain_a in_o fact_n humane_a reason_n unassisted_a fail_v man_n in_o its_o great_a and_o proper_a business_n of_o morality_n it_o never_o from_o unquestionable_a principle_n by_o clear_a deduction_n make_v out_o a_o entire_a body_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v collect_v all_o the_o moral_a rule_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v find_v they_o to_o come_v short_a of_o the_o morality_n deliver_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o teach_v by_o his_o apostle_n a_o college_n make_v up_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o ignorant_a but_o inspire_v fisherman_n though_o yet_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v that_o out_o of_o the_o say_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n there_o may_v be_v a_o collection_n make_v of_o all_o those_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_a but_o that_o the_o world_n nevertheless_o stand_v as_o much_o in_o need_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o morality_n deliver_v by_o he_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v though_o not_o true_a that_o all_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v know_v by_o some_o body_n or_o other_o among_o mankind_n before_o but_o where_o or_o how_o or_o of_o what_o use_n be_v not_o consider_v suppose_v they_o may_v be_v pick_v up_o here_o and_o there_o some_o from_o solon_n and_o bias_n in_o greece_n other_o from_o tully_n in_o italy_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o work_n let_v confutius_n as_o far_o as_o china_n be_v consult_v and_o anacarsis_n the_o scythian_a contribute_v his_o share_n what_o will_v all_o this_o do_v to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o complete_a morality_n that_o may_v be_v to_o mankind_n the_o unquestionable_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n i_o will_v not_o here_o urge_v the_o impossibility_n of_o collect_v from_o man_n so_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o in_o time_n and_o place_n and_o language_n i_o will_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o stobeus_n in_o those_o time_n who_o have_v gather_v the_o moral_a say_n from_o all_o the_o sage_n of_o the_o world_n what_o will_v this_o amount_v to_o towards_o be_v a_o steady_a rule_n a_o certain_a transcript_n of_o a_o law_n that_o we_o be_v under_o do_v the_o say_n of_o aristippus_n or_o confutius_n give_v it_o a_o authority_n be_v zeno_n a_o lawgiver_n to_o mankind_n if_o not_o what_o he_o or_o any_o other_o philosopher_n deliver_v be_v but_o a_o say_n of_o he_o mankind_n may_v hearken_v to_o it_o or_o reject_v it_o as_o they_o please_v or_o as_o it_o suit_v their_o interest_n passion_n principle_n or_o humour_n they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n the_o opinion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o philosopher_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n and_o if_o it_o be_v you_o must_v take_v all_o he_o say_v under_o the_o same_o character_n all_o his_o dictate_v must_v go_v for_o law_n certain_a and_o true_a or_o none_o of_o they_o and_o then_o if_o you_o will_v take_v any_o of_o the_o moral_a say_n of_o epicurus_n many_o whereof_o seneca_n quote_v with_o esteem_n and_o approbation_n for_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n you_o must_v take_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o doctrine_n for_o such_o too_o or_o else_o his_o authority_n cease_v and_o so_o no_o more_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v from_o he_o or_o any_o of_o the_o sage_n of_o old_a for_o part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o obligation_n to_o be_v obey_v but_o what_o they_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o such_o a_o body_n of_o ethic_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o reach_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o life_n i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v say_v the_o world_n have_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o there_o be_v up_o and_o down_o scatter_a saying_n of_o wise_a man_n conformable_a to_o right_a reason_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o law_n of_o convenience_n too_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o man_n of_o part_n and_o studious_a of_o virtue_n who_o have_v occasion_n to_o think_v on_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o it_o shall_v by_o meditation_n light_n on_o the_o right_n even_o from_o the_o observable_a convenience_n and_o beauty_n of_o it_o without_o make_v out_o its_o obligation_n from_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o foundation_n of_o morality_n but_o these_o incoherent_a apohtegm_n of_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n however_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o well_o intend_v by_o they_o can_v never_o make_v a_o morality_n whereof_o the_o world_n can_v be_v convince_v and_o with_o certainty_n depend_v on_o whatsoever_o shall_v thus_o be_v universal_o useful_a as_o a_o standard_n to_o which_o man_n shall_v conform_v their_o manner_n must_v have_v its_o authority_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v not_o every_o writer_n of_o moral_n or_o compiler_n of_o it_o from_o other_o that_o can_v thereby_o be_v erect_v into_o a_o lawgiver_n to_o mankind_n and_o a_o dictator_n of_o rule_n which_o be_v therefore_o valid_a because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n under_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o or_o that_o philosopher_n he_o that_o any_o one_o will_v pretend_v to_o set_v up_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o have_v his_o rule_n pass_v for_o authentic_a direction_n must_v show_v that_o either_o he_o build_v his_o doctrine_n upon_o principle_n of_o reason_n self-evident_a in_o themselves_o or_o that_o he_o deduce_v all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o thence_o by_o clear_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n or_o must_v show_v his_o commission_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o come_v with_o authority_n from_o god_n to_o deliver_v his_o will_n and_o command_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o former_a way_n no_o body_n that_o i_o know_v before_o our_o saviour_n time_n ever_o do_v or_o go_v about_o to_o give_v we_o a_o morality_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o who_o be_v there_o that_o ever_o do_v or_o undertake_v to_o give_v it_o we_o all_o entire_a as_o a_o law_n no_o more_o nor_o no_o less_o than_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o and_o have_v the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n who_o ever_o make_v out_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o put_v they_o together_o and_o show_v the_o world_n their_o obligation_n where_o be_v there_o any_o such_o code_n that_o mankind_n may_v have_v recourse_n to_o as_o their_o unerring_a rule_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n if_o there_o be_v not_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v need_n of_o one_o to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o morality_n such_o a_o law_n which_o may_v be_v the_o sure_a guide_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o go_v right_a and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n need_v not_o mistake_v their_o duty_n but_o may_v be_v certain_a when_o they_o have_v perform_v when_o fail_v in_o it_o such_o a_o law_n of_o morality_n jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o by_o the_o late_a of_o these_o way_n by_o revelation_n we_o have_v from_o he_o a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n for_o our_o direction_n and_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o reason_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o obligation_n of_o its_o precept_n have_v its_o force_n and_o be_v put_v past_o doubt_n to_o we_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o mission_n he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n his_o miracle_n show_v it_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o his_o precept_n can_v be_v question_v here_o morality_n have_v a_o sure_a standard_n that_o revelation_n vouch_v and_o reason_n can_v gainsay_v nor_o question_n but_o both_o together_o witness_v to_o come_v from_o god_n the_o great_a lawmaker_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o think_v the_o world_n never_o have_v nor_o can_v any_o one_o say_v be_v any_o where_o else_o to_o be_v find_v let_v i_o ask_v any_o one_o who_o be_v forward_o to_o
in_o their_o duty_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o do_v they_o than_o by_o reason_v with_o they_o from_o general_a notion_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o humane_a life_n clear_o demonstrate_v yet_o i_o conclude_v when_o well_o consider_v that_o method_n of_o teach_v man_n their_o duty_n will_v be_v think_v proper_a only_o for_o a_o few_o who_o have_v much_o leisure_n improve_v understanding_n and_o be_v use_v to_o abstract_n reason_v but_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n be_v best_a still_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o heal_n of_o the_o sick_a the_o restore_a sight_n to_o the_o blind_a by_o a_o word_n the_o raise_n and_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o can_v without_o difficulty_n conceive_v and_o that_o he_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n must_v do_v they_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n these_o thing_n lie_v level_a to_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n he_o that_o can_v distinguish_v between_o sick_a and_o well_o lame_a and_o sound_a dead_a and_o alive_a be_v capable_a of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o one_o who_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o a_o saviour_n of_o those_o who_o do_v believe_v in_o he_o all_o his_o command_n become_v principle_n there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v but_o that_o he_o say_v it_o and_o then_o there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o read_v the_o inspire_a book_n to_o be_v instruct_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n lie_v there_o clear_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o here_o i_o appeal_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o sure_a the_o safe_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o teach_v especial_o if_o we_o add_v this_o far_a consideration_n that_o as_o it_o suit_v the_o low_a capacity_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o it_o reach_v and_o satisfy_v nay_o enlighten_v the_o high_a and_o the_o most_o elevate_a understanding_n can_v but_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o divine_a which_o come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o company_n of_o illiterate_a man_n have_v not_o only_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n but_o reason_n to_o confirm_v it_o since_o they_o deliver_v no_o precept_n but_o such_o as_o though_o reason_n of_o itself_o have_v not_o clear_o make_v out_o yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o assent_v to_o when_o thus_o discover_v and_o think_v itself_o indebt_v for_o the_o discovery_n the_o credit_n and_o authority_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v tempt_v they_o not_o to_o mix_v as_o we_o find_v in_o that_o of_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o other_o religion_n any_o conceit_n any_o wrong_a rule_n any_o thing_n tend_v to_o their_o own_o by-interest_n or_o that_o of_o a_o party_n in_o their_o morality_n no_o tang_n of_o prepossession_n or_o fancy_n no_o footstep_n of_o pride_n or_o vanity_n ostentation_n or_o ambition_n appear_v to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o it_o be_v all_o pure_a all_o sincere_a nothing_o too_o much_o nothing_o want_v but_o such_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o life_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n must_v acknowledge_v tend_v entire_o to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o that_o all_o will_v be_v happy_a if_o all_o will_v practice_v it_o 3._o the_o outward_a form_n of_o worship_v the_o deity_n want_v a_o reformation_n stately_a building_n costly_a ornament_n peculiar_a and_o uncouth_a habit_n and_o a_o numerous_a huddle_n of_o pompous_a fantastical_a cumbersome_a ceremony_n every_o where_o attend_v divine_a worship_n this_o as_o it_o have_v the_o peculiar_a name_n so_o it_o be_v think_v the_o principal_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n nor_o can_v this_o possible_o be_v amend_v whilst_o the_o jewish_a ritual_n stand_v and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o mix_v with_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n to_o this_o also_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o infinite_a invisible_a supreme_a spirit_n bring_v a_o remedy_n in_o a_o plain_a spiritual_a and_o suitable_a worship_n jesus_n say_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o yet_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n but_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n both_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_n to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n with_o application_n of_o mind_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n be_v what_o god_n henceforth_o only_o require_v magnificent_a temple_n and_o confinement_n to_o certain_a place_n be_v now_o no_o long_o necessary_a for_o his_o worship_n which_o by_o a_o pure_a heart_n may_v be_v perform_v any_o where_o the_o splendour_n and_o distinction_n of_o habit_n and_o pomp_n of_o ceremony_n and_o all_o outside_n performance_n may_v now_o be_v spare_v god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o make_v know_v to_o be_v so_o require_v none_o of_o those_o but_o the_o spirit_n only_o and_o that_o in_o public_a assembly_n where_o some_o action_n must_v lie_v open_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n all_o that_o can_v appear_v and_o be_v see_v shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o to_o edification_n decency_n order_n and_o edification_n be_v to_o regulate_v all_o their_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n and_o beyond_o what_o these_o require_v the_o outward_a appearance_n which_o be_v of_o little_a value_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o go_v have_v shut_v out_o indecency_n and_o confusion_n out_o of_o their_o assembly_n they_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a about_o useless_a ceremony_n praise_n and_o prayer_n humble_o offer_v up_o to_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o worship_n he_o now_o demand_v and_o in_o these_o every_o one_o be_v to_o look_v after_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o god_n have_v regard_n to_o and_o accept_v 4._o another_o great_a advantage_n receive_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o great_a encouragement_n he_o bring_v to_o a_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a life_n great_a enough_o to_o surmount_v the_o difficulty_n and_o obstacle_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o reward_v the_o pain_n and_o hardship_n of_o those_o who_o stick_v firm_a to_o their_o duty_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o portion_n of_o the_o righteous_a have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n take_v notice_n of_o to_o be_v pretty_a scanty_a in_o this_o world_n virtue_n and_o prosperity_n do_v not_o often_o accompany_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o virtue_n seldom_o have_v many_o follower_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n she_o prevail_v not_o much_o in_o a_o state_n where_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v she_o be_v visible_a and_o at_o hand_n and_o the_o reward_n doubtful_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n mankind_n who_o be_v and_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o pursue_v their_o happiness_n nay_o can_v be_v hinder_v can_v not_o but_o think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o rule_n which_o appear_v so_o little_a to_o consist_v with_o their_o chief_a end_n happiness_n whilst_o they_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o they_o have_v little_a evidence_n and_o security_n of_o another_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v have_v argue_v the_o other_o way_n and_o conclude_v that_o because_o the_o good_a be_v most_o of_o they_o ill_o treat_v here_o there_o be_v another_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o better_a usage_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v not_o their_o thought_n of_o another_o life_n be_v at_o best_a obscure_a and_o their_o expectation_n uncertain_a of_o manes_n and_o ghost_n and_o the_o shade_n of_o depart_a man_n there_o be_v some_o talk_n but_o little_a certain_a and_o less_o mind_v they_o have_v the_o name_n of_o styx_n and_o acheron_n of_o elysian_a field_n and_o seat_n of_o the_o bless_a but_o they_o have_v they_o general_o from_o their_o poet_n mix_v with_o their_o fable_n and_o so_o they_o look_v more_o like_o the_o invention_n of_o wit_n and_o ornament_n of_o poetry_n than_o the_o serious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o the_o sober_a they_o come_v to_o they_o bundle_v up_o among_o their_o tale_n and_o for_o tale_n they_o take_v they_o and_o that_o which_o render_v they_o more_o suspect_v and_o less_o useful_a to_o virtue_n be_v that_o the_o philosopher_n seldom_o set_v on_o their_o rule_n on_o man_n mind_n and_o practice_n by_o consideration_n of_o another_o life_n the_o chief_a of_o their_o argument_n be_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o high_a they_o general_o go_v be_v the_o exalt_v of_o humane_a