<P_28>

I have now made the Decription of his former Life , and Principles , as
fully as I thought necessary , to answer my end in Writing : And yet
with those reserves , that I hope I have given no just cause of offence
to any . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,28.2)

I have said nothing but what I had from his own mouth ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,28.3)

and have avoided the mentioning of the more particular Passages of his
<P_29> life , of which he told me not a few : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,29.4)

But since others were concerned in them , whose good only I design , I
will say nothing that may either provoke or blemish them .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,29.5)

It is their Reformation , and not their Disgrace , I desire :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,29.6)

This tender consideration of others has made me suppress many
remarkable and useful things he told me : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,29.7)

But finding that though I should name none , yet I must at least Relate
such Circumstances , as would give too great Occasion for the <font>
Reader </font> to conjecture concerning the Persons intended right or
wrong , either of which were inconvenient enough , I have chosen to
pass them quite over . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,29.8)

But I hope those that know how much they were <P_30> engaged with him
in his ill Courses , will be somewhat touched with this tenderness I
express toward them : and be thereby the rather induced to reflect on
their Ways , and to consider without prejudice or passion what sense
this Noble Lord had of their case , when he came at last seriously to
reflect upon his own . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,30.9)

I now turn to those parts of this <font> Narrative </font> , wherein I
my self bore some share , and which I am to deliver upon the
Observations I made , after a long and free conversation with him for
some months . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,30.10)

I was not long in his Company , when he told me , He should treat me
with more freedom than he had ever used to men of my Profession .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,30.11)

He would conceal <P_31> none of his Principles from me , but lay his
thoughts open without any Disguise ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,31.12)

nor would he do it to maintain Debate , or shew his Wit , but plainly
tell me what stuck with him ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,31.13)

and protested to me , That he was not so engaged to his old Maxims , as
to resolve not to change , but that if he could be convinc'd , he would
choose rather to be of another mind ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,31.14)

He said , He would impartially Weigh what I should lay before him , and
tell me freely when it did convince him , and when it did not .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,31.15)

He expressed this disposition of mind to me in a manner so frank , that
I could not but believe him , and be much taken with his way of
Discourse : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,31.16)

So we entred into almost all the parts of Natural <P_32> and Revealed
Religion , and of Morality . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,32.17)

He seemed pleased , and in a great measure satified {COM:sic} , with
what I said upon many of these Heads : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,32.18)

And though our freest Conversation was when we were alone , yet upon
several Occasions , other persons were Witnesses to it .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,32.19)

I understood from many hands that my Company was not distastful to him
, and that the Subjects about which we talked most were not
unacceptable : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,32.20)

and he expressed himself often , not ill pleased with many things I
said to him , and particularly when I visited him in his last Sickness
, so that I hope it may not be altogether unprofitable to publish the
substance of those matters about which We argued so freely , with our
reasoning upon <P_33> them : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.21)

And perhaps what had some effects on him , may be not altogether
ineffectual upon others . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.22)

I followed him with such Arguments as I saw were most likely to prevail
with him : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.23)

and my not urging other Reasons , proceeded not from any distrust I had
of their force , but from the necessity of using those that were most
proper for him . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.24)

He was then in a low state of health , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.25)

and seemed to be slowly recovering of a great Disease :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.26)

He was in the Milk-diet , and apt to fall into Hectical-Fits ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.27)

any accident weakened him ; so that he thought he could not live long ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.28)

and when he went from <font> London </font> , he said , He believed he
should never come to Town more . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,33.29)

Yet during his being in Town <P_34> he was so well , that he went often
abroad , and had great Vivacity of Spirit . So that he was under no
such decay , as either darkened or weakened his Understanding ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,34.30)

Nor was he any way troubled with the Spleen , or Vapours , or under the
power of Melancholy . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,34.31)

What he was then , compared to what he had been formerly , I could not
so well judge , who had seen him but twice before .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,34.32)

Others have told me they perceived no difference in his parts .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,34.33)

This I mention more particularly , that it may not be thought that
Melancholy , or the want of Spirits , made him more inclined to receive
any impressions : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,34.34)

for indeed I never discovered any such thing in him .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,34.35)

<P_35>

Having thus opened the way to the Heads of our Discourse , I shall next
mention them . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,35.37)

The <font> three </font> chief things We talked about , were <font>
Morality , Natural Religion </font> and <font> Revealed Religion ,
Christianity </font> in particular . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,35.38)

For <font> Morality , </font> he confessed , He saw the necessity of it
, both for the Government of the World , and for the preservation of
Health , Life and Friendship : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,35.39)

and was very much ashamed of his former Practices , rather because he
had made himself a Beast , and had brought pain and sickness on his
Body , and had suffered much in his Reputation , than from any deep
sense of a Supream Being , or another State : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,35.40)

But so far this went with him , that he resolved firmly to change the
Course of <P_36> his Life ; which he thought he should effect by the
study of <font> Philosophy </font> , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,36.41)

and had not a few no less solid than pleasant Notions concerning the
folly and madness of Vice ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,36.42)

but he confessed he had no remorse for his past Actions , as Offences
against God , but only as Injuries to himself and to Mankind .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,36.43)

Upon this Subject I shewed him the Defects of <font> Philosophy </font>
, for reforming the World : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,36.44)

That it was a matter of Speculation , which but few either-1 had the
leisure , or the capacity to enquire into . But the Principle that must
reform Mankind , must be obvious to every Mans Understanding .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,36.45)

That <font> Philosophy </font> in matters of Morality , beyond the
great lines of our Duty , had no very certain fixed <P_37> Rule , but
in the lesser Offices and Instances of our Duty went much by the
Fancies of Men , and Customs of Nations ; and consequently could not
have Authority enough to bear down the Propensities of Nature ,
Appetite or Passion : For which I instanced in these two Points ; the
<font> One </font> was , About that <font> Maxim </font> of the <font>
Stoicks </font> , to extirpate all sort of Passion and concern for any
thing . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,37.46)

That , take it by one hand , seemed desireable , because if it could be
accomplish'd , it would make all the accidents of life easie ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,37.47)

but I think it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} , because Nature after all our
striving against it , will still return to it self :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,37.48)

Yet on the other hand it dissolved the Bonds of Nature and Friendship ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,37.49)

and slackened Industry <P_38> which will move but dully , without an
inward heat : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,38.50)

And if it delivered a man from many Troubles , it deprived him of the
chief pleasures of Life , which rise from Friendship .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,38.51)

The <font> other </font> was concerning the restraint of pleasure , how
far that was to go . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,38.52)

Upon this he told me the two <font> Maxims </font> of his <font>
Morality </font> then were , that he should do nothing to the hurt of
any other , or that might prejudice his own health :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,38.53)

And he thought that all pleasure , when it did not interfere , with
these , was to be indulged as the gratification of our natural
Appetites . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,38.54)

It seemed unreasonable to imagine these were put into a man only to be
restrained , or curbed to such a narrowness : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,38.55)

This he applied to the <P_39> free use of Wine and Women .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,39.56)

To this I answered , That if Appetites being Natural , was an Argument
for the indulging them , then the revengeful might as well alledge it
for Murder , and the Covetous for Stealing ; whose Appetites are no
less keen on those Objects ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,39.57)

and yet it is acknowledg'd that these Appetites ought to be curb'd .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,39.58)

If the difference is urged from the Injury that another Person receives
, the Injury is as great , if a Mans Wife is defiled , or his Daughter
corrupted : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,39.59)

and it is impossible for a man to let his Appetites loose to Vagrant
Lusts , and not to transgress in these particulars :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,39.60)

So there was no curing the disorders , that must rise from <P_40>
thence but by regulating these Appetites : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,40.61)

And why should we not as well think that God intended our bruitish and
sensual Appetites should be governed by our Reason , as that the
fierceness of Beasts should be managed and tamed , by the Wisdom , and
for the use of Man ? So that it is no real absurdity to grant that
Appetites were put into Men , on purpose to exercise their Reason in
the Restraint and Government of them : which to be able to do ,
ministers a higher and more lasting pleasure to a Man , than to give
them their full scope and range . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,40.62)

And if other Rules of <font> Philosophy </font> be oberved , such as
the avoiding those Objects that stir Passion ; Nothing raises higher
Passions than ungovern'd <P_41> Lust , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,41.63)

nothing darkens the Understanding , and depresses a mans mind more ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,41.64)

nor is any thing managed with more frequent Returns of other
Immoralities , such as Oaths and Imprecations which are only intended
to compass what is desired : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,41.65)

The expence that is necessary to maintain these Irregularities makes a
man false in his other dealings . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,41.66)

All this he freely confessed was true , Upon which I urged , that if it
was reasonable for a man to regulate his Appetite in things which he
knew were hurtful to him ; Was it not as reasonable for God to
prescribe a Regulating of those Appetities , whose unrestrained Course
did produce such mischievous effects ? (BURNETROC-E3-P1,41.67)

That it could not be denied , <P_42> but doing to others what we would
have others do unto us , was a just Rule : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,42.68)

Those men then that knew how extream sensible they themselves would be
of the dishonour of their Families in the case of their Wives or
Daughters , must needs condemn themselves , for doing that which they
could not bear from another : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,42.69)

And if the peace of Mankind , and the entire satisfaction of our whole
life , ought to be one of the chief measures of our Actions , then let
all the World judge , Whether a Man that confines his Appetite , and
lives contented at home , is not much happier , than those that let
their Desires run after forbidden Objects . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,42.70)

The thing being granted to be better in it self , than the question
<P_43> falls between the restraint of Appetite in some Instances , and
the freedom of a mans thoughts , the soundness of his health , his
application to Affairs , with the easiness of his whole life .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,43.71)

Whether the one is not to be done before the other ?
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,43.72)

As to the difficulty of such a restraint , though it is easie to be
done , when a man allows himself many liberties , in which it is not
possible to stop ; Yet those who avoid the Occasions that may kindle
these impure flames , and keep themselves well employed , find the
Victory and Dominion over them no such impossible , or hard matter , as
may seem at first view . So that though the <font> Philosophy </font>
and <font> Morality </font> of this Point were plain ; Yet there is
<P_44> not strength enough in that Principle to subdue Nature , and
Appetite . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,44.73)

Upon this I urged , that <font> Morality </font> could not be a strong
thing , unless a man were determined by a Law within himself :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,44.74)

for if he only measured himself by Decency , or the Laws of the Land ,
this would teach him only to use such caution in his ill Practices ,
that they should not break out too visibly : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,44.75)

but would never carry him to an inward and universal probity :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,44.76)

That Vertue was of so complicated a Nature , that unless a man came
entirely within its discipline , he could not adhere stedfastly to any
one Precept : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,44.77)

for Vices are often made necessary supports to one another :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,44.78)

That this $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be done , either steddily , or with
any satisfaction , <P_45> unless the Mind does inwardly comply with ,
and delight in the Dictates of Virtue : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,45.79)

And that could not be effected , except a mans nature were internally
regenerated , and changed by a higher Principle :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,45.80)

Till that came about , corrupt Nature would be strong and <font>
Philosophy </font> but feeble : especially when it strugled {COM:sic}
with such Appetites or Passions as were much kindled , or deeply rooted
in the Constitution of ones Body . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,45.81)

This , he said , sounded to him like <font> Enthusiasme </font> , or
<font> Canting </font> : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,45.82)

He had no notion of it , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,45.83)

and so could not understand it : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,45.84)

He comprehended the Dictates of <font> Reason </font> and <font>
Philosophy </font> , in which as the Mind became much conversant ,
there would soon follow as he believed , a greater <P_46> easiness in
obeying its Precepts : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,46.85)

I told him on the other hand , that all his Speculations of <font>
Philosophy </font> would not serve him in any stead , to the reforming
of his Nature and Life , till he applied himself to God for inward
assistances . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,46.86)

It was certain , that the Impressions made in his Reason governed him ,
as they were lively presented to him : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,46.87)

but these are so apt to slip out of our Memory , and we so apt to turn
our thoughts from them , and at some times the contrary Impressions are
so strong , that let a man set up a reasoning in his Mind against them
, he finds that Celebrated saying of the Poet , <P_47> <font> Video
meliora proboq ; deteriora sequor . I see what is better and approve it
: but follow what is worse </font> . to be all that <font> Philosophy
</font> will amount to . Whereas those who upon such Occasions apply
themselves to God , by earnest Prayer , feel a disengagement from such
Impressions , and themselves endued with a power to resist them . So
that those bonds which formerly held them , fall off .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,47.88)

This he said , must be the effect of a heat in Nature :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,47.89)

it was only the strong diversion of the thoughts , that gave the
seeming Victory , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,47.90)

and he did not doubt but if one could turn <P_48> to a <font> Problem
</font> in <font> Euclid </font> , or to Write a Copy of Verses , it
would have the same effect . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,48.91)

To this I answered , That if such Methods did only divert the thoughts
, there might be some force in what he said : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,48.92)

but if they not only drove out such Inclinations , but begat
Impressions contrary to them , and brought Men into a new disposition
and habit of mind ; then he must confess there was somewhat more than a
diversion , in these changes , which were brought on our Minds by true
Devotion . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,48.93)

I added , that Reason and Experience were the things that determined
our perswasions : that Experience without Reason may be thought the
delusion of our Fancy , so Reason without Experience <P_49> had not so
convincing an Operation : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,49.94)

but these two meeting together , must needs give a man all the
satisfaction he can desire . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,49.95)

He could not say , It was unreasonable to believe that the Supream
Being might make some thoughts stir in our Minds with more or less
force , as it pleased : especially the force of these motions , being ,
for most part , according to the Impression that was made on our brains
: which that power that directed the Whole frame of Nature , could make
grow deeper as it pleased . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,49.96)

It was also reasonable to suppose God a Being of such goodness that he
would give his assistance to such as desired it :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,49.97)

For though he might upon some greater Occasions in an <P_50>
extraordinary manner turn some peoples minds ; Yet since he had endued
Man with a faculty of Reason it is fit that men should employ that ; as
far as they could ; and beg his assistance : which certainly they can
do . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,50.98)

All this seemed reasonable , and at least probable ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,50.99)

Now good men who felt upon their frequent Applications to God in prayer
, a freedom from those ill Impressions , that formerly subdued them ,
an inward love to Vertue and true Goodness , an easieness and delight
in all the parts of Holiness , which was fed and cherished in them by a
seriousness in Prayer , and did languish as that went off , had as real
a perception of an inward strength in their Minds , that did rise and
fall with true <P_51> Devotion , as they perceived the strength of
their Bodies increased or abated , according as they had , or wanted
good nourishment . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,51.100)

After many Discouses upon this Subject , he still continued to think
all was the effecte of Fancy : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,51.101)

He said , That he understood nothing of it , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,51.102)

but acknowledged that he thought they were very haypy {COM:sic} whose
Fancies were under the power of such Impressions ; since they had
somewhat on which their thoughts rested and centred :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,51.103)

But when I saw him in his last Sickness , He then told me ; He had
another sense of what we had talked concerning prayer and inward
assistances . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,51.104)

This Subject led us to discourse of God , and of the <P_52> Notion of
Religion in general . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.105)

He believed there was a Supream Being : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.106)

He could not think the World was made by chance ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.107)

and the regular Course of Nature seemed to demonstrate the Eternal
Power of its Author . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.108)

This , he said , he could never shake off ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.109)

but when he came to explain his Notion of the Deity , he said , He
looked on it as a vast Power that Wrought every thing by the necessity
of its Nature : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.110)

and thought that God had none of those Affections of Love or Hatred ,
which breed perturbation in us , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.111)

and by consequence he could not see that there was to be either reward
or punishment . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,52.112)

He thought our Conceptions of God were so low , that we had better not
<P_53> think much of him : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,53.113)

And to love God seemed to him a presumptuous thing , and the heat of
fanciful men . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,53.114)

Therefore he believed there should be no other Religious Worship but a
general Celebration of that Being ; in some short Hymn :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,53.115)

All the other parts of Worship he esteemed the Inventions of Priests ,
to make the World believe they had a Secret of Incensing and Appeasing
God as they pleased . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,53.116)

In a word , he was neither-2 perswaded that there was a special
Providence about Humane Affairs ; Nor that Prayers were of much use
since that was to look on God as a weak Being , that would be overcome
with Importunities . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,53.117)

And for the state after death , though he thought the Soul <P_54> did
not dissolve at death ; Yet he doubted much of Rewards or Punishments :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,54.118)

the one he thought too high for us to attain , by our slight Services ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,54.119)

and the other was too extream to be inflicted for Sin .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,54.120)

This was the substance of his Speculations about God and Religion .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,54.121)

I told him his Notion of God was so low , that the Supream Being seemed
to be nothing but Nature . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,54.122)

For if that being had no freedom , nor choice of its own Actions , nor
operated by Wisdom or Goodness , all those Reasons which lead {COM:sic}
him to acknowledge a God , were contrary to this Conceit ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,54.123)

for if the Order of the Universe perswaded him to think there was a God
, He must at the same <P_55> time conceive him to be both Wise and Good
, as well as powerful , since these all appear'd equally in the
Creation : though his Wisdom and Goodness had ways of exerting
themselves , that were far beyond our Notions or Measures .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,55.124)

If God was Wise and Good , he would naturally love , and be pleased
with those that resembled him in these Perfections , and dislike those
that were opposite to him . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,55.125)

Every Rational Being naturally loves it self , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,55.126)

and is delighted in others like it self , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,55.127)

and is averse from what is not so . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,55.128)

Truth is a Rational Natures acting in conformity to it self in all
things , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,55.129)

and Goodness , is an Inclination to promote the happiness of other
Beings : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,55.130)

So Truth and <P_56> Goodness were the essential perfections of every
reasonable Being , and certainly most eminently in the Deity :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,56.131)

nor does his Mercy or Love raise Passion or Perturbation in him ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,56.132)

for we feel that to be a weakness in our selves , which indeed only
flows from our want of power , or skill to do what we wish or desire :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,56.133)

It is also reasonable to believe God would assist the Endeavours of the
Good , with some helps suitable to their Nature . And that it could not
be imagined , that those who imitated him , should not be specially
favoured by him and therefore since this did not appear in this State ,
it was most reasonable to think it should be in another , where the
Rewards <P_57> shall be an admission to a more perfect State of
Conformity to God , with the felicity that follows it , and the
Punishments should be a total exclusion from him , with all the horrour
and darkness that must follow that . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,57.134)

These seemed to be the natural Results of such several Courses of life
, as well as the Effects of Divine Justice , Rewarding or punishing .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,57.135)

For since he believed the Soul had a distinct subsistance , separated
from the Body ; Upon its dissolution there was no Reason to think it
passed into a State of utter Oblivion , of what it had been in formerly
: but that as the reflections on the good or evil it had done , must
raise joy or horrour in it ; So those good or ill Dispositions
accompanying <P_58> the departed Souls , they must either rise up to a
higher Perfection , or sink to a more depraved , and miserable State :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,58.136)

In this life variety of Affairs and Objects do much cool and divert our
Minds ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,58.137)

and are on the one hand often great temptations to the good ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,58.138)

and give the bad some ease in their trouble ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,58.139)

but in a State wherein the Soul shall be separated from sensible things
, and employed in a more quick and sublime way of Operation , this must
very much exalt the Joys and Improvements of the good , and as much
heighten the horrour and rage of the Wicked . So that it seemed a vain
thing to pretend to believe a Supream Being , that is Wise and Good as
well as great , and not to <P_59> think a discrimination be made
between the Good and Bad , which , it is manifest , is not fully done
in this life . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,59.140)

As for the Government of the World , if We believe the Supream Power
made it , there is no reason to think he does not govern it :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,59.141)

For all that we can fancy against it , is the distraction which that
Infinite Variety of Second Causes , and the care of the Concernments ,
must give to the first , if it inspects them all .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,59.142)

But as among men , those of weaker Capacities are wholly taken with
some one thing , whereas those of more enlarged powers can , without
distraction , have many things within their care , as the Eye can at
one view receive a great Variety of Objects , in that narrow Compass ,
<P_60> without confusion ; So if we conceive the Divine Understanding
to be as far above ours , as his Power of creating and framing the
whole Universe , is above our limited activity ; We will no more think
the Government of the World a distraction to him :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,60.143)

and if we have once overcome this prejudice , We shall be ready to
acknowledge a Providence directing all Affairs ; a Care well becoming
the Great Creator . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,60.144)

As for Worshipping Him , if we imagine our Worship is a thing that adds
to His Happiness or gives Him such a fond Pleasure as weak people have
to hear themselves commended ; or that our repeated Addresses do
overcome Him through our meer Importunity , We have <P_61> certainly
very unworthy thoughts of him . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,61.145)

The true ends of Worship come within another consideration : which is
this , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,61.146)

A man is never entirely Reformed , till a new Principle governs his
thoughts : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,61.147)

Nothing makes that Principle so strong , as deep and frequent
Meditations of God ; whose Nature though it be far above our
Comprehension , yet his Goodness and Wisdom are such Perfections as
fall within our Imagination : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,61.148)

And he that thinks often of God , and considers him as governing the
World , and as ever observing all his Actions , will feel a very
sensible effect of such Meditations , as they grow more lively and
frequent with him ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,61.149)

so the end of Religious Worship either publick <P_62> or private , is
to make the Apprehension of God , have a deeper root and a stronger
influence on us . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,62.150)

The frequent returns of these are necessary : Lest if we allow of too
long intervals between them , these Impressions may grow feebler ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,62.151)

and other Suggestions may come in their room : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,62.152)

And the Returns of Prayer are not to be considered as Favours extorted
by meer Importunity , but as Rewards conferred on men so well disposed
, and prepared for them : according to the Promises that God has made ,
for answering our Prayers , thereby to engage and nourish a devout
temper in us , which is the chief root of all true Holiness and Vertue
. (BURNETROC-E3-P1,62.153)

<P_63>

It is true we $can $not {TEXT:cannot} have suitable Notions of the
Divine Essence ; as indeed we have no just <font> Idea </font> of any
Essence whatsoever : Since we commonly consider all things , either by
their outward Figure , or by their Effects : and from thence make
Inferences what their Nature must be . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,63.155)

So though we $can $not {TEXT:cannot} frame any perfect Image in our
Minds of the Divinity , Yet we may from the Discoveries God has made of
Himself , form such Conceptions of Him , as may possess our Minds with
great Reverence for Him , and beget in us such a love of those
Perfections as to engage us to imitate them . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,63.156)

For when we say we love God ; the meaning is , We love that Being that
is <P_64> Holy , Just , Good , Wise ; and infinitely perfect :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,64.157)

And loving these Attributes in that object , will certainly carry us to
desire them in our selves . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,64.158)

For what ever We love in another , We naturally , according to the
degree of our love , endeavour to resemble it .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,64.159)

In sum , the Loving and Worshipping God , though they are just and
reasonable returns and expressions of the sense We have of his Goodness
to us ; Yet they are exacted of us not only as a Tribute to God , but
as a mean to beget in us a conformity to his Nature , which is the
chief end of pure and undefiled Religion . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,64.160)

If some men , have at several times , found out Inventions to Corrupt
this , and cheat the <P_65> World ; It is nothing but what occurs in
every sort of Employment , to which men betake themselves .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,65.161)

<font> Mountebanks </font> Corrupt Physick ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,65.162)

<font> Petty-Foggers </font> have entangled the matters of Property ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,65.163)

and all Professions have been vitiated by the Knaveries of a number of
their Calling . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,65.164)

With all these Discourses he was not equally satisfied :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,65.165)

He seemed convinced that the Impressions of God being much in Mens
minds , would be a powerful means to reform the World :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,65.166)

and did not seem determined against Providence ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,65.167)

But for the next State , he thought it more likely that the Soul began
anew , and that her sense of what she had done in this Body , lying in
the figures <P_66> that are made in the Brain , as soon as she
dislodged , all these perished , and that the Soul went into some other
State to begin a new course . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,66.168)

But I said on this Head , That this was at best a conjecture , raised
in him by his fancy : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,66.169)

for he could give no reason to prove it true ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,66.170)

nor was all the remembrance our Souls had of past things seated in some
material figures lodged in the Brain : Though it could not be denied
but a great deal of it lay in the Brain . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,66.171)

That we have many abstracted Notions and <font> Idea's </font> of
immaterial things which depends {COM:sic} not on bodily Figures :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,66.172)

Some Sins , such as Falshood , and ill Nature were seated in the Mind ,
as Lust and Appetite were in the Body : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,66.173)

and as the whole Body <P_67> was the Receptacle of the Soul , and the
Eyes and Ears were the Organs of Seeing and Hearing , so was the Brain
the Seat of Memory : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,67.174)

Yet the power and faculty of Memory , as well as of Seeing and Hearing
, lay in the Mind : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,67.175)

and so it was no unconceivable thing that either-2 the Soul by its own
strength , or by the means of some subtiler Organs , which might be
fitted for it in another state , should still remember as well as think
. (BURNETROC-E3-P1,67.176)

But indeed We know so little of the Nature of our Souls , that it is a
vain thing for us to raise an <font> Hypothesis </font> out of the
conjectures We have about it , or to reject one , because of some
difficulties that occur to us ; since it is as hard to understand how
we remember things now , <P_68> as how We shall do it in another State
; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,68.177)

only we are sure we do it now , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,68.178)

and so we shall be then , when we do it . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,68.179)

When I pressed him with the secret Joys that a good Man felt ,
particularly as he drew near Death , and the Horrours of ill men
especially at that time ; He was willing to ascribe it to the
Impressions they had from their Education : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,68.180)

But he often confessed , that whether the business of Religion was true
or not , he thought those who had the perswasions of it , and lived so
that they had quiet in their Consciences , and believed God governed
the World , and acquiesced in his Providence , and had the hope of an
endless blessedness in another State , the happiest men <P_69> in the
World : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,69.181)

And said , He would give all that he was Master of , to be under those
Perswasions , and to have the Supports and Joys that must needs flow
from them . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,69.182)

I told him the main Root of all Corruptions in Mens Principles was
their ill life ; Which as it darkened their Minds , and disabled them
from discerning better things ; so it made it necessary for them to
seek out such Opinions as might give them ease from those Clamours ,
that would otherwise have been raised within them :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,69.183)

He did not deny but that after the doing of some things he felt great
and severe Challenges within himself : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,69.184)

But he said , He felt not these after some others which I would perhaps
call far greater <P_70> Sins , than those that affected him more
sensibly : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,70.185)

This I said , might flow from the Disorders he had cast himself into ,
which had corrupted his judgment , and vitiated his tast of things ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,70.186)

and by his long continuance in , and frequent repeating of some
Immoralities , he had made them so familiar to him , that they were
become as it were natural : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,70.187)

And then it was no wonder if he had not so exact a sense of what was
Good or Evil ; as a Feaverish man $can $not {TEXT:cannot} judge of
Tasts . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,70.188)

He did acknowledge the whole Systeme of Religion , if believed , as a
greater foundation of quiet than any other thing whatsoever :
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,70.189)

for all the quiet he had in his mind , was , that he could not think so
good <P_71> a Being as the Deity would make him miserable .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,71.190)

I asked if when by the ill course of his life he had brought so many
Diseases on his Body , he could blame God for it : or expect that he
should deliver him from them by a Miracle . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,71.191)

He confessed there was no reason for that : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,71.192)

I then urged , that if Sin should cast the mind by a natural Effect ,
into endless Horrours and Agonies , which being seated in a Being not
subject to Death , must last for ever , unless some Miraculous Power
interposed , could he accuse God for that which was the effect of his
own choice and ill life . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,71.193)

He said , They were happy that believed : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,71.194)

for it was not in every mans power . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,71.195)

And upon this we discoursed <P_72> long about <font> Revealed Religion
</font> . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.196)

He said , He did not understand that business of Inspiration ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.197)

he believed the Pen-men of the Scriptures had heats and honesty , and
so writ : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.198)

but could not comprehend how God should reveal his Secrets to Mankind .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.199)

Why was not Man made a Creature more disposed for Religion , and better
Illuminated ? (BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.200)

He could not apprehend how there should be any corruption in the Nature
of Man , of a lapse derived from <font> Adam </font> .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.201)

Gods communicating his Mind to one Man , was the putting it in his
power to cheat the World : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.202)

For Prophesies and Miracles , the World had been always full of strange
Stories ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,72.203)

for the boldness and cunning of Contrivers meeting with the <P_73>
Simplicity and Credulity of the People , things were easily received ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,73.204)

and being once received passed down without contradicton .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,73.205)

The Incoherences of Stile in the Scriptures , the odd Transitions , the
seeming Contradictions , chiefly about the Order of time , the
Cruelties enjoyned the <font> Israelites </font> in destroying the
<font> Canaanites </font> , Circumcision , and many other rites of the
<font> Jewish </font> Worship ; seemed to him insutable to the Divine
Nature : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,73.206)

And the first three Chapters of <font> Genesis </font> , he thought
could not be true , unless they were Parables .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,73.207)

This was the substance of what he Excepted to <font> Revealed Religion
</font> in general , and to the <font> Old Testament </font> in
particular . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,73.208)

<P_74>

I answer'd to all this , that believing a thing upon the testimony of
another , in other matters where there was no reason to suspect the
testimony , chiefly where it was confirmed by other circumstances , was
not only a reasonable thing , but it was the hinge on which all the
Government and Justice in the World depended : Since all Courts of
Justice proceed upon the Evidence given by Witnesses ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,74.210)

for the use of Writings is but a thing more lately brought into the
World . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,74.211)

So then if the credibility of the thing , the innocence and
disinteredness of the Witnesses , the number of them , and the
publickest Confirmations that could possibly be given , do concur to
perswade us of any matter of <P_75> Facts , it is a vain thing to say ,
because it is possible for so many men to agree in a Lye , that
therefore these have done it . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,75.212)

In all other things a man gives his assent when the credibility is
strong on the one side , and there appears nothing on the other side to
ballance it . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,75.213)

So such numbers agreeing in their Testimony to these Miracles ; for
instance of our Saviours calling <font> Lazarus </font> out of the
Grave the fourth day after he was buried , and his own rising again
after he was certainly dead ; if there had been never so many
Impostures in the World , no man can with any reasonable colour pretend
this was one . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,75.214)

We find both-2 by the <font> Jewish </font> and <font> Roman </font>
Writers that lived in that time , that our Saviour was Crucified :
<P_76> and that all his Disciples and Followers believed certainly that
he rose again . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,76.215)

They believed this upon the Testimony of the Apostles , and of many
hundreds who saw it , and died confirming it : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,76.216)

They went about to perswade the World of it , with great Zeal , though
they knew they were to get nothing by it , but Reproach and Sufferings
: (BURNETROC-E3-P1,76.217)

and by many wonders which they wrought they confirmed their Testimony .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,76.218)

Now to avoid all this , by saying it is possible this might be a
Contrivance , and to give no presumption to make it so much as probable
, that it was so , is in plain <font> English </font> to say , <font>
We are resolved (BURNETROC-E3-P1,76.219)

let the Evidence be what it will , We will not believe it . </font>
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,76.220)

He said , If a man says he $can $not {TEXT:cannot} <P_77> believe ,
what help is there ? (BURNETROC-E3-P1,77.221)

for he was not master of his own Belief , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,77.222)

and believing was at highest but a probable Opinion .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,77.223)

To this I Answered , That if a man will let a wanton conceit possess
his fancy against these things , and never consider the Evidence for
Religion on the other hand , but reject it upon a slight view of it ,
he ought not to say he $can $not {TEXT:cannot} , but he will not
believe : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,77.224)

and while a man lives an ill course of life , he is not fitly qualified
to examine the matter aright . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,77.225)

Let him grow calm and vertuous , and upon due application examine
things fairly , (BURNETROC-E3-P1,77.226)

and then let him pronounce according to his Conscience , if to take it
at its lowest , the Reasons on the one hand are not much stronger
<P_78> than they are on the other . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,78.227)

For I found he was so possessed with the general conceit that a mixture
of Knaves and Fools had made all extraordinary things be easily
believed , that it carried him away to determine the matter , without
so much as looking on the Historical Evidence for the truth of <font>
Christianity </font> , which he had not enquired into , but had bent
all his Wit and Study to the support of the other side .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,78.228)

As for that , that belieivng is at best but an Opinion ; if the
Evidence be but probable , it is so : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,78.229)

but if it be such that it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be questioned , it
grows as certain as knowledge : (BURNETROC-E3-P1,78.230)

For we are no less certain that there is a great Town called <font>
Constantinople </font> , the seat of the <font> Ottoman </font> Empire
, <P_79> than that there is another called <font> London </font> .
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,79.231)

We as little doubt that Queen <font> Elizabeth </font> once Reigned ,
as that King <font> Charles </font> now Reigns in <font> England
</font> . So that believing may be as certain , and as little subject
to doubting as seeing or knowing . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,79.232)

There are two sorts of believing Divine matters ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P1,79.233)

the one is wrought in use by our comparing all the evidences of matter
of Fact , for the confirmation of <font> Revealed Religion </font> ;
with the Prophesies in the Scripture ; where things were punctually
predicted , some Ages before their completion ; not in dark and
doubtful words , uttered like Oracles , which might bend to any Event :
But in plain terms , as the foretelling that <font> Cyrus </font> by
name should send <P_80> the <font> Jews </font> back from the Captivity
, after the fixed period of seventy years : The History of the <font>
Syrian </font> and <font> Egyptian </font> Kings so punctually foretold
by <font> Daniel </font> , and the Predicton of the destruction of
<font> Jerusalem </font> , with many Circumstances relating to it ,
made by our <font> Saviour </font> ; (BURNETROC-E3-P1,80.234)

joyning these to the excellent Rule and Design of the Scripture in
matters of <font> Morality </font> , it is at least as reasonable to
believe this as any thing else in the World . (BURNETROC-E3-P1,80.235)