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The Law of Nature is not truly a Law, unless as it is delivered in the Holy Scripture.
His Reasons for it: That though they are Di∣ctates of Reason, yet that for want of a Legisla∣tor, and of sufficient security for those that shall observe them; they are not Laws, but as de∣livered in Scripture. Sect. 1.
That it hath been already proved, that this Law of endeavouring the Common Good, is the sum of all the Laws of Nature, and that
proceeding from God, and established by suf∣ficient Rewards and Punishments; it hath all the Conditions required to a Law. That the defect of other Writers, in not taking the like Method, hath been the cause of Mr. H's▪ and others falling into this Error. This Law not being given in any S••t form of Words, no Objection against its certainty, or plainness. Sect. 2.
This Law of Nature being to be colle∣cted from our own Natures, and that of things, is capable of being known even by persons born deaf and dumb. Mr. H. acknowledges▪ these Laws to be properly so, as proceeding from God. His allowing that those Laws o∣blige only to a desire or endeavour of the Mind, that they should be observed, a meer Evasion. Answer to his Objection, of the want of Rewards and Punishments, he himself having obviated this, by confessing in his Lev. that they are established by natural Rewards and Punishments: If the Law of Nature is not properly a Law, then there are no natural Rights properly so call'd. Sect. 3.
Answer to his main Reason; That we are not obliged to external Acts, for want of suf∣ficient security; That if this were a sufficient Objection; then neither Civil Laws would oblige. Divine Punishments, as certain as Hu∣mane. Sect. 4.
That mens greatest Security consists in a strict observation of all the Laws of Nature▪ Mr. H. in some places acknowledges, That if we do not observe the Laws of Nature, we shall fall into other Evils, besides those that proceed from the violence of Men. Sect. 5.
Two Reasons proposed; shewing the false∣ness of this Argument of Mr. H. The one, the Declaration of all Civil Sovereigns concern∣ing mens Innocency till accused; The other from Mr. H's own Concession of a much greater Insecurity that will follow from their non-observation; (viz.) a War of all men against all, which is the most miserable State of all others. Sect. 6, 7.