and_o profession_n that_o in_o fact_n they_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o they_o especial_o since_o they_o have_v be_v do_v in_o prejudice_n to_o that_o grave_a and_o holy_a religion_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n confirm_v and_o be_v so_o manifest_o intend_v for_o the_o promote_a and_o encouragement_n of_o superstition_n vice_n and_o downright_a idolatry_n i_o have_v now_o end_v this_o point_n concern_v miracle_n have_v discourse_v the_o more_o large_o upon_o it_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o likewise_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n the_o truth_n whereof_o undeniable_o appear_v from_o this_o single_a argument_n that_o jesus_n christ_n confirm_v all_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n by_o true_a miracle_n for_o this_o be_v once_o grant_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o moreover_o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o his_o work_n give_v of_o he_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v at_o our_o utmost_a peril_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o which_o consideration_n be_v of_o such_o vast_a moment_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o bestow_v the_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o clear_v matter_n of_o fact_n chap._n v._n the_o next_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n i_o mention_v as_o a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v prophecy_n that_o be_v the_o foretell_v of_o some_o future_a event_n which_o depend_v on_o such_o secret_a and_o remote_a cause_n as_o none_o but_o a_o omniscient_a be_v can_v possible_o discern_v afar_o off_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v this_o matter_n distinct_o and_o clear_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o here_o by_o event_n mean_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o necessary_a and_o natural_a operation_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o where_o a_o thing_n depend_v upon_o necessary_a causality_n any_o man_n that_o can_v discover_v the_o order_n and_o series_n and_o application_n of_o the_o cause_n may_v easy_o foresee_v and_o predict_v the_o consequent_a as_o a_o skilful_a astronomer_n can_v foretell_v eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o sun_n for_o those_o glorious_a creature_n be_v under_o a_o constant_a law_n and_o their_o motion_n be_v regular_a so_o that_o a_o man_n who_o know_v their_o course_n and_o by_o the_o uniformity_n of_o they_o perceive_v when_o a_o opake_v body_n will_v fall_v between_o one_o of_o those_o luminary_n and_o our_o eye_n can_v discover_v long_o beforehand_o when_o the_o light_n will_v be_v intercept_v and_o fail_v in_o our_o hemisphere_n but_o by_o future_a event_n be_v understand_v contingency_n or_o those_o issue_n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o be_v or_o at_o least_o be_v so_o occult_a remote_a and_o uncertain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o any_o limit_a understanding_n in_o regard_n that_o they_o depend_v upon_o the_o casual_a concurrence_n of_o second_o cause_n or_o upon_o the_o arbitrarious_fw-la power_n of_o man_n will_n or_o upon_o the_o vaccountable_a hit_n of_o fortune_n or_o upon_o such_o strange_a result_v as_o look_v like_o so_o many_o secret_a over_o roll_a determination_n of_o destiny_n as_o what_o great_a man_n will_v arise_v two_o or_o three_o age_n hence_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o what_o revolution_n there_o will_v be_v then_o in_o state_n and_o empire_n what_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v what_o war_n will_v happen_v what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o posterity_n and_o of_o the_o fortune_n we_o transmit_v to_o they_o in_o short_a how_o the_o world_n will_v go_v these_o thing_n and_o the_o like_a be_v altogether_o accidental_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v uncertain_a nor_o can_v they_o come_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o finite_a being_n any_o more_o than_o the_o close_a of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n can_v be_v know_v or_o predict_v by_o we_o 2._o second_o by_o foretell_v future_a event_n be_v mean_v true_a and_o infallible_a prediction_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o conjecture_n or_o probable_a foreknowledge_n there_o be_v in_o all_o intellectual_a being_n a_o presage_v power_n and_o the_o perception_n beforehand_o must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o which_o that_o perception_n spring_v and_o be_v gather_v if_o the_o cause_n be_v necessary_a and_o natural_a the_o foreknowledge_n be_v certain_a but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a it_o can_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o a_o probable_a opinion_n no_o creature_n how_o intelligent_a soever_o it_o be_v can_v of_o itself_o infallible_o foresee_v what_o chance_n and_o accident_n will_v fall_v out_o hereafter_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o immediate_a cause_n be_v suppose_v as_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v existent_a or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v a_o great_a way_n off_o in_o the_o dark_a therefore_o when_o a_o contingent_a event_n be_v clear_o foresee_v and_o infallible_o predict_v at_o a_o distance_n so_o that_o after_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n the_o thing_n how_o casual_a soever_o it_o be_v exact_o answer_v the_o prediction_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o be_v which_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v it_o be_v of_o a_o more_o perfect_a understanding_n than_o any_o creature_n can_v pretend_v to_o if_o then_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o many_o contingent_a thing_n have_v long_a before_o they_o happen_v be_v certain_o foreknow_v true_o predict_v and_o at_o last_o in_o fact_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v according_o this_o must_v be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v that_o be_v a_o deity_n for_o all_o human_a presage_v of_o accidental_a event_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o be_v at_o best_a but_o guess_v which_o common_o end_v in_o vast_a mistake_n so_o shortsighted_a be_v our_o understanding_n and_o our_o capacity_n so_o very_o narrow_a and_o as_o for_o those_o intellectual_a creature_n which_o inhabit_v the_o other_o world_n and_o traverse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o this_o though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o innate_a quickness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o faculty_n the_o long_a experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o human_a affair_n the_o great_a insight_n they_o have_v thereby_o into_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o the_o agility_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o be_v privy_a every_o where_n to_o man_n counsel_n and_o action_n and_o the_o continual_a observation_n they_o can_v but_o make_v from_o the_o disappointment_n or_o success_n of_o man_n design_n though_o i_o say_v by_o mean_n of_o these_o singular_a advantage_n they_o be_v qualify_v to_o give_v beyond_o expression_n far_o better_a judgement_n of_o future_a event_n especial_o near_a at_o hand_n than_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o reach_v man_n on_o earth_n yet_o be_v their_o knowledge_n limit_v notwithstanding_o so_o that_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n their_o foresight_n of_o contingency_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o be_v remote_a and_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o series_n of_o distant_a cause_n can_v be_v but_o only_o conjectural_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o ancient_a soothsayer_n and_o augur_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o use_v the_o help_n of_o demon_n in_o their_o manifold_a superstitious_a way_n of_o prognosticate_a be_v often_o mistake_v even_o in_o very_o probable_a case_n and_o when_o event_n be_v hard_o by_o and_o it_o be_v common_o observe_v of_o those_o old_a oracle_n who_o be_v so_o much_o consult_v by_o the_o idolatrous_a pagan_n upon_o any_o emergency_n which_o seem_v difficult_a that_o though_o those_o officious_a delude_a spirit_n be_v wont_a till_o christ_n time_n to_o give_v people_n answer_v out_o of_o holes_n and_o cave_n yet_o to_o save_v apollo_n credit_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o wrap_v up_o those_o response_n in_o equivocate_a and_o doubtful_a term_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o various_a construction_n as_o the_o thing_n consult_v about_o succeed_v or_o fail_v indeed_o good_a angel_n have_v not_o deceive_v man_n and_o therefore_o their_o foresight_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v better_o ground_v and_o of_o a_o further_o and_o clear_a reach_n but_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o finite_a and_z comparative_o scanty_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v connatural_a to_o all_o create_a being_n though_o exalt_v and_o glorious_a to_o make_v all_o their_o prediction_n certain_a and_o infallible_a they_o have_v always_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o nature_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o special_a revelation_n and_o commission_n from_o a_o superior_a be_v who_o prescience_n touch_v all_o intermediate_v and_o proximate_v cause_n and_o all_o contingent_a probable_a possible_a event_n though_o never_o so_o far_o remove_v from_o create_a understanding_n therefore_o if_o in_o this_o case_n matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a that_o any_o creature_n man_n or_o angel_n have_v
excellence_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o defect_n or_o imperfection_n such_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n there_o be_v in_o all_o creature_n in_o all_o body_n there_o be_v substance_n but_o such_o as_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n in_o comparison_n of_o spirituality_n in_o all_o vegetable_n there_o be_v life_n but_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o decay_v which_o in_o they_o be_v imperfection_n in_o all_o animal_n there_o be_v sense_n or_o perception_n but_o such_o as_o be_v attend_v with_o fear_n grief_n anger_n and_o other_o disquiet_v passion_n which_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n in_o man_n there_o be_v reason_n but_o such_o as_o be_v blemish_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v acquire_v by_o the_o great_a labour_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o contemplation_n and_o study_n by_o close_o argue_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o by_o a_o long_a train_n of_o thought_n which_o follow_v each_o other_o successive_o and_o be_v gradual_o spin_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o painful_a operation_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n all_o which_o show_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n also_o and_o as_o for_o those_o bless_a spirit_n above_o which_o we_o call_v angel_n though_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o perfection_n of_o understanding_n without_o dulness_n pain_n or_o laborious_a activity_n and_o though_o there_o be_v too_o rectitude_n in_o their_o will_n regularity_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o all_o moral_a perfection_n which_o make_v they_o happy_a yet_o be_v their_o knowledge_n limit_v and_o for_o their_o whole_a be_v they_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o at_o first_o create_v and_o still_o preserve_v they_o which_o argue_v imperfection_n in_o they_o likewise_o although_o they_o be_v the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n go_v through_o every_o classis_fw-la and_o sort_n of_o individual_n in_o the_o world_n and_o you_o will_v find_v in_o all_o of_o they_o some_o deficiency_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o their_o principal_a and_o best_a part_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o sit_v for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v form_v yet_o they_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o eminent_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n for_o such_o perfection_n be_v to_o have_v all_o kind_n of_o excellence_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o excellence_n clear_a and_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o defect_n indigence_n or_o incapacity_n now_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n include_v this_o absolute_a perfection_n for_o that_o word_n god_n speak_v a_o be_v that_o be_v most_o excellent_a so_o that_o suppose_v a_o deity_n to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o inferior_a thing_n which_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n imply_v too_o you_o must_v necessary_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o the_o be_v in_o who_o all_o those_o perfection_n be_v unite_v as_o in_o a_o centre_n which_o be_v divide_v everywhere_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o he_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a degree_n for_o no_o be_v can_v give_v those_o perfection_n which_o some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o have_v not_o either_o formal_o or_o actual_o or_o virtual_o and_o eminent_o in_o itself_o because_o than_o it_o will_v communicate_v more_o than_o it_o have_v that_o be_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o its_o power_n to_o impart_v which_o to_o suppose_v will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n all_o cause_n that_o work_v by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o operate_v to_o the_o utmost_a power_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o faculty_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o yield_v what_o they_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v for_o water_n to_o bring_v forth_o a_o rational_a soul_n or_o for_o fire_n to_o produce_v a_o angel_n out_o of_o a_o few_o stick_n and_o though_o voluntary_a agent_n work_v as_o they_o please_v and_o may_v give_v their_o effect_n much_o less_o than_o themselves_o have_v yet_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o the_o free_a and_o powerful_a agent_n to_o give_v more_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o artificer_n to_o form_v a_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v admit_v of_o such_o omnipotence_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o neither_o can_v god_n bestow_v perfection_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o possess_v of_o and_o therefore_o those_o excellency_n which_o we_o find_v in_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o in_o their_o true_a original_a for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o excellency_n in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v as_o it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v more_o water_n in_o a_o rivulet_n than_o in_o the_o ocean_n again_o as_o all_o perfection_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o that_o supreme_a most_o excellent_a and_o most_o glorious_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v god_n so_o it_o must_v be_v there_o too_o absolute_o or_o without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o defect_n all_o defect_n must_v be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o by_o immediate_a causality_n from_o god_n as_o by_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n make_v and_o of_o temporary_a production_n and_o therefore_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o of_o limit_a faculty_n that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v essential_o imperfect_a especial_o in_o comparison_n of_o its_o creator_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o a_o narrow_a scanty_a new-formed_a thing_n to_o be_v commensurate_a in_o all_o its_o perfection_n to_o the_o maker_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v independent_a infinite_a and_o all-sufficient_a in_o himself_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v can_v allow_v this_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v natural_o and_o necessary_o defective_a upon_o which_o account_n though_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a be_v because_o all_o perfection_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v any_o mixture_n of_o desiciency_n because_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v be_v all_o of_o they_o defective_a in_o some_o respect_n or_o other_o for_o those_o defect_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v make_v otherwise_o or_o without_o they_o therefore_o as_o we_o must_v affirm_v that_o the_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v limit_v and_o partial_a blend_a and_o alloy_v with_o something_o that_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o they_o so_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o those_o original_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o full_a eminent_a and_o absolute_a for_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o degrade_v the_o author_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n inconsistent_a with_o itself_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o desirous_a to_o clear_v this_o matter_n that_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n do_v and_o must_v signify_v a_o be_v which_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rational_a principle_n which_o may_v be_v fair_o understand_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v assent_v to_o by_o all_o that_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o right_o reason_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a principle_n also_o that_o will_v soon_o enable_v we_o to_o draw_v out_o of_o it_o by_o direct_a consequence_n a_o more_o 2._o particular_a description_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o come_v to_o that_o i_o may_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o be_v we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v before_o i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o suppose_v most_o perfect_a be_v do_v real_o and_o actual_o exist_v for_o from_o this_o great_a and_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n this_o particular_a account_n will_v follow_v 1._o first_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o independent_a be_v not_o behold_v to_o any_o antecedent_n distinct_a and_o foreign_a cause_n for_o the_o production_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o can_v we_o without_o a_o contradiction_n suppose_v a_o cause_n antecedent_n to_o that_o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n such_o a_o supposition_n will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o deity_n because_o it_o will_v make_v he_o a_o precarious_a be_v depend_v upon_o the_o activity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o another_o superior_a to_o he_o in_o greatness_n of_o power_n and_o before_o he_o in_o time_n and_o in_o existence_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n have_v all_o perfection_n
innumerable_a essence_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n though_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o idea_n of_o they_o be_v the_o inward_a nature_n of_o they_o be_v discoverable_a only_o by_o the_o sagacity_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o mind_n observe_v their_o effect_n and_o operation_n then_o argue_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o so_o judge_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n by_o its_o consequent_n hereby_o the_o understanding_n penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o thing_n which_o sense_n and_o fancy_n can_v never_o do_v and_o it_o find_v out_o not_o what_o a_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o fantastry_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v ever_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o sense_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o particular_a we_o can_v but_o perceive_v in_o some_o measure_n what_o a_o admirable_a be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attentive_o consider_v its_o power_n and_o operation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v any_o perception_n of_o it_o by_o external_a sensation_n because_o we_o can_v hear_v or_o see_v it_o or_o handle_v it_o with_o our_o hand_n or_o make_v any_o discovery_n of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o sense_n no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v smell_v or_o taste_v a_o shadow_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sensible_a image_n of_o it_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sensation_n no_o external_a essluvia_n of_o it_o no_o foreign_a idea_n no_o representation_n from_o without_o to_o affect_v the_o imagination_n no_o there_o must_v be_v the_o use_n of_o pure_a cogitation_n and_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o soul_n be_v and_o to_o make_v that_o intelligible_a to_o we_o which_o act_v in_o we_o and_o this_o will_v do_v it_o when_o all_o our_o sense_n can_v we_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o we_o which_o think_v for_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n therefore_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o be_v we_o perceive_v that_o it_o work_v continual_o in_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o real_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o what_o be_v not_o can_v possible_o work_v we_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n life_n and_o vigour_n power_n and_o activity_n apprehension_n knowledge_n and_o memory_n a_o saculty_n of_o compare_v thing_n with_o thing_n and_o of_o reason_v and_o judge_v upon_o such_o comparison_n a_o power_n too_o of_o determine_v what_o to_o do_v of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v of_o desire_v that_o which_o it_o love_v and_o of_o reach_v out_o after_o that_o which_o it_o desire_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o real_a exist_v be_v thus_o far_o we_o can_v easy_o go_v in_o our_o notion_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o help_n of_o sensation_n from_o abroad_o and_o hence_o we_o proceed_v to_o perceive_v that_o this_o soul_n of_o we_o be_v a_o incorporeal_a be_v for_o its_o operation_n be_v incongruous_a to_o stupid_a matter_n too_o quick_a and_o noble_a for_o matter_n though_o you_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v in_o motion_n clay_n can_v cogitate_v nor_o can_v any_o move_a wheel_n reason_n nor_o can_v the_o most_o spirituous_a part_n of_o the_o blood_n philosophise_v nor_o can_v the_o fine_a mote_n that_o dance_v in_o the_o sun_n consult_v or_o deliberate_v nor_o can_v that_o glorious_a and_o enliven_a creature_n the_o sun_n itself_o entertain_v those_o meditation_n which_o bubble_n and_o spring_v out_o of_o one_o mind_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n put_v together_o form_n those_o contrivance_n desire_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o every_o humane_a soul_n and_o to_o suppose_v as_o some_o pretender_n to_o sense_n and_o wit_n do_v that_o all_o these_o action_n proceed_v from_o little_a restless_a atom_n caper_v about_o in_o the_o head_n and_o fall_v accidental_o into_o various_a form_n and_o contexture_n do_v argue_n rather_o that_o the_o brain_n of_o such_o man_n be_v inse_v with_o fly_n and_o nit_n than_o that_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n i_o have_v say_v this_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o yet_o be_v intelligible_a object_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v false_a reason_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o intelligible_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o god_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o call_v by_o that_o name_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o immaterial_a be_v and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v represent_v to_o our_o sense_n a_o pretence_n which_o though_o use_v to_o invalidate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v with_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o existence_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n who_o true_a essence_n and_o nature_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o corporeal_a sensible_a idea_n especial_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v no_o object_n of_o external_a sensation_n and_o yet_o by_o its_o operation_n and_o essect_v appear_v to_o all_o understand_a man_n to_o be_v a_o real_a cogitative_a intellectual_a and_o active_a be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v immure_v in_o matter_n and_o then_o why_o may_v we_o not_o conceive_v and_o understand_v that_o supereminent_a nature_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o create_v every_o humane_a soul_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_o wise_a righteous_a and_o good_a be_v rea_o exist_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n especial_o since_o we_o may_v see_v he_o in_o some_o measure_n at_o second_o hand_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n for_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n act_v 14._o 17._o so_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o 2._o another_o very_a false_a principle_n those_o odd_a man_n go_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v as_o we_o believe_v a_o transcendent_a infinite_a be_v and_o suppose_v our_o own_o intellectual_a faculty_n to_o be_v as_o we_o find_v they_o of_o a_o finite_a narrow_a capacity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comprehend_v god_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o he_o be_v true_a or_o false_a right_a or_o wrong_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o because_o we_o have_v not_o all_o knowledge_n therefore_o we_o can_v have_v none_o according_a to_o which_o rate_n of_o reason_v they_o may_v affirm_v also_o that_o we_o see_v nothing_o of_o the_o sun_n because_o we_o can_v view_v every_o single_a ray_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v its_o full_a lustre_n and_o that_o because_o we_o understand_v not_o all_o the_o mystery_n in_o nature_n therefore_o we_o be_v quite_o ignorant_a or_o at_o least_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o those_o idea_n and_o notion_n we_o have_v do_v not_o utter_o deceive_v we_o whereas_o in_o these_o case_n the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o dubitableness_n or_o delusion_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o from_o the_o weakness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o be_v a_o be_v transcendent_o perfect_a how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o we_o poor_a creature_n can_v possible_o have_v full_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o he_o unless_o we_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n by_o make_v narrowness_n to_o answer_v transcendency_n or_o a_o finite_a thing_n to_o be_v proportionable_a and_o commensurate_a to_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n follow_v hence_o that_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v a_o unintelligible_a be_v because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o full_a we_o know_v in_o part_n as_o we_o can_v and_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n because_o in_o this_o weak_a mortal_a state_n the_o dulness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o know_v perfect_o and_o to_o argue_v hence_o that_o the_o deity_n be_v a_o unconceivable_a and_o so_o at_o least_o a_o dubitable_a be_v when_o our_o own_o conception_n of_o he_o our_o intellectual_a power_n be_v natural_o and_o necessary_o narrow_a be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v very_o
questionable_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o world_n because_o we_o can_v measure_v all_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o universe_n with_o our_o span._n beside_o we_o may_v know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sit_v for_o we_o to_o understand_v now_o for_o as_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v so_o neither_o will_v such_o a_o full_a vision_n be_v needful_a and_o proper_a for_o we_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v have_v here_o a_o great_a deal_n ought_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o exalt_a state_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o reward_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o see_v so_o much_o of_o this_o life_n as_o will_v raise_v our_o long_n after_o a_o better_a and_o will_v help_v we_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v now_o require_v in_o order_n to_o a_o perfect_a state_n and_o so_o much_o we_o do_v know_v though_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v comparative_o very_o dim_a and_o short_a we_o have_v such_o notion_n as_o serve_v to_o sound_v and_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o good_a morality_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o be_v to_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n we_o very_o well_o apprehend_v that_o god_n be_v a_o omniscient_a just_a powerful_a good_a and_o gracious_a be_v and_o these_o notion_n be_v enough_o to_o encourage_v man_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o since_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o object_v against_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o to_o quarrel_v with_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n unconceivable_a because_o the_o infinite_a vastness_n of_o all_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o full_o especial_o in_o this_o our_o present_a imperfect_a state_n to_o conclude_v this_o consideration_n whatever_o some_o pretend_v against_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o strive_v and_o study_v to_o reject_v it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n stir_v and_o terrify_v they_o with_o fearful_a suggestion_n for_o do_v they_o not_o conceive_v that_o god_n be_v privy_a to_o their_o vice_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v they_o and_o in_o justice_n may_v it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a why_o they_o shall_v offer_v such_o violence_n to_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o to_o force_v it_o to_o argue_v against_o those_o notion_n that_o by_o degree_n they_o may_v obliterate_v they_o and_o argue_v they_o utter_o away_o and_o so_o disbelieve_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o omniscient_a powerful_a and_o just_o be_v that_o seem_v to_o they_o a_o most_o frightful_a object_n the_o idea_n of_o god_n lie_v very_o quiet_a in_o a_o good_a conscience_n nay_o to_o a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o pious_a life_n it_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n because_o it_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a be_v who_o rule_v over_o all_o who_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n who_o take_v care_n of_o such_o as_o live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o world_n who_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n for_o their_o good_a who_o will_v guide_v they_o here_o by_o his_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o glory_n all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a notion_n be_v such_o a_o comfortable_a idea_n of_o god_n as_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v without_o for_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v god_n existence_n the_o temptation_n must_v proceed_v either_o from_o a_o very_a wrong_a opinion_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o cruel_a mischievous_a spiteful_a false_a and_o ill-natured_a be_v or_o which_o be_v more_o likely_a from_o a_o very_a evil_a conscience_n which_o make_v god_n appear_v to_o a_o ill_a man_n a_o formidable_a be_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o omniscience_n righteousness_n and_o power_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v vice_n there_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n such_o variety_n of_o powerful_a argument_n to_o prove_v a_o deity_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o man_n of_o the_o most_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o they_o chap._n ii_o 2._o have_v thus_o prepare_v my_o way_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n by_o show_v that_o by_o the_o deity_n be_v mean_v a_o transcendent_a be_v that_o eminent_o enjoy_v all_o the_o essential_a intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n which_o can_v possible_o belong_v to_o a_o nature_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o absolute_o free_a from_o the_o least_o defect_n and_o by_o show_v too_o how_o intelligible_a rational_a and_o certain_a this_o notion_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v i_o must_v come_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o that_o this_o most_o perfect_a be_v do_v actual_o exist_v now_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o common_a stand_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o imply_v all_o possible_a perfection_n for_o existence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o perfection_n the_o very_a first_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o conception_n because_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a which_o be_v not_o or_o which_o want_v a_o be_v much_o less_o can_v we_o suppose_v a_o nature_n to_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_o wise_a good_a and_o righteous_a unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n but_o lest_o a_o insidel_n shall_v say_v we_o make_v supposition_n of_o our_o own_o by_o devise_v what_o notion_n we_o please_v of_o a_o god_n and_o then_o use_v those_o supposition_n for_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n therefore_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o perfect_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v god_n actual_o exist_v by_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o this_o subject_a 1._o first_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o second_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n 3._o three_o those_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n which_o must_v argue_v the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n 4._o and_o four_o the_o admirable_a state_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o first_o then_o if_o we_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o from_o one_o cause_n onward_o to_o another_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v at_o last_o to_o one_o first_o cause_n to_o a_o be_v that_o do_v necessary_o exist_v of_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v a_o distinct_a independent_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v here_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o universal_a trth_n which_o will_v very_o much_o help_v to_o guide_v our_o reason_n viz._n that_o whatever_o once_o have_v not_o any_o real_a be_v can_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o for_o upon_o that_o impossible_a supposition_n it_o will_v have_v exi_v and_o yet_o not_o exi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o will_v not_o have_v exi_v because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v want_v a_o cause_n for_o its_o production_n and_o it_o will_v have_v exi_v because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v exercise_v causality_n which_o two_o thing_n be_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o whatever_o once_o come_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o nonexistence_n be_v bring_v out_o of_o it_o by_o another_o distinct_a agent_n which_o exist_v antecedent_o and_o have_v actual_a power_n over_o it_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v now_o in_o nature_n and_o once_o be_v not_o do_v owe_v their_o origination_n to_o cause_n which_o be_v before_o they_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o be_v can_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nothingness_n act_n much_o less_o can_v they_o act_v upon_o themselves_o and_o how_o many_o soever_o the_o foreign_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v they_o all_o lead_v we_o up_o to_o a_o permanent_a first_o cause_n which_o depend_v on_o no_o other_o nor_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o another_o for_o its_o be_v now_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o once_o be_v not_o and_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o these_o be_v themselves_o the_o effect_n of_o other_o agent_n and_o they_o again_o of_o other_o and_o so_o on_o till_o we_o gradual_o ascend_v to_o one_o chief_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o original_a of_o they_o all_o to_o omit_v all_o other_o thing_n at_o present_a i_o instance_n in_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o effect_n we_o
see_v daily_o the_o motion_n of_o body_n and_o the_o production_n of_o live_v creature_n especial_o of_o mankind_n first_o for_o the_o motion_n of_o body_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v never_o idle_a in_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v active_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o vegetation_n which_o prepare_v the_o vital_a juice_n that_o be_v in_o all_o plant_n and_o tree_n in_o animal_n there_o be_v concoction_n digestion_n and_o a_o motion_n or_o fluor_fw-la of_o the_o chyle_n which_o serve_v for_o nutrition_n in_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v a_o flux_n and_o reflux_n and_o a_o current_n in_o rivers_n and_o spring_n in_o the_o air_n there_o be_v vicissitude_n and_o turn_n as_o exhalation_n and_o vapour_n steam_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o return_v to_o it_o again_o modify_v into_o various_a form_n and_o the_o constant_a circular_a course_n of_o those_o glorious_a body_n in_o the_o firmament_n show_v likewise_o that_o in_o this_o visisible_a world_n there_o be_v no_o rest_n now_o all_o these_o motion_n of_o material_a substance_n must_v depend_v upon_o cause_n for_o matter_n alone_o be_v a_o liveless_a unactive_a stupid_a thing_n which_o can_v no_o more_o move_v itself_o than_o mountain_n and_o rock_n can_v walk_v and_o whatever_o those_o cause_n be_v whether_o proximate_n or_o remote_a they_o must_v depend_v for_o their_o operation_n upon_o the_o energy_n of_o one_o supreme_a cause_n that_o impower_v nature_n and_o set_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o on_o work_n and_o give_v it_o as_o we_o may_v say_v the_o first_o strike_v for_o otherwise_o motion_n which_o once_o be_v not_o in_o be_v will_v have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o production_n of_o live_v creature_n and_o particular_o of_o mankind_n once_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o you_o and_o i_o and_o all_o of_o we_o have_v a_o beginning_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v run_v up_o our_o generation_n so_o far_o as_o to_o date_n our_o breed_n from_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o year_n ago_o yet_o must_v we_o of_o necessity_n derive_v it_o at_o last_o from_o some_o ancestor_n who_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o other_o as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o be_v make_v after_o a_o different_a manner_n by_o a_o omnipotent_a cause_n which_o can_v give_v they_o a_o beginning_n for_o otherwise_o we_o must_v either_o run_v up_o on_o to_o eternity_n or_o suppose_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o have_v make_v themselves_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o universal_a truth_n i_o demonstrate_v before_o and_o will_v imply_v that_o those_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v a_o be_v and_o no_o be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n this_o argument_n so_o strong_o prove_v the_o necessary_a existence_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n or_o a_o deity_n to_o form_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o set_v it_o in_o order_n that_o some_o unreasonable_a man_n find_v themselves_o constrain_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o rise_n novity_n or_o begin_v and_o so_o without_o any_o dependence_n on_o a_o first_o cause_n or_o need_v of_o it_o they_o be_v as_o good_a say_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v convince_v but_o will_v rid_v themselves_o of_o all_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n at_o any_o rate_n though_o they_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o run_v into_o the_o most_o fulsome_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n for_o how_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o reason_n to_o take_v a_o boundless_a progress_n from_o one_o effect_v to_o another_o still_o onward_o up_o to_o retroinfinity_n without_o stop_v at_o any_o beginning_n this_o conceit_n be_v admit_v these_o monstrous_a absurdity_n must_v follow_v 1._o first_o it_o imply_v the_o local_a motion_n of_o body_n to_o have_v produce_v itself_o without_o the_o efficiency_n of_o a_o first_o mover_n which_o be_v impossible_a because_o motion_n be_v neither_o essential_a to_o matter_n for_o then_o no_o body_n can_v ever_o rest_v nor_o be_v it_o incident_a to_o matter_n as_o such_o but_o by_o its_o be_v touch_v by_o some_o move_a principle_n that_o be_v distinct_a from_o it_o it_o be_v a_o passion_n impress_v upon_o matter_n by_o a_o agent_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o change_v place_n and_o distance_n and_o therefore_o it_o presuppose_v action_n from_o something_o else_o otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v its_o own_o creature_n and_o maker_n too_o the_o effect_n and_o cause_n of_o itself_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v a_o contradicton_n so_o that_o though_o you_o go_v through_o the_o vast_a series_n of_o move_a body_n from_o the_o thing_n below_o to_o the_o heaven_n above_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o first_o mover_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o conclude_v against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a effect_n without_o any_o original_a essiciency_n suppose_v when_o the_o world_n be_v make_v it_o have_v present_o have_v some_o great_a jog_v give_v it_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o several_a part_n shall_v not_o have_v spend_v itself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n without_o a_o conserve_n power_n pervade_v through_o all_o but_o it_o confound_v humane_a understanding_n to_o think_v how_o there_o can_v be_v motion_n all_o along_o from_o all_o past_a eternity_n and_o without_o any_o beginning_n no_o superior_a power_n move_v or_o act_v upon_o body_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o matter_n to_o be_v self-active_a though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v eternal_a it_o can_v no_o more_o move_v than_o it_o can_v make_v itself_o for_o upon_o that_o principle_n man_n must_v return_v to_o that_o great_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n touch_v a_o thing_n be_v its_o own_o cause_n that_o be_v touch_v its_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o second_o to_o suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o have_v be_v eternal_a will_v render_v the_o generation_n of_o mankind_n altogether_o impossible_a for_o every_o one_o formation_n and_o birth_n be_v absolve_v in_o the_o space_n of_o so_o many_o month_n and_o so_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n include_v not_o only_o a_o period_n but_o a_o beginning_n too_o both_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n for_o if_o humane_a race_n be_v always_o beget_v carry_v it_o as_o high_a as_o you_o please_v you_o must_v come_v to_o a_o moment_n when_o generation_n do_v begin_v 3._o if_o it_o be_v say_v three_o that_o man_n be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n generate_v as_o they_o be_v now_o but_o that_o some_o be_v create_v or_o make_v from_o everlasting_a and_o thence_o other_o be_v produce_v in_o the_o ordinary_a common_a way_n this_o contradict_v itself_o for_o it_o necessary_o infer_v a_o creator_n or_o maker_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o imply_v a_o first_o man_n and_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o a_o time_n when_o our_o first_o ancestor_n begin_v whereas_o there_o be_v neither_o first_o nor_o last_o in_o succession_n which_o be_v eternal_a so_o that_o be_v our_o ancestor_n eternal_a it_o must_v be_v say_v plain_o we_o have_v no_o first_o parent_n at_o all_o 4._o and_o then_o four_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o conceive_v that_o every_o particular_a man_n shall_v have_v as_o we_o see_v every_o man_n have_v a_o father_n and_o a_o mother_n and_o yet_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v none_o 5._o five_o or_o if_o every_o man_n parent_n be_v infinite_a than_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o infinite_n as_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v particular_a man_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v such_o another_o great_a absurdity_n as_o the_o former_a 6._o six_o to_o conclude_v this_o argumentation_n to_o affirm_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v eternal_a be_v to_o destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o infinity_o and_o to_o entangle_v one_o self_n in_o the_o great_a nonsense_n for_o to_o give_v you_o the_o word_n of_o a_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a writer_n if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a 376._o bishop_n stillingsleet_n '_o be_v orig._n sac._n p._n 376._o there_o must_v have_v be_v past_o a_o infinite_a succession_n of_o age_n a_o insinite_a number_n of_o succession_n be_v already_o past_a and_o if_o past_a then_o at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o we_o find_v a_o infinite_a which_o have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v a_o consequence_n become_v one_o who_o avoid_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o infinity_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a thing_n beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o generation_n have_v be_v insinite_a these_o two_o consequence_n will_v unavoidable_o follow_v which_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o one_o but_o a_o atheist_n will_v startle_v at_o that_o one_o infinite_a may_v be_v
most_o curious_a inquiry_n in_o so_o many_o philosophical_a and_o learned_a age_n this_o show_v that_o the_o tradition_n be_v ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o nature_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_a with_o our_o nature_n and_o must_v be_v as_o constant_a and_o common_a as_o humane_a nature_n continue_v 2._o to_o which_o i_o add_v second_o that_o though_o truth_n go_v along_o with_o the_o tradition_n yet_o of_o itself_o alone_o and_o without_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v universal_o receive_v in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n for_o every_o one_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o embrace_v truth_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o probable_a and_o when_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o do_v often_o drop_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o this_o truth_n can_v have_v go_v so_o current_a as_o it_o have_v go_v in_o all_o part_n and_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n unless_o it_o have_v have_v the_o help_n of_o strong_a reason_n to_o support_v it_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o on_o still_o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n teach_v his_o child_n in_o that_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n the_o nine_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o life_n many_o truth_n both_o philosophical_a and_o divine_a which_o yet_o be_v now_o quite_o lose_v especial_o to_o those_o people_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v open_a before_o we_o nay_o though_o we_o be_v able_a by_o the_o help_n of_o discourse_n to_o gather_v divers_a thing_n out_o of_o moses_n write_n which_o the_o old_a pagan_n have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o yet_o be_v there_o several_a matter_n which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o clear_a cogent_a principle_n of_o nature_n but_o this_o great_a truth_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v propagate_v all_o along_o together_o with_o mankind_n and_o as_o people_n have_v every_o where_o multiply_v successive_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n nay_o the_o high_a we_o go_v to_o those_o elder_a time_n after_o the_o creation_n the_o less_o of_o infidelity_n we_o find_v though_o there_o be_v then_o very_a few_o book_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o god_n be_v believe_v on_o and_o even_o by_o those_o who_o in_o their_o life_n dishonour_v he_o for_o in_o those_o day_n nature_n speak_v with_o simplicity_n and_o much_o plain_a and_o better_o than_o in_o aftertime_n when_o man_n of_o wanton_a wit_n and_o of_o base_a mind_n use_v art_n and_o so_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v their_o natural_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v ground_v upon_o something_o in_o humane_a nature_n which_o have_v still_o preserve_v it_o in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o many_o other_o tradition_n which_o our_o old_a ancestor_n transmit_v to_o their_o posterity_n and_o leave_v with_o they_o this_o have_v escape_v undestroy_v uncontradict_v but_o by_o a_o very_a few_o partial_a conceit_a and_o design_v man_n of_o which_o no_o other_o cause_n can_v be_v rational_o assign_v but_o that_o it_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n a_o natural_a principle_n a_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v as_o it_o be_v imprint_v and_o stamp_v upon_o every_o one_o mind_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o time_n itself_o which_o wear_v out_o other_o notion_n that_o be_v not_o fix_v and_o rivet_v as_o this_o be_v into_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o mere_a tradition_n 2._o nor_o second_o can_v it_o be_v impute_v to_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o next_o pretence_n for_o those_o who_o will_v destroy_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n will_v fain_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o thing_n of_o fancy_n a_o fictitious_a frightful_a idea_n put_v into_o people_n head_n by_o design_v man_n or_o form_v in_o their_o brain_n by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v once_o scare_v be_v easy_o bend_v to_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o terrible_a be_v over_o they_o which_o those_o bold_a hardy_a wretch_n imagine_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bugbear_n without_o any_o real_a existence_n and_o according_o they_o bottom_n religion_n upon_o groundless_a fear_n believe_v hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v figment_n thing_n invent_v and_o talk_v of_o to_o terrify_v the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o atheistical_a author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n represent_v they_o compare_v they_o as_o he_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o express_v it_o to_o a_o empty_a hat_n upon_o a_o crooked_a stick_n to_o fright_v bird_n from_o the_o corn._n i_o shall_v beg_v every_o good_a christian_n pardon_n for_o but_o mention_v such_o impiety_n do_v not_o the_o looseness_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o constrain_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o strange_a notion_n that_o be_v get_v abroad_o the_o meaning_n whereof_o in_o short_a be_v that_o if_o people_n be_v not_o fright_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n they_o will_v hardly_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o they_o ground_n that_o belief_n upon_o fear_n and_o make_v popular_a fear_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o think_v that_o this_o belief_n have_v general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n not_o from_o any_o natural_a principle_n in_o the_o understanding_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a foolish_a passion_n of_o heart_n and_o because_o man_n have_v be_v every_o where_o teach_v to_o be_v fearful_a and_o timorous_a or_o have_v make_v themselves_o so_o now_o to_o every_o considerate_a rational_a man_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o fear_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o belief_n but_o be_v the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o that_o be_v man_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n because_o they_o be_v afraid_a but_o be_v therefore_o afraid_a because_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o a_o just_a and_o powerful_a be_v over_o all_o and_o therefore_o their_o fear_n proceed_v from_o a_o universal_a common_a and_o natural_a principle_n in_o every_o one_o mind_n touch_v god_n existence_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n fear_n to_o be_v so_o great_a so_o universal_a so_o fix_v in_o humane_a nature_n as_o never_o to_o be_v eradicate_v first_o it_o can_v never_o stand_v with_o common_a reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o fear_n shall_v create_v torment_v apprehension_n of_o a_o be_v who_o all_o mankind_n have_v ever_o adore_v for_o his_o great_a goodness_n and_o who_o heathen_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v for_o his_o divine_a perfection_n the_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o reverence_n soever_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n may_v call_v for_o disquiet_v terror_n of_o a_o be_v so_o infinite_o perfect_a can_v spring_v but_o from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n whether_o that_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v against_o god_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v none_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n where_o there_o be_v not_o suppose_v a_o object_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o that_o object_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o to_o be_v but_o to_o be_v angry_a and_o threaten_v otherwise_o our_o faculty_n will_v be_v both_o vain_a and_o delusory_a constrain_v to_o fear_v where_o no_o ground_n of_o fear_n be_v which_o be_v to_o reproach_n nature_n itself_o that_o be_v so_o adore_v by_o some_o insidel_n and_o to_o impeach_v it_o for_o a_o common_a cheat._n second_o though_o we_o shall_v think_v some_o particular_a person_n impose_v upon_o by_o their_o fear_n yet_o how_o can_v all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n fall_v under_o the_o same_o imposture_n at_o once_o how_o can_v they_o be_v seize_v with_o one_o agony_n universal_o but_o from_o a_o epidemical_a principle_n in_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o can_v they_o all_o jump_v together_o in_o one_o principle_n without_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o god_n who_o make_v they_o all_o and_o intend_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o hold_v they_o all_o fast_o to_o himself_o three_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v mankind_n to_o have_v be_v fright_v all_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n no_o body_n know_v by_o who_o or_o when_o or_o how_o and_o by_o that_o fright_n to_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o deity_n can_v we_o suppose_v too_o that_o they_o have_v no_o time_n in_o so_o many_o age_n to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o panic_n distemper_n fear_n be_v a_o cruciate_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o every_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o rid_v himself_o
mental_a discourse_n as_o for_o example_n though_o we_o discern_v not_o our_o own_o soul_n nor_o can_v behold_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n yet_o in_o regard_n that_o we_o think_v and_o meditate_v and_o reason_n in_o ourselves_o we_o strong_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v being_n actual_o existing_a because_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o be_v not_o can_v operate_v in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o our_o corporeal_a sense_n yet_o consider_v what_o bright_a manifestation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o wonderful_a goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n we_o right_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o a_o supreme_a be_v of_o the_o most_o adorable_a and_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o innumerable_a other_o instance_n though_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o thing_n in_o nature_n who_o contexture_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o sense_n yet_o by_o argue_v either_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la from_o the_o manifest_a cause_n to_o the_o effect_n or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o the_o manifest_a effect_n to_o the_o cause_n we_o proceed_v to_o satisfactory_a inference_n because_o if_o this_o thing_n be_v grant_v then_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o thing_n will_v follow_v this_o be_v to_o reason_n and_o argue_v and_o to_o discourse_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o faculty_n whereof_o the_o soul_n of_o irrational_a creature_n be_v not_o capable_a because_o sine_fw-la and_o close_a reason_n be_v vast_o above_o bare_a and_o naked_a sensation_n it_o require_v strong_a meditation_n great_a roll_a of_o thought_n and_o a_o firm_a link_a of_o notion_n to_o notion_n in_o a_o chain_n so_o that_o rational_a premise_n may_v fair_o and_o regular_o draw_v on_o rational_a conclusion_n all_o which_o brute_n creature_n can_v no_o more_o do_v than_o they_o can_v study_v philosophy_n or_o understand_v book_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o logic_n 4._o four_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o a_o power_n of_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o moral_a action_n and_o of_o reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n after_o they_o be_v do_v and_o this_o we_o call_v conscience_n mean_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v unchangeable_o good_a and_o other_o which_o be_v immutable_o evil_a their_o nature_n be_v so_o utter_o opposite_a that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o make_v vice_n virtue_n or_o virtue_n vice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n every_o one_o do_v carry_v in_o himself_o nor_o be_v any_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o void_a and_o destitute_a of_o they_o but_o that_o the_o most_o unpolisht_a and_o barbarous_a people_n understand_v in_o some_o measure_n what_o be_v right_o and_o just_a according_o we_o find_v something_o within_o we_o which_o before_o a_o action_n be_v do_v tell_v we_o secret_o what_o be_v necessary_a sit_v and_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o when_o our_o unreasonable_a inclination_n and_o passion_n carry_v we_o on_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o good_a dictate_v we_o find_v something_o within_o we_o that_o do_v reprehend_v and_o blame_v and_o fly_v upon_o we_o and_o many_o time_n do_v wound_v we_o so_o that_o we_o be_v very_o sore_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o great_a anguish_n and_o torment_n to_o which_o purpose_n be_v those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n he_o faith_n that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n write_v in_o two_o table_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v yet_o they_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n among_o themselves_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o exause_v one_o another_o now_o this_o faculty_n of_o govern_v and_o regulate_v all_o our_o moral_a action_n and_o of_o pass_a sentence_n upon_o they_o be_v a_o excellence_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o any_o animal_n which_o be_v pure_o sensitive_a how_o sagacious_a soever_o they_o appear_v because_o action_n natural_a be_v the_o high_a they_o can_v go_v to_o as_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n they_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o they_o as_o destitute_a as_o a_o stone_n be_v of_o sense_n or_o as_o a_o plant_n be_v of_o reason_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o their_o soul_n be_v mortal_a whether_o they_o be_v altogether_o material_a or_o so_o necestary_o depend_v upon_o matter_n that_o they_o can_v subsist_v without_o a_o body_n i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v no_o question_n but_o they_o perish_v with_o their_o body_n for_o have_v no_o law_n of_o morality_n to_o act_v by_o they_o can_v be_v accountable_a either_o for_o obedience_n or_o transgression_n and_o so_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o survive_v because_o they_o be_v uncapable_a either_o of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n as_o be_v without_o all_o power_n of_o reflect_v and_o consequent_o of_o have_v any_o joy_n or_o remorse_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o to_o conclude_v this_o consideration_n beside_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n a_o power_n of_o sensation_n and_o a_o faculty_n of_o retain_v idea_n which_o spring_v from_o thing_n without_o we_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o such_o high_a and_o exquisite_a power_n that_o suppose_v a_o be_v angelical_a and_o next_o to_o a_o deity_n be_v to_o have_v be_v form_v on_o purpose_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o humane_a flesh_n there_o to_o display_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o its_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o a_o be_v can_v have_v be_v make_v more_o like_a to_o a_o angel_n than_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o be_v that_o be_v able_a to_o search_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o into_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o entertain_v itself_o with_o lofty_a contemplation_n to_o discover_v recondite_v mysterious_a truth_n to_o open_v the_o treasure_n of_o philosophy_n to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v thing_n which_o natural_o must_v or_o probable_o may_v happen_v to_o know_v all_o that_o a_o finite_a creature_n be_v well_o capable_a of_o know_v to_o set_v out_o the_o just_a boundary_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o far_o they_o may_v honourable_o and_o safe_o go_v and_o what_o they_o be_v at_o their_o peril_n to_o avoid_v to_o employ_v mankind_n in_o the_o most_o curious_a art_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o most_o delightful_a and_o useful_a science_n to_o give_v measure_n to_o all_o state_n and_o prince_n to_o prescribe_v to_o all_o society_n the_o true_a method_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n to_o show_v they_o what_o noble_a end_v they_o be_v to_o pursue_v and_o what_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o best_a mean_n of_o bring_v those_o end_n to_o pass_v to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o great_a and_o most_o generous_a undertake_n and_o to_o make_v they_o man_n of_o renown_n to_o inspire_v they_o with_o laudable_a ambition_n and_o upon_o animate_v hope_n to_o find_v glorious_a achievement_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o fortune_n of_o kingdom_n to_o make_v we_o aspire_v towards_o the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a enjoyment_n in_o short_a to_o help_v we_o to_o do_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o mortal_a creature_n here_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o labour_n under_o the_o sun_n to_o show_v we_o a_o glimpse_n of_o another_o world_n and_o to_o sit_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a and_o eternal_a state_n in_o it_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o noble_a power_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o hence_o i_o argue_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o this_o excellence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n because_o these_o high_a endowment_n and_o faculty_n can_v not_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o casual_a modification_n of_o dead_a and_o senseless_a matter_n but_o from_o the_o agency_n of_o a_o intelligent_a cause_n that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o can_v be_v more_o in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n if_o there_o can_v be_v more_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o something_o can_v come_v of_o itself_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v impossible_a defect_n of_o power_n in_o a_o agent_n be_v a_o nonentity_n a_o want_n of_o be_v a_o privation_n a_o incapacity_n a_o utter_a nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o any_o