make_v use_n of_o the_o direction_n of_o this_o place_n as_o a_o canon_n for_o our_o enquiry_n although_o not_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o as_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o enforce_v a_o belief_n from_o the_o gainsayer_n i_o say_v therefore_o that_o a_o eternal_a power_n may_v beevince_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o thing_n visible_a so_o that_o by_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n though_o not_o so_o ready_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o thing_n which_o disappear_v i_o say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a but_o create_v be_v demonstrable_a from_o thing_n that_o be_v visible_a our_o argument_n shall_v be_v from_o generation_n whatsoever_o be_v beget_v be_v beget_v of_o some_o other_o for_o nothing_o can_v possible_o beget_v or_o make_v itself_o otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v not_o both_o at_o one_o instant_a see_v it_o be_v both_o the_o producer_n and_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v produce_v it_o be_v to_o be_v produce_v and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o producer_n and_o that_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v in_o be_v it_o be_v therefore_o in_o be_v and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o be_v that_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n wherefore_o nothing_o can_v generate_v or_o make_v or_o produce_v itself_o wherefore_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v beget_v be_v beget_v of_o some_o other_o and_o then_o the_o other_o which_o beget_v it_o either_o be_v itself_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n beget_v or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o we_o be_v already_o come_v to_o the_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v unbegotten_a and_o so_o have_v discover_v a_o godhead_n if_o it_o be_v beget_v either_o we_o must_v follow_v up_o the_o course_n of_o successive_a generation_n to_o some_o first_o production_n from_o a_o cause_n eternal_a or_o else_o we_o must_v necessary_o say_v that_o the_o course_n of_o generation_n have_v no_o beginning_n and_o consequent_o that_o infinite_a succession_n be_v already_o past_a which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o succession_n be_v past_a and_o if_o past_a than_o they_o be_v at_o a_o end_n so_o we_o have_v find_v a_o infinite_a which_o have_v have_v a_o end_n that_o be_v another_o contradiction_n again_o if_o any_o shall_v affirm_v that_o the_o course_n of_o generation_n have_v no_o beginning_n but_o that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o have_v be_v infinite_a let_v we_o put_v a_o case_n and_o reason_n with_o he_o we_o will_v imagine_v the_o generation_n of_o abraham_n for_o example_n and_o of_o joseph_n the_o son_n of_o jacob_n the_o son_n of_o isaac_n the_o son_n of_o abraham_n i_o demand_v therefore_o whether_o before_o the_o birth_n of_o abraham_n there_o have_v past_a a_o infinite_a series_n of_o generation_n or_o not_o if_o the_o series_n be_v finite_a the_o work_n of_o generation_n have_v beginning_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n i_o contend_v for_o if_o the_o series_n past_a be_v infinite_a then_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o joseph_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o more_o generation_n be_v past_a so_o we_o have_v find_v a_o number_n great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o consequent_o that_o be_v not_o infinite_a so_o it_o be_v both_o infinite_a and_o not_o infinite_a a_o manifest_a contradiction_n but_o if_o we_o say_v that_o abraham_n series_n be_v infinite_a and_o that_o so_o be_v joseph_n also_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o number_n of_o abraham_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o number_n of_o joseph_n but_o abraham_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o joseph_n wherefore_o the_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a else_o admit_v that_o abraham_n be_v finite_a but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o joseph_n that_o then_o the_o number_n be_v infinite_a it_o follow_v then_o that_o a_o finite_a number_n add_v to_o a_o finite_a shall_v make_v a_o infinite_a which_o likewise_o be_v against_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n we_o see_v therefore_o that_o suppose_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o infinity_n of_o generation_n do_v force_v the_o mind_n to_o contradiction_n and_o consequent_o the_o fiction_n be_v vain_a and_o utter_o impossible_a and_o as_o we_o have_v argue_v in_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n so_o we_o may_v likewise_o in_o every_o thing_n where_o there_o be_v motion_n or_o mutation_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a world_n the_o creation_n therefore_o of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o visible_a thing_n thereof_o be_v manifest_a which_o be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n we_o may_v infer_v those_o invisible_a attribute_n of_o the_o eternity_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o which_o rest_v yet_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v sect._n iv._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n those_o likewise_o evict_v from_o the_o creature_n that_o which_o we_o be_v yet_o upon_o it_o be_v a_o general_a introduction_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o against_o atheist_n and_o epicure_n and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o despiser_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o pretend_v be_v that_o their_o rejection_n of_o religion_n can_v proceed_v from_o any_o considerate_a solid_a reason_n of_o their_o understanding_n but_o from_o a_o evil_a disposition_n of_o their_o affection_n which_o make_v they_o we_o believe_v rather_o wish_v and_o so_o give_v out_o that_o their_o assertion_n be_v true_a then_o that_o themselves_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o particular_o in_o that_o grand_a principle_n and_o fundamental_a of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n will_v free_o and_o natural_o follow_v we_o have_v by_o plain_a and_o easy_a demonstration_n evince_v that_o from_o the_o visible_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o creation_n of_o it_o may_v be_v evict_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n although_o to_o such_o as_o be_v initiate_v in_o christianity_n he_o do_v propose_v it_o upon_o the_o well_o attest_a authority_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o many_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_v declare_v to_o be_v with_o he_o although_o to_o they_o he_o think_v it_o needless_a any_o more_o then_o to_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o their_o understanding_n yet_o that_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o the_o infidel_n but_o by_o design_v to_o they_o so_o ready_a a_o topike_n or_o medium_n from_o whence_o to_o begin_v their_o argument_n have_v not_o deserve_v of_o the_o unbelieving_a that_o slender_a estimation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v he_o there_o be_v no_o action_n or_o mutation_n in_o any_o thing_n visible_a whatsoever_o but_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o motion_n nor_o any_o motion_n follow_v home_o successive_o through_o it_o be_v cause_n but_o will_v force_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o first_o mover_n which_o be_v itself_o unmoved_a and_o though_o for_o some_o reason_n i_o do_v propose_v the_o argument_n in_o the_o name_n of_o generation_n yet_o if_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o you_o shall_v have_v be_v please_v to_o substitute_v motion_n in_o general_a or_o bodily_a action_n for_o either_o they_o be_v formal_o the_o same_o or_o consequent_a at_o least_o to_o one_o another_o the_o variation_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v no_o way_n have_v change_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o conclusion_n which_o i_o intimate_v to_o give_v notice_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o that_o argument_n which_o in_o itself_o comprize_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o more_o particular_a lest_o any_o advantage_n may_v possible_o be_v make_v against_o the_o want_n of_o number_n in_o my_o argument_n well_o have_v conclude_v the_o creation_n and_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v it_o follow_v that_o thence_o we_o conclude_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n that_o be_v the_o eternity_n and_o power_n of_o the_o godhead_n to_o which_o that_o we_o may_v full_o convince_v our_o atheist_n we_o will_v likewise_o add_v the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o immensity_n and_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o first_o for_o eternity_n eternity_n we_o have_v by_o undeniable_a consequence_n resolve_v all_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o first_o mover_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v he_o a_o first_o mover_n this_o supposition_n will_v evident_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v eternal_a that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v without_o beginning_n of_o essence_n or_o without_o any_o term_n or_o limit_v of_o duration_n for_o if_o it_o have_v any_o beginning_n of_o essence_n or_o duration_n that_o beginning_n of_o be_v presuppose_v a_o priority_n of_o not_o be_v that_o be_v that_o actual_a being_n be_v
a_o philosophical_a essay_n towards_o a_o eviction_n of_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n truth_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n together_o with_o a_o index_n of_o the_o head_n of_o every_o particular_a part._n oxford_n print_v by_o leonard_n lichfield_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n adam_n and_o edward_n forest_n 1652._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n although_o he_o have_v never_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v publish_v have_v he_o not_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o main_a much_o liable_a to_o just_a exception_n and_o although_o he_o have_v no_o further_a care_n of_o the_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n of_o it_o than_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o may_v deserve_v whereof_o the_o reader_n and_o not_o himself_o must_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o so_o he_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o common_a passion_n of_o such_o as_o use_v to_o make_v epistle_n and_o preface_n to_o their_o reader_n yet_o some_o thing_n although_o but_o for_o custom_n only_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o premise_v and_o to_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o thus_o much_o by_o way_n of_o apology_n for_o himself_o that_o this_o be_v write_v divers_a year_n since_o without_o any_o purpose_n of_o ever_o let_v it_o go_v abroad_o that_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o clear_v to_o himself_o who_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o rational_a knowledge_n a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o own_o belief_n and_o to_o that_o end_n to_o lay_v in_o order_n his_o scatter_a notion_n concerning_o that_o subject_a and_o this_o he_o intend_v as_o a_o apology_n for_o the_o homeliness_n of_o the_o stile_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v it_o be_v also_o deliver_v in_o a_o private_a course_n of_o religious_a exercise_n and_o that_o will_v be_v the_o excuse_n for_o such_o repetition_n as_o may_v otherwise_o seem_v ill-favoured_a in_o the_o several_a section_n of_o it_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o compose_v it_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o book_n which_o be_v one_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v not_o adorn_v with_o testimony_n and_o citation_n out_o of_o author_n but_o come_v out_o naked_a be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o order_n and_o plainness_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o trust_v to_o that_o since_o the_o compose_n of_o this_o he_o know_v that_o divers_a book_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n far_o more_o know_v then_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o read_v any_o of_o they_o nor_o know_v whether_o he_o do_v agree_v with_o they_o or_o not_o which_o abstinence_n have_v be_v cause_v partly_o for_o that_o he_o be_v himself_o satisfy_v by_o what_o be_v here_o deliver_v and_o partly_o for_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n or_o mind_n to_o alter_v this_o which_o he_o have_v do_v though_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o better_a that_o whereas_o he_o speak_v of_o epicure_n machiavelian_o and_o the_o like_a he_o make_v use_n of_o those_o name_n only_o in_o a_o popular_a way_n as_o they_o be_v name_n of_o character_n well_o know_v among_o we_o and_o that_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o traduce_v those_o author_n or_o cast_v any_o contumely_n upon_o they_o last_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o before_o the_o edition_n of_o this_o he_o have_v see_v m._n hobbs_n his_o leviathan_n and_o other_o book_n of_o his_o wherein_o that_o which_o be_v in_o this_o treatise_n intend_v as_o the_o main_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o second_o discourse_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n insist_v be_v say_v to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o immaterial_a or_o incorporeal_a substance_n upon_o which_o occasion_n he_o think_v good_a only_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o very_a great_a respect_n and_o a_o very_a high_a esteem_n for_o that_o worthy_a gentleman_n but_o he_o must_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o belief_n and_o expectation_n concerning_o he_o a_o belief_n of_o much_o knowledge_n in_o he_o and_o a_o expectation_n of_o those_o philosophical_a and_o mathematical_a work_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v and_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o what_o he_o have_v yet_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v reason_n from_o thence_o to_o recede_v from_o any_o thing_n upon_o his_o authority_n although_o he_o shall_v avouch_v his_o discourse_n to_o proceed_v mathematical_o that_o he_o be_v sure_a he_o have_v much_o injure_v the_o mathematics_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o demonstration_n by_o bestow_v it_o upon_o some_o of_o his_o discourse_n which_o be_v exceed_o short_a of_o that_o evidence_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o discourse_n able_a to_o bear_v that_o reputation_n that_o in_o this_o case_n m.h._n be_v only_o a_o negative_a witness_n and_o his_o meaning_n in_o deny_v incorporeal_a substance_n can_v rational_o import_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o a_o apprehension_n of_o any_o such_o being_n and_o that_o his_o cogitation_n as_o to_o the_o simple_a object_n of_o it_o have_v never_o rise_v beyond_o imagination_n or_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o body_n perform_v in_o the_o brain_n but_o to_o imagine_v that_o no_o man_n have_v a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o godhead_n because_o he_o may_v not_o perhaps_o think_v of_o he_o so_o much_o as_o to_o strip_v off_o the_o corporeal_a circumstance_n wherewith_o he_o do_v use_v to_o fancy_v he_o or_o to_o conclude_v every_o man_n under_o the_o sentence_n of_o be_v nonsensical_a whosoever_o have_v speak_v or_o write_v of_o incorporeal_a substance_n he_o do_v conceive_v to_o be_v thing_n not_o to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o authority_n of_o m._n hobs._n that_o whereas_o very_o many_o man_n do_v profess_v a_o apprehension_n of_o such_o being_n and_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n profess_v this_o to_o be_v impossible_a this_o author_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o excuse_v this_o from_o much_o incivility_n and_o conceive_v the_o import_n of_o it_o to_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o he_o conceive_v himself_o in_o the_o high_a and_o utmost_a bind_v of_o human_a apprehension_n and_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o what_o he_o see_v not_o be_v invisible_a i_o conceive_v the_o case_n in_o this_o to_o be_v alike_o as_o if_o while_o two_o man_n be_v look_v at_o jupiter_n one_o with_o his_o naked_a eye_n the_o other_o with_o a_o telescope_n the_o former_a shall_v avow_v that_o jupiter_n have_v no_o attendant_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v any_o the_o reason_n why_o m.h._n deny_v those_o being_n while_o other_o man_n apprehend_v they_o be_v for_o that_o he_o look_v at_o they_o with_o his_o fancy_n they_o with_o their_o mind_n many_o more_o thing_n he_o have_v to_o say_v for_o himself_o but_o he_o understand_v not_o full_o the_o use_n or_o benefit_n of_o apology_n the_o content_n part_n i._n sect._n i._n preface_n sect._n ii_o of_o the_o design_n ad_fw-la definition_n of_o religion_n the_o prejudice_n and_o pretence_n against_o the_o christian_a the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v in_o controversy_n deduce_v to_o three_o question_n 1._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n attribute_n 2._o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n sect._n iii_o of_o the_o being_n of_o god_n evict_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n from_o the_o creature_n pag._n 11._o sect._n iv._o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n those_o likewise_o evict_v from_o the_o creature_n pag._n 17._o part_n ii_o sect._n i._n a_o proposal_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n that_o incorporeal_a substance_n be_v immortal_a pap_n 33._o sect._n ii_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v incorporeal_a substance_n by_o compare_v the_o affection_n of_o body_n with_o those_o of_o soul_n p._n 38._o sect._n iii_o a_o further_a proof_n of_o it_o by_o the_o general_a way_n of_o apprehension_n p._n 43_o sense_n iv._o the_o same_o further_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o several_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o simple_a apprehension_n p._n 51._o sect._n v._o from_o judgement_n and_o discourse_n p._n 58._o sect._n vi_o a_o application_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n to_o the_o inference_n of_o a_o religion_n in_o general_a and_o a_o proposal_n of_o the_o three_o in_o order_n to_o the_o christian_n p._n 67._o part_n iii_o concerning_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o scripture_n sect._n i._n petition_n and_o caution_n premise_v to_o the_o question_n p._n 75._o sect._n ii_o the_o assertion_n resolve_v into_o two_o proposition_n the_o former_a
undertake_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v believe_v the_o doctrinal_a p._n 81._o sect._n iii_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o historical_a faith_n in_o general_n p._n 89._o sect._n iv._o a_o application_n of_o those_o general_a ground_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o proof_n of_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o history_n in_o the_o world_n p._n 97._o sect._n v._o that_o there_o be_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o any_o other_o history_n p._n 206._o sect._n vi_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o proposal_n of_o three_o several_a assertion_n whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v p._n 119._o sect._n vii_o the_o first_o assertion_n prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v p._n 124._o sect._n viii_o that_o the_o book_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v now_o receive_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v ever_o since_o the_o consignation_n of_o their_o canon_n p._n 128._o sect._n ix._o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n these_o book_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n p._n 135._o sect._n x._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n objection_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v first_o general_a objection_n against_o the_o whole_a p._n 138._o sect._n xi_o objection_n against_o particular_a part_n brief_o propose_v and_o answer_v p._n 149._o part_n i._n preface_n sect._n i._n although_o i_o be_o not_o without_o apprehension_n that_o the_o discourse_n which_o i_o design_n may_v be_v prejudge_v unprofitable_a as_o pretend_v to_o lay_v again_o that_o foundation_n which_o have_v long_o since_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v reader_n of_o it_o yet_o when_o i_o consider_v those_o scandal_n which_o the_o looseness_n of_o our_o time_n have_v offer_v even_o to_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o bold_a and_o horrid_a pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o atheist_n and_o epicure_n which_o by_o a_o profane_a and_o confident_a assert_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o thing_n undervalue_v the_o ability_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o raise_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o personal_a excellency_n have_v labour_v to_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n a_o general_a athiesm_n or_o at_o least_o a_o doubtful_a scepticism_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v upon_o any_o ill_a suggestion_n apt_a still_o to_o receive_v some_o impression_n those_o thing_n be_v of_o like_a operation_n with_o calumny_n which_o if_o it_o be_v confident_o and_o bold_o charge_v will_v be_v sure_a to_o leave_v some_o scar_n behind_o it_o when_o we_o observe_v this_o use_n and_o inclination_n in_o ourselves_o which_o be_v in_o thing_n where_o we_o have_v not_o a_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v not_o give_v perfect_a credit_n to_o a_o accusation_n yet_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o suspicion_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o be_v speak_v and_o although_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o contrary_a belief_n do_v keep_v we_o from_o a_o full_a assent_n to_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o thing_n concern_v ourselves_o and_o we_o have_v happen_v to_o cross_v our_o opinion_n or_o our_o belief_n in_o our_o way_n of_o practice_n such_o be_v the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o they_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o know_v man_n to_o oppose_v against_o their_o own_o belief_n and_o interpose_v betwixt_o the_o lash_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o themselves_o i_o say_v the_o present_a condition_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v such_o i_o can_v think_v it_o useless_a nay_o not_o unnecessary_a to_o raise_v a_o discourse_n of_o religion_n even_o from_o the_o common_a element_n and_o fundamental_n and_o for_o a_o while_n neglect_v the_o more_o know_a party_n of_o man_n to_o undertake_v so_o far_o as_o the_o argument_n will_v bear_v to_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o lead_v on_o the_o weak_a from_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o themselves_o can_v deny_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o injunction_n of_o our_o religion_n sect._n ii_o of_o the_o design_n and_o definition_n of_o religion_n the_o prejudice_n and_o pretence_n against_o the_o christian_a the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v in_o controversy_n deduce_v to_o three_o question_n 1._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n attribute_n 2._o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n 3._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n we_o may_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o definition_n and_o the_o design_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n however_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o world_n may_v contradict_v it_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v take_v this_o definition_n of_o religion_n as_o one_o that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o apprehension_n which_o all_o of_o we_o have_v of_o it_o religion_n be_v a_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o a_o expectation_n of_o reward_n the_o design_n indeed_o of_o religion_n however_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v mere_o obedience_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o height_n of_o it_o be_v bare_o terminate_v in_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o the_o high_a act_n of_o it_o be_v adoration_n yet_o i_o say_v the_o design_n of_o man_n religion_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o unto_o themselves_o and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o estate_n of_o happiness_n the_o very_a definition_n of_o religion_n suppose_v a_o godhead_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o both_o the_o party_n worship_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o that_o god_n likewise_o do_v not_o neglect_v his_o service_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v the_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o again_o the_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o suppose_v the_o resignation_n of_o our_o supreme_a faculty_n those_o be_v our_o understanding_n and_o our_o will_n viz._n our_o will_n to_o a_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n to_o a_o performance_n of_o his_o injunction_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o resignation_n likewise_o of_o our_o understanding_n to_o his_o truth_n now_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apostle_n that_o we_o can_v practise_v the_o will_n of_o god_n unless_o we_o know_v it_o and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o so_o then_o in_o our_o profession_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v these_o supposal_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o that_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o way_n of_o reward_v that_o the_o diligence_n of_o our_o seek_n must_v be_v exercise_v in_o a_o way_n conformable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o want_v not_o rule_n for_o this_o conformity_n these_o be_v i_o say_v the_o general_a supposition_n of_o every_o religion_n under_o heaven_n you_o see_v that_o the_o being_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o self-resignation_n but_o the_o end_n of_o that_o resignation_n it_o be_v reward_n still_o retain_v in_o mind_n that_o caution_n that_o mercenary_o to_o labour_v for_o reward_n be_v not_o the_o supreme_a exaltation_n of_o religious_a act_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o man_n religion_n and_o a_o allowable_a and_o commendable_a step_n and_o a_o degree_n unto_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a powerful_a motive_n to_o moses_n to_o neglect_v the_o momentany_a pleasure_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n because_o he_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o natural_a way_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o act_n to_o look_v at_o some_o or_o other_o end_n and_o to_o undertake_v no_o labour_n without_o a_o eye_n upon_o reward_n now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n who_o account_v themselves_o the_o wise_a observe_v as_o they_o think_v the_o design_n and_o issue_n of_o religion_n and_o compare_v the_o labour_n and_o the_o wage_n they_o with_o much_o wisdom_n as_o they_o think_v conclude_v that_o all_o the_o business_n of_o gain_n which_o come_v by_o religion_n be_v no_o way_n worth_n the_o pain_n and_o labour_n they_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v
eternity_n we_o present_o think_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n and_o so_o call_v into_o our_o imagination_n a_o long_a continue_a series_n of_o these_o revolution_n and_o vicissitude_n whereas_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o vicissitude_n there_o be_v a_o priority_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o priority_n there_o must_v be_v a_o beginning_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o beginning_n that_o be_v not_o eternal_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o in_o eternity_n there_o be_v such_o part_n as_o day_n and_o year_n there_o must_v be_v as_o many_o million_o of_o year_n as_o minute_n and_o so_o that_o a_o minute_n be_v equal_a real_o to_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v clear_o that_o eternity_n even_o in_o our_o notion_n be_v a_o infinite_a and_o undivided_a unsuccessive_a duration_n these_o example_n be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o intellectual_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o imagination_n which_o accompany_v our_o superficial_a thought_n our_o slight_a and_o cursory_a take_v they_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o illustrate_v that_o however_o in_o our_o fancy_n we_o may_v have_v corporeal_a representation_n attend_v upon_o these_o spiritual_a being_n yet_o the_o idea_n whereby_o the_o understanding_n apprehend_v those_o simple_a essence_n be_v incorporeal_a and_o consequent_o the_o understanding_n part_n of_o man_n be_v incorporeal_a sect._n v._o from_o judgement_n and_o discourse_n and_o now_o whatsoever_o of_o perfection_n may_v be_v evince_v to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o simple_a apprehension_n of_o single_a object_n may_v much_o more_o strong_o be_v conclude_v from_o those_o more_o perfect_a operation_n exercise_v in_o compare_v several_a thing_n together_o and_o work_v out_o the_o truth_n strike_v forth_o the_o light_n from_o those_o collision_n a_o judgement_n take_v in_o two_o several_a simple_a term_n and_o upon_o they_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n a_o discourse_n take_v into_o consideration_n two_o of_o the_o judgement_n already_o past_a and_o decide_v by_o the_o soul_n and_o from_o those_o two_o draw_v forth_o a_o three_o and_o so_o bring_v into_o act_n those_o truth_n which_o fold_v in_o their_o cause_n lie_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o soul_n conceal_v from_o itself_o now_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o certain_a essence_n within_o themselves_o which_o neither_o in_o their_o being_n nor_o in_o their_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v any_o way_n mix_v with_o aught_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o so_o from_o thence_o the_o incorporeity_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immediate_o conclude_v so_o here_o in_o these_o second_o and_o three_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o however_o the_o simple_a object_n which_o be_v the_o term_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o judgement_n may_v be_v body_n yet_o the_o act_n of_o judge_v and_o discern_v and_o reason_v they_o be_v no_o bodily_a act_n nor_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o bodily_a motion_n to_o be_v perform_v and_o that_o even_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a to_o the_o outward_a sense_n or_o the_o inward_a the_o understanding_n part_n be_v yet_o carry_v away_o far_o beyond_o the_o bound_n and_o territory_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o raise_v itself_o into_o the_o contemplation_n of_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o either_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o otherwise_o perceive_v and_o frame_v to_o itself_o consequence_n and_o corollary_n such_o as_o be_v not_o sensible_a but_o be_v only_o discoverable_a by_o a_o divine_a light_n by_o this_o divine_a faculty_n it_o be_v that_o seize_v upon_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o and_o fix_v itself_o steady_o upon_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o it_o pass_v from_o the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o creature_n up_o to_o the_o incomprehensible_a creator_n it_o climb_v up_o by_o degree_n and_o pass_v through_o the_o continue_a chain_n of_o cause_n till_o it_o come_v to_o that_o link_n which_o be_v fasten_v to_o the_o chair_n of_o god_n it_o rest_v not_o in_o thing_n below_o but_o soar_v up_o steady_o to_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n it_o be_v by_o this_o faculty_n that_o upon_o sight_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v foresee_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n and_o see_v the_o effect_n it_o make_v to_o itself_o a_o conclusion_n of_o what_o must_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o by_o frequent_a exercise_n in_o these_o contemplation_n attain_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o mastery_n over_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o produce_v thing_n strange_a and_o wonderful_a in_o operation_n it_o apply_v the_o active_a power_n unto_o the_o passive_a as_o the_o schoolman_n speak_v and_o so_o imitate_v god_n and_o nature_n in_o great_a and_o marvellous_a conclusion_n he_o observe_v the_o property_n of_o a_o despicable_a stone_n and_o be_v carry_v so_o far_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o those_o property_n that_o he_o dare_v adventure_v himself_o upon_o the_o huge_a unruly_a ocean_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o and_o he_o find_v experience_n to_o answer_v to_o his_o contemplation_n he_o get_v the_o mastery_n of_o that_o unruly_a boisterous_a element_n he_o ride_v secure_o upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o dark_a water_n he_o make_v a_o needle_n touch_v with_o a_o stone_n to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n when_o the_o eye_n of_o heaven_n be_v veil_v from_o he_o amidst_o the_o dark_a water_n and_o thick_a cloud_n of_o the_o sky_n he_o examine_v all_o the_o chamber_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o imitate_v he_o in_o compass_v the_o world_n he_o go_v out_o from_o the_o east_n and_o return_v again_o from_o the_o west_n return_n and_o that_o load_v with_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o blessing_n which_o moses_n do_v assign_v to_o joseph_n deu._n 33.13_o the_o precious_a thing_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o dew_n and_o for_o the_o deep_a that_o couch_v beneath_o the_o precious_a fruit_n bring_v forth_o by_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o precious_a thing_n put_v forth_o by_o the_o moon_n the_o chief_a thing_n of_o the_o ancient_a mountain_n and_o the_o precious_a thing_n of_o the_o last_a hill_n the_o precious_a thing_n of_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n he_o settle_v a_o correspondency_n betwixt_o the_o utmost_a distant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o open_v a_o traffic_n betwixt_o nation_n opposite_a in_o place_n in_o manner_n and_o affection_n such_o as_o have_v lie_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o even_o almost_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o ark_n that_o float_v upon_o the_o water_n but_o what_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n he_o display_v the_o banner_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o region_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n he_o shed_v forth_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o people_n that_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n what_o sensible_a analogy_n or_o correspondency_n be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o situation_n or_o motion_n of_o a_o stone_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o by_o various_a consequence_n he_o discover_v how_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o that_o this_o likewise_o may_v be_v effect_v he_o discover_v it_o and_o put_v it_o in_o a_o successful_a and_o happy_a execution_n what_o be_v there_o more_o contemptible_a than_o a_o stone_n hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o substance_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o less_o contemptible_a than_o a_o shadow_n he_o observe_v a_o shadow_n and_o that_o carry_v he_o aloft_o to_o a_o contemplation_n and_o a_o discovery_n of_o that_o most_o glorious_a creature_n which_o come_v forth_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n out_o of_o his_o chamber_n and_o rejoice_v as_o a_o giant_n to_o run_v his_o course_n from_o the_o shadow_n he_o rise_v to_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n and_o to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o his_o course_n in_o the_o ecliptic_a and_o then_o bring_v back_o again_o his_o understanding_n to_o the_o shadow_n he_o make_v thereby_o a_o instrument_n that_o shall_v design_n to_o the_o eye_n the_o daily_a circuit_n of_o its_o motion_n his_o eye_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o his_o mind_n to_o discover_v they_o in_o contemplation_n and_o now_o his_o mind_n be_v impregnate_v with_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o return_v with_o usury_n to_o the_o sense_n that_o occasional_a advantage_n which_o they_o afford_v it_o and_o give_v they_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o view_n of_o its_o practice_n it_o give_v the_o eye_n and_o hand_n direction_n for_o draw_v of_o line_n which_o by_o the_o regular_a application_n of_o a_o stick_n or_o wire_n stone_n or_o any_o other_o body_n shall_v discover_v not_o only_o the_o division_n of_o the_o day_n the_o hour_n that_o be_v past_a or_o else_o to_o come_v but_o even_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sun_n