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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n effect_n natural_a nature_n 4,625 5 5.6875 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49908 A treatise of the causes of incredulity wherein are examin'd the general motives and occasions which dispose unbelievers to reject the Christian religion : with two letters, containing a direct proof of the truth of Christianity / translated from the French of Monsieur Le Clerc.; De l'incredulité. English Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736. 1697 (1697) Wing L827; ESTC R19200 151,596 339

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prove_v the_o apostle_n sincerity_n they_o be_v content_v to_o offer_v some_o objection_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o this_o in_o another_o letter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o letter_n ii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n 1._o sir_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o i_o must_v perform_v my_o promise_n see_v without_o it_o i_o shall_v but_o half_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v also_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v they_o that_o be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o we_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o nature_n the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o natural_a cause_n act_v they_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o law_n though_o unavoidable_a at_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v suspend_v and_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v hitherto_o and_o of_o what_o we_o still_o see_v happen_v then_o that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v mere_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o also_o of_o their_o have_v a_o express_a order_n from_o god_n to_o publish_v it_o among_o men._n wherefore_o i_o will_v show_v first_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o how_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a one_o second_o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o last_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o concern_v the_o extent_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o different_a kind_n i_o will_v show_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n 2._o to_o look_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n as_o a_o miracle_n and_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n second_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o above_o 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hear_v as_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o be_v not_o the_o less_o false_a for_o that_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n teach_v we_o indeed_o those_o who_o use_v that_o argument_n to_o make_v miracle_n doubtful_a do_v it_o only_o to_o perplex_v simple_a man_n who_o hear_v they_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o we_o be_v perfect_o sure_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v doubtful_a by_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contradictory_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v true_a if_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o miraculous_a effect_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v ground_v they_o will_v roundly_o do_v it_o and_o not_o have_v recourse_n to_o objection_n so_o little_o judicious_a but_o not_o dare_v to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v the_o contrary_a of_o what_o we_o believe_v look_v probable_a they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o some_o such_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v now_o to_o confute_v all_o their_o particular_a objection_n because_o the_o principle_n i_o lay_v down_o destroy_v they_o 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o we_o may_v know_v some_o thing_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o other_o natural_a or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o that_o if_o we_o see_v some_o happen_v or_o learn_v from_o faithful_a witness_n that_o there_o happen_v some_o we_o may_v say_v without_o be_v mistake_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_a thing_n such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o action_n of_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n without_o remedy_n however_o to_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o a_o miraculous_a fact_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o body_n he_o ought_v to_o know_v beforehand_o that_o that_o miracle_n will_v happen_v or_o at_o least_o it_o must_v happen_v just_a when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o when_o no_o body_n think_v of_o it_o there_o 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christ_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a likelihood_n that_o god_n will_v disturb_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o so_o inconsiderable_a matter_n as_o those_o be_v for_o which_o he_o be_v say_v to_o disturb_v it_o every_o day_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o have_v not_o attentive_o consider_v the_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v perhaps_o have_v say_v then_o that_o they_o apprehend_v not_o how_o providence_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o work_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n in_o its_o behalf_n see_v it_o make_v so_o little_a a_o progress_n in_o the_o world_n but_o those_o who_o live_v now_o can_v raise_v the_o like_a objection_n against_o we_o have_v see_v the_o duration_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v not_o produce_v yet_o among_o man_n all_o the_o effect_n it_o shall_v have_v produce_v if_o they_o 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be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n himself_o wrought_v several_a miracle_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v all_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o other_o creature_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o efficient_a and_o immediate_a cause_n but_o god_n himself_o to_o deny_v that_o intelligent_a being_n more_o perfect_a than_o we_o be_v can_v work_v miracle_n we_o shall_v exact_o know_v what_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n and_o distinct_o see_v that_o miracle_n be_v above_o it_o it_o be_v true_a we_o know_v they_o be_v above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o god_n establish_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o give_v not_o to_o angel_n the_o power_n of_o alter_v sometime_o that_o order_n though_o it_o be_v original_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o none_o but_o a_o infinite_a power_n can_v make_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o if_o the_o power_n which_o establish_v it_o will_v permit_v it_o we_o can_v therefore_o say_v that_o angel_n work_v no_o miracle_n in_o effect_n it_o appear_v from_o sacred_a history_n that_o god_n often_o make_v use_n of_o they_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v but_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o because_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o my_o subject_n 9_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v ask_v suppose_v angel_n work_v miracle_n first_o how_o one_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v god_n or_o a_o angel_n that_o wrought_v a_o certain_a miracle_n and_o second_o how_o one_o may_v know_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a angel_n a_o miracle_n be_v not_o of_o a_o nature_n which_o necessary_o require_v a_o cause_n whereof_o the_o power_n be_v infinite_a i_o confess_v we_o see_v no_o character_n in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o god_n or_o a_o angel_n but_o the_o more_o we_o see_v a_o thing_n above_o our_o power_n the_o more_o it_o seem_v difficult_a to_o we_o and_o the_o more_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n for_o example_n to_o foretell_v a_o contingent_a event_n or_o depend_v upon_o man_n will_n and_o which_o be_v to_o happen_v many_o age_n after_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o knowledge_n of_o create_a intelligent_a being_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a but_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o storm_n though_o the_o air_n be_v not_o dispose_v for_o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n though_o it_o be_v above_o our_o power_n and_o we_o easy_o believe_v that_o angel_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a can_v do_v it_o however_o it_o matter_n little_a to_o know_v whether_o god_n immediate_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n or_o a_o good_a angel_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a good_a angel_n do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o be_v a_o execution_n of_o his_o order_n whether_o god_n himself_o act_v or_o a_o angel_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o see_v we_o neither_o see_v the_o cause_n that_o work_v nor_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n as_o for_o the_o other_o question_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o know_v whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a or_o a_o bad_a angel_n one_o may_v say_v something_o more_o positive_a truth_n be_v always_o the_o same_o contradict_v not_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a principle_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o pyrrhonian_n wherefore_o the_o miracle_n of_o god_n and_o good_a anglel_n ought_v always_o to_o tend_v to_o the_o confirm_v or_o establish_v some_o doctrine_n agreeable_a to_o truth_n that_o be_v know_v either_o by_o revelation_n or_o reason_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n and_o good_a angel_n always_o love_v the_o truth_n if_o we_o see_v therefore_o that_o a_o miracle_n confirm_v or_o establish_v something_o contrary_a to_o a_o 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that_o a_o angel_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 10._o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v examine_v according_a to_o those_o principle_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v either_o by_o god_n himself_o or_o good_a angel_n because_o their_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o establish_v or_o settle_v truth_n and_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n now_o this_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n one_o may_v form_v of_o a_o power_n which_o delight_v in_o do_v ill_a and_o deceive_a men._n this_o christ_n show_v to_o the_o pharisee_n who_o accuse_v he_o of_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o demon_n 26._o demon_n mat._n 12.25_o 26._o every_o kingdom_n say_v he_o divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v that_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n against_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o a_o ill_a power_n that_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o virtue_n but_o because_o i_o write_v not_o against_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o long_o insist_v upon_o it_o the_o unbeliever_n who_o live_v among_o christian_n be_v not_o more_o persuade_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o of_o god_n and_o deny_v all_o sort_n of_o miracle_n alike_o but_o i_o have_v show_v from_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v those_o of_o christ_n 11._o last_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o miracle_n
it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o and_o the_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n by_o little_a and_o little_o will_v the_o desire_n of_o see_v his_o enemy_n cure_v of_o so_o great_a a_o imperfection_n increase_n and_o he_o will_v insensible_o rid_v himself_o of_o it_o to_o show_v they_o a_o good_a example_n at_o length_n instead_o of_o longing_n to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o his_o enemy_n instead_o of_o make_v imprecation_n against_o they_o he_o will_v ardent_o wish_v they_o may_v become_v better_a man_n and_o will_v beg_v it_o of_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n nay_o he_o will_v on_o his_o side_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o after_o pray_v god_n as_o he_o do_v for_o himself_o that_o his_o enemy_n may_v become_v more_o virtuous_a he_o will_v wish_v they_o all_o that_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o bestow_v and_o more_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v desire_v it_o for_o himself_o now_o this_o it_o be_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n for_o we_o can_v love_v they_o above_o ourselves_o and_o the_o gospel_n require_v no_o more_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o thought_n be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v all_o mankind_n have_v the_o like_a idea_n and_o as_o man_n so_o dispose_v will_v very_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o love_v our_o enemy_n they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o this_o precept_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o this_o be_v that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n do_v it_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o moral_n which_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n very_o good_a and_o ground_v upon_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o their_o opinion_n incredible_a mystery_n and_o suppose_v miracle_n that_o have_v no_o probability_n two_o thing_n we_o must_v remark_n then_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o difficulty_n they_o pretend_v of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n of_o religion_n or_o whether_o the_o dislike_n of_o its_o moral_a precept_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o incredulity_n the_o first_o be_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n as_o incomprehensible_a or_o perplex_v and_o the_o second_o if_o the_o maxim_n of_o their_o moral_n be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o plain_o opposite_a to_o it_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o upon_o all_o other_o account_v they_o ready_o believe_v thing_n they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o conduct_n be_v more_o than_o the_o gospel_n admit_v do_v they_o not_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o ill_a habit_n be_v the_o secret_a but_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o disbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o common_a as_o to_o see_v unbeliever_n strong_o persuade_v of_o judiciary_n astrology_n and_o believe_v that_o magician_n can_v do_v several_a thing_n beyond_o the_o power_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n two_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n for_o example_n who_o action_n will_v not_o let_v we_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a virtue_n be_v both_o accuse_v of_o believe_v the_o prediction_n of_o astrologer_n and_o one_o of_o they_o of_o persuade_v himself_o that_o a_o man_n who_o vomit_v several_a sort_n of_o liquor_n do_v it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n cardinal_n richlieu_n say_v a_o historian_n consult_v beside_o astrology_n all_o kind_n of_o divination_n even_o silly_a woman_n who_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o vapour_n that_o make_v they_o foretell_v by_o chance_n some_o fortuitous_a event_n he_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o art_n of_o throw_v out_o at_o the_o mouth_n all_o sort_n of_o liquor_n after_o have_v first_o drink_v water_n as_o be_v do_v by_o a_o italian_a mountebank_n mazarin_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o cardinal_n have_v at_o so_o simple_a a_o discourse_n burst_v out_o a_o laugh_v have_v like_a to_o lose_v his_o favour_n by_o it_o for_o the_o cardinal_n be_v provoke_v at_o this_o mirth_n whereby_o he_o think_v mazarin_n jeer_v he_o say_v ironical_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o monsieur_n mazarin_n who_o have_v a_o profound_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n mazarin_n very_o submissive_o reply_v that_o give_v the_o fifty_o pistol_n which_o the_o mountebank_n demand_v for_o teach_v his_o secret_n it_o may_v be_v see_v whether_o the_o devil_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o mazarin_n himself_o look_v upon_o all_o divination_n as_o foppery_n except_o astrology_n which_o he_o strong_o fancy_v though_o he_o feign_v the_o contrary_n when_o madam_n mancini_n his_o sister_n die_v and_o afterward_o the_o duchess_n of_o mercaeur_n his_o niece_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o a_o astrologer_n at_o rome_n give_v in_o write_v a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o become_v extraordinary_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a not_o out_o of_o tenderness_n to_o his_o relation_n but_o because_o this_o same_o astrologer_n have_v fix_v the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o death_n to_o a_o time_n that_o be_v very_o near_o he_o lose_v his_o appetite_n upon_o it_o and_o sleep_v not_o for_o many_o night_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v also_o know_v that_o the_o emperor_n julian_n who_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v extreme_o addict_v to_o the_o augury_n and_o presage_n draw_v from_o the_o entrails_n of_o victim_n and_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v blame_v he_o for_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v as_o hard_o to_o be_v credit_v consider_v in_o themselves_o as_o the_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o incredulous_a believe_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n because_o these_o opinion_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o manner_n of_o any_o person_n be_v live_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o incompatible_a as_o the_o christian_a moral_n be_v with_o their_o ill_a habit_n moreover_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n will_v strict_o examine_v themselves_o and_o compare_v their_o conduct_n with_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v i_o will_v own_v myself_o much_o deceive_v if_o they_o find_v it_o proof_n against_o the_o rigour_n of_o its_o precept_n julian_n of_o who_o i_o be_v speak_v have_v many_o excellent_a quality_n which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o quit_v by_o any_o mean_n have_v he_o remain_v still_o a_o christian_n and_o several_a bad_a one_o he_o have_v likewise_o which_o he_o must_v have_v rid_v himself_o of_o will_v he_o follow_v the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v which_o appear_v by_o many_o of_o his_o letter_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o notwithstanding_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o person_n do_v exceed_o contribute_v to_o make_v he_o receive_v or_o reject_v christianity_n and_o that_o unbeliever_n ought_v to_o examine_v themselves_o hereupon_o to_o see_v whether_o this_o whereof_o we_o accuse_v they_o be_v not_o true_a chap._n ii_o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v not_o grant_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n pride_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a persuasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v true_a not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v it_o as_o it_o do_v all_o other_o passion_n contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n but_o also_o because_o those_o affect_v with_o it_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v by_o a_o particular_a effect_n of_o this_o vice_n to_o reject_v unexamined_a the_o proof_n allege_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v what_o i_o design_n to_o show_v after_o i_o have_v first_o describe_v pride_n and_o its_o contrary_a virtue_n humility_n lest_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v concern_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v pride_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v a_o man_n imagine_v he_o possess_v more_o knowledge_n endowment_n or_o virtue_n than_o he_o true_o do_v and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o shall_v be_v more_o honour_a and_o esteem_v than_o he_o deserve_v the_o proud_a can_v without_o vexation_n bear_v that_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o refuse_v to_o other_o person_n they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o high_a idea_n of_o themselves_o but_o likewise_o despise_v other_o who_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v have_v not_o the_o same_o good_a quality_n nor_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o that_o esteem_n which_o
may_v find_v fault_n with_o something_o or_o other_o shall_v at_o last_o grow_v so_o conceit_v of_o their_o pretend_a sagacity_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o incurable_a such_o a_o disposition_n be_v not_o at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o can_v only_o serve_v to_o increase_v one_o error_n and_o indeed_o what_o truth_n can_v he_o find_v out_o who_o only_o seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o dispute_v and_o overcome_v truth_n which_o often_o fly_v from_o those_o that_o seek_v it_o with_o application_n offer_v not_o itself_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o that_o fly_v from_o it_o after_o those_o general_a observation_n concern_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v offer_v against_o religion_n i_o must_v allege_v some_o particular_a example_n of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n which_o unbeliever_n be_v wont_a to_o assault_v there_o be_v none_o they_o more_o frequent_o speak_v against_o than_o what_o christian_n believe_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o well_o prove_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o get_v the_o rest_n admit_v whereas_o if_o it_o remain_v doubtful_a the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n will_v necessary_o be_v uncertain_a all_o revelation_n depend_v upon_o this_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o he_o that_o begin_v not_o with_o that_o can_v make_v no_o progress_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o in_o few_o word_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o being_n some_o call_v spirit_n perceive_v will_n feel_v and_o reason_n the_o other_o who_o have_v no_o understanding_n be_v extend_v divisible_a and_o solid_a and_o be_v call_v body_n those_o spirit_n and_o body_n be_v various_o modify_v as_o we_o see_v or_o know_v by_o experience_n this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o god_n the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o spirit_n and_o body_n with_o all_o their_o property_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o that_o they_o be_v create_v by_o a_o be_v who_o have_v no_o beginning_n this_o be_v what_o unbeliever_n say_v they_o can_v apprehend_v and_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o that_o every_o thing_n be_v always_o as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o what_o they_o say_v we_o must_v examine_v those_o two_o sort_n of_o being_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v eternal_a as_o to_o spirit_n we_o only_o know_v our_o own_o soul_n well_o and_o unbeliever_n acknowledge_v no_o other_o now_o i_o ask_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o perceive_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v eternal_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n be_v character_n of_o eternity_n if_o we_o examine_v body_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v without_o understanding_n we_o shall_v see_v nothing_o in_o they_o neither_o which_o may_v make_v one_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v eternal_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v consider_v in_o this_o latter_a kind_n of_o being_n viz._n matter_n and_o form_n and_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o afford_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v always_o be_v we_o can_v affirm_v it_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n it_o be_v but_o a_o substance_n extend_v solid_a divisible_a and_o capable_a of_o motion_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o figure_n that_o collection_n of_o quality_n which_o make_v up_o the_o essence_n of_o all_o body_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o we_o contain_v nothing_o that_o look_v like_o eternity_n the_o notion_n of_o this_o property_n however_o it_o be_v consider_v can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o collection_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n be_v eternal_a all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v thereupon_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o one_o can_v conceive_v how_o mere_a extension_n have_v a_o beginning_n because_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o time_n when_o god_n be_v alone_o before_o body_n be_v create_v a_o simple_a and_o boundless_a extension_n always_o offer_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o mere_a extension_n in_o which_o we_o apprehend_v no_o solidity_n be_v not_o a_o body_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o abovementioned_a definition_n of_o a_o body_n there_o be_v another_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o viz._n because_o mere_a extension_n be_v indivisible_a and_o boundless_a as_o we_o perceive_v it_o by_o try_v to_o divide_v or_o put_v some_o bound_n to_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n whereas_o all_o body_n be_v divisible_a and_o continue_v within_o bound_n so_o that_o all_o that_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o be_v that_o the_o place_n of_o body_n be_v eternal_a second_o unbeliever_n say_v that_o they_o can_v apprehend_v how_o such_o a_o substance_n as_o that_o of_o body_n shall_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o as_o the_o christian_n say_v if_o to_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o signify_v to_o have_v no_o preexistent_a cause_n and_o yet_o to_o begin_v to_o exist_v i_o confess_v that_o will_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o suppose_v that_o nothing_o exist_v but_o a_o mere_a extension_n how_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o a_o solid_a and_o divisible_a substance_n shall_v be_v form_v in_o it_o one_o may_v as_o well_o apprehend_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o beast_n plant_n and_o mineral_n may_v spring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o air_n without_o any_o productive_a cause_n but_o to_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o signify_v to_o have_v a_o cause_n which_o contain_v in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n the_o propriety_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o thing_n create_v beside_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o from_o which_o cause_n the_o thing_n create_v have_v their_o existence_n or_o by_o the_o will_v whereof_o they_o begin_v actual_o to_o exist_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o that_o be_v contradictory_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o apprehend_v wherein_o the_o action_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o create_v out_o of_o nothing_o consist_v it_o be_v because_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o to_o explain_v what_o i_o have_v say_v by_o a_o undeniable_a example_n no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o motion_n different_a from_o matter_n see_v we_o perceive_v that_o matter_n move_v not_o of_o itself_o all_o that_o we_o perceive_v in_o it_o be_v mobility_n but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o matter_n move_v and_o modify_v itself_o this_o be_v so_o the_o immaterial_a principle_n of_o motion_n whatever_o it_o be_v produces_z motion_n in_o matter_n out_o of_o nothing_o that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v able_a to_o move_v without_o have_v the_o imperfection_n of_o actual_a motion_n he_o make_v motion_n to_o begin_v to_o exist_v in_o matter_n which_o before_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o rest_n this_o be_v a_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o see_v motion_n exist_v and_o matter_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o know_v how_o a_o be_v uncapable_a of_o motion_n see_v it_o be_v not_o material_a can_v produce_v it_o in_o matter_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o motion_n be_v eternal_a because_o he_o can_v apprehend_v how_o it_o can_v have_v a_o beginning_n he_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o experience_n which_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o move_v our_o arm_n and_o foot_n when_o we_o please_v after_o they_o have_v be_v at_o rest_n though_o we_o do_v know_v how_o it_o be_v do_v i_o know_v some_o philosopher_n say_v that_o we_o only_o determine_v the_o actual_a motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o move_v our_o member_n as_o many_o way_n as_o we_o please_v i_o will_v not_o here_o confute_v that_o conjecture_n for_o it_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a conjecture_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v as_o difficult_a a_o thing_n to_o apprehend_v that_o a_o immaterial_a be_v determine_v a_o motion_n a_o certain_a way_n as_o to_o apprehend_v that_o he_o produce_v it_o anew_o so_o that_o if_o those_o philosopher_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o affirm_v the_o one_o or_o if_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o though_o they_o apprehend_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o that_o say_v there_o be_v a_o immaterial_a principle_n which_o produce_v motion_n in_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o know_v
how_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v undeniable_a i_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o though_o i_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o god_n may_v have_v produce_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o yet_o i_o can_v deny_v it_o especial_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n no_o character_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n even_o to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o much_o more_o absurd_a still_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o christian_a divine_n who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o though_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o ground_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o that_o foundation_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o illiterate_a man_n as_o well_o as_o for_o scholar_n do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o require_v a_o great_a meditation_n than_o the_o vulgar_a be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o apprehend_v that_o god_n impart_v to_o matter_n the_o form_n it_o now_o have_v to_o pay_v to_o he_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o without_o suppose_v what_o i_o have_v prove_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n we_o must_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o form_n they_o have_v be_v eternal_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o form_n no_o more_o than_o in_o matter_n which_o can_v make_v we_o suspect_v that_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n though_o we_o have_v not_o see_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o great_a body_n that_o surround_v we_o and_o not_o one_o eye-witness_n have_v leave_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o though_o it_o seem_v that_o little_a or_o no_o sensible_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o world_n in_o general_a yet_o no_o body_n can_v say_v for_o all_o that_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n because_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v frame_v before_o there_o be_v any_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o beside_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o that_o man_n and_o other_o animal_n which_o make_v a_o part_n of_o it_o have_v always_o be_v upon_o earth_n the_o perpetual_a succession_n which_o we_o see_v in_o their_o kind_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o that_o they_o have_v a_o beginning_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o animal_n who_o live_v at_o present_a be_v bear_v of_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o these_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la so_o as_o never_o to_o come_v to_o the_o first_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o being_n that_n have_v a_o limit_a duration_n as_o that_o of_o every_o generation_n be_v can_v equal_v eternity_n by_o such_o a_o duration_n as_o a_o number_n of_o limit_a measure_n though_o never_o so_o great_a can_v be_v equal_a to_o a_o infinite_a extension_n every_o generation_n single_o take_v have_v have_v a_o beginning_n we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o generation_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a that_o man_n and_o beast_n begin_v to_o exist_v upon_o earth_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o some_o cause_n epicurus_n who_o say_v that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n make_v more_o ridiculous_a supposition_n and_o more_o absurd_a conjecture_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o ancient_a fable_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o body_n maintain_v his_o hypothesis_n now_o but_o other_o say_v that_o whatever_o exist_v be_v proper_o but_o one_o be_v that_o modify_v itself_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o its_o nature_n if_o any_o body_n know_v what_o they_o mean_v or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v but_o a_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o nonsensical_a though_o it_o have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o geometrical_a order_n can_v deceive_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v incline_v to_o it_o from_o some_o other_o reason_n wherefore_o see_v nothing_o can_v give_v a_o beginning_n to_o itself_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o animal_n who_o form_v they_o upon_o this_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v that_o be_v which_o christian_n call_v god_n thus_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o have_v create_v we_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o create_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o planet_n because_o limit_a period_n as_o those_o of_o the_o planet_n be_v can_v never_o exhaust_v eternity_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o multiply_v so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o no_o objection_n can_v force_v we_o to_o renounce_v that_o proposition_n see_v we_o direct_o prove_v it_o by_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v oppose_v to_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o and_o be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o ignorance_n they_o object_n for_o example_n that_o they_o can_v apprehend_v how_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v immaterial_a can_v create_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o say_v they_o so_o that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a can_v not_o give_v to_o body_n the_o propriety_n which_o they_o have_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o very_a argument_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o may_v say_v matter_n have_v no_o motion_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o be_v immaterial_a have_v less_o still_a none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o wherefore_o matter_n have_v no_o motion_n let_v they_o try_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v good_a will_v resolve_v the_o propose_a objection_n against_o the_o creation_n of_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n contain_v the_o real_a propriety_n of_o all_o being_n but_o without_o have_v the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o they_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v create_v they_o and_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o he_o give_v a_o beginning_n by_o this_o argument_n we_o ascend_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o we_o do_v learn_v by_o it_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o argument_n how_o the_o real_a propriety_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o god_n nor_o how_o he_o make_v they_o to_o exist_v the_o fact_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v above_o human_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o the_o origin_n of_o motion_n though_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o its_o existence_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o believe_v viz._n the_o revelation_n which_o we_o say_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n whatever_o they_o say_v concern_v revelation_n in_o general_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o prejudice_n viz._n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o a_o revelation_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o argument_n ground_v only_o upon_o our_o ignorance_n and_o which_o suppose_v that_o what_o we_o know_v not_o be_v not_o true_a as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n shall_v either_o manifest_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n which_o no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v or_o find_v out_o in_o that_o revelation_n some_o manifest_a character_n of_o falsity_n which_o no_o body_n can_v show_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n arise_v partly_o from_o their_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n thereof_o and_o not_o perceive_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o that_o history_n in_o a_o few_o word_n man_n know_v nothing_o but_o by_o experience_n and_o reflection_n and_o experience_n be_v slow_a and_o reflection_n oftentime_o difficult_a god_n show_v they_o by_o some_o revelation_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v concern_v his_o nature_n and_o the_o worship_n he_o require_v from_o they_o though_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o but_o a_o short_a abridgement_n of_o the_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v during_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o mention_n etc._n mention_n gen._n 3.3.9_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6.13_o &_o 7.1_o &_o 8.15_o &_o 9.1_o &_o 12.1_o etc._n etc._n