Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n effect_n produce_v reason_n 2,611 5 5.3334 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53952 A discourse concerning the existence of God by Edward Pelling ... Pelling, Edward, d. 1718. 1696 (1696) Wing P1078; ESTC R21624 169,467 442

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to_o any_o thing_n but_o matter_n nay_o to_o corruptible_a matter_n nor_o can_v any_o corporeal_a substance_n be_v immortal_a till_o this_o corruptible_a have_v put_v on_o incorruption_n if_o then_o a_o be_v be_v immaterial_a or_o destitute_a of_o bodily_a part_n it_o must_v be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n immortal_a too_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n and_o blood_n as_o every_o humane_a body_n have_v and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v liable_a to_o those_o jar_a element_n whereof_o our_o body_n do_v consist_v nor_o can_v it_o of_o itself_o be_v capable_a of_o corruption_n or_o dissolution_n of_o part_n as_o our_o mortal_a body_n be_v see_v it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o part_n at_o all_o to_o be_v divide_v therefore_o since_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n or_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v incorporeal_a and_o immaterial_a as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v it_o be_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o subject_a to_o mortality_n as_o the_o body_n be_v because_o it_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o all_o natural_a principle_n of_o mortality_n and_o be_v incorruptible_a in_o its_o essence_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v by_o the_o ordinary_a necessity_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v survive_v the_o body_n to_o receive_v reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o its_o action_n in_o this_o 2._o have_v thus_o brief_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o humane_a soul_n let_v we_o second_o take_v some_o account_n of_o its_o excellence_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n as_o the_o only_a cause_n that_o can_v give_v this_o soul_n a_o be_v there_o be_v some_o faculty_n in_o a_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o brute_n creature_n also_o as_o 1._o sense_n or_o the_o power_n of_o perceive_v idea_n impress_v from_o outward_a object_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sensation_n the_o eye_n ear_n etc._n etc._n 2._o fancy_n or_o a_o power_n of_o apprehend_v the_o seem_a suitableness_n or_o unsuitableness_n of_o a_o object_n to_o its_o nature_n 3._o memory_n or_o the_o power_n of_o retain_v for_o some_o time_n the_o idea_n and_o shape_v of_o thing_n sensible_a 4._o appetite_n or_o a_o power_n of_o move_v according_a as_o a_o object_n appear_v either_o agreeable_a or_o hurtful_a be_v allure_v by_o the_o one_o or_o fright_v and_o dampt_v by_o the_o other_o but_o these_o several_a power_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o noble_a faculty_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o rational_a soul_n as_o any_o man_n may_v perceive_v that_o will_v but_o search_v into_o himself_o and_o observe_v what_o he_o find_v and_o feel_v there_o for_o 1._o first_o we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o consider_v i_o mean_v to_o examine_v those_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o outward_a sense_n to_o employ_v our_o mind_n conversant_o about_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o proportion_n form_n and_o quality_n to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o they_o and_o dive_v into_o their_o nature_n now_o this_o no_o brute_n creature_n do_v or_o can_v do_v the_o ox_n indeed_o know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n that_o be_v they_o come_v to_o both_o be_v invite_v and_o move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o gratify_v the_o eye_n and_o palate_n but_o in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o consideration_n nothing_o that_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v thought_n because_o such_o creature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o inquire_v in_o themselves_o who_o or_o what_o their_o feeder_n be_v or_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o fodder_n be_v or_o what_o produce_v it_o or_o how_o it_o be_v provide_v or_o to_o what_o end_v it_o serve_v and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v proper_a and_o good_a to_o be_v use_v act_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v too_o high_a for_o animal_n which_o be_v mere_o sensitive_a their_o fancy_n go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o crib_n they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o bare_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o they_o the_o consider_v part_n belong_v to_o man_n to_o observe_v the_o natural_a difference_n between_o thing_n and_o thing_n to_o examine_v their_o distinct_a cause_n property_n disposition_n and_o uses_n and_o so_o to_o look_v into_o their_o intrinsic_a essence_n and_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n and_o business_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v rational_a 2._o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n to_o understand_v also_o that_o be_v a_o faculty_n and_o ability_n to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n and_o condition_n and_o philosophy_n of_o matter_n nay_o to_o know_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o obvious_a to_o our_o outward_a sense_n that_o perception_n which_o be_v in_o animal_n irrational_a be_v a_o idea_n in_o the_o fancy_n derive_v from_o those_o efsluvium_n ray_n and_o image_n of_o external_a object_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o the_o hear_n see_v smell_a taste_v or_o feeling-faculty_n and_o so_o convey_v through_o the_o nerve_n into_o the_o brain_n these_o be_v sensible_a phantasm_n and_o the_o possess_n of_o a_o animal_n with_o they_o be_v proper_o call_v sensation_n because_o the_o creature_n be_v affect_v with_o a_o sensible_a object_n mere_o by_o the_o use_n of_o its_o sense_n but_o sensation_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o intellection_n or_o understanding_n be_v another_o this_o proper_o be_v when_o a_o man_n mind_n be_v so_o possess_v and_o enlighten_v with_o intelligible_a notion_n or_o with_o such_o idea_n as_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o corporeal_a sense_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o can_v be_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n by_o motion_n or_o pressure_n from_o body_n without_o we_o but_o such_o idea_n as_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n itself_o by_o a_o active_a exert_v power_n that_o be_v native_a to_o it_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o such_o intelligible_a notion_n as_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o external_a sense_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o as_o several_a certainty_n in_o mathematics_n which_o appear_v from_o demonstration_n divers_a truth_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o by_o pure_a reason_n several_a moral_a verity_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o from_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o virture_n several_a doctrine_n in_o theology_n which_o our_o mind_n yield_v we_o from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n beside_o divers_a such_o common_a notion_n as_o these_o wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v of_o themselves_o that_o what_o have_v not_o any_o be_v can_v act_v that_o thing_n which_o agree_v in_o one_o three_o agree_v among_o themselves_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o effect_n that_o equal_v add_v unto_o equal_n do_v make_v equal_n that_o nothing_o can_v produce_v itself_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v eternal_a truth_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o sense_n but_o upon_o natural_a certain_a reason_n for_o they_o will_v be_v truth_n though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sensitive_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a power_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o set_v it_o infinite_o above_o the_o soul_n of_o irrational_a creature_n in_o that_o it_o can_v act_v within_o itself_o abstract_o from_o matter_n and_o without_o use_v the_o bodily_a sense_n can_v speculate_v and_o understand_v those_o lead_a truth_n and_o necessary_a notion_n which_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a undertake_n and_o enable_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o search_v into_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n to_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o invent_v art_n to_o improve_v science_n to_o prescribe_v the_o most_o commendable_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o in_o short_a to_o govern_v the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o absolute_o perfect_a mind_n or_o a_o god_n that_o form_v the_o rational_a soul_n with_o divine_a faculty_n and_o power_n to_o act_v under_o he_o 3._o three_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o power_n to_o deduce_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o by_o way_n of_o inference_n and_o by_o compare_v notion_n with_o notion_n and_o by_o sift_v they_o narrow_o to_o gather_v and_o conclude_v in_o the_o end_n that_o this_o be_v true_a and_o that_o false_a this_o be_v right_o and_o that_o wrong_v and_o so_o to_o go_v on_o still_o draw_v of_o consequent_n out_o of_o antecedent_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v ratiocination_n or_o
thing_n can_v be_v draw_v into_o existence_n out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o superior_a uncontrollable_a power_n over_o it_o for_o shall_v we_o suppose_v it_o to_o produce_v any_o thing_n of_o itself_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o produce_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o power_n to_o bring_v forth_o and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o be_v which_o it_o have_v not_o at_o all_o itself_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v it_o out_o of_o a_o incapacity_n or_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o no_o humane_a reason_n can_v think_v how_o a_o thing_n can_v do_v by_o any_o casuality_n of_o its_o own_o because_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o such_o casuality_n if_o then_o there_o be_v something_o more_o and_o high_a in_o a_o rational_a soul_n than_o what_o be_v in_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o matter_n cause_v it_o for_o than_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o cause_v it_o without_o a_o power_n or_o by_o its_o incapacity_n inability_n and_o defect_n that_o be_v out_o of_o nothing_o when_o we_o observe_v this_o admirable_a frame_n of_o nature_n the_o universe_n can_v we_o think_v that_o its_o order_n be_v effective_o cause_v by_o confusion_n it_o be_v harmony_n by_o discord_n it_o be_v beauty_n by_o disproportion_n the_o usefulness_n of_o its_o part_n by_o error_n it_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a fabrication_n by_o nonsense_n this_o be_v to_o make_v one_o contrary_a the_o cause_n of_o another_o and_o with_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o water_n produce_v fire_n and_o darkness_n make_v the_o sun_n and_o that_o death_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o life_n sense_n and_o motion_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o compare_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o with_o the_o substance_n and_o property_n of_o dull_a lifeless_a and_o incogitative_a matter_n can_v we_o think_v that_o corporiety_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v immaterial_a that_o divisibility_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o be_v immortal_a that_o reason_n be_v the_o work_n of_o stupidity_n that_o atom_n teach_v we_o to_o philosophize_v that_o wisdom_n spring_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o little_a body_n void_a of_o all_o art_n skill_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o power_n we_o find_v within_o we_o to_o act_v with_o freedom_n and_o choice_n to_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o the_o logic_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n to_o desire_v and_o intend_v our_o good_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o pursue_v it_o with_o eagerness_n understanding_n and_o delight_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o it_o can_v we_o think_v i_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n come_v from_o the_o chance-operations_n of_o matter_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o sense_n or_o thought_n in_o it_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o the_o tumble_v of_o stone_n and_o timber_n together_o will_v produce_v sensation_n intellection_n reason_v memory_n prudence_n conscience_n together_o with_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n which_o we_o feel_v within_o we_o in_o short_a it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o rational_a soul_n can_v be_v educe_v and_o draw_v out_o of_o a_o heap_n of_o rubbish_n as_o a_o effect_n can_v natural_o proceed_v from_o a_o contrary_a cause_n so_o neither_o can_v a_o effect_n transcend_v the_o perfection_n and_o virtue_n of_o its_o natural_a cause_n it_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o or_o it_o may_v come_v up_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o equality_n with_o it_o but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o go_v beyond_o or_o above_o it_o than_o water_n can_v natural_o run_v high_a than_o the_o fountainhead_n stand_v so_o that_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o dead_a and_o senseless_a matter_n modify_v into_o various_a form_n at_o a_o venture_n by_o undesigning_a and_o unintend_v motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o spring_v out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o effect_n will_v be_v much_o noble_a than_o the_o cause_n and_o consequent_o will_v emerge_n out_o of_o nothing_o for_o i_o ask_v be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n in_o matter_n before_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o you_o suppose_v they_o be_v than_o this_o ridiculous_a conceit_n will_v follow_v that_o atom_n have_v in_o they_o knowledge_n wisdom_n morality_n liberty_n of_o will_n and_o such_o other_o perfection_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v not_o antecedent_o there_o than_o this_o ridiculous_a conceit_n will_v follow_v that_o perfection_n be_v cause_v by_o incapacity_n or_o that_o matter_n give_v a_o perfect_a be_v a_o existence_n which_o itself_o have_v not_o to_o give_v which_o will_v be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o will_v moreover_o ascribe_v a_o creative_a power_n to_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o passive_a when_o the_o man_n i_o now_o dispute_v against_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o deity_n itself_o that_o power_n because_o they_o think_v it_o a_o impossibility_n 862_o dr._n cudworth_n int._n sy_v p._n 862_o hence_o a_o learned_a author_n conclude_v positive_o that_o neither_o can_v matter_n which_o be_v a_o mee●_n passive_a thing_n efficient_o produce_v a_o soul_n nor_o a_o soul_n matter_n no_o finite_a imperfect_a substance_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v another_o substance_n out_o of_o nothing_o much_o less_o can_v such_o a_o substance_n as_o have_v a_o low_a degree_n of_o entity_n and_o perfection_n in_o it_o create_v that_o which_o have_v a_o high_a there_o be_v a_o scale_n or_o ladder_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o universe_n one_o above_o another_o and_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o way_n of_o ascent_n from_o low_a to_o high_o but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o way_n of_o descent_n from_o high_a to_o low_o now_o to_o produce_v any_o one_o high_a rank_n of_o be_v from_o the_o low_a as_o cogitation_n from_o magnitude_n and_o body_n be_v plain_o to_o invert_v this_o order_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o downward_o to_o upward_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o one_o high_a rank_n or_o degree_n in_o this_o scale_n be_v thus_o unnatural_o produce_v from_o a_o low_a may_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v produce_v also_o the_o consequence_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o matter_n be_v so_o utter_o uncapable_a of_o make_v a_o immaterial_a immortal_a intelligent_a soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o most_o perfect_a mind_n that_o give_v it_o its_o faculty_n and_o its_o nature_n either_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o which_o will_v be_v most_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v or_o it_o must_v have_v a_o competent_a cause_n or_o a_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v to_o derive_v its_o existence_n from_o a_o spiritual_a substance_n can_v come_v but_o from_o a_o spirit_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o mind_n but_o mind_n or_o of_o understanding_n but_o understanding_n or_o of_o reason_n but_o reason_n nor_o of_o self-activity_n and_o liberty_n but_o that_o which_o be_v a_o self-active_a voluntary_a and_o free_a agent_n since_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o creature_n there_o must_v be_v a_o most_o excellent_a be_v that_o create_v it_o a_o be_v that_o contain_v all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n a_o be_v of_o unlimited_a power_n that_o can_v make_v it_o of_o nothing_o by_o the_o force_n and_o fecundity_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a will_n and_o a_o be_v of_o the_o most_o exalt_a and_o glorious_a nature_n that_o can_v give_v existence_n to_o such_o a_o admirable_a be_v as_o every_o humane_a soul_n be_v void_a of_o matter_n and_o corruption_n uncapable_a naturally_n of_o die_v in_o every_o respect_n like_o unto_o a_o deity_n spiritual_a intelligent_a active_a wise_a powerful_a benign_a kind_a and_o good_n but_o those_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n find_v themselves_o press_v with_o the_o invincible_a 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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 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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
great_a than_o another_o and_o that_o the_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a for_o let_v he_o six_o where_o he_o please_v in_o the_o course_n of_o generation_n i_o demand_v whether_o in_o the_o great_a grand-father_n time_n the_o succession_n of_o generation_n be_v finite_a or_o infinite_a if_o finite_a than_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o so_o the_o world_n not_o eternal_a if_o infinite_a than_o i_o ask_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o generation_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o great_a grandchild_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o number_n great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a for_o the_o former_a succession_n be_v infinite_a and_o this_o have_v more_o generation_n in_o it_o than_o that_o have_v but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v equal_a because_o both_o insinite_a then_o the_o succession_n of_o generation_n to_o the_o grandfather_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o that_o which_o extend_v to_o his_o grandchild_n and_o posterity_n the_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a this_o sure_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o common_a reason_n the_o world_n once_o be_v not_o but_o that_o it_o must_v have_v have_v a_o beginning_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o first_o cause_n of_o it_o nay_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o high_o be_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o because_o whatever_o once_o be_v not_o can_v not_o be_v self-originated_n all_o that_o now_o move_v or_o live_v in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o produce_v or_o make_v itself_o but_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v by_o a_o most_o perfect_a nature_n that_o be_v before_o it_o and_o superior_a to_o it_o that_o be_v by_o a_o deity_n and_o by_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o deity_n for_o these_o five_o reason_n 1._o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o all_o being_n to_o be_v make_v for_o that_o will_v suppose_v that_o once_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o then_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v produce_v therefore_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o be_v independent_a on_o any_o other_o for_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v the_o first_o so_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o cause_n to_o be_v unproduced_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n and_o intrinsic_a plenitude_n of_o its_o own_o essence_n so_o that_o it_o need_v no_o hand_n from_o without_o to_o give_v it_o any_o thing_n 2._o second_o the_o first_o cause_n have_v its_o be_v by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o it_o to_o have_v any_o beginning_n for_o have_v it_o have_v a_o beginning_n like_o other_o thing_n it_o must_v have_v take_v it_o from_o some_o other_o principle_n because_o whatever_o once_o want_v origination_n can_v not_o give_v it_o to_o itself_o and_o consequent_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n must_v have_v be_v contingent_a and_o precarious_a which_o will_v have_v destroy_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o its_o independence_n 3._o three_o consider_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o take_v their_o original_a out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o nonexistence_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o have_v a_o power_n limit_v and_o restrain_v by_o any_o thing_n without_o it_o for_o as_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o from_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o own_o necessary_a existence_n so_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o from_o act_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o absolute_a independence_n and_o consequent_o the_o first_o cause_n have_v necessary_o a_o power_n of_o create_v thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o because_o if_o any_o preexistent_a matter_n have_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o work_v on_o it_o must_v have_v depend_v upon_o matter_n and_o be_v behold_v to_o matter_n for_o permit_v it_o to_o act_v 4._o four_o the_o power_n of_o create_v thing_n be_v so_o necessary_o great_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o be_v make_v up_o of_o matter_n for_o all_o matter_n as_o such_o be_v a_o unactive_a stupid_a dead_a thing_n utter_o uncapable_a of_o produce_v either_o itself_o or_o any_o other_o be_v much_o less_o can_v it_o act_v with_o that_o wonderful_a facundity_n counsel_n wisdom_n and_o benignity_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n argue_v to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o cause_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o its_o due_a place_n 5._o five_o it_o be_v impossible_a also_o for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v local_o extend_v or_o to_o be_v circumscribe_v limit_v determine_v and_o confine_v to_o place_n as_o matter_n or_o body_n be_v for_o be_v to_o raise_v up_o a_o vast_a universe_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o most_o powerful_a nature_n to_o be_v undivide_o present_a to_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o it_o act_v upon_o and_o for_o the_o management_n and_o conservation_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o contain_v it_o all_o within_o the_o immensity_n of_o its_o own_o essence_n which_o essence_n be_v necessary_o boundless_a and_o unlimited_a because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v produce_v by_o any_o other_o be_v that_o can_v restrain_v define_v or_o bind_v its_o immensity_n for_o as_o a_o excellent_a writer_n 193._o dr._n scot_n '_o s_z christian_a life_n part_v 2._o vol._n 1._o p._n 193._o well_o observe_v and_o argue_v that_o which_o limit_n being_n be_v only_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o their_o cause_n which_o either_o will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o bestow_v any_o further_o be_v or_o perfection_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o only_a such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o cause_n be_v limit_v because_o they_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v only_o so_o far_o and_o no_o far_o bring_v into_o be_v as_o their_o cause_n be_v willing_a or_o able_a to_o bring_v they_o that_o therefore_o which_o exist_v of_o its_o self_n without_o any_o cause_n of_o its_o be_v must_v also_o exist_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o limit_n of_o its_o be_v by_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o limit_v by_o itself_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o have_v nothing_o to_o limit_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v immense_a and_o boundless_a god_n therefore_o be_v this_o self-existent_a be_v must_v necessary_o be_v of_o a_o unlimited_a essence_n a_o essence_n which_o no_o possible_a space_n can_v either_o circumscribe_v or_o define_v but_o must_v necessary_o be_v diffuse_v all_o through_o circumfuse_v all_o about_o and_o present_a with_o all_o thing_n the_o existence_n then_o of_o such_o a_o perfect_a transcendent_a be_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o production_n and_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o we_o rational_o assirm_v that_o before_o ever_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v make_v there_o be_v a_o intellectual_a nature_n that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o this_o nature_n or_o first_o be_v be_v and_o be_v self-originated_n eternal_a omnipotent_a incorporeal_a and_o infinite_a in_o use_v which_o expression_n we_o speak_v like_o man_n as_o we_o be_v able_a according_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o the_o narrowness_n of_o our_o faculty_n compare_v with_o the_o transcendency_n of_o the_o object_n will_v allow_v we_o our_o meaning_n more_o at_o large_a be_v this_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o essicient_a cause_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v bring_v itself_o out_o of_o nonexistence_n into_o be_v by_o reason_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v before_o itself_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o this_o first_o cause_n be_v not_o make_v or_o produce_v by_o any_o other_o which_o first_o cause_n be_v altogether_o independent_a exi_v by_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o its_o nature_n by_o its_o own_o perfection_n permanency_n and_o fullness_n and_o consequent_o be_v eternal_a or_o of_o infinite_a duration_n because_o be_v unproduced_a it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v without_o any_o beginning_n and_o this_o self-existence_n include_v self-activity_n suitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o eternal_a nature_n that_o be_v a_o power_n of_o produce_v and_o effect_v whatever_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o all_o impotence_n or_o inability_n to_o operate_v be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n from_o which_o be_v derive_v all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o second_o cause_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o first_o cause_n can_v not_o be_v matter_n a_o thing_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v live_v or_o move_v but_o a_o spirit_n void_a of_o all_o corporeal_a substance_n a_o eternal_a mind_n able_a perfect_o to_o exert_v and_o display_v its_o power_n
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
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
as_o it_o become_v a_o intellectual_a wise_a and_o voluntary_a agent_n and_o last_o this_o incorporeity_n render_v the_o first_o cause_n uncapable_a of_o beind_n divisible_a or_o determinable_a to_o place_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o body_n which_o consist_v of_o magnitude_n and_o dimension_n and_o therefore_o how_o incomprehensible_a soever_o the_o notion_n of_o infinity_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o who_o outward_a sense_n be_v use_v only_o to_o thing_n corporeal_a reason_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o think_v that_o every_o be_v must_v be_v extend_v or_o unextend_v limit_a or_o unlimited_a circumscribe_v or_o diffuse_v according_a as_o its_o essence_n and_o nature_n be_v and_o that_o the_o first_o cause_n be_v incorporeal_a and_o have_v once_o a_o immense_a world_n to_o make_v and_o ever_o since_o a_o immense_a world_n to_o act_v upon_o and_o in_o can_v be_v confine_v to_o place_n but_o must_v be_v every_o where_o and_o undivide_o in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o plenitude_n of_o its_o nature_n now_o this_o account_n of_o the_o necessary_a existence_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n be_v so_o far_o a_o plain_a description_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o maintain_v that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o production_n and_o frame_v of_o this_o huge_a universe_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a that_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o independent_a self-existent_a eternal_a all-powerful_a immaterial_a and_o infinite_a be_v these_o be_v not_o bare_a epithet_n of_o honour_n bestow_v as_o some_o strange_a man_n conceive_v upon_o a_o imaginary_a something_o which_o the_o fancy_n and_o fear_n of_o people_n have_v without_o reason_n represent_v to_o their_o mind_n but_o real_a solid_a severe_a and_o demonstrable_a truth_n so_o that_o admit_v the_o common_a and_o most_o rational_a principle_n touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n those_o glorious_a perfection_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v must_v necessary_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o because_o those_o perfection_n be_v essential_a and_o peculiar_a to_o that_o glorious_a be_v we_o call_v god_n therefore_o god_n and_o god_n alone_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o natural_a consequence_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v chap._n iii_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o god_n be_v from_o the_o necessary_a existence_n of_o a_o first_o independent_a cause_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o general_n head_n of_o this_o discourse_n touch_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v be_v universal_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o that_o belief_n result_v from_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v not_o deceive_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o mankind_n here_o then_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v show_v 1._o first_o that_o man_n have_v universal_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 2._o second_o that_o this_o universal_a agreement_n be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n of_o god_n existence_n 1._o first_o that_o man_n have_v universal_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o noble_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n cicero_n do_v in_o several_a place_n acknowledge_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o people_n be_v natural_o posfe_v with_o some_o anticipation_n or_o preconception_n 1._o de_fw-fr nit-deor_a lib._n 1._o tuse_a qu._n lib._n 1._o de_fw-fr leg._n lib._n 1._o of_o a_o deity_n so_o that_o no_o nation_n be_v ever_o so_o wild_a and_o undisciplined_a but_o that_o they_o have_v a_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o own_v his_o be_v however_o they_o be_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n seneca_n tell_v that_o the_o belief_n 117._o ep._n 117._o of_o a_o god_n be_v plant_v in_o every_o one_o mind_n and_o maximus_n tyrius_n be_v positive_a 1._o diss_n 1._o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o contention_n of_o man_n be_v about_o other_o point_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n over_o all_o nay_o epicurus_n 1._o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n 1._o himself_o of_o who_o this_o character_n be_v give_v that_o in_o word_n he_o own_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n but_o in_o fact_n deny_v it_o be_v content_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o shall_v pass_v abroad_o because_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o innate_a principle_n not_o only_o among_o philosopher_n but_o among_o the_o unlearned_a too_o who_o all_o have_v some_o pri-notion_n of_o a_o deity_n so_o true_a be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o real_a existence_n but_o even_o the_o singularity_n and_o unity_n of_o a_o supreme_a god_n have_v be_v general_o believe_v by_o heathen_n themselves_o especial_o by_o the_o wise_a fort_n of_o they_o which_o i_o think_v very_o material_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o here_o for_o the_o further_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n indeed_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o worship_v a_o plurality_n of_o deity_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o those_o many_o deity_n as_o a_o fort_n of_o middle_a being_n between_o mon_n and_o the_o supreme_a deity_n and_o according_o in_o their_o devotion_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o agent_n and_o officer_n under_o the_o great_a god_n as_o his_o minister_n of_o state_n and_z as_o mediator_n between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o high_a sovereign_a numen_fw-la because_o they_o think_v it_o irreligious_a confidence_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o immediate_o and_o direct_o such_o a_o venerable_a and_o august_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o god_n over_o all_o though_o in_o the_o poetical_a fabulous_a age_n of_o the_o world_n ignorant_a people_n be_v teach_v to_o worship_v a_o multitude_n of_o god_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v deify_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v animate_v with_o deity_n beside_o a_o great_a number_n of_o daemon_n or_o incorporeal_a substance_n or_o spirit_n which_o they_o think_v be_v generate_v and_o have_v the_o administration_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n commit_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o own_v one_o sovereign_a numen_fw-la one_o incomprehensible_a self-existent_a be_v the_o prince_n and_o father_n of_o all_o nay_o the_o more_o intelligent_a sort_n of_o pagan_n ancient_o think_v that_o the_o plurality_n of_o deity_n which_o the_o vulgar_a worship_v be_v only_o so_o many_o several_a name_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a god_n according_a to_o the_o several_a manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o heaven_n say_v st._n austin_n they_o call_v 11._o de_fw-fr civit._n 1._o 4._o c._n 11._o he_o jupiter_n in_o the_o air_n juno_n in_o the_o sea_n neptune_n in_o the_o earth_n pluto_n and_o very_o many_o more_o appellation_n there_o be_v which_o though_o the_o sottish_a rabble_n believe_v to_o have_v be_v proper_a name_n for_o distinct_a deity_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n think_v they_o do_v all_o belong_v to_o one_o supreme_a numen_fw-la various_o act_v and_o display_v his_o virtue_n and_o with_o this_o agree_v that_o of_o 7._o de_fw-fr benef._n l._n 4._o c._n 7._o seneca_n what_o else_o be_v nature_n say_v he_o but_o god_n or_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n display_v itself_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o you_o may_v when_o you_o please_v give_v several_a title_n to_o the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o you_o may_v call_v he_o jupiter_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la and_o tonans_fw-la and_o stator_n not_o from_o stop_v the_o roman_a army_n in_o their_o flight_n but_o because_o all_o thing_n do_v stand_v or_o consist_v by_o he_o you_o may_v well_o apply_v to_o he_o what_o name_n you_o will_v that_o signify_v his_o heavenly_a power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o appellation_n as_o there_o be_v gift_n or_o effect_n of_o god_n beside_o jupiter_n tonans_fw-la and_o stator_n we_o call_v he_o libre_fw-la pater_fw-la hercules_n and_o mercurius_n libre_fw-la pater_fw-la because_o he_o have_v produce_v all_o thing_n hercules_n because_o his_o power_n be_v invincible_a and_o mercury_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o wisdom_n turn_v you_o which_o way_n you_o please_v god_n meet_v you_o for_o nothing_o be_v without_o he_o he_o fill_v all_o his_o work_n so_o that_o his_o various_a name_n be_v according_a to_o the_o various_a manifestation_n of_o he_o shall_v you_o receive_v a_o kindness_n from_o seneca_n and_o say_v you_o owe_v it_o to_o annaeus_n or_o lucius_n you_o will_v not_o change_v the_o person_n but_o his_o name_n for_o what_o name_n soever_o you_o call_v he_o by_o you_o mean_v still_o the_o same_o man_n and_o so_o you_o may_v
absurd_a and_o monstrous_a but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v for_o at_o least_o may_v be_v dispute_v for_o by_o man_n of_o part_n and_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o contrary_a principle_n be_v not_o true_a one_o philosopher_n maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o motion_n another_o will_v have_v persuade_v people_n that_o snow_n be_v black_a and_o some_o stand_v in_o it_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o shall_v such_o odd_a whimsy_n prevail_v against_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n some_o never_o see_v the_o light_n in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o do_v this_o argue_n that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a sun_n or_o that_o that_o be_v no_o sun_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n behold_v why_o a_o man_n of_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a reason_n may_v with_o his_o mind_n as_o easy_o see_v god_n in_o his_o work_n as_o i_o can_v see_v the_o day_n with_o my_o eye_n but_o shall_v i_o so_o affect_v singularity_n as_o to_o shut_v my_o eye_n and_o then_o pretend_v that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o dismal_a dark_a confuse_a chaos_n can_v it_o be_v conclude_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n why_o it_o be_v as_o senseless_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o mankind_n have_v be_v all_o along_o mistake_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o god_n because_o two_o or_o three_o impious_a philosopher_n have_v shut_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n against_o he_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o themselves_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n stupidity_n and_o wickedness_n but_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o all_o other_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o irreligious_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o exi_a deity_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n unanimous_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v 2._o nay_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v under_o this_o head_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o evidence_n of_o reason_n this_o universal_a consent_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o god_n existence_n for_o whence_o can_v this_o common_a belief_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o common_a natural_a principle_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n be_v endue_v by_o the_o common_a creator_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o his_o be_v as_o a_o signature_n make_v by_o his_o own_o finger_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v connatural_a to_o the_o sou_n that_o be_v inbred_a innate_a and_o engrave_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n upon_o our_o conception_n in_o the_o womb_n so_o that_o every_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n do_v of_o himself_o by_o common_a instinct_n understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n methinks_v we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o inclination_n towards_o god_n a_o disposition_n and_o propension_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o aptness_n to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n upon_o instruction_n education_n and_o the_o use_n of_o common_a reason_n this_o we_o may_v well_o call_v a_o natural_a principle_n and_o so_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v natural_a notion_n because_o they_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n now_o this_o plain_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n because_o none_o but_o god_n can_v put_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o mankind_n into_o this_o frame_n none_o but_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o principle_n in_o our_o nature_n whereby_o every_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o find_v out_o god_n as_o all_o man_n have_v do_v and_o do_v who_o use_v their_o reason_n all_o have_v consent_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n of_o this_o one_o universal_a uniform_a principle_n there_o must_v be_v one_o universal_a uniform_a cause_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o cause_o be_v reasonable_o assign_v but_o that_o sovereign_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o order_v our_o common_a nature_n thus_o have_v not_o god_n make_v our_o faculty_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o existence_n spring_v forth_o in_o every_o one_o mind_n with_o his_o reason_n and_o grow_v up_o with_o his_o reason_n we_o may_v argue_v with_o lucilius_n in_o cicero_n 2._o de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n 2._o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o that_o belief_n to_o have_v continue_v every_o where_o constant_a or_o to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n and_o to_o have_v become_v inveterate_a together_o with_o man_n age_n for_o vain_a fictitious_a opinion_n wear_v out_o by_o diuturnity_n time_n discover_v and_o destroy_v the_o falsehood_n of_o 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wonderful_a event_n whereby_o the_o design_n of_o wicked_a man_n have_v be_v prevent_v and_o overrule_v the_o various_a providence_n whereby_o oppress_v innocence_n have_v be_v vindicate_v and_o deliver_v the_o several_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o have_v be_v give_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a support_v of_o government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o world_n the_o remarkable_a translation_n of_o empire_n for_o people_n provocation_n the_o astonish_a example_n which_o have_v be_v make_v of_o many_o bold_a incorrigible_a wretch_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o do_v in_o their_o kind_a show_n that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a disposer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n a_o observe_v and_o righteous_a god_n that_o judge_v all_o the_o earth_n but_o because_o these_o may_v chance_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o rather_o as_o popular_a suggestion_n than_o convince_v solid_a argument_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n wave_v they_o and_o 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the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 1._o first_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v without_o any_o concurrence_n or_o instrumentality_n of_o second_o cause_n nay_o such_o as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o limit_a power_n as_o the_o give_a sight_n to_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v without_o eye_n the_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o go_v back_o or_o to_o stand_v still_o the_o raise_v of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o and_o the_o multiply_a a_o few_o loaf_n and_o fish_n to_o satisfy_v five_o thousand_o people_n 2._o such_o effect_n as_o perhaps_o may_v have_v be_v do_v in_o time_n by_o the_o help_n of_o natural_a mean_n but_o yet_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v wrought_v on_o a_o sudden_a by_o their_o use_n and_o application_n as_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o moment_n the_o instantaneous_a remove_n
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their_o own_o long_a experience_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v when_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o interpose_v or_o check_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v miraculous_a to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o their_o own_o natural_a ordinary_a and_o limit_a power_n it_o be_v not_o hard_o for_o those_o being_n to_o show_v sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o god_n permission_n though_o without_o the_o help_n of_o his_o immediate_a hand_n they_o can_v by_o their_o natural_a agility_n and_o power_n carry_v a_o body_n from_o place_n to_o place_n as_o the_o devil_n do_v our_o saviour_n own_o body_n with_o god_n leave_n they_o can_v modulate_v the_o air_n so_o as_o to_o form_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o image_n as_o the_o angel_n make_v balaam_n ass_n to_o speak_v they_o can_v by_o the_o natural_a vigour_n of_o their_o faculty_n as_o easy_o divide_v a_o stone_n as_o a_o man_n can_v cut_v off_o the_o branch_n of_o a_o tree_n by_o impress_v a_o new_a vigour_n upon_o the_o animal_n spirit_n they_o can_v help_v the_o defect_n of_o sight_n when_o god_n please_v in_o one_o that_o be_v casualy_a blind_a though_o they_o can_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n help_v he_o to_o eye_n who_o be_v bear_v without_o they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o many_o natural_a cause_n they_o may_v do_v prodigy_n as_o the_o magician_n do_v by_o their_o help_n in_o egypt_n in_o which_o instance_n two_o thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o those_o spirit_n be_v restrain_v for_o though_o they_o do_v some_o thing_n extraordinary_a very_o like_a unto_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n have_v do_v with_o his_o rod_n yet_o when_o the_o miracle_n of_o louse_n come_v the_o magician_n can_v not_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o confess_v that_o that_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 18_o 19_o 2._o that_o though_o they_o bring_v some_o plague_n upon_o egypt_n they_o can_v not_o remove_v any_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o king_n seek_v unto_o moses_n all_o along_o a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v evil_a angel_n with_o who_o the_o magician_n be_v then_o in_o confederacy_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o very_a wonderful_a sign_n have_v be_v show_v which_o look_v like_o true_a miracle_n and_o be_v in_o imitation_n of_o true_a miracle_n when_o they_o be_v not_o work_n of_o a_o almighty_a hand_n but_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o that_o natural_a sinite_fw-la power_n that_o be_v in_o daemon_n and_o devil_n to_o which_o also_o we_o may_v rational_o impute_v those_o operation_n for_o which_o those_o magician_n present_o after_o christ_n and_o other_o after_o they_o be_v so_o famous_a among_o the_o heathen_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o by_o which_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n get_v himself_o such_o a_o name_n in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o story_n tell_v of_o he_o be_v true_a which_o yet_o be_v very_o questionable_a nor_o do_v philostratus_n himself_o who_o relate_v they_o report_v they_o all_o as_o thing_n certain_a though_o he_o write_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o partiality_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o those_o pretend_a miracle_n we_o have_v be_v tell_v so_o much_o of_o for_o several_a age_n pass_v by_o man_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n suppose_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n be_v true_a i_o mean_v real_o do_v for_o he_o must_v have_v a_o most_o miraculous_a faith_n that_o can_v believe_v all_o or_o but_o one_o half_a of_o they_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o they_o be_v miracle_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n or_o effect_n pure_o supernatural_a above_o the_o power_n of_o all_o second_o cause_n for_o though_o no_o natural_a cause_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n can_v do_v they_o yet_o may_v they_o be_v very_o well_o impute_v to_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o create_a being_n that_n be_v invisible_a and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o working_n of_o satan_n who_o come_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n which_o god_n have_v many_o time_n permit_v partly_o to_o prove_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n and_o partly_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o which_o cause_n god_n do_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o they_o believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thess_n 2_o all_o this_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o such_o pretended_a miacle_n can_v possible_o argue_v the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n though_o actual_o do_v by_o idolater_n because_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v do_v in_o way_n of_o judgement_n upon_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a people_n however_o this_o advantage_n be_v hereby_o gain_v that_o those_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n such_o as_o they_o be_v do_v argue_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o invisible_a being_n permit_v to_o show_n sign_n and_o wonder_n vigorous_a in_o their_o act_n and_o limit_v in_o their_o power_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_n be_v preside_a over_o they_o that_o do_v govern_v and_o command_v they_o suffer_v or_o control_v chain_n or_o let_v they_o loose_v of_o his_o own_o pleasure_n and_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n require_v it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o distinction_n between_o miracle_n in_o reality_n and_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o who_o can_v see_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o because_o on_o each_o hand_n the_o work_n may_v be_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n when_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o quality_n
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 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