in_o a_o contrary_a belief_n when_o as_o other_o be_v as_o fatal_o set_v against_o these_o opinion_n and_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v favourable_o to_o resent_v they_o every_o soul_n bring_v a_o kind_n of_o sense_n with_o it_o into_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o taste_v and_o relish_v what_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o peculiar_a temper_n and_o notion_n will_v never_o lie_v easy_o in_o a_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_v to_o some_o can_v never_o apprehend_v that_o for_o other_o than_o a_o absurdity_n which_o other_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o that_o they_o almost_o take_v it_o for_o a_o first_o principle_n and_o yet_o the_o former_a have_v all_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o the_o latter_a this_o i_o have_v remarkable_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o extension_n of_o a_o spirit_n some_o that_o i_o know_v and_o those_o inquisiâ—ve_n free_a and_o ingenuous_a by_o all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o be_v can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o 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nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o grosser_n phantasm_n since_o this_o diversity_n be_v find_v in_o mind_n that_o have_v the_o great_a care_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o deception_n of_o sense_n and_o entanglement_n of_o the_o body_n what_o can_v we_o conclude_v but_o that_o the_o soul_n itself_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o this_o variety_n and_o that_o it_o come_v praejudice_v and_o prepossess_v into_o this_o body_n with_o some_o implicit_a notion_n that_o it_o have_v learn_v in_o another_o and_o if_o this_o congruity_n to_o some_o opinion_n and_o averseneâ—e_o to_o other_o be_v congenial_a to_o we_o and_o not_o advenient_a from_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v i_o think_v clear_a that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o former_a for_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o first_o and_o pure_a nature_n have_v no_o idiosynerasy_n that_o be_v have_v no_o proper_a natural_a inclination_n which_o be_v not_o competent_a to_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o condition_n be_v 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condition_n which_o now_o again_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o when_o we_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o our_o silent_a recess_n into_o a_o state_n of_o action_n and_o though_o the_o employment_n pleasure_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o former_a life_n be_v without_o question_n very_o different_a from_o these_o in_o the_o present_a estate_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o confamiliar_a and_o analogous_a to_o some_o of_o our_o transaction_n than_o other_o so_o that_o as_o any_o exercise_n or_o employment_n here_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o particular_a disposition_n that_o be_v predominant_a in_o the_o other_o state_n with_o the_o more_o peculiar_a kindness_n be_v it_o regard_v by_o we_o and_o the_o more_o greedy_o do_v our_o inclination_n now_o fasten_v on_o it_o thus_o if_o a_o musician_n shall_v be_v interdict_v the_o use_n of_o all_o musical_a instrument_n and_o yet_o may_v have_v his_o choice_n of_o any_o other_o art_n or_o profession_n it_o be_v likely_a he_o will_v betake_v himself_o to_o limn_v or_o poetry_n these_o exercise_n require_v the_o same_o disposition_n of_o wit_n and_o genius_n as_o his_o belove_a music_n do_v and_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v by_o the_o fate_n of_o our_o wretched_a descent_n hinder_v from_o the_o direct_a exercise_v ourselves_o about_o the_o object_n of_o our_o former_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n do_v yet_o assoon_o as_o we_o be_v able_a take_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o correspond_v to_o that_o genius_n that_o former_o inspire_v we_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n that_o give_v evidence_n for_o praeexistence_n if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o demonstrative_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v answer_v or_o at_o least_o evade_v i_o pray_v he_o to_o consider_v how_o many_o demonstration_n he_o ever_o meet_v with_o that_o a_o good_a wit_n resolve_v in_o a_o contrary_a cause_n can_v not_o shuffle_v from_o the_o edge_n of_o or_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v allege_v be_v no_o infallible_a or_o necessary_a proof_n yet_o if_o they_o render_v my_o cause_n but_o probable_a yea_o but_o possible_a i_o have_v win_v what_o i_o contend_v for_o for_o it_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o as_o good_a evidence_n as_o i_o think_v can_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o way_n of_o new_a creation_n be_v most_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o bless_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o other_o of_o traduction_n be_v most_o impossible_a and_o contradictious_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v now_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o praeexstence_n if_o that_o be_v probable_a or_o but_o bare_o possible_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v it_o the_o victory_n and_o whether_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v prove_v
to_o be_v our_o creator_n they_o make_v 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o natural_a agent_n and_o so_o can_v only_o transmit_v their_o natural_a quality_n but_o not_o their_o moral_a pravity_n wherefore_o there_o can_v no_o better_a account_n be_v give_v from_o this_o way_n how_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o debauch_a and_o infect_v assoon_o as_o it_o come_v into_o the_o body_n 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o it_o fail_v in_o the_o main_a end_n it_o be_v design_v for_o thus_o we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o traduction_n of_o the_o soul_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o can_v be_v defend_v nor_o do_v the_o second_o general_a way_n yield_v any_o more_o relief_n to_o this_o hypothesis_n for_o if_o it_o be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n preaexistent_a it_o be_v either_o of_o matter_n or_o spirit_n the_o former_a we_o have_v undermine_v and_o overthrow_v already_o in_o what_o be_v say_v against_o those_o that_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v body_n and_o if_o it_o be_v make_v out_o of_o any_o spiritual_a substance_n it_o must_v be_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o parent_n except_o we_o will_v revive_v the_o old_a enthusiastic_a conceit_n of_o its_o be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n which_o supposition_n be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o immaterial_a be_v a_o chief_a property_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v indiscerpible_a nor_o do_v the_o similitude_n i_o mention_v in_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n at_o all_o fit_a the_o business_n for_o one_o candle_n light_v another_o by_o separable_a emission_n that_o pass_v from_o the_o flame_n of_o that_o which_o be_v kindle_v to_o the_o â—ieke_n of_o the_o other_o and_o flame_n be_v a_o body_n who_o part_n be_v in_o continual_a flux_n as_o a_o â—iver_n but_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v stable_n permanent_a and_o indivisible_a which_o quite_o make_v it_o another_o case_n and_o for_o a_o man_n inform_v another_o mind_n with_o a_o thought_n which_o he_o have_v not_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o 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therefore_o his_o soul_n be_v mortal_a or_o be_v fat_a and_o lusty_a therefore_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o the_o absurdity_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o reason_v lie_n in_o draw_v that_o into_o a_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a affirmation_n which_o be_v only_o mean_v according_a to_o vulgar_a speech_n and_o be_v true_a only_a in_o some_o remarkable_a respect_n or_o circumstance_n thus_o we_o say_v a_o man_n beget_v a_o man_n because_o he_o do_v the_o visible_a and_o only_a sensible_a part_n of_o he_o the_o vulgar_a to_o who_o common_a speech_n be_v accommodate_v not_o take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v past_o the_o ken_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o body_n in_o ordinary_a speak_n be_v oft_o put_v for_o person_n as_o here_o man_n for_o the_o body_n sometime_o the_o noble_a part_n be_v use_v for_o the_o whole_a as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v 70_o soul_n go_v down_o with_o jacob_n into_o egypt_n therefore_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o assertor_n of_o traduction_n make_v use_v of_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o vulgar_a scheme_n of_o speech_n argue_v nothing_o but_o the_o desperateness_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o need_v such_o pitiful_a sophistries_n to_o recommend_v it_o such_o be_v these_o proof_n which_o yet_o be_v some_o of_o the_o best_a i_o meet_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n 66_o soul_n descend_v out_o of_o jacob_n loin_n adam_n beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n and_o such_o like_a according_a to_o this_o rate_n of_o argue_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v make_v speak_v any_o thing_n that_o our_o humoursome_a fancy_n please_v to_o dictate_v and_o thus_o to_o rack_v the_o sacred_a write_n to_o force_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o bring_v evidence_n to_o our_o opinion_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o their_o authority_n that_o be_v next_o to_o the_o deny_v on_o it_o i_o may_v add_v 2_o that_o beget_v also_o have_v a_o latitude_n and_o in_o common_a speech_n signify_v not_o a_o strict_a and_o philosophical_a production_n so_o that_o a_o man_n beget_v a_o man_n though_o he_o only_o generate_v the_o body_n into_o which_o fit_o prepare_v descend_v a_o soul._n and_o he_o that_o do_v that_o upon_o which_o another_o thing_n necessary_o follow_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o both_o 2_o the_o adherent_n to_o traduction_n use_v to_o urge_v that_o except_o the_o whole_a man_n soul_n and_o body_n be_v propagate_v there_o be_v no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o our_o original_a defilement_n and_o scripture_n give_v evident_a testimony_n to_o that_o early_a pollution_n for_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o transgressor_n from_o the_o womb._n we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o indeed_o the_o way_n of_o daily_o create_v soul_n can_v come_v off_o but_o with_o vile_o asperse_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o it_o have_v be_v hint_v that_o neither_o can_v traduction_n solve_v the_o business_n for_o if_o the_o parent_n beget_v the_o soul_n out_o of_o nothing_o it_o will_v be_v as_o pure_a and_o clean_a as_o if_o god_n himself_o be_v its_o immediate_a creator_n for_o though_o a_o clean_a thing_n can_v come_v out_o of_o a_o unclean_a when_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o producent_fw-la be_v impart_v to_o the_o effect_n yet_o where_o it_o be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o the_o reason_n be_v very_o different_a yea_o the_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v concern_v in_o this_o production_n be_v now_o as_o clean_a and_o pure_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o capacity_n give_v at_o its_o first_o creation_n while_o pure_a and_o innocent_a in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o moral_a contagion_n this_o be_v a_o ability_n mere_o natural_a and_o plastic_a and_o not_o at_o all_o under_o the_o imperium_fw-la or_o command_v of_o the_o will_v the_o only_a seat_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a or_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v but_o particle_n and_o decerption_n of_o our_o parent_n than_o i_o must_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v by_o my_o progenitor_n ever_o since_o adam_n and_o by_o this_o time_n my_o soul_n will_v have_v be_v so_o deprave_v and_o debauch_a that_o it_o will_v be_v now_o brutish_a yea_o diabolical_a thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o even_o upon_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o pitch_v upon_o some_o other_o hypothesis_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o pravity_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o both_o these_o fail_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o and_o since_o the_o former_a commit_v such_o violence_n upon_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n since_o the_o latter_a be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o since_o neither_o can_v give_v any_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o providence_n and_o our_o nature_n or_o have_v any_o encouragement_n from_o the_o sacred_a volume_n it_o be_v i_o think_v very_o excusable_a for_o we_o to_o cast_v our_o eye_n abroad_o to_o see_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n that_o may_v probable_o unriddle_v those_o mystery_n and_o relieve_v the_o mind_n of_o anxious_a and_o contemplative_a inquirer_n in_o which_o search_n if_o we_o light_v on_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v sweet_o accord_v with_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o unlock_v the_o intricacy_n of_o providence_n i_o think_v we_o have_v find_v what_o the_o two_o former_a opinion_n aim_v at_o but_o can_v make_v good_a their_o pretence_n to_o and_o may_v salute_v the_o truth_n with_o a_o joyful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o from_o the_o modern_a disputant_n let_v we_o look_v towards_o the_o ancient_a sage_n those_o eastern_a sophi_n that_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o
thing_n itself_o or_o the_o manage_n of_o this_o affair_n i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n and_o design_n be_v concern_v and_o important_a and_o deserve_v at_o least_o a_o favourable_a construction_n of_o the_o undertake_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n then_o that_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o his_o creature_n as_o amiable_a &_o lovely_a which_o can_v be_v better_a do_v then_o by_o clear_v up_o his_o providence_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v full_a of_o equity_n sweetness_n and_o benignity_n so_o that_o though_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o opinion_n which_o i_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v yet_o i_o expect_v the_o candour_n of_o the_o ingenious_a be_v betray_v into_o a_o error_n if_o it_o be_v one_o by_o so_o pardonable_a a_o occasion_n if_o it_o be_v except_v against_o this_o undertake_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o praeexistence_n have_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n be_v purposely_o handle_v beside_o what_o the_o learned_a d._n more_o have_v write_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o this_o labour_n may_v seem_v a_o superfluous_a unnecessary_a repetition_n i_o answer_v that_o that_o very_a treatise_n viz_o the_o account_n of_o origen_n make_v some_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o expedient_a for_o though_o the_o proof_n and_o management_n of_o this_o affair_n be_v there_o unexceptionable_a as_o far_o as_o the_o author_n be_v by_o his_o design_n engage_v yet_o he_o be_v consign_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o origen_n and_o to_o the_o answer_v such_o objection_n as_o the_o father_n urge_v against_o he_o have_v not_o so_o full_o staâ—ed_v and_o clear_v the_o business_n but_o that_o there_o be_v room_n for_o afâ—er-undertakers_n and_o it_o be_v a_o â—reat_a disinterest_n to_o so_o strange_a and_o â—nusual_a a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d partial_o handle_v since_o so_o long_o it_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v and_o consequent_o be_v but_o expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o ignominy_n nor_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o the_o world_n will_v be_v so_o favourable_a to_o a_o paradox_n or_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o that_o which_o they_o think_v a_o gross_a absurdity_n as_o to_o collect_v those_o principle_n that_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o write_n of_o that_o great_a &_o excellent_a restorer_n of_o the_o platonic_a cabbala_n and_o accommodate_v they_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o opinion_n so_o that_o i_o think_v that_o till_o the_o reason_n answer_n principle_n &_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n be_v bring_v all_o together_o to_o talk_v of_o praeexistence_n in_o arnest_n be_v but_o to_o make_v a_o man_n self_n ridiculous_a and_o the_o doctrine_n the_o common_a ludibrium_fw-la of_o fool_n and_o ignorant_o and_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o to_o be_v so_o much_o a_o contemner_n of_o the_o half_a witted_a censurer_n of_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o that_o this_o reason_n alone_o can_v not_o have_v move_v my_o pen_n the_o breadth_n of_o a_o letter_n but_o some_o ingenious_a friend_n of_o i_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v their_o maker_n right_a in_o a_o due_a apprehension_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o providence_n have_v read_v the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n and_o thence_o be_v induce_v to_o think_v favourable_o of_o praeexistence_n be_v yet_o not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o proof_n nor_o able_a to_o give_v stop_n to_o those_o objection_n which_o their_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n occasion_v wherefore_o they_o desire_v i_o to_o draw_v up_o a_o more_o full_a &_o particular_a account_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v now_o a_o kindness_n for_o and_o which_o want_v nothing_o more_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o they_o but_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a representation_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n then_o i_o draw_v up_o the_o follow_a discourse_n intend_v at_o first_o that_o it_o shall_v go_v no_o further_o than_o their_o hand_n who_o interest_n in_o my_o affection_n have_v command_v it_o but_o they_o be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v well_o pleasure_v with_o write_a copy_n and_o perceive_v other_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n also_o to_o who_o i_o owe_v regard_n and_o service_n to_o be_v in_o the_o like_a condition_n with_o these_o i_o be_v induce_v to_o let_v this_o little_a trifle_n tread_v a_o more_o public_a stage_n and_o to_o speak_v my_o mind_n to_o they_o from_o the_o press_n if_o further_a reason_n be_v expect_v for_o my_o undertake_n a_o business_n in_o which_o other_o have_v be_v engage_v i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o a_o infinite_a of_o book_n be_v write_v upon_o almost_o all_o subject_n can_v be_v name_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o they_o turn_v over_o library_n they_o will_v find_v no_o theme_n that_o be_v of_o any_o consideration_n less_o trace_v than_o this_o be_v so_o that_o no_o body_n have_v reason_n to_o call_v it_o a_o crambe_n who_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n even_o of_o scholar_n that_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o any_o one_o book_n extant_a in_o any_o language_n beside_o this_o that_o purposely_o sole_o and_o full_o treat_v of_o praeexistence_n wherefore_o who_o ever_o condemn_v this_o as_o a_o superfluous_a engagement_n if_o he_o will_v be_v just_a must_v pass_v the_o same_o censure_n upon_o well_o nigh_o every_o discourse_n the_o press_n be_v deliver_v of_o for_o he_o will_v meet_v with_o few_o write_v on_o lesshandled_a subject_n i_o may_v urge_v also_o if_o there_o be_v need_v on_o it_o that_o various_a representation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n fit_v the_o variety_n of_o phansye_n and_o gust_n of_o peruser_n and_o that_o may_v have_v force_n and_o prevalence_n to_o persuade_v in_o one_o for_o i_o which_o signify_v nothing_o in_o another_o but_o it_o be_v enough_o he_o that_o will_v judge_v i_o on_o this_o account_n must_v pass_v the_o same_o award_n on_o every_o sermon_n he_o hear_v and_o every_o book_n he_o look_v on_o and_o such_o a_o censure_n will_v do_v i_o as_o little_a hurt_n as_o he_o good_a that_o pass_v it_o beside_o this_o exception_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o some_o may_v object_v that_o i_o use_v argument_n that_o have_v already_o be_v plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o this_o opinion_n which_o right_o understand_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o disrepute_n since_o every_o one_o else_o do_v it_o that_o deal_v in_o a_o subject_n former_o write_v of_o and_o i_o will_v have_v he_o that_o commence_v such_o a_o charge_n against_o i_o to_o consult_v divers_a author_n who_o have_v handle_v the_o same_o subject_n and_o if_o he_o find_v not_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o reason_n infinite_o repeat_v every_o where_o let_v he_o call_v i_o plagiary_n &_o spare_v not_o it_o be_v true_a therefore_o i_o have_v not_o baulk_v the_o reason_n of_o origen_n dr._n more_n or_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n because_o they_o have_v be_v use_v already_o but_o free_o own_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o worthy_a author_n however_o i_o think_v i_o have_v so_o manage_v fortify_v &_o secure_v they_o against_o exception_n especial_o the_o most_o considerable_a that_o i_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v a_o pardon_n yea_o and_o a_o interest_n in_o they_o also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o back_n of_o a_o argument_n that_o give_v it_o force_n &_o efficacy_n which_o i_o have_v do_v to_o the_o most_o weighty_a of_o they_o at_o my_o proper_a cost_n &_o charge_n nor_o shall_v i_o have_v be_v faithful_a to_o my_o cause_n have_v i_o omit_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o think_v confirm_v it_o upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o since_o possible_o this_o discourse_n may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o who_o never_o meet_v with_o those_o other_o author_n and_o my_o design_n be_v a_o full_a proof_n defence_n &_o explication_n of_o praeexistence_n it_o have_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a defect_n to_o have_v permit_v those_o weighty_a reason_n by_o which_o its_o learned_a assertor_n have_v enforce_v it_o if_o any_o yet_o shall_v criminat_fw-la i_o as_o i_o know_v some_o do_v the_o account_n of_o origen_n for_o use_v many_o of_o the_o same_o word_n and_o some_o of_o the_o same_o phrase_n &_o expression_n that_o those_o other_o who_o have_v write_v about_o those_o matter_n have_v make_v use_n of_o i_o be_o not_o very_o careful_a to_o answer_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o i_o doubt_v this_o engagement_n against_o those_o little_a seruple_n will_v be_v importunate_a to_o the_o judicious_a for_o no_o body_n blame_v the_o frequent_a usage_n of_o word_n of_o art_n or_o those_o which_o the_o first_o master_n or_o restorer_n of_o any_o doctrine_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o express_v their_o notion_n by_o since_o that_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v best_a understand_v
&_o ridiculous_a just_o like_o the_o common_a people_n who_o judge_v all_o custom_n and_o fashion_n by_o their_o own_o account_v those_o of_o other_o nation_n absurd_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v well_o for_o those_o smile_a confuter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o breed_v in_o mahumetism_n for_o then_o without_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v make_v sport_n of_o christianity_n but_o since_o they_o be_v so_o dispose_v let_v they_o laugh_v at_o the_o opinion_n i_o have_v undertake_v for_o till_o they_o understand_v it_o i_o know_v who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a man_n will_v prove_v ridiculous_a it_o be_v from_o this_o very_a principle_n that_o the_o most_o considerable_a truth_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v acquaint_v with_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n as_o reign_v in_o these_o child_n of_o self-confidence_n that_o call_v s._n paul_n a_o babbler_n and_o methinks_v till_o these_o narrow_a scule_v people_n can_v boast_v themselves_o infallible_a and_o all_o their_o opinion_n a_o unerring_a canon_n common_a modesty_n and_o civility_n shall_v teach_v they_o better_a manner_n then_o at_o first_o dash_n to_o judge_v that_o a_o ridiculous_a absurdity_n which_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a sage_n that_o enlighten_v the_o ancient_a world_n account_v so_o sound_a and_o and_o probable_a a_o conclusion_n especial_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o determine_v against_o but_o rather_o countenance_v in_o scripture_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o but_o opiniative_a ignorance_n be_v very_o weak_a &_o immoral_a and_o till_o those_o slight_a and_o vulgar_a decerner_n have_v learn_v that_o first_o principle_n of_o true_a wisdom_n to_o judge_v nothing_o till_o they_o thorough_o understand_v it_o &_o have_v weigh_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o impartial_a reason_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o spend_v one_o breath_n upon_o they_o courteous_a reader_n in_o the_o author_n absence_n you_o be_v desire_v to_o correct_v the_o printer_n error_n lux_fw-la orientalis_n chap._n i._n the_o opinion_n propose_v concern_v the_o original_n of_o soul_n it_o have_v always_o be_v find_v a_o matter_n of_o discourage_a difficulty_n among_o those_o that_o have_v busy_v themselves_o in_o such_o injuiry_n to_o determine_v the_o soul_n be_v original_a insomuch_o that_o after_o all_o the_o contest_v and_o dispute_v that_o have_v be_v about_o it_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a inquisitor_n have_v conclude_v it_o undeterminable_a or_o if_o they_o have_v sit_v down_o in_o either_o of_o the_o 2_o opinion_n viz._n of_o its_o immediate_a creation_n or_o traduction_n which_o of_o late_a age_n have_v be_v the_o only_a competitor_n they_o have_v be_v drive_v to_o it_o rather_o from_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v then_o draw_v by_o any_o rational_a alliciency_n in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v take_v to_o and_o indeed_o if_o we_o do_v but_o impartial_o consider_v the_o grand_a inconvenience_n which_o each_o party_n urge_v against_o the_o other_o conclusion_n it_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v that_o both_o be_v right_a in_o their_o opposition_n and_o neither_o in_o their_o assertion_n and_o since_o each_o side_n so_o strong_o oppugn_v the_o other_o and_o so_o weak_o defend_v itself_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v both_o mistake_v wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v a_o three_o that_o can_v lay_v any_o probable_a claim_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v hear_v to_o plead_v its_o cause_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o the_o contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o to_o be_v admit_v now_o though_o these_o late_a age_n have_v conclude_v the_o matter_n to_o lie_v between_o immediate_a creation_n and_o seminal_a traduction_n yet_o i_o find_v that_o the_o more_o ancient_a â—imes_n have_v pitch_v upon_o praeexistence_n as_o more_o likely_a than_o either_o for_o the_o platoâ—nists_n pythagorean_n the_o chaldean_a wise_a man_n the_o jewish_a rabbin_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o ancient_a father_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n wherefore_o i_o think_v we_o owe_v so_o much_o at_o least_o to_o the_o mentory_n of_o those_o grave_a sage_n 〈◊〉_d to_o examine_v this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o and_o if_o neither_o of_o the_o late_a hypothesis_n can_v ease_v our_o anxious_a mind_n or_o free_v themselves_o from_o absurdity_n and_o this_o grey_a dogma_fw-la fair_o clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o no_o such_o contradiction_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o we_o may_v give_v it_o a_o favourable_a admittance_n till_o something_o else_o appear_v more_o concinnous_a and_o rational_a therefore_o let_v we_o take_v some_o account_n of_o what_o the_o 2_o first_o opinion_n allege_v one_o against_o another_o and_o how_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o their_o promoter_n and_o defendant_n now_o if_o they_o be_v find_v unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o shock_n of_o one_o another_o opposition_n we_o may_v reasonable_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o three_o to_o see_v what_o force_n it_o bring_v to_o vouch_v its_o interest_n and_o how_o it_o will_v behave_v itself_o in_o the_o encounter_n chap._n ii_o daily_a creation_n of_o soul_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n the_o first_o of_o these_o opinion_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o trial_n be_v that_o god_n daily_o create_v humane_a soul_n which_o immediate_o be_v unite_v unto_o the_o body_n that_o generation_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o of_o this_o side_n be_v our_o late_a divine_v and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o schoolmâ—n_n but_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o authoritys_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o reason_n stand_v against_o it_o therefore_o 1_o if_o our_o soul_n come_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o we_o come_v first_o into_o these_o body_n whence_o then_o be_v those_o enormous_o brutish_a inclination_n that_o strong_a natural_a proclivity_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n that_o be_v exstant_fw-la in_o the_o child_n of_o man_n all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n bear_v his_o image_n and_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n purity_n be_v his_o nature_n and_o what_o come_v from_o he_o proportionable_o to_o its_o capacity_n partake_v of_o his_o perfection_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o natural_a world_n bear_v the_o superscription_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o same_o fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a therefore_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o allegiance_n to_o our_o maker_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o make_v we_o pure_a and_o innocent_a and_o if_o we_o be_v but_o just_a then_o frame_v by_o he_o when_o we_o be_v unite_v with_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n whence_o shall_v we_o contract_v such_o degenerate_a propension_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o impuâ—ity_n be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o body_n we_o be_v unire_v to_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o pure_o passive_a insensible_a matter_n shall_v transfuse_v habit_n or_o inclination_n into_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v quite_o of_o a_o other_o make_v and_o quality_n how_o can_v such_o a_o cause_n produce_v a_o effect_n so_o disproportionate_a matter_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o motion_n and_o what_o relation_n have_v that_o to_o a_o moral_a contagion_n how_o can_v a_o body_n that_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o sense_n nor_o sin_n infect_v a_o soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v unied_a to_o it_o with_o such_o vicious_a debauch_a disposition_n but_o other_o think_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o we_o have_v not_o these_o depravity_n in_o our_o nature_n but_o contract_v they_o by_o custom_n education_n and_o evil_a usage_n how_o then_o come_v it_o about_o that_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o same_o care_n and_o industry_n use_v upon_o they_o and_o have_v be_v nurture_v nude_o the_o same_o d_o scipline_n and_o severe_a oversight_n do_v so_o vast_o and_o even_o to_o wonder_v differ_v in_o their_o inclination_n how_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o be_v under_o continual_a temptation_n to_o vice_n be_v yet_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o virtue_n and_o sobriety_n and_o yet_o that_o other_o that_o have_v strong_a motive_n and_o allurement_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v violent_o break_v out_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o extravagance_n and_o impiety_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o what_o more_o in_o the_o matter_n than_o those_o general_a cause_n which_o may_v be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o which_o many_o time_n have_v quite_o contrary_a effect_n 2_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o god_n continual_o create_v humane_a soul_n in_o these_o body_n consist_v not_o with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o 1_o how_o stand_v it_o with_o the_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v love_n to_o put_v pure_a and_o immaculate_a spirit_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o live_v to_o he_o and_o with_o he_o into_o such_o
body_n as_o will_v present_o desile_v they_o deface_v his_o image_n pervert_v all_o their_o power_n and_o faculty_n incline_v they_o to_o hate_v what_o he_o most_o love_v and_o love_v what_o his_o soul_n hate_v and_o that_o without_o any_o knowledge_n or_o concurrence_n of_o they_o will_v quite_o mar_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v make_v they_o and_o of_o dear_a child_n render_v they_o rebel_n or_o enemy_n and_o in_o a_o moment_n from_o be_v like_o angel_n transform_v they_o into_o the_o perfect_a resemblance_n of_o the_o first_o apostate_n devil_n be_v this_o a_o effect_n of_o those_o tender_a mercy_n that_o be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o 2_o have_v that_o wisdom_n that_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n to_o operate_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o provide_v they_o with_o what_o ever_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o end_n make_v miriads_o of_o noble_a spirit_n capable_a of_o as_o noble_a operation_n and_o present_o plunge_v they_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n wherein_o they_o can_v act_v at_o all_o according_a to_o their_o first_o and_o proper_a disposition_n but_o shall_v be_v necessitate_v to_o the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o have_v other_o noxious_a and_o deprave_a inclination_n fatal_o impose_v upon_o their_o pure_a nature_n do_v that_o wisdom_n that_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n and_o dispose_v they_o in_o such_o exact_a harmony_n and_o proportion_n use_v to_o act_v so_o inept_o and_o that_o in_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a piece_n of_o his_o creation_n do_v it_o use_n to_o make_v and_o present_o destroy_v to_o frame_v one_o thing_n and_o give_v it_o such_o or_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o then_o undo_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o make_v it_o a_o other_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o irregular_a method_n use_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o inferior_a creature_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v so_o vary_v from_o its_o self_n in_o its_o noble_a composure_n and_o 3_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o suppose_v as_o we_o be_v common_o teach_v that_o assoon_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v yea_o and_o in_o the_o womb_n we_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o torment_n if_o our_o soul_n be_v then_o immediate_o create_v out_o of_o nothing_o for_o to_o be_v just_a be_v to_o give_v every_o one_o his_o due_a and_o how_o can_v endless_a unsupportable_a punishment_n be_v due_a to_o innocent_a spirit_n who_o but_o the_o last_o moment_n come_v righteous_a pure_a and_o immaculate_a out_o of_o their_o creator_n hand_n and_o have_v not_o do_v or_o think_v any_o thing_n since_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n or_o law_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o the_o least_o capacity_n of_o sin_v ay_o but_o the_o first_o of_o our_o order_n our_o general_n head_n and_o representative_a sin_v and_o we_o in_o he_o thus_o we_o contract_v guilt_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v a_o be_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o disobedience_n this_o be_v think_v to_o solve_v all_o and_o to_o clear_a god_n from_o any_o shadow_n of_o unrighteâ—sness_n but_o what_o ever_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o think_v it_o can_v stand_v upon_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o soul_n immediate_a creation_n nor_o yet_o justify_v god_n in_o his_o proceed_n for_o 1_o if_o i_o be_v then_o new_o create_v when_o first_o in_o this_o body_n what_o be_v adam_n to_o i_o who_o sin_v above_o 5000_o year_n before_o i_o come_v out_o of_o nothing_o if_o he_o represent_v i_o it_o must_v be_v as_o i_o be_v in_o his_o loin_n that_o be_v in_o he_o as_o a_o effect_n in_o a_o cause_n but_o so_o i_o be_v not_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n for_o my_o soul_n own_v no_o father_n but_o god_n its_o immediate_a progenitor_n and_o what_o be_o i_o concern_v then_o in_o his_o sin_n which_o have_v never_o my_o will_n or_o consent_n more_o than_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o 〈◊〉_d or_o julius_n caesar_n nay_o than_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o belzebub_n or_o lucifer_n and_o for_o my_o body_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o never_o a_o atom_n of_o he_o ever_o come_v at_o i_o or_o if_o any_o do_v he_o be_v no_o cause_n on_o it_o beside_o that_o of_o itself_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o sense_n sin_n guilt_n nor_o punishment_n or_o 2_o admit_v that_o we_o become_v thus_o obnoxious_a assoon_o as_o in_o the_o body_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o default_n how_o do_v it_o comport_v with_o the_o divine_a justice_n in_o one_o moment_n to_o make_v such_o excellent_a creature_n and_o in_o the_o next_o to_o render_v they_o so_o miserable_a by_o thrust_v they_o into_o a_o condition_n so_o fatal_o obnoxious_a especial_o since_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o live_v and_o act_v in_o body_n more_o perfect_a and_o more_o accommodate_v to_o their_o new_a undesile_v nature_n certain_o can_v they_o have_v be_v put_v to_o their_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v have_v come_v into_o be_v upon_o such_o term_n they_o will_v rather_o have_v be_v nothing_o for_o ever_o and_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o make_v his_o creature_n so_o as_o that_o without_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o unwish_a themselves_o hitherto_o in_o this_o second_o general_n arg._n i_o have_v deal_v against_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o assert_v the_o original_a depravity_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o those_o that_o deny_v may_v think_v themselves_o not_o pinch_v by_o or_o concern_v in_o since_o they_o think_v they_o do_v no_o such_o dishonour_n to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n while_o they_o assert_v that_o we_o be_v not_o make_v in_o so_o deplorable_a and_o deprave_a a_o condition_n but_o have_v so_o make_v ourselves_o by_o our_o voluntary_a aberration_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o a_o fit_a plaster_n for_o the_o sore_a suppose_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v immediate_o create_v and_o so_o send_v into_o these_o body_n for_o still_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o diminutive_a and_o disparage_a apprehenâ—on_n of_o the_o infinite_a and_o immense_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v detrude_v such_o excellent_a creature_n as_o our_o soul_n into_o a_o state_n so_o hazardous_a wherein_o he_o see_v it_o to_o be_v ten_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o that_o they_o will_v corrupt_v and_o defile_v themselves_o and_o so_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a here_o and_o to_o eternity_n hereafter_o and_o certain_o be_v we_o as_o indifferent_a natural_o to_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o can_v be_v suppose_v yet_o great_a be_v the_o disadvantage_n to_o virtue_n that_o all_o man_n unavoidable_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o state_n of_o imperfection_n for_o consider_v that_o our_o infant_n and_o grow_a age_n be_v a_o age_n of_o sense_n in_o which_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o our_o reason_n weak_a and_o scarce_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o chain_n of_o imagination_n it_o be_v i_o say_v great_a odds_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v carry_v to_o inordinacy_n and_o exceed_v the_o bound_n the_o divine_a law_n have_v set_v we_o so_o that_o our_o low_a power_n of_o sense_n and_o passion_n use_v to_o have_v the_o head_n will_v grow_v strong_a and_o impetuous_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v root_v in_o vice_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o maturity_n of_o our_o reason_n or_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o woeful_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o most_o man_n run_v so_o far_o before_o they_o consider_v whither_o they_o be_v agoing_a that_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o all_o their_o life_n after_o will_v scarce_o reclaim_v they_o beside_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lead_v into_o wickedness_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n by_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a education_n and_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o observe_v what_o a_o inormous_a strength_n bad_a education_n have_v to_o deprave_v and_o pervert_v well_o dispose_v inclination_n which_o thing_n consider_v this_o way_n also_o methinks_v reflect_v a_o disparagement_n on_o the_o divine_a attribute_n since_o by_o create_v soul_n daily_a and_o put_v they_o into_o such_o body_n and_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v will_v debauch_v they_o and_o pervert_v they_o from_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o happiness_n into_o those_o of_o vice_n and_o misery_n he_o deal_v with_o they_o less_o merciful_o than_o a_o parent_n among_o we_o will_v with_o his_o offspring_n and_o to_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v less_o goodness_n than_o his_o degenerate_a creature_n be_v to_o have_v very_o narrow_a apprehension_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o to_o 〈◊〉_d he_o of_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o attribute_n 3_o it_o have_v be_v urge_v with_o good_a probability_n by_o great_a and_o wise_a sage_n that_o
so_o vast_a a_o distance_n nor_o need_v any_o wonder_n how_o it_o come_v at_o length_n to_o be_v lose_v or_o at_o least_o keep_v but_o among_o a_o few_o who_o consider_v the_o grossness_n of_o succeed_a age_n when_o such_o multitude_n can_v swallow_v the_o dull_a and_o course_n anthropomorphite_n doctrine_n much_o less_o if_o he_o reflect_v upon_o that_o black_a night_n of_o barbaric_n ignorance_n which_o spread_v itself_o over_o this_o western_a world_n upon_o the_o incursion_n of_o those_o rude_a and_o uncivilise_v nation_n that_o '_o ore-ran_a the_o empire_n out_o of_o which_o darkness_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o century_n to_o recover_v the_o then_o obscure_a region_n of_o civility_n and_o letter_n moreover_o it_o will_v allay_v the_o admiration_n of_o any_o one_o inquisitive_a in_o such_o researche_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o start_n up_o and_o prevail_v of_o school-divinity_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v but_o aristotle_n philosophy_n theologise_v and_o we_o know_v that_o philosophy_n have_v the_o luck_n to_o swim_v in_o the_o general_a esteem_n and_o credit_n when_o platonisâ—_n and_o the_o more_o ancient_a wisdom_n a_o branch_n of_o which_o praeexistence_n be_v be_v almost_o quite_o sink_v and_o bury_v so_o that_o a_o theology_n be_v now_o make_v out_o of_o aristotelian_a principle_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o praeexistence_n be_v leave_v out_o nothing_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v say_v of_o it_o by_o the_o great_a author_n of_o that_o philosophy_n and_o his_o admire_a sectator_n be_v loath_a to_o borrow_v so_o considerable_a a_o theory_n from_o their_o master_n neglect_a rival_n plato_n but_o 〈◊〉_d at_o once_o to_o remove_v this_o stone_n of_o offence_n out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o think_v scripture_n be_v not_o so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o be_v imagine_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a more_o can_v be_v say_v from_o those_o divine_a write_n in_o behalf_n of_o praeexistence_n then_o for_o many_o opinion_n that_o its_o opposer_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o and_o think_v to_o be_v there_o evident_o assert_v and_o have_v this_o be_v a_o common_o receive_v doctrine_n and_o man_n wit_n as_o much_o exercise_v for_o the_o defence_n on_o it_o as_o they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o common_a dogmata_fw-la i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o scripture_n will_v have_v be_v heap_v up_o in_o abundance_n for_o its_o justification_n and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v plain_o witness_v to_o in_o the_o inspire_a volume_n for_o as_o man_n fancy_n will_v ready_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o proof_n of_o that_o of_o who_o truth_n they_o be_v strong_o prepossess_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v be_v very_o backward_o to_o see_v any_o evidence_n of_o that_o which_o be_v strange_a to_o they_o and_o which_o have_v always_o be_v repute_v a_o absurdity_n but_o my_o scripture-evidence_n be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o this_o place_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n by_o itself_o therefore_o if_o the_o urger_n of_o this_o objection_n will_v but_o have_v a_o little_a patience_n till_o i_o come_v so_o far_o on_o the_o way_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o hope_v he_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o praeexistence_n be_v not_o such_o a_o stranger_n to_o scripture_n as_o he_o conject_v it_o chap._n v._o reason_n against_o praeexistence_n answer_v our_o forget_v the_o former_a state_n be_v no_o argument_n to_o disprove_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v more_o conclusive_a the_o proof_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o praeexistence_n be_v enough_o all_o other_o hypothesis_n be_v absurd_a and_o contradictious_a but_o it_o be_v prove_v also_o by_o positive_a argument_n now_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v let_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o our_o progress_n and_o so_o enter_v on_o what_o remain_v we_o have_v see_v that_o god_n can_v have_v create_v all_o soul_n at_o first_o have_v he_o so_o please_v and_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v nothing_o in_o his_o write_a will_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v also_o that_o he_o have_v not_o make_v it_o know_v to_o our_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o will_n to_o do_v so_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o first_o particular_a that_o no_o one_o can_v say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o praeexistence_n be_v a_o falshhood_n therefore_o let_v we_o call_v to_o account_v the_o most_o momentous_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v lay_v against_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o have_v not_o weight_n enough_o in_o the_o least_o to_o move_v so_o rational_a and_o solid_a a_o opinion_n 1_o then_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v urge_v that_o have_v we_o live_v and_o act_v in_o a_o former_a state_n we_o shall_v doubtless_o have_v retain_v some_o remembrance_n of_o that_o condition_n but_o we_o have_v no_o memory_n of_o any_o thing_n backward_o before_o our_o appearance_n upon_o this_o present_a stage_n it_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o considerable_a presumption_n that_o praeexistence_n be_v but_o a_o fancy_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v such_o kind_n of_o reasoner_n to_o tell_v i_o how_o much_o they_o remember_v of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o womb_n or_o of_o the_o action_n of_o their_o first_o infancy_n and_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v consider_v that_o not_o one_o passage_n in_o a_o hundred_o be_v remember_v of_o their_o grow_v and_o ripe_a age_n nor_o do_v there_o scarce_o a_o night_n pass_v but_o we_o dream_v of_o many_o thing_n which_o our_o wake_a memory_n can_v give_v we_o no_o account_n of_o yea_o old_a age_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o disease_n blot_v out_o all_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o even_o in_o this_o state_n cause_v a_o total_a oblivion_n now_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o former_a life_n be_v great_a then_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o forgetfulness_n in_o the_o instance_n we_o have_v produce_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v clear_a that_o this_o argument_n have_v but_o little_a force_n against_o the_o opinion_n we_o be_v inquire_v into_o therefore_o if_o we_o do_v but_o reflect_v upon_o that_o long_a state_n of_o silence_n and_o inactivity_n that_o we_o emerge_v from_o when_o we_o come_v into_o these_o body_n and_o the_o vast_a change_n we_o undergo_v by_o our_o sink_n into_o this_o new_a and_o unwonted_a habitation_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o the_o considerate_a that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v have_v forget_v our_o former_a life_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o and_o if_o a_o disease_n or_o old_a age_n can_v raze_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o past_a action_n even_o while_o we_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o condition_n of_o life_n certain_o so_o long_o and_o deep_a a_o swoon_n as_o be_v absolute_a insensibility_n and_o inertnesse_n may_v much_o more_o reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o blot_v our_o the_o memory_n of_o a_o other_o life_n who_o passage_n probable_o be_v nothing_o like_o the_o transaction_n of_o this_o and_o this_o also_o may_v be_v give_v as_o a_o other_o reason_n of_o our_o forget_v our_o former_a state_n since_o usual_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o our_o remembrance_n by_o some_o like_a occurrence_n but_o 2_o some_o will_v argue_v if_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o punishment_n for_o former_a misearriage_n how_o come_v it_o about_o then_o that_o it_o be_v a_o better_a condition_n then_o that_o we_o last_o come_v from_o viz._n the_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o insensibility_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o present_a terrestrial_a condition_n a_o a_o effect_n of_o our_o defection_n from_o the_o high_a life_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o former_a happiness_n lose_v by_o our_o own_o default_n it_o be_v then_o a_o misery_n and_o a_o punishment_n but_o if_o we_o compare_v our_o now-being_a with_o the_o state_n of_o inactivity_n we_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o may_v then_o be_v call_v a_o aftergame_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o a_o mercy_n as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o be_v at_o first_o put_v into_o a_o dark_a and_o disconsolate_a dungeon_n and_o afterward_o be_v remove_v to_o a_o more_o comfortable_a and_o lightsome_a prison_n may_v acknowledge_v his_o remove_n to_o be_v a_o favour_n and_o deliverance_n compare_v with_o the_o place_n he_o be_v last_o confine_v to_o though_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o fault_n and_o former_a liberty_n even_o this_o condition_n be_v both_o a_o mulct_n and_o a_o misery_n it_o be_v just_a thus_o in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o any_o one_o may_v make_v the_o application_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v 3_o if_o our_o soul_n live_v in_o a_o former_a state_n do_v they_o act_v in_o body_n or_o without_o they_o the_o former_a they_o will_v say_v be_v absurd_a and_o the_o latter_a incongruous_a and_o unlikely_a since_o then_o all_o the_o power_n
elias_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n both_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v before_o do_v clear_o enough_o argue_v that_o both_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n believe_v praeexistence_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v not_o a_o word_n to_o disprove_v their_o opinion_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o above_o now_o how_o ever_o uncouth_a these_o allegation_n may_v seem_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v these_o scripture_n thus_o interpret_v yet_o i_o be_o confident_a have_v the_o opinion_n of_o praeexistence_n be_v a_o receive_a doctrine_n and_o have_v these_o text_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o proof_n on_o it_o they_o will_v then_o have_v be_v think_v to_o assert_v it_o with_o clear_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n but_o many_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o those_o that_o have_v seldom_o meet_v it_o mention_v but_o as_o a_o silly_a dream_n oâ—_n antiquate_a absurdity_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n so_o that_o any_o attempt_n to_o confirm_v it_o thence_o must_v needs_o seem_v rather_o a_o offer_n of_o wit_n then_o serious_a judgement_n and_o the_o place_n that_o be_v cite_v to_o that_o purpose_n have_v be_v freequent_o read_v and_o hear_v of_o by_o those_o that_o never_o discern_v they_o to_o breathe_v the_o least_o air_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n as_o praexistence_n their_o new_a and_o unexpected_a application_n to_o a_o thing_n so_o little_a thought_n of_o must_v needs_o seem_v a_o wild_a fetch_n of_o a_o extravagant_a imagination_n but_o however_o unconclusive_a the_o text_n allege_v may_v seem_v to_o those_o a_o strong_a prejudice_n have_v shut_v up_o against_o the_o hypothesis_n the_o learned_a jew_n who_o where_o persuade_v of_o this_o doctrine_n think_v it_o clear_o enough_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a volume_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o take_v the_o citation_n name_v above_o for_o current_a evidence_n and_o though_o i_o can_v warrant_v for_o their_o judgement_n in_o thing_n yet_o doubtless_o they_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o their_o own_o language_n nor_o will_v our_o school-doctor_n have_v think_v it_o so_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o new_a have_v it_o have_v the_o luck_n to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o their_o opinion_n or_o do_v they_o not_o too_o frequent_o apply_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n to_o their_o own_o fore-conceived_n notion_n but_o whether_o what_o i_o have_v bring_v from_o scripture_n prove_v any_o thing_n or_o nothing_o it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a since_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o praeexistence_n stand_v secure_a enough_o upon_o those_o pillar_n of_o reason_n which_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o right_a reason_n of_o a_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o divine_a volume_n in_o which_o be_v write_v the_o indelible_a idea_n of_o eternal_a truth_n so_o that_o what_o it_o dictate_v be_v as_o much_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n as_o if_o in_o so_o many_o word_n it_o be_v clear_o express_v in_o the_o write_a revelation_n it_o be_v enough_o therefore_o for_o my_o purpose_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n contrary_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o think_v be_v make_v clear_a enough_o already_o and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o assertion_n of_o praeexistence_n yet_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o its_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n but_o a_o advantage_n to_o the_o cause_n chap._n xii_o why_o the_o author_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o descend_v to_o some_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o praeexistence_n it_o be_v presumption_n positive_o to_o determine_v how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o of_o old_a the_o author_n design_n in_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o follow_v now_o because_o inability_n to_o apprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n against_o the_o belief_n on_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o go_v a_o little_a further_o than_o the_o bare_a proof_n and_o defence_n of_o praeexistence_n for_o though_o what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v possible_o induce_v some_o to_o think_v favourable_o of_o our_o conclusion_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v make_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n yet_o whil_n they_o shall_v think_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o that_o former_a state_n and_o that_o our_o preaexistent_a condition_n can_v be_v represent_v to_o humane_a understanding_n but_o as_o a_o dark_a black_a solitude_n it_o must_v needs_o weaken_v the_o persuasion_n of_o those_o that_o be_v less_o confirm_v and_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o inquisitive_a with_o a_o dubious_a trouble_n and_o anxiety_n for_o search_v and_o contemplative_a head_n can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o be_v tell_v that_o our_o soul_n have_v live_v and_o act_v in_o a_o former_a condition_n except_o they_o can_v be_v help_v to_o some_o more_o particular_a apprehension_n of_o that_o stare_n how_o we_o live_v and_o act_v of_o old_a and_o how_o probable_o we_o fall_v from_o that_o better_a life_n into_o this_o region_n of_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n now_o though_o indeed_o my_o charity_n will_v prompt_v i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o can_v for_o the_o relief_n and_o ease_n of_o avy_z modest_a inquirer_n yet_o shall_v i_o not_o attempt_v to_o satisfy_v punctual_a and_o eager_a curiosity_n in_o thing_n hide_v and_o unsearchable_a much_o less_o shall_v i_o positive_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n so_o lubricous_a and_o uncertain_a and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o imperfect_a our_o now_o state_n be_v how_o miserable_a shallow_a our_o understanding_n be_v and_o how_o little_a we_o know_v of_o our_o present_a self_n and_o the_o thing_n about_o we_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o desperate_a undertake_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n yea_o when_o we_o contemplate_v the_o vast_a circuit_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o think_v how_o much_o the_o thought_n and_o action_n of_o eternity_n and_o omniscience_n be_v beyond_o we_o who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o know_v nothing_o it_o must_v needs_o discourage_v confidence_n itself_o from_o determine_v how_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n of_o life_n be_v order_v in_o the_o day_n the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v doubtless_o infinite_a way_n and_o method_n according_a to_o which_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n can_v have_v dispose_v of_o we_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o conceit_n of_o and_o we_o be_v little_o more_o capable_a of_o uner_o resolve_v ourselves_o now_o how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o of_o old_a than_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n be_v to_o determine_v what_o kind_n of_o life_n it_o shall_v live_v when_o it_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o that_o dark_a enclosure_n therefore_o let_v shame_n and_o blush_a cover_n his_o face_n that_o shall_v confident_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o fore-being_n however_o to_o show_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v that_o our_o soul_n do_v praeexi_v though_o we_o can_v punctual_o and_o certain_o conclude_v upon_o the_o particular_a state_n i_o shall_v presume_v to_o draw_v up_o a_o conceivable_a scheame_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n and_o if_o our_o narrow_a mind_n can_v think_v of_o a_o way_n how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v i_o hope_v no_o body_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v have_v contrive_v it_o so_o or_o infinite_o better_a than_o we_o can_v imagine_v in_o our_o little_a model_n and_o now_o i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o think_v that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o insinuate_v or_o represent_v any_o opinion_n of_o my_o own_o or_o that_o i_o be_o a_o votary_n to_o all_o the_o notion_n i_o make_v use_n of_o whether_o of_o the_o ancient_n or_o more_o modern_a philosopher_n for_o i_o serious_o profess_v against_o all_o determination_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o my_o business_n only_o be_v by_o some_o imperfect_a hint_n and_o guess_n to_o help_v to_o apprehend_v a_o little_a how_o the_o state_n of_o praeexistence_n may_v have_v be_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o some_o beam_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a light_n upon_o this_o immense_a darkness_n therefore_o let_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o please_v call_v it_o a_o romantic_a scheam_n or_o imaginary_a hypothesis_n or_o what_o name_n else_o best_o fit_v his_o fancy_n and_o he_o will_v not_o offend_v i_o nor_o do_v i_o hold_v myself_o concern_v at_o all_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n here_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o my_o own_o invention_n or_o composure_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v beg_v civilitye_n at_o least_o for_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v borrow_v from_o great_a and_o worthy_a sage_n and_o indeed_o the_o hypothesis_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o the_o