found_v on_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o govern_n power_n which_o render_v it_o undeniable_o necessary_a nothing_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n more_o than_o to_o see_v righteous_a and_o virtuous_a man_n oftentimes_o afflict_v and_o oppress_v and_o the_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a prosperous_a and_o triumphant_a no_o phaenomenon_n whatever_o which_o they_o pretend_v may_v be_v solve_v and_o account_v for_o by_o their_o several_a hypothesis_n without_o intere_v a_o deity_n at_o all_o in_o their_o solution_n trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o this_o these_o difficulty_n be_v great_a and_o perplex_v and_o disagreeable_a as_o they_o think_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n equity_n and_o justice_n imprint_v upon_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o in_o the_o tumultuous_a work_n of_o their_o thought_n they_o begin_v to_o question_v whether_o god_n for_o such_o a_o supreme_a be_v they_o can_v not_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n who_o permit_v such_o disorder_n and_o seem_v so_o unconcerned_a but_o upon_o wise_a thought_n and_o sedate_v deliberation_n they_o quick_o recover_v and_o general_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n and_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o the_o great_a revolution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o odd_a and_o strange_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o life_n as_o to_o good_a and_o evil_n so_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a and_o wrong_n be_v for_o wise_a end_n and_o purpose_n permit_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a infinite_a be_v who_o govern_v the_o world_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n this_o after_o all_o their_o researche_n into_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a difficulty_n wherewith_o they_o have_v be_v entangle_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o as_o the_o voice_n and_o dictate_v of_o universal_a nature_n and_o clear_a and_o right_a reason_n the_o school_n of_o all_o the_o sober_a master_n and_o professor_n of_o philosophy_n both_o at_o athens_n and_o rome_n sound_v with_o this_o doctrine_n and_o all_o who_o pretend_v to_o virtue_n and_o honour_n and_o understanding_n very_o few_o except_v embrace_v it_o it_o be_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o prime_a truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n ground_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o judicious_a â—â—imus_fw-la cicero_n ascribe_v the_o astonish_a success_n of_o the_o roman_a arm_n in_o the_o several_a distant_a part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n where_o their_o victorious_a eagle_n perch_v that_o it_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a or_o excel_v either_o in_o the_o art_n of_o policy_n or_o in_o the_o art_n of_o war_n as_o if_o the_o gall_n or_o the_o carthaginian_n have_v be_v inferior_a to_o they_o in_o valour_n and_o discipline_n for_o they_o have_v have_v frequent_a experience_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o have_v be_v sad_o distress_v by_o both_o and_o brennus_n and_o hannibal_n be_v name_n which_o have_v make_v rome_n to_o tremble_v or_o as_o if_o the_o other_o nation_n as_o the_o greek_n or_o the_o spaniard_n or_o even_o their_o own_o neighbour_n and_o countryman_n the_o italian_n and_o latin_n themselves_o who_o they_o conquer_v and_o bring_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o their_o imperial_a city_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a or_o not_o so_o cunning_a and_o ingenious_a and_o excellent_a in_o discipline_n and_o civil_a art_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o life_n sed_fw-la pielate_fw-la atque_fw-la religione_fw-la atque_fw-la hac_fw-la una_fw-la sapientia_fw-la quod_fw-la deorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la numine_fw-la omne_fw-la regi_fw-la gubernarique_fw-la perspeximus_fw-la but_o in_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o in_o this_o peculiar_a wisdom_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v govern_v and_o overrule_v by_o a_o deity_n this_o truth_n they_o retain_v notwithstanding_o the_o grievous_a error_n which_o they_o have_v take_v up_o concern_v the_o multiplicity_n of_o inferior_a god_n and_o the_o horrible_a and_o shameful_a scandal_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n but_o our_o improve_a reason_n enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v more_o full_o and_o clear_o upon_o just_a and_o easy_a reflection_n prove_v and_o make_v manifest_a to_o we_o that_o god_n who_o create_v the_o universe_n be_v a_o alwise_a god_n holy_a just_a and_o true_a that_o righteousness_n be_v essential_a to_o his_o nature_n that_o nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v without_o his_o appointment_n at_o least_o without_o his_o permission_n that_o what_o now_o seem_v disorder_n and_o chance_n be_v wise_a contrivance_n and_o design_n and_o that_o all_o the_o confusion_n bring_v upon_o the_o world_n tend_v to_o illustrate_v god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n who_o can_v and_o will_v bring_v beauty_n and_o order_n out_o of_o they_o if_o all_o thing_n then_o in_o the_o world_n be_v under_o a_o law_n the_o law_n of_o their_o respective_a nature_n and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o overrule_a providence_n see_v every_o where_o man_n certain_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o law_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o intellectual_a faculty_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n can_v be_v suppose_v leave_v to_o himself_o to_o act_v as_o he_o wanton_o please_v without_o be_v accountable_a to_o a_o superior_a power_n he_o who_o make_v he_o and_o continues_z his_o be_v to_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v he_o that_o be_v may_v if_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o law_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o right_a order_n of_o his_o life_n and_o he_o have_v actual_o do_v so_o and_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n to_o obey_v that_o law_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o equity_n the_o agreeableness_n the_o advantage_n or_o necessity_n of_o a_o law_n as_o the_o sanction_n which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o preserve_v it_o inviolable_a if_o god_n then_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o of_o mankind_n and_o if_o he_o govern_v man_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o justice_n the_o necessary_a and_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o government_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v according_o reward_v and_o punish_v there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v but_o we_o see_v daily_o how_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v violate_v and_o that_o the_o violator_n of_o they_o oftentimes_o escape_v unpunished_a in_o this_o life_n and_o we_o know_v what_o ill_o use_v impatient_a and_o inconsiderate_a man_n have_v make_v of_o this_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v not_o bloodthirsty_a cruelty_n for_o instance_n a_o manifest_a breach_n of_o the_o law_n natural_a and_o divine_a that_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n shall_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o revengeful_a and_o wanton_a humour_n of_o a_o tyrant_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o heathen_a roman_a emperor_n who_o do_v not_o detest_v as_o impious_a and_o inhuman_a yet_o how_o many_o of_o they_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o barbarity_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n without_o any_o mark_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o they_o they_o have_v have_v whole_a army_n to_o defend_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o outrageous_a and_o bloody_a massacre_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v for_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a they_o be_v pity_v perchance_o and_o man_n weep_v over_o their_o grave_n and_o celebrate_v their_o memory_n with_o anniversary_n oration_n and_o speak_v great_a thing_n in_o praise_n of_o their_o courage_n and_o virtue_n which_o no_o opposition_n no_o trouble_n whatever_o no_o not_o death_n itself_o can_v tire_v out_o and_o overcome_v this_o be_v all_o the_o reward_n which_o they_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o certain_o in_o itself_o a_o very_a poor_a one_o though_o just_o due_a to_o their_o name_n and_o memory_n but_o while_o they_o live_v oftentimes_o they_o be_v destitute_a afflict_a torment_a want_v the_o conveniency_n of_o life_n expose_v to_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o to_o cruel_a mock_n and_o scourge_n wander_v about_o in_o desert_n and_o mountain_n and_o retire_v to_o den_n and_o cave_n for_o shelter_n and_o outlaw_v by_o sanguinary_a edict_n from_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n and_o at_o other_o time_n condemn_v to_o the_o flame_n or_o to_o wild_a beast_n in_o their_o amphitheatre_n or_o to_o gibbet_n
some_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a man_n as_o void_a for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o all_o honest_a and_o sober_a moral_n as_o they_o be_v of_o sound_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n be_v equal_o debauch_v and_o corrupt_v in_o their_o understanding_n and_o in_o their_o behaviour_n and_o practice_n be_v wont_a as_o it_o be_v triumphant_o to_o propose_v even_o in_o place_n of_o public_a resort_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n in_o this_o sceptical_a and_o atheistical_a age_n against_o a_o creation_n against_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a and_o adorable_a trinity_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o last_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o the_o like_a will_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v and_o all_o those_o truth_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v which_o they_o with_o equal_a rashness_n and_o impiety_n have_v pronounce_v impossible_a will_v be_v find_v just_a object_n as_o to_o the_o former_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o rational_a assent_n in_o order_n hereento_fw-mi i_o will_v show_v these_o three_o thing_n i._n what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o in_o what_o respect_v it_o be_v say_v that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n that_o ii_o the_o attribute_n of_o infinite_a power_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o that_o iii_o it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a to_o limit_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o thing_n possible_a or_o deny_v any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n whether_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n or_o flow_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n because_o it_o transcend_v either_o our_o power_n or_o our_o understanding_n i._o what_o concern_v the_o first_o particular_a viz._n what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o in_o what_o respect_v it_o be_v affirm_v both_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n may_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o two_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o the_o first_o proposition_n be_v that_o god_n can_v ready_o and_o easy_o effect_v and_o do_v whatever_o be_v absolute_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v the_o world_n it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o beginning_n have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o thing_n run_v the_o course_n which_o be_v at_o first_o set_v they_o and_o be_v direct_v and_o carry_v on_o to_o the_o several_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n by_o a_o unerring_a hand_n and_o notwithstanding_o their_o several_a tendency_n all_o concur_v to_o accomplish_v the_o great_a design_n of_o god_n and_o that_o without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o respective_a nature_n thus_o the_o celestial_a orb_n and_o vortices_fw-la have_v their_o fix_a period_n and_o revolution_n the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o star_n be_v regular_a in_o their_o motion_n and_o take_v their_o round_n day_n and_o night_n about_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a ocean_n in_o its_o ebb_n and_o flow_v follow_v the_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o statick_a principle_n and_o so_o for_o all_o other_o natural_a agent_n they_o have_v their_o limit_n set_v they_o which_o they_o can_v pass_v they_o only_o do_v what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o they_o can_v do_v no_o more_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o act_n be_v necessary_a but_o withal_o confine_v yet_o though_o this_o order_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n be_v fix_v and_o settle_v and_o seldom_o interrupt_v by_o god_n unless_o to_o alarm_n the_o world_n and_o for_o some_o great_a end_n and_o to_o show_v that_o nature_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n subsist_v by_o his_o power_n which_o be_v only_o able_a to_o preserve_v what_o it_o first_o make_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o repugnance_n that_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v make_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v if_o it_o have_v please_v he_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v several_a possibility_n of_o thing_n lie_v in_o their_o cause_n which_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o weakness_n can_v draw_v forth_o into_o effect_n for_o want_n of_o such_o and_o such_o combination_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o several_a impediment_n and_o accident_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o remove_v or_o through_o some_o indisposition_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o it_o happen_v that_o those_o possibility_n be_v not_o clothe_v with_o actual_a existence_n there_o be_v no_o repugnancy_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o defect_n whole_o arise_v from_o some_o other_o cause_n whatsoever_o effect_n there_o be_v then_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n now_o exist_v more_o may_v be_v produce_v new_a species_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v and_o new_a world_n make_v whatever_o become_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o habitableness_n of_o the_o planet_n and_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o every_o fix_a star_n be_v a_o sun_n at_o a_o almost_o immense_a distance_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o from_o one_o another_o and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v may_v have_v be_v endow_v with_o different_a power_n activity_n quality_n impression_n motion_n and_o operation_n and_o matter_n make_v capable_a of_o other_o far_o different_a modification_n and_o determination_n of_o particular_a motion_n from_o which_o may_v have_v be_v derive_v inconceivable_o great_a variety_n of_o other_o natural_a production_n and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o interpose_v that_o god_n do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o first_o will_n his_o power_n be_v direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o divine_a pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o which_o consideration_n shall_v just_o satisfy_v we_o about_o the_o late_a creation_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n in_o which_o we_o breathe_v to_o call_v in_o question_n therefore_o the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o moses_n who_o fix_v its_o beginning_n not_o many_o thousand_o year_n ago_o as_o our_o modern_a atheist_n and_o deist_n do_v and_o to_o object_v idle_a foolish_a unlearned_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n against_o those_o authentic_a register_n acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n since_o his_o time_n and_o which_o the_o more_o grave_a and_o judicious_a sort_n of_o heathen_a writer_n have_v revere_v and_o from_o whence_o they_o have_v borrow_v several_a of_o their_o tenant_n both_o of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n though_o oftentimes_o artificial_o disguise_v or_o corrupt_v with_o their_o fabulous_a addition_n be_v altogether_o irrational_a for_o let_v these_o man_n of_o high-flown_a wit_n and_o fancy_n deny_v if_o they_o can_v or_o dare_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n pretend_v to_o reason_n like_o philosopher_n and_o scholar_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o the_o almighty_a and_o alwise_a god_n what_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v and_o with_o equal_a impudence_n and_o impiety_n limit_v his_o will_n for_o suppose_v for_o argument_n sake_n that_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v forty_o or_o fifty_o thousand_o year_n before_o or_o if_o they_o will_v so_o many_o miriads_o and_o million_o of_o year_n and_o that_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o chinese_n chaldean_n and_o egyptian_n which_o latter_a be_v preserve_v out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o manetho_n a_o priest_n of_o that_o country_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o prolemaeus_n philadelphus_n by_o julius_n africanus_n and_o out_o of_o he_o by_o eusebius_n and_o georgius_n syncellus_n be_v not_o fabulous_a and_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o vain_a affectation_n of_o antiquity_n but_o have_v some_o ground_n in_o nature_n and_o history_n yet_o consider_v the_o eternal_a power_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o same_o question_n may_v as_o well_o be_v put_v and_o it_o may_v be_v put_v thousand_o of_o year_n hence_o if_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v so_o long_o undissolved_a why_o be_v it_o not_o produce_v soon_o this_o mighty_a space_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o poor_a frail_a and_o mortal_a creature_n who_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o great_a god_n who_o make_v we_o to_o live_v here_o upon_o earth_n three_o or_o fourscore_o year_n at_o further_a be_v comparative_o inconsiderable_a and_o hold_v no_o proportion_n to_o a_o duration_n which_o have_v no_o beginning_n thus_o at_o last_o these_o conceited_o inquisitive_a man_n lose_v themselves_o in_o the_o ramble_a and_o unbounded_a flight_n of_o their_o fancy_n or_o else_o run_v themselves_o upon_o this_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o dull_a and_o unactive_a matter_n be_v eternal_a and_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o direct_v a_o alwise_a and_o infinite_a be_v when_o and_o what_o world_n he_o shall_v make_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o the_o comprehension_n of_o finite_a understanding_n and_o that_o no_o
from_o those_o mountain_n which_o they_o have_v lay_v one_o upon_o another_o to_o scale_v heaven_n with_o to_o feel_v the_o revenge_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n which_o before_o they_o have_v so_o much_o slight_v here_o below_o power_n may_v be_v either_o balance_v and_o resist_v with_o success_n or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v undermine_v or_o baffle_v by_o wit_n and_o policy_n and_o stratagem_n of_o war_n and_o great_a army_n have_v sometime_o be_v rout_v and_o vanquish_v by_o inconsiderable_a number_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o shameful_a defeat_v and_o overthrow_v but_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v irresistible_a there_o be_v no_o withstand_v it_o the_o whole_a creation_n must_v needs_o tremble_v and_o sink_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o proud_a assyrian_a king_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v when_o he_o be_v recover_v from_o his_o frenzy_n dan._n four_o 35._o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v repute_v as_o nothing_o and_o that_o god_n do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o the_o credibility_n of_o this_o article_n be_v found_v not_o only_o upon_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n but_o upon_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n which_o i_o shall_v more_o full_o prove_v by_o make_v good_a ii_o the_o second_o general_a head_n that_o the_o attribute_n of_o infinite_a power_n be_v essential_o involve_v in_o the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n power_n in_o itself_o be_v a_o excellence_n and_o perfection_n and_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o value_v according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n which_o they_o have_v of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o force_n and_o energy_n only_o such_o as_o be_v find_v in_o inanimate_a being_n arise_v from_o the_o several_a disposition_n of_o matter_n whereby_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v those_o great_a alteration_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n because_o their_o operation_n be_v necessary_a but_o withal_o limit_v to_o a_o few_o particular_a effect_n nor_o such_o a_o power_n as_o be_v in_o brute_n creature_n arise_v from_o the_o strength_n and_o quantity_n of_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o temper_n of_o blood_n and_o from_o the_o make_v and_o constitution_n of_o their_o body_n but_o such_o a_o power_n as_o be_v direct_v by_o reason_n and_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o free_a and_o may_v be_v use_v or_o not_o use_v according_a as_o upon_o debate_n and_o deliberation_n shall_v be_v judge_v most_o convenient_a such_o a_o power_n as_o extend_v itself_o to_o various_a object_n and_o effectual_o bring_v to_o pass_v what_o be_v design_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o contrive_v in_o the_o brain_n a_o power_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v a_o full_a command_n over_o thing_n and_o can_v subject_v they_o to_o his_o will_n and_o disposal_n and_o make_v use_n of_o so_o as_o to_o advance_v himself_o and_o get_v the_o mastery_n over_o other_o and_o make_v himself_o be_v dread_v every_o where_o yet_o however_o such_o a_o one_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o despotic_a power_n whether_o rightful_o by_o succession_n or_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n and_o cruelty_n or_o by_o the_o art_n whether_o of_o lawful_a or_o wicked_a policy_n may_v please_v himself_o with_o the_o success_n of_o his_o council_n and_o stratagem_n and_o dextrous_a management_n of_o affair_n both_o in_o peace_n and_o war_n and_o fancy_n great_a matter_n of_o himself_o and_o swell_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o acquire_v greatness_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o least_o sickness_n this_o can_v soon_o mortify_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o upon_o his_o knee_n and_o make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o weakness_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o pride_n when_o god_n do_v but_o arm_v the_o most_o despicable_a creature_n against_o he_o and_o give_v they_o a_o commission_n to_o assault_v and_o invade_v he_o the_o least_o infliction_n baffle_v and_o rout_v his_o hope_n and_o confidence_n give_v he_o a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o defect_n and_o show_v he_o what_o a_o miserable_a creature_n man_n be_v at_o the_o best_a who_o can_v secure_v himself_o of_o health_n of_o happiness_n of_o life_n for_o one_o moment_n by_o this_o he_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o he_o to_o who_o he_o be_v accountable_a that_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o thing_n at_o his_o pleasure_n that_o all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v distribute_v among_o so_o many_o creature_n in_o such_o a_o strange_a variety_n and_o subordination_n be_v derive_v from_o some_o supreme_a be_v in_o who_o it_o be_v unite_v and_o infinite_o much_o more_o and_o if_o that_o he_o withdraw_v his_o influence_n or_o blow_n upon_o any_o counsel_n it_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o the_o design_n of_o these_o mighty_a man_n who_o have_v get_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n into_o their_o hand_n be_v soon_o at_o a_o end_n together_o with_o their_o life_n and_o they_o faint_v away_o and_o drop_v into_o their_o grave_n and_o all_o their_o thought_n perish_v because_o all_o the_o power_n they_o have_v be_v but_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o will_n a_o emanation_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o a_o imperfect_a shadow_n of_o that_o power_n by_o which_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n all_o second_o cause_n be_v influence_v by_o he_o and_o act_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v for_o it_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o unconstrained_a collection_n of_o reason_n that_o nothing_o have_v of_o itself_o a_o power_n to_o act_v whereby_o it_o contribute_v to_o make_v up_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o world_n that_o their_o essence_n and_o the_o operation_n flow_v from_o they_o be_v both_o limit_v and_o be_v easy_o dissolvible_a by_o that_o power_n which_o first_o make_v they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o a_o be_v which_o be_v infinite_a and_o almighty_a and_o independent_a what_o a_o blot_n and_o stain_n will_v it_o be_v to_o that_o fair_a idea_n of_o a_o god_n to_o imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n possible_a can_v be_v above_o his_o power_n or_o too_o hard_a for_o his_o omnipotence_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o clothe_v he_o with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o a_o man_n to_o level_v he_o with_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o take_v off_o that_o essential_a and_o necessary_a distinction_n between_o they_o this_o power_n then_o must_v be_v infinite_a for_o what_o can_v limit_v or_o restrain_v it_o who_o can_v put_v a_o force_n upon_o he_o or_o stop_v his_o procedure_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o equal_a and_o coordinate_a can_v man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n who_o a_o few_o year_n since_o have_v no_o be_v and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v he_o owe_v whole_o to_o another_o bear_v a_o infant_n into_o the_o world_n make_v to_o his_o hand_n he_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o come_v to_o year_n and_o can_v use_v his_o reason_n and_o discern_v thing_n quick_o perceive_v his_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o can_v help_v himself_o can_v the_o unite_a strength_n of_o other_o creature_n they_o act_n only_o as_o they_o be_v direct_v all_o that_o they_o have_v be_v plain_o borrow_v and_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o he_o who_o make_v they_o they_o may_v be_v trace_v to_o their_o original_n and_o be_v perishable_a in_o their_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o as_o at_o first_o give_v still_o continue_v to_o they_o their_o be_v now_o to_o demand_v why_o be_v there_o then_o no_o infinite_a effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n be_v to_o forget_v that_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n infinity_n be_v a_o incommunicable_a attribute_n and_o only_o peculiar_a to_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o distance_n will_v ever_o remain_v infinite_a between_o the_o opposite_a term_n of_o such_o a_o relation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o creator_n to_o the_o creature_n but_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a display_v of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v so_o various_a and_o innumerable_a that_o they_o be_v convince_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n of_o its_o be_v infinite_a and_o that_o no_o power_n less_o than_o such_o can_v ever_o have_v produce_v they_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_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 i_o rom._n 20._o we_o judge_v of_o worldly_a productive_a power_n by_o vast_a pile_n of_o building_n but_o what_o be_v a_o pyramid_n or_o a_o aquaduct_n or_o a_o colossus_n or_o a_o amphitheatre_n to_o the_o orderly_a and_o glorious_a frame_n of_o thing_n how_o pitiful_a and_o mean_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heaven_n let_v we_o cast_v up_o our_o eye_n thither_o
have_v the_o shape_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n can_v be_v find_v must_v fall_v into_o this_o prodigious_a and_o irrational_a error_n which_o no_o one_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o without_o the_o just_a imputation_n of_o frenzy_n that_o all_o that_o he_o see_v be_v not_o the_o production_n of_o contrivance_n and_o design_n but_o mere_o of_o accidental_a hit_n struggle_n and_o conjunction_n of_o little_a particle_n of_o matter_n float_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o infinite_a empty_a space_n that_o thing_n fall_v into_o this_o admirable_a order_n and_o frame_v which_o have_v distract_v and_o confound_v the_o wit_n of_o all_o age_n full_o to_o understand_v and_o make_v out_o satisfactory_o at_o first_o as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v life_n and_o sense_n and_o power_n to_o determine_v their_o own_o motion_n and_o mutual_o agree_v to_o do_v this_o have_v first_o make_v themselves_o or_o which_o be_v as_o gross_a and_o foolish_a a_o fantasy_n though_o herein_o the_o aristotelean_a atheist_n think_v himself_o a_o fine_a wit_n and_o a_o subtle_a arguer_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o atheist_n of_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n that_o they_o be_v improduced_a and_o eternal_a that_o the_o sun_n move_v in_o the_o ecliptic_a to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o in_o the_o aequator_fw-la or_o in_o any_o of_o the_o parallel_n circle_n mere_o because_o it_o happen_v so_o after_o long_a shift_n and_o infinite_a irregularity_n of_o motion_n and_o that_o it_o still_o keep_v the_o same_o course_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o choice_n and_o sympathy_n and_o good_a nature_n but_o now_o how_o difficult_a how_o false_a how_o ridiculous_a to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o impiety_n of_o it_o must_v such_o a_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o proceedure_v be_v to_o judge_v of_o god_n by_o our_o narrow_a scantling_n of_o wit_n and_o strength_n to_o measure_v his_o power_n by_o our_o weakness_n and_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a success_n of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n when_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o nature_n what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o conjunction_n and_o combination_n of_o several_a being_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o may_v operate_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o what_o effect_n they_o may_v produce_v and_o especial_o if_o we_o reflect_v that_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v pronounce_v impossible_a and_o give_v over_o as_o such_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o for_o the_o wit_n and_o art_n of_o man_n to_o effect_n which_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o industry_n of_o aftertime_n why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n pronounce_v a_o thing_n impossible_a which_o involve_v in_o it_o no_o repugnancy_n to_o actual_a existence_n and_o hereby_o pretend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n of_o miracle_n because_o they_o be_v above_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v immense_a and_o infinite_a and_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o may_v as_o mad_o conclude_v notwithstanding_o his_o high-flown_a pretension_n of_o argue_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o strict_a reason_n several_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o world_n itself_o not_o to_o be_v make_v and_o maintain_v dull_a and_o stupid_a matter_n to_o have_v be_v eternal_a which_o be_v a_o manifest_a gross_a absurdity_n mere_o upon_o this_o supposal_n because_o if_o they_o be_v make_v they_o must_v be_v make_v by_o a_o power_n above_o natural_a and_o humane_a 2._o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o reject_v the_o article_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n because_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v they_o before_o these_o man_n whether_o deist_n or_o socinian_o renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o article_n and_o mystery_n let_v they_o try_v their_o reason_n in_o explain_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n let_v they_o resolve_v all_o those_o problem_n if_o they_o can_v which_o have_v exercise_v the_o philosopher_n of_o all_o age_n and_o if_o upon_o trial_n they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o or_o other_o in_o those_o ordinary_a phaenomena_fw-la where_o they_o have_v their_o sense_n to_o assist_v they_o if_o they_o can_v tell_v how_o thing_n be_v do_v which_o be_v do_v daily_o if_o many_o of_o the_o ordinary_a operation_n of_o nature_n be_v abstruse_a and_o unintelligible_a if_o they_o can_v trace_v she_o in_o all_o her_o labyrinth_n and_o wind_n and_o be_v quite_o tire_v and_o force_v at_o last_o to_o give_v over_o the_o pursuit_n if_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n can_v be_v full_o account_v for_o why_o shall_v they_o presume_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o little_a knowledge_n and_o make_v their_o reason_n the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o divine_a truth_n allow_v that_o only_a to_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a which_o suit_n with_o it_o he_o be_v very_o unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o any_o piece_n of_o art_n suppose_v a_o picture_n or_o a_o watch_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o design_n or_o clockwork_n and_o especial_o at_o first_o view_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o several_a shoke_n and_o line_n and_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o hide_a spring_n and_o wheel_n of_o the_o other_o which_o give_v it_o that_o orderly_a and_o regular_a motion_n and_o if_o a_o artist_n reject_v their_o judgement_n as_o foolish_a and_o incompetent_a because_o ground_v on_o no_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reject_v these_o man_n either_o bold_a determination_n or_o peremptory_a denial_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o neither_o understand_v nor_o have_v thorough_o consider_v such_o as_o pretend_v that_o they_o can_v believe_v either_o a_o creation_n because_o they_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o vast_a empty_a space_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v no_o matter_n praeexi_v or_o a_o resurrection_n because_o they_o can_v see_v how_o the_o scatter_a atom_n of_o dust_n shall_v rally_v and_o reunite_v and_o constitute_v the_o same_o man_n again_o such_o as_o disbelieve_v the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n because_o they_o can_v form_v clear_a idea_n and_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n these_o very_a man_n who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v make_v out_o and_o demonstrate_v by_o reason_n will_n if_o they_o follow_v their_o own_o principle_n quick_o commence_v downright_a atheist_n and_o deny_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_a omniscient_a and_o eternal_a of_o which_o necessary_a and_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o can_v have_v complete_a and_o adequate_a conception_n our_o narrow_a faculty_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n industry_n experience_n learning_n and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o advance_v and_o improve_n reason_n and_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o the_o conception_n of_o thing_n be_v clear_a easy_a and_o distinct_a in_o some_o without_o wrack_a or_o strain_v the_o fancy_n which_o be_v cloud_v perplex_a and_o confuse_a in_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o natural_a or_o accidental_a hindrance_n and_o disadvantage_n through_o dulness_n and_o stupidity_n or_o settle_a prejudice_n if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n natural_a cause_n may_v act_v what_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a than_o for_o a_o man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v scanty_a and_o power_n confine_v within_o a_o narrow_a circle_n and_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o thing_n to_o oppose_v his_o reason_n to_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n as_o if_o it_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o comprehensive_a to_o pretend_v that_o his_o conception_n be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o god_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o poor_a finite_a shallow_a creature_n be_v able_a to_o think_v and_o to_o reject_v clear_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o god_n concern_v himself_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o fancied_a incongruity_n and_o a_o seem_a repugnancy_n to_o his_o reason_n if_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o a_o different_a order_n of_o be_v from_o we_o can_v at_o all_o much_o less_o full_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v what_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o result_v of_o deliberate_a counsel_n and_o study_v because_o life_n and_o sense_n and_o animal_n motion_n be_v not_o able_a to_o reach_v so_o far_o without_o the_o assistence_n of_o a_o high_a and_o noble_a faculty_n what_o a_o