Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n concern_v former_a great_a 79 3 2.1447 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44683 The living temple, or, A designed improvement of that notion that a good man is the temple of God by John Howe ... Howe, John, 1630-1705. 1675 (1675) Wing H3032; ESTC R4554 157,616 292

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

disfurnish_v of_o a_o object_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v render_v a_o temple_n on_o earth_n as_o vain_a a_o thing_n as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o be_v not_o to_o be_v worship_v nor_o with_o any_o propriety_n to_o be_v call_v god_n more_o in_o some_o respect_n less_o than_o a_o image_n or_o statue_n we_o may_v with_o as_o rational_a design_n worship_n for_o a_o god_n what_o be_v scarce_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v the_o shadow_n of_o a_o man_n as_o dedicate_v temple_n to_o a_o whole_o unconversable_a deity_n that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o not_o only_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n but_o that_o can_v admit_v it_o or_o who_o nature_n be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o such_o converse_n for_o that_o measure_n and_o latitude_n of_o sense_n must_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o expression_n conversableness_n with_o man_n as_o that_o it_o signify_v both_o capacity_n and_o propension_n to_o such_o converse_n that_o god_n be_v both_o by_o his_o nature_n capable_a of_o it_o and_o have_v a_o gracious_a inclination_n of_o will_n thereunto_o yea_o and_o we_o will_v add_v what_o be_v also_o not_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o present_a theme_n nor_o the_o import_n of_o this_o word_n whereby_o we_o general_o express_v it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o incline_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n but_o that_o he_o actual_o do_v it_o as_o we_o call_v he_o a_o conversable_a person_n that_o upon_o all_o besit_a occasion_n do_v free_o converse_v with_o such_o as_o have_v any_o concern_v with_o he_o it_o will_v indeed_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v god_n converse_v with_o man_n into_o that_o which_o he_o have_v in_o common_a with_o all_o man_n so_o as_o to_o sustain_v they_o in_o their_o being_n and_o some_o way_n influence_n their_o action_n in_o which_o kind_n he_o be_v also_o conversant_a with_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o which_o he_o more_o peculiar_o have_v with_o good_a man_n and_o though_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o will_v belong_v to_o the_o discourse_n concern_v his_o temple_n itself_o which_o he_o have_v with_o and_o in_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o former_a only_a we_o have_v now_o to_o consider_v as_o presuppose_v thereto_o and_o as_o the_o ground_n thereof_o together_o with_o his_o gracious_a propension_n to_o the_o latter_a also_o as_o the_o great_a apostle_n in_o his_o discourse_n at_o athens_n lay_v the_o same_o ground_n for_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n which_o he_o intimate_v shall_v be_v set_v afoot_a and_o continue_a in_o another_o sort_n of_o temple_n than_o be_v make_v with_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o all_o breath_n and_o be_v and_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o be_v near_o and_o ready_a whence_o they_o shall_v therefore_o seek_v he_o if_o haply_o they_o may_v feel_v after_o he_o and_o find_v he_o out_o in_o order_n to_o further_a converse_n and_o here_o our_o business_n will_v have_v the_o less_o in_o it_o of_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n for_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v little_a else_o to_o do_v beside_o only_a the_o apply_v of_o principle_n already_o assert_v or_o possible_o the_o more_o express_a add_v of_o some_o or_o other_o that_o be_v imply_v in_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n from_o which_o principle_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o he_o not_o only_o can_v but_o that_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n he_o do_v converse_v with_o man_n and_o be_v gracious_o incline_v thereto_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o yet_o because_o the_o former_a be_v more_o deep_o fundamental_a as_o whereon_o all_o depend_v and_o that_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o a_o imagine_a impossibility_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o do_v not_o sustain_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n upon_o any_o other_o pretence_n but_o that_o he_o can_v as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o nature_n and_o felicity_n this_o we_o shall_v therefore_o more_o direct_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o evince_n that_o his_o nature_n do_v not_o disallow_v it_o but_o necessary_o include_v a_o aptitude_n thereto_o nor_o yet_o though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o less_o laborious_a work_n than_o the_o former_a that_o we_o have_v dispatch_v be_v it_o altogether_o needless_a to_o deal_v somewhat_o more_o express_o in_o this_o matter_n inasmuch_o as_o what_o opposition_n have_v be_v make_v to_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v more_o express_o direct_v against_o this_o ground_n of_o it_o i_o say_v more_o express_o for_o indeed_o by_o plain_a and_o manifest_a consequence_n it_o impugn_v that_o also_o of_o god_n existence_n that_o be_v through_o this_o it_o strike_v at_o the_o other_o for_o sure_o howsoever_o any_o may_v arbitrary_o and_o with_o what_o impropriety_n and_o latitude_n of_o speech_n they_o please_v bestow_v title_n and_o eulogy_n here_o or_o there_o that_o be_v be_v not_o god_n that_o can_v converse_v with_o man_n suppose_v they_o such_o as_o what_o pure_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n will_v bespeak_v they_o so_o that_o they_o who_o have_v imagine_v such_o a_o be_v and_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o god_n have_v at_o once_o say_v and_o unsay_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o deity_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n and_o that_o only_o of_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o breath_n blow_v up_o and_o blast_v their_o own_o bubble_n make_v it_o seem_v something_o and_o signify_v nothing_o have_v court_v it_o into_o be_v and_o riot_v it_o again_o quite_o out_o of_o it_o in_o their_o conceit_n create_v it_o a_o god_n in_o their_o practice_n a_o mere_a nullity_n and_o it_o equal_o serve_v their_o turn_n and_o as_o much_o favour_v the_o design_n of_o be_v wicked_a to_o acknowledge_v only_o a_o god_n they_o can_v imagine_v and_o dis-imagine_a at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n as_o to_o have_v acknowledge_v none_o at_o all_o it_o can_v do_v no_o prejudice_n to_o their_o affair_n to_o admit_v of_o this_o fictitious_a deity_n that_o they_o can_v make_v be_v what_o or_o where_o they_o please_v that_o shall_v affect_v ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o lest_o his_o pleasure_n and_o they_o shall_v interfere_v that_o they_o can_v confine_v to_o remote_a territory_n and_o oblige_v to_o keep_v at_o a_o obedient_a and_o untroublesome_a distance_n nor_o though_o no_o imagination_n can_v be_v more_o mad_o extravagant_a than_o that_o of_o a_o god_n no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o form_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o world_n and_o notwithstanding_o who_o man_n may_v take_v their_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o list_v yet_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v long_o ago_o that_o no_o opinion_n be_v ever_o so_o monstrous_o absurd_a as_o not_o to_o be_v own_v by_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v not_o this_o want_a patronage_n and_o even_o among_o they_o who_o have_v obtain_v to_o be_v esteem_v not_o to_o say_v idolise_v under_o that_o name_n which_o will_v be_v see_v if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o epicurean_a deity_n as_o it_o can_v only_o be_v with_o this_o design_n that_o the_o representation_n may_v render_v it_o as_o it_o can_v but_o do_v ridiculous_a to_o sober_a man_n and_o discover_v to_o the_o rest_n the_o vanity_n of_o their_o groundless_a and_o self-contradicting_a hope_n still_o too_o much_o foster_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o not_o a_o few_o who_o promise_v themselves_o impunity_n in_o the_o most_o licentious_a course_n of_o wickedness_n upon_o the_o security_n only_o of_o this_o their_o own_o idle_a dream_n that_o be_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o they_o reckon_v it_o not_o so_o plausible_a flat_o to_o deny_v he_o be_v a_o be_v of_o either_o so_o dull_a and_o phlegmatic_a a_o temper_n that_o he_o can_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o action_n and_o affair_n of_o man_n or_o so_o soft_a and_o easy_a that_o he_o will_v not_o but_o because_o his_o good_a will_v alone_o be_v not_o so_o safe_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o it_o be_v think_v the_o secure_a way_n not_o to_o let_v it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o their_o concernment_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o frame_v their_o own_o god_n to_o their_o own_o turn_n thus_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o old_a contrive_v first_o great_a care_n be_v take_v that_o he_o be_v set_v at_o a_o distance_n remote_a enough_o that_o he_o be_v complemented_a out_o of_o this_o world_n as_o a_o place_n too_o mean_v for_o his_o reception_n and_o unworthy_a such_o a_o presence_n they_o be_v indeed_o unconcern_v where_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n so_o it_o be_v not_o too_o near_o they_o so_o that_o a_o confinement_n of_o he_o somewhere_o syntag._n be_v think_v altogether_o necessary_a second_o and_o then_o with_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o great_a
distinct_a particular_a notion_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v adequate_a and_o full_a it_o may_v however_o suffice_v that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a one_o as_o far_o as_o it_o go_v and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v mistake_v for_o the_o notion_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o it_o will_v be_v more_o especial_o sufficient_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n if_o enough_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o to_o recommend_v he_o to_o we_o as_o a_o fit_a and_o worthy_a object_n of_o religion_n and_o whereto_o a_o templea_n ought_v to_o be_v design_v as_o it_o will_v appear_v there_o be_v when_o also_o we_o shall_v have_v add_v what_o be_v intend_v concern_v his_o conversableness_n with_o man_n the_o ground_n whereof_o be_v also_o in_o great_a part_n include_v in_o this_o account_n of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o can_v be_v whole_o sever_v from_o that_o of_o his_o existence_n as_o have_v be_v intimate_v above_o that_o be_v that_o if_o such_o a_o be_v exist_v unto_o which_o this_o notion_n belong_v it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v he_o be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o can_v converse_v with_o man_n though_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o certain_o follow_v that_o he_o will_n for_o it_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o bold_a adventure_n to_o say_v he_o can_v not_o be_v god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o condescend_v to_o such_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o converse_n with_o apostate_n creature_n whereof_o therefore_o more_o be_v to_o be_v say_v than_o the_o mere_a manifest_v his_o existence_n in_o its_o own_o place_n and_o as_o to_o this_o that_o we_o may_v proceed_v gradual_o and_o in_o the_o most_o familiar_a and_o intelligible_a way_n that_o we_o can_v we_o may_v 1._o be_v most_o assure_v that_o there_o have_v be_v somewhat_o or_o other_o from_o all_o eternity_n or_o that_o ix_o look_v backward_o somewhat_o of_o real_a be_v must_v be_v confess_v eternal_a let_v such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o they_o can_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o to_o who_o reason_v only_o seem_v difficult_a because_o they_o have_v not_o try_v what_o they_o can_v do_v in_o it_o but_o use_v their_o thought_n a_o little_a and_o by_o move_v they_o a_o few_o easy_a step_n they_o will_v soon_o find_v themselves_o as_o sure_a of_o this_o as_o that_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o understand_v or_o be_v any_o thing_n for_o be_v sure_a that_o something_o now_o be_v that_o you_o see_v for_o instance_n or_o be_v something_o you_o must_v then_o acknowledge_v that_o certain_o either_o something_o always_o be_v and_o have_v ever_o be_v or_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n or_o else_o you_o must_v say_v that_o sometime_o nothing_o be_v or_o that_o all_o be_v once_o be_v not_o and_o so_o since_o you_o find_v that_o something_o now_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o any_o thing_n of_o be_v do_v begin_v to_o be_v that_o be_v that_o till_o that_o time_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o now_o at_o that_o time_n somewhat_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v for_o what_o can_v be_v plain_a than_o that_o if_o all_o be_v sometime_o be_v not_o and_o now_o some_o be_v be_v every_o thing_n of_o be_v have_v a_o beginning_n and_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o some_o be_v that_o be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o begin_v to_o be_v do_v of_o itself_o start_v up_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o make_v itself_o to_o be_v when_o before_o nothing_o be_v but_o now_o do_v you_o not_o plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a any_o thing_n shall_v do_v so_o that_o be_v when_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o nothing_o and_o when_o nothing_o at_o all_o as_o yet_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v make_v itself_o or_o come_v into_o be_v of_o itself_o for_o sure_a make_v itself_o be_v do_v something_o but_o can_v that_o which_o be_v nothing_o do_v any_o thing_n unto_o all_o do_v there_o must_v be_v some_o doer_n wherefore_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v before_o it_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v before_o it_o be_v or_o be_v and_o be_v not_o be_v some_o thing_n and_o nothing_o at_o the_o same_o time_n yea_o and_o it_o be_v divers_a from_o itself_o for_o a_o cause_n must_v be_v a_o distinct_a thing_n from_o that_o which_o be_v cause_v by_o it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o some_o be_v have_v ever_o be_v or_o do_v never_o begin_v to_o be_v whence_o further_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o some_o be_v be_v uncause_v or_o be_v ever_o of_o itself_o without_o any_o x._o cause_n for_o what_o never_o be_v from_o another_o have_v never_o any_o cause_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v its_o own_o cause_n and_o somewhat_o as_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v never_o be_v from_o another_o or_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o argue_v thus_o that_o either_o some_o be_v be_v uncause_v or_o all_o be_v be_v cause_v but_o if_o all_o be_v be_v cause_v than_o some_o one_o at_o least_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o which_o have_v be_v already_o show_v impossible_a therefore_o the_o expression_n common_o use_v concern_v the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v only_o to_o be_v take_v negative_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o another_o not_o positive_o as_o if_o it_o do_v sometime_o make_v itself_o or_o what_o there_o be_v positive_a signify_v by_o that_o form_n of_o speech_n be_v only_o to_o be_v take_v thus_o that_o it_o be_v a_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o not_o have_v be_v not_o that_o it_o do_v ever_o of_o itself_o step_v out_o of_o not_o be_v into_o be_v of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o 3._o and_o now_o it_o be_v hence_o further_o evident_a that_o some_o be_v be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o xi_o that_o be_v whereas_o it_o already_o appear_v that_o some_o be_v do_v never_o depend_v on_o any_o other_o as_o a_o productive_a cause_n or_o be_v not_o behold_v to_o any_o other_o that_o it_o may_v come_v into_o be_v it_o be_v thereupon_o equal_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v simple_o independent_a or_o can_v be_v behold_v to_o any_o for_o for_o its_o continue_a be_v for_o what_o do_v never_o need_v a_o productive_a cause_n do_v as_o little_a need_n a_o sustain_n or_o conserve_n cause_n and_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a either_o some_o be_v be_v independent_a or_o all_o be_v be_v dependent_a but_o there_o be_v nothing_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o all_o be_v whereon_o it_o may_v depend_v wherefore_o to_o say_v that_o all_o be_v do_v depend_v be_v to_o say_v it_o depend_v on_o nothing_o that_o be_v that_o it_o depend_v not_o for_o to_o depend_v on_o nothing_o be_v not_o to_o depend_v it_o be_v therefore_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o all_o be_v do_v depend_v against_o which_o it_o be_v no_o relief_n to_o say_v that_o all_o being_n do_v circular_o depend_v on_o one_o another_o for_o so_o however_o the_o whole_a circle_n or_o sphere_n of_o be_v shall_v depend_v on_o nothing_o or_o one_o at_o last_o depend_v on_o itself_o which_o negative_o take_v as_o before_o be_v truc_a and_o the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o that_o one_o the_o common_a support_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v not_o on_o any_o thing_n without_o itself_o whence_o also_o it_o be_v plain_o consequent_a that_o 4._o such_o a_o be_v be_v necessary_a or_o do_v xii_o necessary_o exist_v that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o or_o can_v but_o be_v for_o what_o be_v in_o be_v neither_o by_o its_o own_o choice_n or_o any_o other_o be_v necessary_o but_o what_o be_v not_o make_v by_o itself_o which_o have_v be_v show_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v nor_o by_o any_o other_o as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v something_o be_v not_o it_o be_v manifest_v it_o neither_o depend_v on_o its_o own_o choice_n nor_o any_o other_o that_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o its_o existence_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o choice_n at_o all_o but_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o it_o be_v always_o by_o a_o simple_a absolute_a natural_a necessity_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n to_o which_o it_o be_v altogether_o repugnant_a and_o impossible_a ever_o not_o to_o have_v be_v or_o ever_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v and_o now_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o and_o be_v assure_v that_o hitherto_o we_o feel_v the_o ground_n firm_a under_o we_o that_o be_v have_v gain_v a_o full_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a uncause_v independent_a necessary_a be_v and_o therefore_o actual_o and_o everlasting_o exist_v we_o may_v advance_v one_o step_n further_o and_o with_o equal_a assurance_n add_v 5._o that_o this_o eternal_a independent_a uncause_v xiii_o
never_o try_v they_o apprehend_v a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o certain_a resolution_n herein_o than_o indeed_o there_o be_v now_o such_o need_n to_o be_v excite_v to_o set_v their_o own_o thought_n a_o work_n this_o way_n and_o to_o be_v assist_v herein_o they_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v who_o give_v they_o the_o understanding_n which_o they_o fear_v to_o use_v and_o can_v they_o use_v they_o to_o better_a purpose_n or_o with_o more_o gratitude_n to_o he_o who_o make_v they_o intelligent_a and_o not_o brute_n creature_n than_o in_o labour_v to_o know_v that_o they_o may_v also_o by_o a_o reasonable_a service_n worship_n and_o adore_v their_o maker_n be_v they_o not_o to_o use_v their_o very_a sense_n about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v clear_o see_v etc._n etc._n and_o their_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o what_o be_v these_o more_o sacred_a and_o divine_a and_o more_o akin_a to_o religion_n than_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n without_o which_o also_o their_o sense_n can_v he_o of_o no_o use_n to_o they_o herein_o or_o be_v it_o the_o best_a way_n of_o make_v use_n of_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o himself_o by_o whatsoever_o mean_n not_o to_o understand_v what_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o be_v most_o true_a indeed_o that_o when_o we_o once_o come_v clear_o to_o be_v inform_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v this_o on_o that_o thing_n we_o be_v then_o ready_o to_o subject_n and_o not_o oppose_v our_o feeble_a reason_n to_o his_o plain_a revelation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o insolent_a and_o uncreature_o arrogance_n to_o contend_v or_o not_o yield_v he_o the_o cause_n though_o thing_n have_v to_o we_o seem_v otherwise_o but_o it_o be_v as_o inexcusable_a negligence_n not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n that_o we_o may_v both_o know_v that_o such_o a_o revelation_n be_v divine_a and_o what_o it_o signify_v after_o we_o know_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o any_o one_o that_o consider_v will_v soon_o see_v it_o be_v very_o unseasonable_a at_o least_o to_o allege_v the_o write_v divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o religion_n till_o he_o have_v go_v low_a and_o foreknow_v some_o thing_n by_o and_o by_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o as_o preparatory_a and_o fundamental_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o and_o because_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o suppose_v how_o great_a a_o increase_n of_o strength_n and_o vigour_n pious_a mind_n may_v receive_v hence_o how_o much_o it_o may_v animate_v they_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o contribute_v to_o their_o more_o cheerful_a progress_n in_o a_o religious_a course_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v beside_o our_o present_a purpose_n but_o very_a pursuant_n to_o it_o to_o consider_v a_o while_n not_o in_o the_o contentious_a way_n of_o brawl_v and_o captious_a disputation_n the_o noise_n whereof_o be_v as_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o temple_n as_o that_o of_o axe_n and_o hammer_n but_o of_o calm_a and_o sober_a discourse_n the_o more_o principal_a and_o lowermost_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o frame_n of_o religion_n rest_v and_o to_o the_o supposal_n whereof_o the_o notion_n and_o use_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o temple_n in_o the_o world_n do_v owe_v themselves_o chap._n ii_o the_o two_o more_o principal_a ground_n which_o a_o temple_n suppose_v 1._o the_o existence_n of_o god_n 2._o his_o conversableness_n with_o man_n both_o argue_v from_o common_a consent_n the_o former_a doubtful_a if_o ever_o whole_o deny_v in_o former_a day_n the_o latter_a also_o imply_v in_o the_o know_a general_a practice_n of_o some_o or_o other_o religion_n evidence_v in_o that_o some_o no_o stranger_n to_o the_o world_n have_v think_v it_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n the_o immodesty_n and_o rashness_n of_o the_o person_n from_o who_o any_o opposition_n can_v be_v expect_v these_o two_o ground_n propose_v to_o be_v more_o strict_o consider_v apart_o and_o first_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n where_o first_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v assign_v the_o part_n whereof_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v evince_v several_o of_o some_o existent_n be_v 1._o eternity_n 2._o self-origination_a 3._o independency_n 4._o necessity_n of_o existence_n 5._o self-activity_n the_o impossibility_n this_o world_n shall_v be_v this_o necessary_a self-active_a be_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o necessary_a alterable_a matter_n more_o large_o deduce_v in_o a_o marginal_a digression_n 6._o life_n 7._o vast_a and_o mighty_a power_n a_o corollary_n now_o the_o ground_n more_o necessary_a to_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o which_o be_v suppose_v 1._o in_o the_o most_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o temple_n be_v especial_o these_o two_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o conversableness_n with_o man_n for_o no_o notion_n of_o a_o temple_n can_v more_o easy_o occur_v to_o any_o one_o thought_n or_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o common_a acceptation_n than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o habitation_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v to_o dwell_v among_o man_n therefore_o to_o the_o designation_n and_o use_n of_o it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o intention_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n the_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_a of_o those_o two_o thing_n the_o same_o which_o we_o find_v make_v necessary_a on_o the_o same_o account_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o 6._o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o as_o will_v appear_v when_o the_o manner_n and_o design_n of_o that_o his_o abode_n with_o man_n shall_v be_v consider_v these_o be_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o sacred_a frame_n of_o a_o temple_n ought_v to_o stand_v and_o without_o which_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o unsupported_a airy_a fabric_n and_o since_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o discourse_v what_o a_o temple_n be_v or_o whereto_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v be_v apply_v unless_o it_o be_v well_o resolve_v that_o there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o this_o its_o double_a ground_n shall_v be_v try_v and_o search_v and_o of_o its_o pretension_n thereto_o and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o a_o matter_n that_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o wherein_o so_o much_o be_v to_o be_v ii_o say_v otherwise_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o consider_v first_o what_o prescription_n which_o in_o clear_v of_o title_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o signify_v nothing_o will_v signify_v in_o the_o present_a case_n and_o first_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n we_o need_v not_o labour_n much_o to_o show_v how_o constant_o and_o general_o it_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o produce_v a_o uncontroverted_a instance_n of_o any_o that_o ever_o deny_v it_o in_o more_o ancient_a time_n for_o as_o for_o they_o who_o name_n have_v be_v infamous_a among_o man_n heretofore_o upon_o that_o account_n there_o tentam._n have_v be_v that_o say_v that_o at_o least_o want_v not_o probability_n for_o the_o clear_v they_o of_o so_o foul_a a_o imputation_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v malicious_o represent_v as_o have_v deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o they_o impugn_a and_o deride_v the_o vulgar_a conceit_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n of_o those_o day_n concern_v the_o multitude_n and_o the_o ridiculous_a attribute_n of_o their_o imaginary_a deity_n of_o which_o sort_n cicero_n mention_n not_o a_o few_o 1._o their_o be_v inflame_v with_o anger_n and_o mad_a with_o lust_n their_o war_n fight_v wound_n their_o hatred_n discord_n their_o birth_n and_o death_n etc._n etc._n who_o though_o he_o speak_v less_o favourable_o of_o some_o abderite_n of_o these_o man_n and_o mention_n one_o as_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o no_o for_o which_o cause_n his_o book_n in_o the_o beginning_n whereof_o he_o have_v intimate_v that_o doubt_n as_o cotta_n be_v bring_v in_o inform_v we_o be_v public_o burn_v at_o athens_n and_o himself_o banish_v his_o country_n and_o two_o other_o 〈◊〉_d as_o express_o deny_v they_o yet_o the_o more_o general_o decry_v observe_v patron_n of_o atheism_n as_o he_o have_v be_v account_v he_o make_v velleius_n high_o vindicate_v from_o this_o imputation_n and_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o take_v notice_n that_o even_o nature_n itself_o have_v impress_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n who_o also_o give_v we_o these_o as_o his_o word_n what_o nation_n be_v there_o or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o have_v not_o without_o teach_v a_o certain_a anticipation_n of_o the_o god_n which_o he_o call_v a_o prolepsis_n a_o certain_a preventive_a or_o fore-conceived_n information_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v
unintelligible_a and_o be_v accompany_v with_o so_o great_a unmentioned_a difficulty_n which_o it_o will_v give_v we_o perhaps_o more_o labour_n than_o profit_n to_o discuss_v and_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o god_n appear_v so_o evidenceable_a otherwise_o by_o what_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v further_o say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o cause_n on_o this_o matter_n only_o moreover_o necessary_a be_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o be_v beside_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o vii_o necessary_a be_v cause_v for_o not_o have_v be_v of_o itself_o it_o must_v be_v put_v into_o be_v by_o somewhat_o else_o and_o inasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a sort_n of_o be_v betwixt_o necessary_a and_o not_o necessary_a and_o all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a be_v cause_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o which_o be_v necessary_a must_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o sure_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o be_v beside_o its_o own_o must_v needs_o one_o way_n or_o other_o contain_z its_z own_o and_o all_o other_o in_o itself_o and_o be_v consequent_o comprehensive_a of_o the_o utmost_a fullness_n of_o be_v or_o be_v the_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v as_o must_v equal_o be_v acknowledge_v unless_o any_o one_o will_v imagine_v himself_o to_o have_v get_v the_o notice_n of_o some_o perfection_n that_o lie_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o all_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o exception_n worth_a the_o mention_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o conception_n of_o possible_a be_v or_o perfection_n which_o the_o necessary_a be_v have_v not_o cause_v for_o it_o be_v manifest_o as_o well_o the_o possible_a cause_n of_o all_o possible_a be_v and_o perfection_n as_o the_o actual_a cause_n of_o what_o be_v actual_a and_o what_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o it_o to_o produce_v it_o have_v within_o its_o productive_a power_n as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o if_o the_o matter_n do_v require_v it_o we_o may_v say_v further_o that_o the_o same_o necessary_a be_v which_o have_v be_v the_o productive_a cause_n be_v also_o the_o continual_a root_n and_o basis_n of_o all_o be_v which_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o what_o be_v of_o itself_o and_o can_v by_o the_o special_a privilege_n of_o its_o own_o be_v but_o be_v needs_o nothing_o to_o sustain_v it_o or_o need_v not_o trust_v to_o any_o thing_n beside_o its_o own_o eternal_a stability_n but_o what_o be_v not_o so_o seem_v to_o need_v a_o continual_a reproduction_n every_o moment_n and_o to_o be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o continue_v in_o be_v by_o itself_o than_o it_o be_v by_o itself_o of_o come_v into_o be_v for_o as_o be_v frequent_o allege_v by_o that_o so_o often_o mention_v author_n since_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n betwixt_o the_o present_a and_o future_a time_n but_o what_o be_v easy_o capable_a of_o rupture_n it_o be_v no_o way_n consequent_a that_o because_o i_o be_o now_o i_o shall_v therefore_o be_v the_o next_o moment_n further_o than_o as_o the_o free_a author_n of_o my_o be_v shall_v be_v please_v to_o continue_v his_o own_o most_o arbitrary_a influence_n for_o my_o support_n this_o seem_v high_o probable_a to_o be_v ture_n whether_o that_o reason_n signify_v any_o thing_n or_o nothing_o and_o that_o thence_o also_o continual_a conservation_n differ_v not_o from_o creation_n which_o whether_o as_o be_v say_v by_o the_o same_o author_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v manifest_a by_o natural_a light_n or_o whether_o a_o positive_a act_n be_v needless_a to_o the_o annihilation_n of_o create_a thing_n but_o only_o the_o withhold_n of_o influence_n let_v they_o examine_v that_o apprehend_v the_o cause_n to_o need_v it_o and_o if_o upon_o enquiry_n they_o judge_v it_o at_o least_o evidenceable_a by_o natural_a light_n to_o be_v so_o as_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o will_v they_o will_v have_v this_o further_a ground_n upon_o which_o thus_o to_o reason_n that_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o necessary_a be_v subsist_v whole_o by_o itself_o and_o be_v that_o whereon_o all_o other_o do_v total_o depend_v it_o hereupon_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v some_o way_n contain_v in_o itself_o all_o be_v we_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v that_o the_o necessary_a be_v we_o have_v evince_v though_o it_o have_v cause_v and_o do_v continual_o sustain_v all_o thing_n yet_o do_v not_o itself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n suffer_v any_o diminution_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a nor_o consistent_a with_o the_o very_a term_n necessary_a be_v that_o it_o can_v it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o necessary_a atom_n be_v admit_v that_o will_v be_v also_o undiminishable_a it_o be_v not_o else_o a_o atom_n but_o as_o nothing_o then_o can_v flow_v from_o it_o as_o from_o a_o perfect_a parvitude_n nothing_o can_v so_o it_o can_v effect_v nothing_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o of_o many_o as_o of_o one_o nor_o will_v undiminishableness_n upon_o such_o term_n signify_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o magnify_v the_o value_n of_o such_o a_o trifle_n but_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o present_a case_n for_o our_o eye_n tell_v we_o here_o be_v a_o world_n in_o be_v which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v not_o itself_o necessary_o and_o be_v therefore_o make_v by_o he_o that_o be_v and_o that_o without_o mutation_n or_o change_n in_o he_o against_o which_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o necessary_a be_v be_v most_o irreconciliable_o reluctant_a and_o therefore_o 9_o without_o diminution_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v without_o change_n wherefore_o how_o inexhaustible_a a_o fountain_n of_o life_n be_v and_o all_o perfection_n have_v we_o here_o represent_v to_o our_o thought_n from_o whence_o this_o vast_a universe_n be_v spring_v and_o be_v continual_o spring_v and_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n receive_v no_o recruit_n or_o foreign_a supply_n yet_o suffer_v no_o impairment_n or_o lessen_v of_o itself_o what_o be_v this_o but_o absolute_a all-fulness_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o argue_v any_o deficiency_n or_o mutability_n in_o his_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v this_o continual_a issue_n of_o power_n and_o virtue_n from_o he_o that_o it_o demonstrate_v its_o high_a excellency_n that_o this_o can_v be_v without_o decay_n or_o mutation_n for_o of_o all_o this_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o necessary_o that_o the_o be_v must_v be_v necessary_a from_o whence_o all_o thing_n else_o proceed_v and_o that_o with_o necessary_a be_v change_n be_v inconsistent_a it_o be_v therefore_o unreasonable_a to_o entertain_v any_o doubt_n that_o thing_n be_v so_o which_o most_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o only_o because_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o measure_n and_o compass_v to_o apprehend_v how_o they_o be_v so_o and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o doubt_v against_o our_o own_o eye_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n or_o composition_n of_o body_n because_o we_o can_v give_v a_o clear_a account_n so_o as_o to_o avoid_v all_o difficulty_n and_o the_o entanglement_n of_o the_o common_a sophism_n about_o they_o how_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o present_a case_n we_o have_v no_o difficulty_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o and_o how_o easy_o conceivable_a be_v it_o that_o somewhat_o may_v be_v more_o perfect_a than_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n causation_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o causative_a influence_n it_o only_o show_v their_o high_a excellency_n and_o give_v we_o the_o more_o ground_n since_o this_o be_v that_o into_o which_o both_o his_o own_o revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n most_o natural_o lead_v we_o to_o resolve_v all_o to_o admire_v the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o his_o all-creating_a and_o all-sustaining_a will_n and_o word_n that_o in_o that_o easy_a unexpensive_a way_n by_o his_o mere_a fiat_fw-la so_o great_a thing_n shall_v be_v perform_v we_o only_o say_v further_o that_o this_o necessary_a be_v ix_o be_v such_o to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v so_o as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v real_o great_a or_o better_o or_o more_o perfect_a than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o this_o not_o only_o signify_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v join_v to_o it_o so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o part_n of_o it_o which_o necessary_a be_v by_o its_o natural_a immutability_n manifest_o refuse_v but_o we_o also_o intend_v by_o it_o that_o all_o thing_n else_o with_o it_o contain_v not_o more_o of_o real_a perfection_n than_o it_o do_v alone_o which_o though_o it_o carry_v a_o difficulty_n with_o it_o that_o we_o intend_v not_o whole_o to_o overlook_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v seasonable_a to_o consider_v
be_v limit_v to_o itself_o i_o answer_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a become_v not_o hereby_o less_o than_o it_o be_v for_o it_o have_v produce_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v before_o virtual_o contain_v in_o it_o and_o still_o be_v for_o it_o still_o total_o sustain_v the_o other_o but_o whatsoever_o it_o actual_o do_v it_o can_v do_v or_o have_v within_o its_o power_n therefore_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a before_o and_o be_v not_o now_o become_v less_o it_o be_v still_o infinite_a wherefore_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o position_n of_o a_o finite_a thing_n after_o a_o suppose_a all-comprehending_a infinite_a do_v no_o way_n entrench_v upon_o or_o detract_v from_o the_o other_o all-comprehensive_a infinity_n be_v that_o it_o be_v former_o contain_v and_o still_o be_v within_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v any_o thing_n beside_o that_o suppose_a infinite_a to_o be_v of_o itself_o that_o will_v infer_v a_o limitation_n of_o the_o former_a infer_v i_o say_v not_o cause_v it_o that_o be_v it_o will_v not_o make_v it_o cease_v to_o be_v all-comprehending_o infinite_a but_o it_o will_v argue_v it_o not_o to_o have_v be_v so_o before_o and_o that_o the_o supposition_n of_o its_o infinity_n be_v a_o false_a supposition_n because_o it_o will_v then_o appear_v that_o the_o former_a do_v not_o comprehend_v all_o be_v any_o way_n in_o itself_o somewhat_o be_v now_o find_v to_o be_v in_o be_v which_o have_v no_o dependence_n thereon_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a neither_o can_v be_v so_o of_o which_o some_o good_a use_n may_v be_v make_v to_o a_o further_a purpose_n by_o and_o by_o here_o only_o we_o may_v by_o the_o way_n annex_v as_o a_o just_a corollary_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o as_o the_o supposition_n of_o necessary_a self-subsisting_a matter_n be_v before_o show_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a it_o now_o also_o appear_v plain_o to_o be_v altogether_o a_o impossible_a supposition_n for_o since_o the_o necessary_a self-subsisting_a be_v be_v infinite_a and_o all-comprehensive_a and_o if_o matter_n be_v suppose_v necessary_a we_o must_v have_v another_o necessary_a be_v to_o form_v the_o world_n inasmuch_o as_o matter_n be_v not_o self-active_a much_o less_o intelligent_a as_o it_o have_v both_o be_v prove_v it_o can_v be_v and_o that_o the_o former_a of_o this_o world_n must_v be_v it_o be_v therefore_o out_o of_o question_n that_o because_o both_o can_v be_v all-comprehensive_a they_o can_v both_o be_v necessary_a nor_o can_v the_o vast_o different_a kind_n or_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n salve_v the_o business_n for_o be_v they_o of_o what_o kind_n they_o will_v they_o be_v still_o being_n beside_o if_o matter_n be_v necessary_a and_o self-subsisting_a every_o particle_n of_o it_o must_v be_v so_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v not_o only_o two_o but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o infinite_n and_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n but_o be_v only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n as_o be_v apparent_a where_o more_o sort_n do_v exist_v than_o one_o can_v not_o be_v simple_o infinite_a except_o as_o the_o other_o depend_v thereon_o and_o as_o this_o one_o be_v radical_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o can_v come_v under_o the_o general_a and_o most_o common_a notion_n of_o be_v for_o that_o there_o be_v some_o general_a notion_n wherein_o all_o be_v agree_v and_o by_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o no_o be_v be_v i_o think_v little_a to_o be_v doubt_v how_o unequal_o soever_o and_o dependent_o the_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o the_o distinct_a sort_n do_v partake_v therein_o whereupon_o the_o expression_n super-essential_a and_o other_o like_v it_o speak_v of_o god_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o rhetorical_a strain_n import_v more_o reverence_n than_o rigid_a truth_n except_o by_o essence_n as_o be_v former_o say_v only_o that_o which_o be_v create_v be_v mean_v and_o that_o only_o a_o pure_a and_o more_o noble_a kind_n of_o essence_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v assert_v to_o he_o 6._o which_o yet_o seem_v also_o unwarrantable_a and_o injuririous_a that_o a_o word_n of_o that_o import_n shall_v be_v so_o misapply_v and_o transfer_v from_o the_o substance_n to_o signify_v nothing_o but_o the_o shadow_n rather_o of_o be_v and_o that_o they_o who_o will_v seem_v zealous_o concern_v to_o appropriate_v all_o be_v unto_o god_n shall_v in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o transport_n so_o far_o forget_v themselves_o as_o to_o set_v he_o above_o all_o be_v and_o so_o deny_v he_o any_o at_o all_o for_o sure_o that_o which_o simple_o be_v above_o all_o be_v be_v no_o be_v and_o as_o to_o the_o unity_n or_o onliness_n rather_o of_o this_o xiii_o be_v or_o of_o the_o godhead_n the_o deduction_n thereof_o seem_v plain_a and_o easy_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o be_v from_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n thereof_o for_o though_o some_o do_v toil_n themselves_o much_o about_o this_o matter_n and_o other_o plain_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v at_o all_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n but_o only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o i_o conceive_v they_o that_o follow_v the_o method_n have_v prove_v some_o necessary_a self-subsisting_a be_v the_o root_n and_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o be_v and_o perfection_n actual_a and_o possible_a which_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v of_o deduce_v from_o thence_o the_o absolute_a all_o comprehend_v perfection_n of_o such_o necessary_a be_v will_v find_v their_o work_n as_o good_a as_o do_v for_o nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o can_v be_v two_o much_o less_o more_o such_o being_n inasmuch_o as_o one_o comprehend_v in_o itself_o all_o being_n and_o perfection_n for_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o all_o without_o which_o be_v nothing_o so_o that_o one_o such_o be_v suppose_v another_o can_v have_v nothing_o remain_v to_o it_o yea_o so_o far_o be_v it_o therefore_o if_o we_o suppose_v one_o infinite_a and_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v another_o independent_a thereon_o and_o of_o a_o depend_v infinity_n we_o need_v not_o say_v more_o than_o we_o have_v which_o if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o distinct_a god_n that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o minute_a finite_a thing_n imaginable_a which_o that_o suppose_a infinity_n do_v not_o comprehend_v or_o that_o can_v stand_v apart_o from_o it_o on_o any_o distinct_a basis_n of_o its_o own_o and_o that_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v leave_v as_o plain_a as_o we_o can_v make_v it_o suppose_v it_o already_o most_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v actual_o exist_v a_o absolute_a entire_a fullness_n of_o wisdom_n power_n so_o of_o all_o other_o perfection_n that_o absolute_a entire_a fullness_n of_o perfection_n be_v infinite_a that_o this_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v have_v its_o primary_n seat_n somewhere_o that_o its_o primary_n original_a seat_n can_v be_v no_o where_o but_o in_o necessary_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o hereupon_o add_v that_o if_o we_o suppose_v multitude_n or_o any_o plurality_n of_o necessary_a self-originate_a being_n concur_v to_o make_v up_o the_o seat_n or_o subject_n of_o this_o infinite_a perfection_n each_o one_o must_v either_o be_v of_o finite_a and_o partial_a perfection_n or_o infinite_a and_o absolute_a not_o infinite_a and_o absolute_a because_o one_o self-originate_a infinite_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a be_v will_v necessary_o comprehend_v all_o perfection_n and_o leave_v nothing_o to_o the_o rest_n not_o finite_a because_o many_o finites_n can_v never_o make_v one_o infinite_a much_o less_o can_v many_o break_a parcel_n or_o fragment_n of_o perfection_n ever_o make_v infinite_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n even_o though_o their_o number_n if_o that_o be_v possible_a be_v infinite_a for_o the_o perfection_n of_o unity_n will_v still_o be_v want_v and_o their_o communication_n and_o concurrence_n to_o any_o work_n even_o such_o as_o we_o see_v be_v do_v be_v infinite_o imperfect_a and_o impossible_a we_o may_v more_o at_o large_a and_o with_o a_o much_o more_o pompous_a number_n and_o apparatus_n of_o argument_n have_v show_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o god_n than_o one_o but_o to_o such_o as_o have_v rather_o be_v inform_v than_o bewilder_v and_o lose_v clear_a proof_n that_o be_v short_a and_o more_o comprehensive_a will_v be_v more_o grateful_a nor_o do_v this_o proof_n of_o the_o unite_n of_o the_o godhead_n any_o way_n impugn_v the_o trinity_n which_o be_v by_o christian_n believe_v therein_o and_o whereof_o some_o heathen_n as_o be_v know_v have_v not_o be_v whole_o without_o some_o apprehension_n however_o they_o come_v by_o it_o or_o exclude_v a_o sufficient_a uncreated_a ground_n of_o trinal_a distinction_n as_o will_v be_v see_v if_o that_o great_a difference_n of_o being_n necessary_a and_o contingent_a be_v well_o state_v and_o what_o
a_o heroical_a neglect_n of_o bold_a and_o malapert_a caviller_n and_o only_o demonstrate_v and_o recommend_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o vigorous_a comely_a coherent_a course_n than_o make_v itself_o cheap_a by_o discuss_v at_o every_o turn_v its_o principle_n as_o that_o philosopher_n who_o think_v it_o the_o fit_a way_n to_o confute_v the_o sophism_n against_o motion_n only_o by_o walk_v but_o we_o have_v nothing_o so_o considerable_a object_v against_o practical_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o to_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o sophism_n at_o lest_o no_o sophism_n so_o perplex_v in_o the_o case_n of_o religious_a as_o of_o natural_a motion_n jeer_n and_o sarcasm_n be_v the_o most_o weighty_a convince_a argument_n and_o let_v the_o deplorate_a crew_n mock_v on_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v think_v they_o have_v however_o reason_n enough_o to_o persist_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o that_o have_v already_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o reverence_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o a_o deity_n more_o strong_o than_o to_o be_v shake_v and_o beat_v off_o from_o it_o by_o a_o jest_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n vindicate_v afresh_o every_o time_n they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o for_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v religious_a upon_o very_o uncertain_a term_n that_o will_v think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o suspend_v or_o discontinue_v their_o conrse_n as_o oft_o as_o they_o be_v encounter_v in_o it_o with_o a_o wry_a mouth_n or_o a_o distort_a look_n or_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o their_o religion_n by_o the_o laughter_n of_o a_o fool_n or_o by_o their_o cavil_n and_o taunt_n against_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o it_o who_o only_o their_o own_o sensual_a temper_n and_o impatience_n of_o serious_a thought_n have_v make_v willing_a to_o have_v they_o false_a that_o any_o indeed_o shall_v commence_v religious_a and_o persist_v with_o blind_a zeal_n in_o this_o or_o that_o discriminate_a profession_n without_o ever_o consider_v why_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o be_v unmanly_a and_o absurd_a especial_o when_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v shadow_v over_o with_o a_o pretend_a awe_n and_o scrupulousness_n to_o inquire_v about_o thing_n so_o sacred_a and_o a_o inquisitive_a temper_n shall_v have_v a_o ill_a character_n put_v upon_o it_o as_o if_o rational_a and_o profane_a be_v word_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n or_o as_o if_o reason_n and_o judgement_n be_v utter_o execrate_v and_o a_o unaccountable_a enthusiastic_a fury_n baptize_v and_o hallow_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o the_o matter_n have_v undergo_v already_o a_o severe_a inquisition_n and_o be_v search_v to_o the_o bottom_n principle_n havebeen_v examine_v the_o strength_n and_o firmness_n have_v be_v try_v of_o its_o deep_a and_o most_o fundamental_a ground_n and_o a_o approve_v judgement_n be_v past_a in_o the_o case_n and_o a_o resolutïon_n thereupon_o take_v up_o of_o a_o suitable_a and_o correspondent_a practice_n after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o unwarrantable_a curiosity_n to_o be_v perpetual_o perplex_v one_o easy_a path_n with_o new_a and_o suspicious_a researche_n into_o the_o most_o acknowledge_a thing_n nor_o be_v this_o course_n a_o little_a prejudicial_a to_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o any_o at_o all_o the_o refine_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o fit_v we_o for_o a_o happy_a eternity_n for_o when_o shall_v that_o building_n be_v finish_v the_o foundation_n whereof_o must_v be_v every_o day_n tear_v up_o anew_o upon_o pretence_n of_o further_a caution_n and_o for_o more_o diligent_a search_n or_o when_o will_v he_o reach_v his_o journey_n end_n that_o be_v continual_o vex_v and_o often_o occasion_v to_o go_v back_o from_o whence_o he_o come_v by_o causeless_a anxiety_n about_o his_o way_n and_o whether_o ever_o he_o begin_v a_o right_a course_n yea_o or_o no_o many_o go_v secure_o on_o in_o a_o course_n most_o ignominious_o wicked_a and_o vile_a without_o ever_o debate_v the_o matter_n with_o themselves_o or_o inquire_v if_o there_o be_v any_o rational_a principle_n to_o justify_v or_o bear_v they_o out_o much_o more_o may_v they_o with_o a_o cheerful_a confidence_n persist_v in_o their_o well-chosen_a way_n that_o have_v once_o settle_v their_o resolution_n about_o it_o upon_o firm_a and_o assure_a ground_n and_o principle_n without_o run_v over_o the_o same_o course_n of_o reason_v with_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o each_o single_a devotional_a act_n or_o think_v it_o necessary_a every_o time_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v to_o have_v it_o prove_v to_o they_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o because_o yet_o many_o of_o these_o do_v need_v excitation_n and_o though_o they_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o pious_a sentiment_n and_o inclination_n and_o have_v somewhat_o in_o they_o of_o the_o ancient_a foundation_n and_o frame_n of_o a_o temple_n have_v yet_o by_o neglect_n suffer_v it_o to_o grow_v into_o decay_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o principal_a intendment_n of_o this_o discourse_n not_o to_o assert_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n against_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v no_o place_n but_o to_o propound_v what_o may_v some_o way_n tend_v to_o reinforce_v and_o strengthen_v they_o where_o they_o visible_o languish_v and_o awaken_v such_o as_o profess_v a_o devotedness_n to_o god_n to_o the_o speedy_a and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n of_o repair_v the_o ruin_n of_o his_o temple_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n that_o they_o may_v thence_o hold_v forth_o a_o visible_a representation_n of_o a_o indwelling_a deity_n in_o effect_n and_o action_n of_o life_n worthy_a of_o such_o a_o presence_n and_o render_v his_o enshrine_v glory_n transparent_a to_o the_o view_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o profane_a which_o have_v more_o of_o hope_n in_o it_o and_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v to_o better_a purpose_n than_o dispute_v with_o they_o that_o more_o know_v how_o to_o jest_v than_o reason_n and_o better_o understand_v the_o relish_v of_o meat_n and_o drink_n than_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n but_o though_o it_o will_v be_v both_o a_o ungrateful_a vi_o and_o insignificant_a labour_n and_o as_o talk_v to_o the_o wind_n to_o discourse_v of_o religion_n with_o person_n that_o have_v abjure_v all_o seriousness_n and_o that_o can_v endure_v to_o think_v and_o will_v be_v like_o fight_v with_o a_o storm_n to_o contend_v against_o the_o blasphemy_n and_o outrage_n of_o insolent_a mocker_n at_o whatever_o be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a and_o be_v too_o much_o a_o debase_v of_o religion_n to_o retort_v sarcasm_n with_o man_n not_o capable_a of_o be_v talk_v with_o in_o any_o other_o than_o such_o that_o be_v their_o own_o language_n yet_o it_o want_v neither_o its_o use_n nor_o pleasure_n to_o the_o most_o compose_a mind_n and_o that_o be_v most_o exempt_a from_o waver_v herein_o to_o view_v the_o frame_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o apt_o and_o even_o natural_o rise_v and_o grow_v up_o from_o its_o very_a foundation_n to_o contemplate_v its_o first_o principle_n which_o they_o may_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n find_v no_o present_a cause_n or_o inclination_n to_o dispute_v they_o will_v know_v how_o to_o consider_v its_o most_o fundamental_a ground_n not_o with_o doubt_n or_o suspicion_n but_o with_o admiration_n and_o delight_n and_o can_v with_o a_o calm_a and_o silent_a pleasure_n enjoy_v the_o repose_n and_o rest_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o well-assured_n mind_n rejoice_v and_o content_v to_o know_v to_o themselves_o when_o other_o refuse_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o this_o joy_n and_o feel_v all_o firm_a and_o stable_a under_o they_o whereupon_o either_o the_o practice_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o religion_n do_v depend_v and_o there_o may_v be_v also_o many_o other_o of_o good_a and_o pious_a inclination_n that_o have_v never_o yet_o apply_v themselves_o to_o consider_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v or_o discern_v any_o tolerable_a reason_n of_o they_o for_o either_o the_o sluggishness_n of_o their_o own_o temper_n may_v have_v indispose_v they_o to_o any_o more_o painful_a and_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o be_v content_a with_o the_o easy_a course_n of_o take_v every_o thing_n upon_o trust_n and_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o other_o or_o they_o have_v be_v unhappy_o misinform_v that_o it_o consist_v not_o with_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o religion_n to_o search_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o yea_o and_o may_v have_v lay_v this_o for_o one_o of_o its_o main_a ground_n that_o no_o exercise_n of_o reason_n may_v have_v any_o place_n about_o it_o or_o perhaps_o have_v