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divine_a majesty_n be_v themselves_o so_o many_o faint_a ray_n or_o rather_o as_o in_o this_o case_n if_o i_o may_v without_o absurdity_n speak_v so_o many_o shadow_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o inferior_a world_n they_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n of_o vitality_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o live_a creature_n to_o be_v maintain_v in_o their_o be_v nor_o will_v the_o whole_a terraqueous_a globe_n be_v any_o thing_n but_o dead_a rock_n and_o ice_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o which_o havoc_n they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n so_o many_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o fire_n that_o give_v light_a to_o all_o sensible_a creature_n warmth_n and_o vegetation_n to_o all_o animal_n substance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v more_o especial_o of_o that_o great_a luminary_n the_o sun_n which_o heathen_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o worship_n for_o the_o universal_a good_a it_o do_v by_o its_o enliven_a beam_n for_o as_o it_o
in_o himself_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o endless_a life_n for_o all_o decay_n of_o life_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n infirmity_n or_o limitation_n in_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o strong_a hand_n it_o can_v for_o ever_o hold_v up_o and_o last_o and_o since_o life_n be_v one_o of_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o poor_a sinful_a man_n enjoy_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o our_o maker_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o he_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o absolute_a degree_n that_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o all_o possibility_n of_o ever_o end_v 3._o we_o must_v from_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o god_n conceive_v he_o to_o be_v a_o fountain_n of_o life_n without_o any_o beginning_n likewise_o for_o whatever_o have_v a_o beginning_n must_v be_v conclude_v in_o that_o respect_n defective_a because_o it_o once_o want_v not_o only_o those_o perfection_n which_o being_n enjoy_v but_o even_o be_v itself_o and_o beside_o that_o which_o begin_v may_v end_v as_o we_o see_v all_o the_o successive_a production_n of_o nature_n do_v therefore_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n signify_v perfection_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o in_o all_o degree_n reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o god_n must_v have_v such_o perfection_n of_o essence_n as_o to_o be_v of_o a_o boundless_a life_n or_o be_v everla_v from_o everlasting_a 4._o the_o notion_n of_o god_n absolute_a perfection_n necessitate_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a substance_n or_o a_o be_v that_o subsi_v of_o himself_o by_o the_o absolute_a fullness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n indeed_o we_o can_v form_v a_o adequate_a and_o positive_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n as_o neither_o can_v we_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n though_o they_o be_v the_o noble_a being_n of_o this_o low_a world_n for_o our_o outward_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o knowledge_n be_v perpetual_o use_v to_o corporeal_a and_o gross_a idea_n and_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n john_n 4._o 24._o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o any_o such_o sensation_n but_o yet_o we_o may_v rational_o render_v he_o a_o object_n of_o our_o mind_n such_o a_o object_n as_o our_o mind_n be_v capable_a of_o view_v by_o abstract_a matter_n and_o corporeity_n from_o our_o apprehension_n of_o he_o this_o reason_n enforce_v we_o to_o do_v because_o materiality_n be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v up_o of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o limit_n and_o confine_n the_o thing_n to_o one_o particular_a place_n at_o once_o which_o be_v most_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o conception_n of_o a_o be_v that_o be_v say_v to_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n jer._n 23._o 24_o so_o it_o make_v the_o thing_n divisible_a and_o consequent_o subject_a to_o dissolution_n which_o be_v utter_o incompatible_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n life_n therefore_o reason_n compel_v we_o to_o do_v away_o these_o imperfection_n from_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o to_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o a_o spiritual_a substance_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o irrational_a notion_n however_o some_o be_v please_v to_o reject_v and_o deride_v it_o 5._o since_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n imply_v the_o excellence_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v conceive_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v too_o a_o discern_a and_o understand_v substance_n for_o perception_n be_v the_o excellence_n of_o all_o animal_n whereby_o they_o be_v much_o more_o perfect_a than_o senseless_a matter_n or_o inanimate_a stock_n and_o stone_n this_o excellence_n must_v needs_o after_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o sublime_a manner_n be_v in_o that_o most_o exalt_a nature_n from_o which_o all_o perfection_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v derive_v the_o psalmist_n appeal_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n where_o he_o argue_v psalm_n 94._o 9_o 10._o he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v not_o he_o bear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v not_o be_v see_v and_o so_o he_o that_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v though_o perception_n be_v not_o wrought_v in_o god_n by_o impression_n that_o affect_v material_a organ_n nor_o be_v attend_v with_o plain_a and_o disturbance_n as_o in_o creature_n who_o be_v necessary_o imperfect_a yet_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o sentient_a percipient_a be_v a_o intelligent_a nature_n or_o mind_n that_o act_v in_o a_o way_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o most_o glorious_a be_v 6._o and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a mind_n or_o a_o be_v that_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v conscious_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v and_o that_o not_o by_o such_o discourse_n or_o succession_n of_o thought_n and_o reason_n as_o imperfect_a being_n be_v say_v to_o use_v but_o by_o intuitive_a act_n and_o by_o a_o direct_a immediate_a view_n though_o knowledge_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n in_o man_n and_o angel_n yet_o to_o know_v thing_n gradual_o and_o by_o piece-meal_n and_o with_o a_o limit_a apprehension_n be_v in_o the_o creature_n a_o plain_a defect_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v abstract_v or_o remove_v from_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n 7._o again_o there_o be_v in_o we_o all_o a_o vigorous_a principle_n of_o activity_n whereby_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o our_o desire_n and_o will_n incline_v we_o to_o perform_v in_o our_o sphere_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o principle_n of_o activity_n carry_v we_o this_o also_o be_v a_o perfection_n but_o yet_o such_o as_o be_v intermingle_v with_o defect_n because_o the_o execution_n of_o our_o power_n be_v laborious_a nay_o finite_a innumerable_a thing_n be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o the_o most_o mighty_a man_n upon_o the_o earth_n to_o compass_v though_o their_o wit_n and_o industry_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o though_o all_o their_o force_n be_v unite_v upon_o this_o account_n reason_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o god_n be_v a_o nature_n absolute_o perfect_a all_o manner_n of_o impotence_n be_v to_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o our_o notion_n of_o he_o because_o all_o impotence_n be_v a_o defect_n and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o repugnant_a unto_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v full_o able_a to_o produce_v and_o do_v by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n whatever_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n or_o whatever_o be_v conceivable_a and_o possible_a in_o itself_o and_o can_v stand_v well_o with_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n 8._o further_o yet_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n signify_v a_o nature_n that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v a_o good_a be_v likewise_o nay_o the_o best_a of_o all_o being_n by_o goodness_n here_o be_v mean_v that_o excellent_a and_o most_o amiable_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o still_o prompt_v one_o to_o be_v communicative_a kind_a gracious_a compassionate_a and_o benificent_a it_o be_v the_o best_a virtue_n that_o which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o perfection_n of_o all_o pefection_n that_o which_o command_v honour_n and_o love_n from_o all_o that_o which_o be_v the_o beauty_n the_o excellency_n the_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o necessary_o and_o eminent_o belong_v to_o the_o best_a be_v that_o divine_a and_o most_o glorious_a nature_n which_o all_o people_n have_v ever_o adore_v for_o its_o transcendent_a goodness_n love_n be_v of_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o john_n 4._o 7._o he_o be_v the_o overflow_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o benignity_n which_o run_v through_o the_o world_n therefore_o st._n john_n speak_v like_o a_o great_a philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o a_o divine_a in_o say_v ver_fw-la 8._o god_n be_v love_n that_o be_v a_o bless_a nature_n make_v up_o of_o goodness_n the_o mirror_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o for_o there_o must_v be_v in_o this_o case_n much_o more_o in_o the_o cause_n than_o there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v of_o a_o finite_a narrow_a and_o slender_a capacity_n as_o the_o faculty_n of_o all_o create_a being_n be_v whence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o glorious_a deity_n can_v be_v a_o selfish_n envious_a malevolent_a spiteful_a or_o cruel_a be_v because_o these_o and_o the_o like_a disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v wretched_a defect_n or_o vice_n rather_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n and_o to_o devil_n incarnate_a nor_o though_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o perfect_o powerful_a can_v he_o act_v like_o a_o arbitrary_a tyrannical_a be_v void_a of_o compassion_n and_o
innumerable_a essence_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n though_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o idea_n of_o they_o be_v the_o inward_a nature_n of_o they_o be_v discoverable_a only_o by_o the_o sagacity_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o mind_n observe_v their_o effect_n and_o operation_n then_o argue_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o so_o judge_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n by_o its_o consequent_n hereby_o the_o understanding_n penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o thing_n which_o sense_n and_o fancy_n can_v never_o do_v and_o it_o find_v out_o not_o what_o a_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o fantastry_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v ever_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o sense_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o particular_a we_o can_v but_o perceive_v in_o some_o measure_n what_o a_o admirable_a be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attentive_o consider_v its_o power_n and_o operation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v any_o perception_n of_o it_o by_o external_a sensation_n because_o we_o can_v hear_v or_o see_v it_o or_o handle_v it_o with_o our_o hand_n or_o make_v any_o discovery_n of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o sense_n no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v smell_v or_o taste_v a_o shadow_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sensible_a image_n of_o it_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sensation_n no_o external_a essluvia_n of_o it_o no_o foreign_a idea_n no_o representation_n from_o without_o to_o affect_v the_o imagination_n no_o there_o must_v be_v the_o use_n of_o pure_a cogitation_n and_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o soul_n be_v and_o to_o make_v that_o intelligible_a to_o we_o which_o act_v in_o we_o and_o this_o will_v do_v it_o when_o all_o our_o sense_n can_v we_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o we_o which_o think_v for_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n therefore_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o be_v we_o perceive_v that_o it_o work_v continual_o in_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o real_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o what_o be_v not_o can_v possible_o work_v we_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n life_n and_o vigour_n power_n and_o activity_n apprehension_n knowledge_n and_o memory_n a_o saculty_n of_o compare_v thing_n with_o thing_n and_o of_o reason_v and_o judge_v upon_o such_o comparison_n a_o power_n too_o of_o determine_v what_o to_o do_v of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v of_o desire_v that_o which_o it_o love_v and_o of_o reach_v out_o after_o that_o which_o it_o desire_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o real_a exist_v be_v thus_o far_o we_o can_v easy_o go_v in_o our_o notion_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o help_n of_o sensation_n from_o abroad_o and_o hence_o we_o proceed_v to_o perceive_v that_o this_o soul_n of_o we_o be_v a_o incorporeal_a be_v for_o its_o operation_n be_v incongruous_a to_o stupid_a matter_n too_o quick_a and_o noble_a for_o matter_n though_o you_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v in_o motion_n clay_n can_v cogitate_v nor_o can_v any_o move_a wheel_n reason_n nor_o can_v the_o most_o spirituous_a part_n of_o the_o blood_n philosophise_v nor_o can_v the_o fine_a mote_n that_o dance_v in_o the_o sun_n consult_v or_o deliberate_v nor_o can_v that_o glorious_a and_o enliven_a creature_n the_o sun_n itself_o entertain_v those_o meditation_n which_o bubble_n and_o spring_v out_o of_o one_o mind_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n put_v together_o form_n those_o contrivance_n desire_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o every_o humane_a soul_n and_o to_o suppose_v as_o some_o pretender_n to_o sense_n and_o wit_n do_v that_o all_o these_o action_n proceed_v from_o little_a restless_a atom_n caper_v about_o in_o the_o head_n and_o fall_v accidental_o into_o various_a form_n and_o contexture_n do_v argue_n rather_o that_o the_o brain_n of_o such_o man_n be_v inse_v with_o fly_n and_o nit_n than_o that_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n i_o have_v say_v this_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o yet_o be_v intelligible_a object_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v false_a reason_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o intelligible_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o god_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o call_v by_o that_o name_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o immaterial_a be_v and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v represent_v to_o our_o sense_n a_o pretence_n which_o though_o use_v to_o invalidate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v with_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o existence_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n who_o true_a essence_n and_o nature_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o corporeal_a sensible_a idea_n especial_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v no_o object_n of_o external_a sensation_n and_o yet_o by_o its_o operation_n and_o essect_v appear_v to_o all_o understand_a man_n to_o be_v a_o real_a cogitative_a intellectual_a and_o active_a be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v immure_v in_o matter_n and_o then_o why_o may_v we_o not_o conceive_v and_o understand_v that_o supereminent_a nature_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o create_v every_o humane_a soul_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_o wise_a righteous_a and_o good_a be_v rea_o exist_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n especial_o since_o we_o may_v see_v he_o in_o some_o measure_n at_o second_o hand_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n for_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n act_v 14._o 17._o so_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o 2._o another_o very_a false_a principle_n those_o odd_a man_n go_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v as_o we_o believe_v a_o transcendent_a infinite_a be_v and_o suppose_v our_o own_o intellectual_a faculty_n to_o be_v as_o we_o find_v they_o of_o a_o finite_a narrow_a capacity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comprehend_v god_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o he_o be_v true_a or_o false_a right_a or_o wrong_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o because_o we_o have_v not_o all_o knowledge_n therefore_o we_o can_v have_v none_o according_a to_o which_o rate_n of_o reason_v they_o may_v affirm_v also_o that_o we_o see_v nothing_o of_o the_o sun_n because_o we_o can_v view_v every_o single_a ray_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v its_o full_a lustre_n and_o that_o because_o we_o understand_v not_o all_o the_o mystery_n in_o nature_n therefore_o we_o be_v quite_o ignorant_a or_o at_o least_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o those_o idea_n and_o notion_n we_o have_v do_v not_o utter_o deceive_v we_o whereas_o in_o these_o case_n the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o dubitableness_n or_o delusion_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o from_o the_o weakness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o be_v a_o be_v transcendent_o perfect_a how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o we_o poor_a creature_n can_v possible_o have_v full_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o he_o unless_o we_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n by_o make_v narrowness_n to_o answer_v transcendency_n or_o a_o finite_a thing_n to_o be_v proportionable_a and_o commensurate_a to_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n follow_v hence_o that_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v a_o unintelligible_a be_v because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o full_a we_o know_v in_o part_n as_o we_o can_v and_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n because_o in_o this_o weak_a mortal_a state_n the_o dulness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o know_v perfect_o and_o to_o argue_v hence_o that_o the_o deity_n be_v a_o unconceivable_a and_o so_o at_o least_o a_o dubitable_a be_v when_o our_o own_o conception_n of_o he_o our_o intellectual_a power_n be_v natural_o and_o necessary_o narrow_a be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v very_o
questionable_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o world_n because_o we_o can_v measure_v all_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o universe_n with_o our_o span._n beside_o we_o may_v know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sit_v for_o we_o to_o understand_v now_o for_o as_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o able_a to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v so_o neither_o will_v such_o a_o full_a vision_n be_v needful_a and_o proper_a for_o we_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v have_v here_o a_o great_a deal_n ought_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o exalt_a state_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o reward_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o see_v so_o much_o of_o this_o life_n as_o will_v raise_v our_o long_n after_o a_o better_a and_o will_v help_v we_o to_o do_v those_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v now_o require_v in_o order_n to_o a_o perfect_a state_n and_o so_o much_o we_o do_v know_v though_o our_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v comparative_o very_o dim_a and_o short_a we_o have_v such_o notion_n as_o serve_v to_o sound_v and_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n and_o good_a morality_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o be_v to_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n we_o very_o well_o apprehend_v that_o god_n be_v a_o omniscient_a just_a powerful_a good_a and_o gracious_a be_v and_o these_o notion_n be_v enough_o to_o encourage_v man_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o since_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o object_v against_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o to_o quarrel_v with_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n unconceivable_a because_o the_o infinite_a vastness_n of_o all_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o full_o especial_o in_o this_o our_o present_a imperfect_a state_n to_o conclude_v this_o consideration_n whatever_o some_o pretend_v against_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o who_o strive_v and_o study_v to_o reject_v it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o it_o in_o their_o own_o mind_n stir_v and_o terrify_v they_o with_o fearful_a suggestion_n for_o do_v they_o not_o conceive_v that_o god_n be_v privy_a to_o their_o vice_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o punish_v they_o and_o in_o justice_n may_v it_o be_v hardly_o imaginable_a why_o they_o shall_v offer_v such_o violence_n to_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o to_o force_v it_o to_o argue_v against_o those_o notion_n that_o by_o degree_n they_o may_v obliterate_v they_o and_o argue_v they_o utter_o away_o and_o so_o disbelieve_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o omniscient_a powerful_a and_o just_o be_v that_o seem_v to_o they_o a_o most_o frightful_a object_n the_o idea_n of_o god_n lie_v very_o quiet_a in_o a_o good_a conscience_n nay_o to_o a_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o of_o a_o pious_a life_n it_o be_v the_o most_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n because_o it_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a be_v who_o rule_v over_o all_o who_o observe_v all_o our_o action_n who_o take_v care_n of_o such_o as_o live_v godly_a righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o this_o world_n who_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n for_o their_o good_a who_o will_v guide_v they_o here_o by_o his_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o will_v receive_v they_o into_o glory_n all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a notion_n be_v such_o a_o comfortable_a idea_n of_o god_n as_o no_o good_a man_n will_v be_v without_o for_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v god_n existence_n the_o temptation_n must_v proceed_v either_o from_o a_o very_a wrong_a opinion_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o cruel_a mischievous_a spiteful_a false_a and_o ill-natured_a be_v or_o which_o be_v more_o likely_a from_o a_o very_a evil_a conscience_n which_o make_v god_n appear_v to_o a_o ill_a man_n a_o formidable_a be_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o omniscience_n righteousness_n and_o power_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v vice_n there_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n such_o variety_n of_o powerful_a argument_n to_o prove_v a_o deity_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a for_o any_o but_o man_n of_o the_o most_o corrupt_a mind_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o they_o chap._n ii_o 2._o have_v thus_o prepare_v my_o way_n towards_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n by_o show_v that_o by_o the_o deity_n be_v mean_v a_o transcendent_a be_v that_o eminent_o enjoy_v all_o the_o essential_a intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n which_o can_v possible_o belong_v to_o a_o nature_n which_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o absolute_o free_a from_o the_o least_o defect_n and_o by_o show_v too_o how_o intelligible_a rational_a and_o certain_a this_o notion_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v i_o must_v come_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a nature_n or_o that_o this_o most_o perfect_a be_v do_v actual_o exist_v now_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o common_a stand_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o imply_v all_o possible_a perfection_n for_o existence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o perfection_n the_o very_a first_o thing_n in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o conception_n because_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v perfect_a which_o be_v not_o or_o which_o want_v a_o be_v much_o less_o can_v we_o suppose_v a_o nature_n to_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o be_v to_o be_v perfect_o wise_a good_a and_o righteous_a unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n but_o lest_o a_o insidel_n shall_v say_v we_o make_v supposition_n of_o our_o own_o by_o devise_v what_o notion_n we_o please_v of_o a_o god_n and_o then_o use_v those_o supposition_n for_o argument_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n therefore_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o perfect_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v god_n actual_o exist_v by_o consider_v these_o four_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o this_o subject_a 1._o first_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o second_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n 3._o three_o those_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n which_o must_v argue_v the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n 4._o and_o four_o the_o admirable_a state_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o first_o then_o if_o we_o go_v through_o the_o whole_a series_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o from_o one_o cause_n onward_o to_o another_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v at_o last_o to_o one_o first_o cause_n to_o a_o be_v that_o do_v necessary_o exist_v of_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v a_o distinct_a independent_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v here_o we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o universal_a trth_n which_o will_v very_o much_o help_v to_o guide_v our_o reason_n viz._n that_o whatever_o once_o have_v not_o any_o real_a be_v can_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o for_o upon_o that_o impossible_a supposition_n it_o will_v have_v exi_v and_o yet_o not_o exi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o will_v not_o have_v exi_v because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v want_v a_o cause_n for_o its_o production_n and_o it_o will_v have_v exi_v because_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v exercise_v causality_n which_o two_o thing_n be_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o whatever_o once_o come_v out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o nonexistence_n be_v bring_v out_o of_o it_o by_o another_o distinct_a agent_n which_o exist_v antecedent_o and_o have_v actual_a power_n over_o it_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v now_o in_o nature_n and_o once_o be_v not_o do_v owe_v their_o origination_n to_o cause_n which_o be_v before_o they_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o be_v can_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nothingness_n act_n much_o less_o can_v they_o act_v upon_o themselves_o and_o how_o many_o soever_o the_o foreign_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v they_o all_o lead_v we_o up_o to_o a_o permanent_a first_o cause_n which_o depend_v on_o no_o other_o nor_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o another_o for_o its_o be_v now_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o once_o be_v not_o and_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o these_o be_v themselves_o the_o effect_n of_o other_o agent_n and_o they_o again_o of_o other_o and_o so_o on_o till_o we_o gradual_o ascend_v to_o one_o chief_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o original_a of_o they_o all_o to_o omit_v all_o other_o thing_n at_o present_a i_o instance_n in_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o effect_n we_o
absurd_a and_o monstrous_a but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v for_o at_o least_o may_v be_v dispute_v for_o by_o man_n of_o part_n and_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o contrary_a principle_n be_v not_o true_a one_o philosopher_n maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o motion_n another_o will_v have_v persuade_v people_n that_o snow_n be_v black_a and_o some_o stand_v in_o it_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o shall_v such_o odd_a whimsy_n prevail_v against_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n some_o never_o see_v the_o light_n in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o do_v this_o argue_n that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a sun_n or_o that_o that_o be_v no_o sun_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n behold_v why_o a_o man_n of_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a reason_n may_v with_o his_o mind_n as_o easy_o see_v god_n in_o his_o work_n as_o i_o can_v see_v the_o day_n with_o my_o eye_n but_o shall_v i_o so_o affect_v singularity_n as_o to_o shut_v my_o eye_n and_o then_o pretend_v that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o dismal_a dark_a confuse_a chaos_n can_v it_o be_v conclude_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n why_o it_o be_v as_o senseless_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o mankind_n have_v be_v all_o along_o mistake_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o god_n because_o two_o or_o three_o impious_a philosopher_n have_v shut_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n against_o he_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o themselves_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n stupidity_n and_o wickedness_n but_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o all_o other_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o irreligious_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o exi_a deity_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n unanimous_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v 2._o nay_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v under_o this_o head_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o evidence_n of_o reason_n this_o universal_a consent_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o god_n existence_n for_o whence_o can_v this_o common_a belief_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o common_a natural_a principle_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n be_v endue_v by_o the_o common_a creator_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o his_o be_v as_o a_o signature_n make_v by_o his_o own_o finger_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v connatural_a to_o the_o sou_n that_o be_v inbred_a innate_a and_o engrave_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n upon_o our_o conception_n in_o the_o womb_n so_o that_o every_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n do_v of_o himself_o by_o common_a instinct_n understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n methinks_v we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o inclination_n towards_o god_n a_o disposition_n and_o propension_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o aptness_n to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n upon_o instruction_n education_n and_o the_o use_n of_o common_a reason_n this_o we_o may_v well_o call_v a_o natural_a principle_n and_o so_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v natural_a notion_n because_o they_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n now_o this_o plain_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n because_o none_o but_o god_n can_v put_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o mankind_n into_o this_o frame_n none_o but_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o principle_n in_o our_o nature_n whereby_o every_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o find_v out_o god_n as_o all_o man_n have_v do_v and_o do_v who_o use_v their_o reason_n all_o have_v consent_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n of_o this_o one_o universal_a uniform_a principle_n there_o must_v be_v one_o universal_a uniform_a cause_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o cause_o be_v reasonable_o assign_v but_o that_o sovereign_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o order_v our_o common_a nature_n thus_o have_v not_o god_n make_v our_o faculty_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o existence_n spring_v forth_o in_o every_o one_o mind_n with_o his_o reason_n and_o grow_v up_o with_o his_o reason_n we_o may_v argue_v with_o lucilius_n in_o cicero_n 2._o de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n 2._o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o that_o belief_n to_o have_v continue_v every_o where_o constant_a or_o to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n and_o to_o have_v become_v inveterate_a together_o with_o man_n age_n for_o vain_a fictitious_a opinion_n wear_v out_o by_o diuturnity_n time_n discover_v and_o destroy_v the_o falsehood_n of_o imagination_n but_o confirm_v the_o solid_a dictate_v and_o determination_n of_o nature_n which_o show_v that_o this_o common_a last_a notion_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v natural_a and_o owe_v its_o original_n to_o a_o power_n above_o who_o workmanship_n we_o all_o be_v to_o defond_a themselves_o against_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n those_o that_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n pretend_v that_o this_o so_o universal_a a_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v be_v impure_v to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o four_o cause_n if_o not_o to_o all_o of_o they_o tradition_n fear_v state-policy_n and_o common_a compact_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o pretence_n i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o any_o thing_n material_a which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n upon_o this_o necessary_a useful_a and_o seasonable_a subject_n â—_o as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o cause_n of_o that_o universal_a consent_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o yet_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v say_v first_o that_o tradition_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v allege_v to_o no_o purpose_n second_o that_o tradition_n of_o itself_o alone_o and_o without_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o this_o universal_a consent_n first_o tradition_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o belief_n which_o have_v prevail_v among_o all_o mankind_n by_o tradition_n be_v mean_v if_o man_n will_v speak_v sense_n and_o reason_n a_o opinion_n hand_v down_o from_o some_o first_o author_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o author_n of_o this_o tradition_n be_v assign_v but_o those_o from_o who_o loin_n all_o mankind_n descend_v for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o common_a principle_n to_o spring_v but_o from_o a_o common_a root_n our_o first_o parent_n now_o this_o lead_v we_o back_o to_o the_o time_n which_o moses_n speak_v of_o when_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n be_v form_v and_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v derive_v original_o from_o they_o can_v but_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v their_o own_o beginning_n they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o god_n have_v make_v they_o after_o a_o preternatural_a manner_n that_o god_n have_v form_v they_o by_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o that_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v teach_v their_o child_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v not_o they_o themselves_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v one_o that_o they_o shall_v wilful_o and_o design_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o all_o their_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o fiction_n too_o as_o will_v keep_v their_o mind_n in_o continual_a bondage_n under_o the_o most_o frightful_a apprehension_n this_o be_v a_o imagination_n which_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o 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what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o egypt_n beâ—ore_o his_o own_o face_n jesus_n christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o many_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v in_o a_o little_a time_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n to_o verify_v that_o prediction_n divers_a ecclesiastical_a writer_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o wonder_v do_v by_o simon_n magus_n and_o his_o follower_n soon_o after_o the_o lord_n '_o be_v ascension_n into_o heaven_n other_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n vespasian_n and_o of_o a_o whetstone_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o by_o a_o razor_n at_o the_o command_n of_o accius_n navius_n and_o of_o several_a prodigious_a thing_n do_v by_o apollmius_n tyanaeus_n who_o the_o pagan_n match_v with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o do_v miracle_n and_o every_o body_n know_v what_o account_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v give_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o deâ—ence_n 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