mental_a discourse_n as_o for_o example_n though_o we_o discern_v not_o our_o own_o soul_n nor_o can_v behold_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n yet_o in_o regard_n that_o we_o think_v and_o meditate_v and_o reason_n in_o ourselves_o we_o strong_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v being_n actual_o existing_a because_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o be_v not_o can_v operate_v in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o our_o corporeal_a sense_n yet_o consider_v what_o bright_a manifestation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o wonderful_a goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n we_o right_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o a_o supreme_a be_v of_o the_o most_o adorable_a and_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o innumerable_a other_o instance_n though_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o thing_n in_o nature_n who_o contexture_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o sense_n yet_o by_o argue_v either_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la from_o the_o manifest_a cause_n to_o the_o effect_n or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o the_o manifest_a effect_n to_o the_o cause_n we_o proceed_v to_o satisfactory_a inference_n because_o if_o this_o thing_n be_v grant_v then_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o thing_n will_v follow_v this_o be_v to_o reason_n and_o argue_v and_o to_o discourse_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o faculty_n whereof_o the_o soul_n of_o irrational_a creature_n be_v not_o capable_a because_o sine_fw-la and_o close_a reason_n be_v vast_o above_o bare_a and_o naked_a sensation_n it_o require_v strong_a meditation_n great_a roll_a of_o thought_n and_o a_o firm_a link_a of_o notion_n to_o notion_n in_o a_o chain_n so_o that_o rational_a premise_n may_v fair_o and_o regular_o draw_v on_o rational_a conclusion_n all_o which_o brute_n creature_n can_v no_o more_o do_v than_o they_o can_v study_v philosophy_n or_o understand_v book_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o logic_n 4._o four_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o a_o power_n of_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o moral_a action_n and_o of_o reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n after_o they_o be_v do_v and_o this_o we_o call_v conscience_n mean_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v unchangeable_o good_a and_o other_o which_o be_v immutable_o evil_a their_o nature_n be_v so_o utter_o opposite_a that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o make_v vice_n virtue_n or_o virtue_n vice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n every_o one_o do_v carry_v in_o himself_o nor_o be_v any_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o void_a and_o destitute_a of_o they_o but_o that_o the_o most_o unpolisht_a and_o barbarous_a people_n understand_v in_o some_o measure_n what_o be_v right_o and_o just_a according_o we_o find_v something_o within_o we_o which_o before_o a_o action_n be_v do_v tell_v we_o secret_o what_o be_v necessary_a sit_v and_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o when_o our_o unreasonable_a inclination_n and_o passion_n carry_v we_o on_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o good_a dictate_v we_o find_v something_o within_o we_o that_o do_v reprehend_v and_o blame_v and_o fly_v upon_o we_o and_o many_o time_n do_v wound_v we_o so_o that_o we_o be_v very_o sore_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o great_a anguish_n and_o torment_n to_o which_o purpose_n be_v those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n he_o faith_n that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n write_v in_o two_o table_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v yet_o they_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n among_o themselves_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o exause_v one_o another_o now_o this_o faculty_n of_o govern_v and_o regulate_v all_o our_o moral_a action_n and_o of_o pass_a sentence_n upon_o they_o be_v a_o excellence_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o any_o animal_n which_o be_v pure_o sensitive_a how_o sagacious_a soever_o they_o appear_v because_o action_n natural_a be_v the_o high_a they_o can_v go_v to_o as_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n they_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o they_o as_o destitute_a as_o a_o stone_n be_v of_o sense_n or_o as_o a_o plant_n be_v of_o reason_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o their_o soul_n be_v mortal_a whether_o they_o be_v altogether_o material_a or_o so_o necestary_o depend_v upon_o matter_n that_o they_o can_v subsist_v without_o a_o body_n i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v no_o question_n but_o they_o perish_v with_o their_o body_n for_o have_v no_o law_n of_o morality_n to_o act_v by_o they_o can_v be_v accountable_a either_o for_o obedience_n or_o transgression_n and_o so_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o survive_v because_o they_o be_v uncapable_a either_o of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n as_o be_v without_o all_o power_n of_o reflect_v and_o consequent_o of_o have_v any_o joy_n or_o remorse_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o to_o conclude_v this_o consideration_n beside_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n a_o power_n of_o sensation_n and_o a_o faculty_n of_o retain_v idea_n which_o spring_v from_o thing_n without_o we_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o such_o high_a and_o exquisite_a power_n that_o suppose_v a_o be_v angelical_a and_o next_o to_o a_o deity_n be_v to_o have_v be_v form_v on_o purpose_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o humane_a flesh_n there_o to_o display_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o its_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o a_o be_v can_v have_v be_v make_v more_o like_a to_o a_o angel_n than_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o be_v that_o be_v able_a to_o search_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o into_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o entertain_v itself_o with_o lofty_a contemplation_n to_o discover_v recondite_v mysterious_a truth_n to_o open_v the_o treasure_n of_o philosophy_n to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v thing_n which_o natural_o must_v or_o probable_o may_v happen_v to_o know_v all_o that_o a_o finite_a creature_n be_v well_o capable_a of_o know_v to_o set_v out_o the_o just_a boundary_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o far_o they_o may_v honourable_o and_o safe_o go_v and_o what_o they_o be_v at_o their_o peril_n to_o avoid_v to_o employ_v mankind_n in_o the_o most_o curious_a art_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o most_o delightful_a and_o useful_a science_n to_o give_v measure_n to_o all_o state_n and_o prince_n to_o prescribe_v to_o all_o society_n the_o true_a method_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n to_o show_v they_o what_o noble_a end_v they_o be_v to_o pursue_v and_o what_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o best_a mean_n of_o bring_v those_o end_n to_o pass_v to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o great_a and_o most_o generous_a undertake_n and_o to_o make_v they_o man_n of_o renown_n to_o inspire_v they_o with_o laudable_a ambition_n and_o upon_o animate_v hope_n to_o find_v glorious_a achievement_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o fortune_n of_o kingdom_n to_o make_v we_o aspire_v towards_o the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a enjoyment_n in_o short_a to_o help_v we_o to_o do_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o mortal_a creature_n here_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o labour_n under_o the_o sun_n to_o show_v we_o a_o glimpse_n of_o another_o world_n and_o to_o sit_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a and_o eternal_a state_n in_o it_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o noble_a power_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o hence_o i_o argue_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o this_o excellence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n because_o these_o high_a endowment_n and_o faculty_n can_v not_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o casual_a modification_n of_o dead_a and_o senseless_a matter_n but_o from_o the_o agency_n of_o a_o intelligent_a cause_n that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o can_v be_v more_o in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n if_o there_o can_v be_v more_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o something_o can_v come_v of_o itself_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v impossible_a defect_n of_o power_n in_o a_o agent_n be_v a_o nonentity_n a_o want_n of_o be_v a_o privation_n a_o incapacity_n a_o utter_a nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o any_o
excellence_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o defect_n or_o imperfection_n such_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n there_o be_v in_o all_o creature_n in_o all_o body_n there_o be_v substance_n but_o such_o as_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n in_o comparison_n of_o spirituality_n in_o all_o vegetable_n there_o be_v life_n but_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o decay_v which_o in_o they_o be_v imperfection_n in_o all_o animal_n there_o be_v sense_n or_o perception_n but_o such_o as_o be_v attend_v with_o fear_n grief_n anger_n and_o other_o disquiet_v passion_n which_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n in_o man_n there_o be_v reason_n but_o such_o as_o be_v blemish_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v acquire_v by_o the_o great_a labour_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o contemplation_n and_o study_n by_o close_o argue_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o by_o a_o long_a train_n of_o thought_n which_o follow_v each_o other_o successive_o and_o be_v gradual_o spin_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o painful_a operation_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n all_o which_o show_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n also_o and_o as_o for_o those_o bless_a spirit_n above_o which_o we_o call_v angel_n though_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o perfection_n of_o understanding_n without_o dulness_n pain_n or_o laborious_a activity_n and_o though_o there_o be_v too_o rectitude_n in_o their_o will_n regularity_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o all_o moral_a perfection_n which_o make_v they_o happy_a yet_o be_v their_o knowledge_n limit_v and_o for_o their_o whole_a be_v they_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o at_o first_o create_v and_o still_o preserve_v they_o which_o argue_v imperfection_n in_o they_o likewise_o although_o they_o be_v the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n go_v through_o every_o classis_fw-la and_o sort_n of_o individual_n in_o the_o world_n and_o you_o will_v find_v in_o all_o of_o they_o some_o deficiency_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o their_o principal_a and_o best_a part_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o sit_v for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v form_v yet_o they_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o eminent_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n for_o such_o perfection_n be_v to_o have_v all_o kind_n of_o excellence_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o excellence_n clear_a and_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o defect_n indigence_n or_o incapacity_n now_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n include_v this_o absolute_a perfection_n for_o that_o word_n god_n speak_v a_o be_v that_o be_v most_o excellent_a so_o that_o suppose_v a_o deity_n to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o inferior_a thing_n which_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n imply_v too_o you_o must_v necessary_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o the_o be_v in_o who_o all_o those_o perfection_n be_v unite_v as_o in_o a_o centre_n which_o be_v divide_v everywhere_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o he_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a degree_n for_o no_o be_v can_v give_v those_o perfection_n which_o some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o have_v not_o either_o formal_o or_o actual_o or_o virtual_o and_o eminent_o in_o itself_o because_o than_o it_o will_v communicate_v more_o than_o it_o have_v that_o be_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o its_o power_n to_o impart_v which_o to_o suppose_v will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n all_o cause_n that_o work_v by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o operate_v to_o the_o utmost_a power_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o faculty_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o yield_v what_o they_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v for_o water_n to_o bring_v forth_o a_o rational_a soul_n or_o for_o fire_n to_o produce_v a_o angel_n out_o of_o a_o few_o stick_n and_o though_o voluntary_a agent_n work_v as_o they_o please_v and_o may_v give_v their_o effect_n much_o less_o than_o themselves_o have_v yet_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o the_o free_a and_o powerful_a agent_n to_o give_v more_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o artificer_n to_o form_v a_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v admit_v of_o such_o omnipotence_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o neither_o can_v god_n bestow_v perfection_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o possess_v of_o and_o therefore_o those_o excellency_n which_o we_o find_v in_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o in_o their_o true_a original_a for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o excellency_n in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v as_o it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v more_o water_n in_o a_o rivulet_n than_o in_o the_o ocean_n again_o as_o all_o perfection_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o that_o supreme_a most_o excellent_a and_o most_o glorious_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v god_n so_o it_o must_v be_v there_o too_o absolute_o or_o without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o defect_n all_o defect_n must_v be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o by_o immediate_a causality_n from_o god_n as_o by_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n make_v and_o of_o temporary_a production_n and_o therefore_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o of_o limit_a faculty_n that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v essential_o imperfect_a especial_o in_o comparison_n of_o its_o creator_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o a_o narrow_a scanty_a new-formed_a thing_n to_o be_v commensurate_a in_o all_o its_o perfection_n to_o the_o maker_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v independent_a infinite_a and_o all-sufficient_a in_o himself_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v can_v allow_v this_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v natural_o and_o necessary_o defective_a upon_o which_o account_n though_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a be_v because_o all_o perfection_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v any_o mixture_n of_o desiciency_n because_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v be_v all_o of_o they_o defective_a in_o some_o respect_n or_o other_o for_o those_o defect_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v make_v otherwise_o or_o without_o they_o therefore_o as_o we_o must_v affirm_v that_o the_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v limit_v and_o partial_a blend_a and_o alloy_v with_o something_o that_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o they_o so_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o those_o original_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o full_a eminent_a and_o absolute_a for_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o degrade_v the_o author_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n inconsistent_a with_o itself_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o desirous_a to_o clear_v this_o matter_n that_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n do_v and_o must_v signify_v a_o be_v which_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rational_a principle_n which_o may_v be_v fair_o understand_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v assent_v to_o by_o all_o that_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o right_o reason_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a principle_n also_o that_o will_v soon_o enable_v we_o to_o draw_v out_o of_o it_o by_o direct_a consequence_n a_o more_o 2._o particular_a description_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o come_v to_o that_o i_o may_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o be_v we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v before_o i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o suppose_v most_o perfect_a be_v do_v real_o and_o actual_o exist_v for_o from_o this_o great_a and_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n this_o particular_a account_n will_v follow_v 1._o first_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o independent_a be_v not_o behold_v to_o any_o antecedent_n distinct_a and_o foreign_a cause_n for_o the_o production_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o can_v we_o without_o a_o contradiction_n suppose_v a_o cause_n antecedent_n to_o that_o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n such_o a_o supposition_n will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o deity_n because_o it_o will_v make_v he_o a_o precarious_a be_v depend_v upon_o the_o activity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o another_o superior_a to_o he_o in_o greatness_n of_o power_n and_o before_o he_o in_o time_n and_o in_o existence_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n have_v all_o perfection_n
to_o say_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v all_o along_o so_o many_o stark_a fool_n a_o character_n which_o we_o think_v more_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n consider_v what_o a_o difficult_a and_o hazardous_a office_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n have_v to_o discharge_v how_o think_v you_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v it_o with_o such_o readiness_n to_o perform_v it_o with_o such_o vigour_n and_o to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o such_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o opposition_n have_v they_o not_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o consider_v what_o vast_a importance_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o and_o how_o direct_o opposite_a it_o be_v to_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a mankind_n and_o how_o it_o be_v discountenance_v and_o hate_v by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o the_o beginning_n how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o it_o to_o have_v be_v receive_v so_o general_o and_o unexpected_o in_o the_o world_n have_v not_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o have_v the_o fair_a advantage_n of_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o mighty_a miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o jesus_n be_v true_a man_n can_v think_v these_o thing_n possible_a but_o either_o they_o must_v believe_v that_o people_n in_o those_o day_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o sense_n or_o make_v we_o now_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o have_v utter_o lose_v their_o own_o the_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v as_o convince_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o true_a divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v as_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n because_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o can_v possible_o be_v capable_a of_o strong_a proof_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v be_v moral_a certainty_n when_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o fair_a that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o evidence_n must_v be_v from_o testimony_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v but_o by_o information_n from_o other_o and_o when_o that_o information_n be_v so_o full_a that_o to_o unprejudiced_a understanding_n the_o thing_n seem_v unquestionable_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v since_o therefore_o it_o appear_v by_o indubitable_a testimony_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v miracle_n be_v once_o actual_o live_v in_o the_o world_n since_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o those_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_o credible_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o collateral_a testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v both_o capable_a of_o know_v and_o deep_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o account_n and_o last_o since_o such_o public_a settlement_n and_o constitution_n follow_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n as_o plain_o argue_v a_o firm_a and_o general_a belief_n or_o rather_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v bring_v about_o without_o they_o since_o i_o say_v all_o these_o ground_n of_o credibility_n do_v appear_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n former_o do_v it_o seem_v unconceivable_a how_o strong_a or_o clear_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o of_o any_o history_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v next_o the_o second_o evasion_n that_o suppose_v some_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a age_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o god_n existence_n than_o it_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o idolater_n themselves_o have_v pretend_v to_o miracle_n to_o vouch_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o consider_v how_o inconsistent_a and_o impossible_a it_o will_v be_v for_o a_o deity_n to_o act_v for_o and_o against_o itself_o too_o therefore_o man_n of_o atheistical_a mind_n conclude_v that_o those_o wonderful_a work_n which_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v real_o nothing_o but_o art_n and_o imposture_n now_o for_o the_o solving_a of_o this_o seem_a difficulty_n i_o shall_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o second_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o man_n reason_v from_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v carry_v a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a hand_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o moses_n himself_o tell_v we_o 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 of_o that_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v most_o scandalous_o depart_v from_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n consider_v therefore_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o story_n there_o be_v whereof_o some_o be_v relate_v by_o sacred_a writer_n and_o some_o other_o by_o man_n of_o probity_n and_o temper_v though_o abundance_n of_o fiction_n have_v be_v vend_v among_o they_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o many_o wonderful_a work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o idolater_n but_o then_o second_o this_o can_v be_v no_o plea_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o how_o wonderful_a soever_o those_o work_n have_v seem_v they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o divine_a miracle_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n and_o miracle_n in_o reality_n by_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n which_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o sign_n i_o understand_v not_o mere_a imposture_n or_o delusion_n of_o man_n outward_n sense_n but_o such_o real_a effect_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v be_v clear_a from_o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o god_n himself_o give_v the_o jew_n this_o caution_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereeof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o save_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n you_o shall_v walk_v after_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o you_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n we_o can_v conceive_v that_o when_o god_n have_v any_o where_o establish_v his_o true_a worship_n he_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o draw_v people_n away_o from_o it_o to_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o sign_n or_o wonder_n be_v show_v to_o that_o end_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o be_v not_o divine_a miracle_n or_o effect_n that_o be_v altogether_o supernatural_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v as_o be_v counterfeiting_n of_o god_n hand_n and_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o signature_n of_o his_o power_n for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o charge_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o
thing_n can_v be_v draw_v into_o existence_n out_o of_o it_o but_o by_o a_o superior_a uncontrollable_a power_n over_o it_o for_o shall_v we_o suppose_v it_o to_o produce_v any_o thing_n of_o itself_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o produce_v that_o which_o it_o have_v not_o power_n to_o bring_v forth_o and_o to_o give_v it_o a_o be_v which_o it_o have_v not_o at_o all_o itself_o that_o be_v to_o bring_v it_o out_o of_o a_o incapacity_n or_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o no_o humane_a reason_n can_v think_v how_o a_o thing_n can_v do_v by_o any_o casuality_n of_o its_o own_o because_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o such_o casuality_n if_o then_o there_o be_v something_o more_o and_o high_a in_o a_o rational_a soul_n than_o what_o be_v in_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o matter_n cause_v it_o for_o than_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o cause_v it_o without_o a_o power_n or_o by_o its_o incapacity_n inability_n and_o defect_n that_o be_v out_o of_o nothing_o when_o we_o observe_v this_o admirable_a frame_n of_o nature_n the_o universe_n can_v we_o think_v that_o its_o order_n be_v effective_o cause_v by_o confusion_n it_o be_v harmony_n by_o discord_n it_o be_v beauty_n by_o disproportion_n the_o usefulness_n of_o its_o part_n by_o error_n it_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a fabrication_n by_o nonsense_n this_o be_v to_o make_v one_o contrary_a the_o cause_n of_o another_o and_o with_o parity_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o water_n produce_v fire_n and_o darkness_n make_v the_o sun_n and_o that_o death_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o life_n sense_n and_o motion_n in_o like_a manner_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o compare_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o with_o the_o substance_n and_o property_n of_o dull_a lifeless_a and_o incogitative_a matter_n can_v we_o think_v that_o corporiety_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v immaterial_a that_o divisibility_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o be_v immortal_a that_o reason_n be_v the_o work_n of_o stupidity_n that_o atom_n teach_v we_o to_o philosophize_v that_o wisdom_n spring_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o little_a body_n void_a of_o all_o art_n skill_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o the_o power_n we_o find_v within_o we_o to_o act_v with_o freedom_n and_o choice_n to_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o the_o logic_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n to_o desire_v and_o intend_v our_o good_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o pursue_v it_o with_o eagerness_n understanding_n and_o delight_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o it_o can_v we_o think_v i_o say_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n come_v from_o the_o chance-operations_n of_o matter_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o sense_n or_o thought_n in_o it_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o the_o tumble_v of_o stone_n and_o timber_n together_o will_v produce_v sensation_n intellection_n reason_v memory_n prudence_n conscience_n together_o with_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n which_o we_o feel_v within_o we_o in_o short_a it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o rational_a soul_n can_v be_v educe_v and_o draw_v out_o of_o a_o heap_n of_o rubbish_n as_o a_o effect_n can_v natural_o proceed_v from_o a_o contrary_a cause_n so_o neither_o can_v a_o effect_n transcend_v the_o perfection_n and_o virtue_n of_o its_o natural_a cause_n it_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o it_o or_o it_o may_v come_v up_o to_o a_o degree_n of_o equality_n with_o it_o but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o go_v beyond_o or_o above_o it_o than_o water_n can_v natural_o run_v high_a than_o the_o fountainhead_n stand_v so_o that_o be_v there_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o dead_a and_o senseless_a matter_n modify_v into_o various_a form_n at_o a_o venture_n by_o undesigning_a and_o unintend_v motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o spring_v out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o effect_n will_v be_v much_o noble_a than_o the_o cause_n and_o consequent_o will_v emerge_n out_o of_o nothing_o for_o i_o ask_v be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n in_o matter_n before_o the_o soul_n be_v make_v or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o you_o suppose_v they_o be_v than_o this_o ridiculous_a conceit_n will_v follow_v that_o atom_n have_v in_o they_o knowledge_n wisdom_n morality_n liberty_n of_o will_n and_o such_o other_o perfection_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o soul_n if_o they_o be_v not_o antecedent_o there_o than_o this_o ridiculous_a conceit_n will_v follow_v that_o perfection_n be_v cause_v by_o incapacity_n or_o that_o matter_n give_v a_o perfect_a be_v a_o existence_n which_o itself_o have_v not_o to_o give_v which_o will_v be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n and_o will_v moreover_o ascribe_v a_o creative_a power_n to_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o passive_a when_o the_o man_n i_o now_o dispute_v against_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o deity_n itself_o that_o power_n because_o they_o think_v it_o a_o impossibility_n 862_o dr._n cudworth_n int._n sy_v p._n 862_o hence_o a_o learned_a author_n conclude_v positive_o that_o neither_o can_v matter_n which_o be_v a_o meeâ—_n passive_a thing_n efficient_o produce_v a_o soul_n nor_o a_o soul_n matter_n no_o finite_a imperfect_a substance_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v another_o substance_n out_o of_o nothing_o much_o less_o can_v such_o a_o substance_n as_o have_v a_o low_a degree_n of_o entity_n and_o perfection_n in_o it_o create_v that_o which_o have_v a_o high_a there_o be_v a_o scale_n or_o ladder_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o universe_n one_o above_o another_o and_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o way_n of_o ascent_n from_o low_a to_o high_o but_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o way_n of_o descent_n from_o high_a to_o low_o now_o to_o produce_v any_o one_o high_a rank_n of_o be_v from_o the_o low_a as_o cogitation_n from_o magnitude_n and_o body_n be_v plain_o to_o invert_v this_o order_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o downward_o to_o upward_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o one_o high_a rank_n or_o degree_n in_o this_o scale_n be_v thus_o unnatural_o produce_v from_o a_o low_a may_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v produce_v also_o the_o consequence_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o matter_n be_v so_o utter_o uncapable_a of_o make_v a_o immaterial_a immortal_a intelligent_a soul_n there_o must_v be_v a_o most_o perfect_a mind_n that_o give_v it_o its_o faculty_n and_o its_o nature_n either_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o which_o will_v be_v most_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v or_o it_o must_v have_v a_o competent_a cause_n or_o a_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v to_o derive_v its_o existence_n from_o a_o spiritual_a substance_n can_v come_v but_o from_o a_o spirit_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o mind_n but_o mind_n or_o of_o understanding_n but_o understanding_n or_o of_o reason_n but_o reason_n nor_o of_o self-activity_n and_o liberty_n but_o that_o which_o be_v a_o self-active_a voluntary_a and_o free_a agent_n since_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o creature_n there_o must_v be_v a_o most_o excellent_a be_v that_o create_v it_o a_o be_v that_o contain_v all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n a_o be_v of_o unlimited_a power_n that_o can_v make_v it_o of_o nothing_o by_o the_o force_n and_o fecundity_n of_o his_o own_o divine_a will_n and_o a_o be_v of_o the_o most_o exalt_a and_o glorious_a nature_n that_o can_v give_v existence_n to_o such_o a_o admirable_a be_v as_o every_o humane_a soul_n be_v void_a of_o matter_n and_o corruption_n uncapable_a naturally_n of_o die_v in_o every_o respect_n like_o unto_o a_o deity_n spiritual_a intelligent_a active_a wise_a powerful_a benign_a kind_a and_o good_n but_o those_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n find_v themselves_o press_v with_o the_o invincible_a force_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v shift_v it_o off_o by_o pretend_v that_o what_o we_o suppose_v touch_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v not_o to_o be_v grant_v they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o real_a in_o the_o world_n but_o matter_n and_o motion_n that_o our_o very_a soul_n themselves_o be_v matter_n consist_v of_o a_o smooth_a and_o fine_a sort_n of_o atom_n or_o indiscernible_a mote_n by_o the_o various_a motion_n and_o modification_n whereof_o the_o soul_n think_v understand_v exert_v the_o will_n and_o act_v they_o will_v have_v mind_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o local_a motion_n of_o some_o more_o active_a particle_n of_o matter_n they_o will_v have_v knowledge_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o passion_n cause_v by_o the_o intromit_v of_o image_n into_o the_o brain_n from_o sensible_a object_n without_o they_o will_v